Pancakes to the MAX

okay, so in my last post I mentioned that I would see you in the A.M. It is now the P.M. I will no longer make those kind of promises... But Brent took the computer to work today so alas I was left with the broken one, that doesn't upload pictures. --
Last night I got a text...

Invite to the pool.. at 5AM! Strangely enough, I was excited to jump in the water at 5am! I haven't been to the pool since right before the triathlon!! The pool has been closed for the past 2 weeks for cleaning and it opened up yesterday! It felt good to be back in the pool. Having a friend to go with helps with the whole 5am thing to..
We completed this workout:

Warm up:

100 yards freestyle

Workout:

50 yard X 2 Kick
25 yard Sprint X 6 -- 30 Second break
25 yard Sprint X 4 -- 60 Second break

Cool down:

150 yard freestyle

Being back home by 6:15 I did something that I haven't done in quite sometime--
I got READY. Yes, showered and blow dried/straightened my hair.
Its truly a miracle folks.

Breakfast:

{3 Ingredient Banana Cakes} 

Serves: 2 or one hungry mother.

Yields: 6 mini cakes

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

2 TB Almond Butter

1 egg

1 banana

Directions:

Blend together in blender on medium

Pour onto hot skillet

                                                       & if your thinking I need new pans. Your right.

Flip when bubbles begin to form and continue cooking until brown.

Watch out for distractions like this little man.

Results will vary but most likely it will be a burnt pancake.. or 3.

Serve with favorite toppings! 

I used sliced banana and agave nectar!

LUNCH:


Was post workout today. So of course I opted for the obvious.

Pumpkin Protein Shake! 

Oh how I have missed these. Its honestly like pumpkin pie in a cup X2

Blend Together:

• 1.5 cups Almond Milk Unsweetened Vanilla
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 4 ice cubes
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein
• Spoonful of Pumpkin Puree
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg

I also had a piece of grilled chicken, green beans and apple about an hour after the shake that went unpictured.. Dinner is TBD.

MAX WEIGHT:

Every time I am going through a strength session I try to completely challenge myself. Throwing more weight on the bar after each set to push myself just a little harder, to dig deeper. 

Some days I prove it to myself that I can lift heavier. Then there are days that I back down if my form is thrown off by the weight.

Why I am bringing this up? 

Because this is also an example of life. Stay with me here. K?

In today's world sometimes we are expected to do to much. Think of the bar as your life--- Each plate is a commitment, or a responsibility.
We like challenges, in fact, sometimes I crave challenges. They give me a sense of accomplishment and importance.

 At one point your going to meet your max weight. Your arms start to weaken and you just can't quite get it overhead with a straight back. Face it. You just can't handle that extra 10lbs.

source

It can be frustrating but each and every one of us needs to back down a little when our form falters or if you can't complete that last rep. How much is on your bar? How much is to much? Do you add extra commitments, say yes to everything or do you just simply plan to please? 

I am guilty of this,  as I'm sure many others are to. You have to learn to recognize your max weight. To find that balance in your life that will  make you stronger. Not break you down leading to future injuries.

Its okay to back down, and its okay not to say yes to every oppurtunity that comes your way. You need to do what makes you happy. Find what drives you to be the best person you can be and just do that.  We are not perfect. nor will we ever be. BUT we all deserve to just be happy.

Challenges will come at you each and every day. Lift only as much as you can handle and never worry about having to back down. Keeping good form will lead to better relationships with family, and  friends. It is what is really important. Not how much you do you, how much weight you can lift, or how far you can run.
Life needs challenges sometimes but its how you decide to deal with it is that matters. Are you going to give up or fight to prove yourself you can handle the weight.  You may not be able to handle the weight now, but as things come and go you may find that you are stronger then you think. 

Find your strength, your balance and only then you will achieve optimal health. Make that your goal.

Because right now. Its mine.

Q. What is something right now you can eliminate in your life. To just simplify and make your load a little lighter?