Back on the Blog

I can't believe it's been nearly two months since I last posted on here, it doesn't feel like it's been that long. A lot has happened this semester to throw me off track---  it's quite painful to relate to you but I'll try to go through it briefly. As you can probably read in my previous post my Oma died before Easter... She'd been a huge part of my life & her death shattered me. Since she departed a lot of other things just seemed to go badly; My mum used to rely on Oma as a decision maker in her life & she's been trying to pass this burden onto me---- it's not a job that I wish to take, nor should I have to as a 59 year old woman should be able to run her own life. She's also been upset about Oma's passing & about other issues relating to my father. My parents have finalized their divorce during this period & while I'm relieved by this it has been distressing in its own way.

In summary these issues didn't have a great effect on my mental health---- I tried to continue training through them but at one point I stopped going to the gym altogether as I was just overwhelmed. That was about 4 weeks ago now--- I had one week in which I didn't train at all. After that I just attended my practical sessions at uni for 2 weeks before managing to return to the gym last week and complete all 4 lean & strong sessions. 

Amazingly I haven't gained any weight during that period---- in fact I seem to have lost some (possibly as I was so depressed I was forcing myself to eat >_>). Unfortunately I do seem to have lost some muscular strength--- I was hitting personal bests before I took the time off the gym but now I've been forced to drop a few kilos off exercises. They say that muscle atrophy begins to occur after 2 weeks of not training so it's not really unexpected; I'll just have to put in some hard work to get right back up there again!

Interestingly enough I have however noticed more visible definition after the break, especially in my arms (possibly I needed the extended rest to allow hypertrophy to take place?); My running endurance has also increased dramatically, but this is probably because I was doing purely endurance type exercises at uni. 

Speaking of university I've been offered the chance to apply for a leadership program through Sport Science which will allow me to gain the qualifications to become a Les mills fitness instructor. Despite the fact that I'm not a Sport Science student I've asked permission of the faculty & have decided to apply---- the idea of being able to teach a Body Pump or Body Combat class really appeals to me & I'm praying that I'll be selected (they're only taking 10 or so people). The lady observing us during a pump class seemed to approve of my style so I think I could be in with a fighting chance.

Anyway back on topic---- I've been able to keep up my nutrition quite well during this period & I've managed to keep cooking, even on nights when I haven't felt like it. I think this has made a huge difference in being able to maintain my physical health. I have unfortunately fallen back on my caffeine addiction after going three straight weeks completely without it... I've now decided to challenge myself to minimize it rather than cut it out completely, at least until I get my head completely back on track.

University final exams are coming up in less than a week. Normally by this point I'd be completely prepared but I've been essentially skipping every lecture since week 6/7 so I've had to watch all of those before I can start real preparation. I'm now up to date in two subjects so I'm going pretty well for time so far. I'm currently sitting on 90%, 81%, 65% & 51% (econometrics of course) in my subjects so I should be able to pass everything. I'm going on holiday with my partner to Europe for 3 weeks after exams so I have a lot to look forward to---- I'm sure that the trip will give me a chance to relax & fully get over everything that's happened. 

Meanwhile I'll be training regularly during the study/exam period & I've also started trying out new meals once again. I also have to find some time to start applying for vacation work in business but I'll put that on the back seat for now.

Anyhow, sorry for the long rant---- It's good to be back & I should be posting more regularly from now on :)