Playing Catch Up!

My, my...where the heck has all the time gone?! It's been a solid five/six months since I've written a post. Remember that time when I was so gung-ho about blogging? Yeah me too, when all was stress free and relaxing living by the beaches of San Diego and nannying for money I got to save, while cuddling with a sweet two month old nephew. Well, as it turns out, my time in San Diego fell short (too soon to which my sister would say 'I told you so!'). I ended up getting a job back in Austin with the help of one of my best friends at a local gym, so I figured moving back home would be the best decision.

About a month into being in San Diego I began feeling homesick. Yes, I loved being there with my sister and nephew, but I missed my friends, my apartment, my Austin. My friend Blaire gave me a call saying she had a job that I would love waiting for me and I thought, that's it! It's a sign I should be back in Austin. So I ran with it. I decided I would give myself a little more time in California, and then I would venture back to Texas.

And then the day came where I had to say a awful "see you later" to Emily, Susan, and sweet Sammy. It was without a doubt the hardest thing I ever had to do. Honestly, people at the airport probably thought someone died, that's how hard I was crying. And I really never stopped for the next five days.

The job I landed in Austin, wasn't awful. It wasn't great either. I ended up working in sales which through me for a looooop! Note to self: you do not take after father in the area of sales. It wasn't what I thought it would be, therefore I missed California, and my family that much more. Part of me thought I should move back, and another thought I should stick it out and just keep going. Muscle through, Soph, you can do it!

I spent a lot of my time venting with friends and family (for which I'm much grateful for) and a TON of time praying. The next three months of moving back to Austin proved to be such a challenge. Some would say I went through a minor depression (to which I would agree) but I never let myself fail. I continued to stay on track health wise, and put a smile on my face every chance I got.

Needless to say the job didn't last for long. The day after I decided to quit I felt like everything began falling into place:

• I graduated (walked the stage, rather)
• I signed up to take my exam to become a certified personal trainer 
• I met with an Arbonne Consultant to being my own Arbonne business 
• I went to San Antonio for a week to decompress...theeeen!
• I landed a new job as a chiropractor assistant at a chiropractic office in West Austin with the help of my cousin. 

To say everything happens for a reason is an understatement. Believing in God's time is the best advice, and the hardest advice I could ever give, receive, and live out. After five months of undesirable stress, heartache, and angst, things have finally started falling into place and I'm happier than I've ever been! I've been working on steps to further my future and happiness which include continuing to workout, reading and blogging...again, motivating others to achieve their goals, and most importantly praying everyday! 

The view from my morning run...trying to! 

WOD #1

After missing last weeks training session, I knew I was in for quite the workout today. Usually, I aim to workout 4-5 times a week, but because I've been so busy babysitting/nannying my life away, I value home time to keep me sane. I've been using workouts with my trainer Ryan as my gym workouts, and usually do some form of cardio twice a week with Emily.

I started going to Ryan when I moved to San Diego. Him and his roommate Wade own a small gym that they run themselves. It's not a corporate gym, and they do not have any specific style, which I actually appreciate. They're both well trained and know their stuff, so I trust them completely. When I first got there I told him I wanted to start working on different powerlifting techniques, so our workouts usually consist of that, or building main muscles involved in those movements. 

Here's a glimpse at today's workout 

Before any workout, I do a stretch and about a three minute foam roll. Don't worry, I'll do a whole blog dedicated to how much I live by foam rolling. Warm-ups, especially dynamic ones are key to happy, warm muscles. 

We started with bench just to kind of get the blood pumping, and to get my arms ready for the dead lifts. My goal this whole time has been to get 140 off the ground by myself, but unfortunately I was only able to take it from the rack and rep it. No off the ground for me just yet :( and yes, I was aggravated! Meh, next time!! 

After those complex movements, we started breaking down by targeting smaller muscle groups with more simple movements. By doing these simple, yet explosive movements, it'll help me to gain the power I need in order to get the 140 off the ground! 

We ended with just 10 simple squat jumps, and I'm pretty sure my legs and back were shot after that. 

Just like any workout, I ended with a thorough stretch, and foam roll! 

Plug of the day: 

Jump Start Fitness

Ryan Pearl and Wade Snow

https://www.facebook.com/jumpstartfitness123

Super cool guys in San Diego who love to help people with their constant motivation and by achieving their goals! If you're in the San Diego area, and looking for a fresh start or just continuing in your fitness journey like me, they're your guys for sure!