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Must Have Eaten My Wheaties

Last week I started Cathe Friedrich’s October rotation for my weight work. For members of her forum, she puts together a new workout rotation each month that includes weight work using her DVDs as well as cardio, usually her DVDs as well but sometimes suggesting runs or bike rides. I have only followed her rotations once before. The October rotation uses weight work from her Shock Training System (STS) in an undulating method. I was really excited to see this rotation as I’ve been tossing around the idea of starting STS again – just not sure I’m ready to dedicate 3.5 months to the program right now.

Today was Disc 30 for shoulders, triceps, and biceps. The weights were supposed to be 85% of my one rep max for each exercise. I pulled out my workout sheets from my first go at STS and was hoping to be able to lift those weights. I assumed I had some strength loss since I completed the STS program in July. I had a lucky accident, however, and ended up lifting a lot heavier. This was mostly by accident as I left on my weighted gloves for one of the bicep exercises. So when I had planned to lift x amount, I ended up adding 1.5 lb to that. I was so angry at myself thinking I shouldn’t be struggling that hard at that weight. It was only after I had completed all four reps that I realized what I had done. No wonder it felt heavy! However, I realized that I had completely underestimated myself. If I had not accidentally left on the gloves, then I would not have pushed myself to have tried that particular weight.

Feeling pumped, literally, and desperately wanting to run outside and enjoy the absolutely gorgeous day (70+ degrees and full sun), hubby and I went down to the river to run. I felt like I was exerting no energy and could have run all day long. It was a great feeling. I went into the run excited about my weights and knowing I could put in a good run. Mind over matter.

So, I think the lesson learned is that we should never underestimate our capabilities. It’s OK to push yourself, in fact if you don’t, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.

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