Where's the Beach?

I had fully expected to be able to sleep in Monday morning. Unfortunately, we ended up with an east facing window so the sun was streaming in bright and early. I did stay in bed until after 9, but wasn't really sleeping, just sort of dozing in and out. Guess that's better than nothing of course. I had fully planned on going down to the gym for a short cardio stint - Jason emphatically said no way. He forced me to rest - though we did spend the entire day walking around Philadelphia. Unfortunately there was no microwave in our room so I couldn't heat up oatmeal. We had to go out to eat. We found a fantastic vegetarian and vegan eatery called Basic 4 Vegetarian Snack Bar . I seriously could not make up my mind because I could eat every single thing on the menu. I was really dumbstruck. Jason wanted breakfast food (it was 11 am) so we shared several things: a tofu scramble topped with soy cheese with a side of a vegan sausage patty and potatoes, whole-wheat pancakes, and a v...

So today's post will be short and to the point. It's not the most exciting day after everything else. We got up early again - sun shining too brightly to allow sleep - and decided to take advantage of the bad-ass gym, The Sporting Club at the Bellevue . Holy Workout Heaven folks. We ran on the indoor track for about 20 minutes then Jason went to swim laps and I did the elliptical (with built in tv AND fan) and the weights. I opted for shoulders doing 3 sets of 8 reps with the exception of the last exercise which I did 2 sets of 8 reps: Shoulder press Lateral raise Rear delt flye Front raise Alternating shoulder press (elbows forward) After the workouts, we had some oatmeal before cleaning up and packing up. As much as I want to get home, it's always sad when you have to start packing. I feel like there's so much more I want to do (and eat)! I'm also starting to get a bit anxious about the flight, which is never a fun feeling. We're going to stop into t...

Comfort Zones Left Behind Yesterday was beyond exhausting. Right now it actually seems like it all happened days ago. After the last class of Cathe's Road Trip, we had a farewell brunch at a diner. It was really hard to believe the Road Trip was already over. I had so much fun and am still trying to soak it all in to be honest. This was such a great trip for me on so many levels. It got me WAY out of comfort zones. It was spontaneous from the start. I stayed with people I had not met in person so that honestly could have been a disaster if you think about it. I am so shy and reserved until I really know someone. But in my heart, I really felt that I knew Jessica and Jolene and from the moment I walked through the hotel door, it was like just re-connecting with old friends. Fantastic feeling to be honest. So any reservations I might have had disappeared immediately. It was also fun meeting new Catheletes and a forum member as well (we do a check in called Crazy Strong and Loving It...

To say that Saturday was a jam-packed, exercise-filled day would be a major understatement to say the very least. I am not sure I have ever been quite so exhausted but in a good way. The energy and enthusiasm from everyone - especially Cathe - just keeps you going. I cannot begin to describe what it's like to be working out WITH Cathe not just "to" Cathe. Even more amazing - all the other women (and 2 men) who were there for the same exact reason: love of and respect for Cathe. It is an awesome thing to be surrounded by so many people who are enthusiastic about fitness and health. Not many people around me seem to know who Cathe is, so it's also soooo much fun to be around so many who know who she is and work out to the same DVDs. I will totally admit being a bit star struck when I got to talk to her and have my pictures taken with her. But she is so incredibly down to earth and friendly. She's not just that way on the DVDs, she IS that way period. She is a ti...