No one likes regrets.

Especially when it involves wearing a bikini on stage in front of a lot of people.

My favorite uncle likes to say:

If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, oh what a merry Christmas we’d all have.

My goal is to go into Saturday’s figure competition without thinking “if only I had…” or “but I should have…”  No regrets.  That’s what’s driving me right now, even though I’m tired, busy, and really hate running sprints.

That’s not entirely true… I have a lot of fantastic friends whose encouragement also drives me.  After this post where I admitted to be being busy and more than a little overwhelmed, Jody reminded me that what I’m doing is not easy and I need to give my body time to recover.  So I took my first bath in years.

Then, after a particularly hard-to-motivate-for run (I’m doing sprints daily now), Heather took the time to encourage me.  She is the queen of training and balancing a busy life (and running), so I especially appreciate her props.

Note: I’m kidding about the fat and happy.  I chose this and I AM happy.  These last couple of weeks just get hard.

Something else that can drive a workout is new stuff.  So often we think of treating ourselves with food, but new clothing or “toys” can do it too!

This weekend I took myself shopping and got new eye cream, eyeshadow primer, 2 new tops, a bra (so badly needed), and my first EVER top from Lulumon.  I didn’t get a pic, but it’s this one.

I also brought my own marvelous lunch to the mall:  a crumbled Indian-spiced bison burger, sweet potato cubes, broccoli slaw, and red pepper.  I held it up proudly for a pic infront of Victoria’s Secret.  Bison and Boobs.

As much fun as spending money on yourself can be, free stuff is even more awesome.  Thanks to Fitfluential and Reebok, I had the opportunity to try out these Bose SIE2i headphones (as always – my opinions is my OWN).

Let me just say these ROCK.  I didn’t even know what I was missing out on until getting these high quality ear buds… it was like surround sound in my ears!

How do Reebok and Bose go together?  They partnered to release first ever Bose in-ear headphones specifically engineered for exercise.  Their features are designed with workouts in mind.  Click here for a video with more detail on the technology.

Here is what I liked:

• They are sweat proof – there was NO sliding about in my ears even when I was sprinting
• They didn’t give me a headache.  In the past I’ve had some ill-fitting buds that were so uncomfortable I had a headache by the end of my workout.  These still felt great 2 hours later!
• The buds come with 3 sizes (small, medium, and large), and the small actually fit me
• The shorter cable doesn’t get in the way of movement while lifting, but there is an extension cord for when you need length (I used it so I could place my iPhone on the treadmill while running sprints)
• There is a remote in the cord that allows you to easily change songs and adjust volume (you can also take calls, but who doesn’t that during a workout?!)

It also came with a stretchy armband to holds your iPhone, but I didn’t use it.  I am looking forward to using it when I do some running this summer – it even has a separate pocket for keys!  For lifting, I can’t stand having something strapped to my arm.  My pythons need ROOM.  LOL!

The downside?  At $149.98, they are pricey. Here’s how I look at it: I spend 1-2 hours everyday working out.   It’s worth every cent if it makes that experience more enjoyable and comfortable.  That means a better workout for me, so I consider it another investment in my fitness.

Lastly, the ultimate driver: Progress.  It’s not big.  But I do believe that is a booty:

It may not look like much, but it’s a BIG improvement after a lot of work.  I dislike sprints, but I really hate having a pancake butt or a saggy ass.  So sprints it is!  I can do anything for 5 (more) days.

And all of this is what’s making my Monday Marvelous.  Thank you for another week starting out right, Katie!

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One more bit of awesome – 2 separate friends sent me their progress shots this weekend.  I was flattered that they trusted me enough to share those proud (scantily clad) moments!

Do you make a conscious effort to live life with no regrets?

Are good headphones important to you?  What is your fitness “splurge” item?  Lulumon? 😉