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!
Bonus: They aren’t PINK
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:
Do these Bose headphones make my butt look big? 😉
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!
***
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? 😉
So proud of all your progress! No matter how big or small any progress is good progress!
Ohh, loving that lulu top! I bet it looks awesome on you. I love lululemon.
Definitely love your message about going into the competition with no regrets. Honestly, why would you have them. Regrets offer nothing positive of beneficial if we think of them. They lead to no purpose except making us feel down so I try and avoid feeling regretful at all costs.
Have a lovely week!
Thank you, Lisa!!! I love your outlook. 🙂
You look incredible girl and can be SO proud of your progress!! It’s not important at all how big the progress is, but it’s a step towards your goal! And so fantastic that you rewarded yourself with shopping. Once I finished my Whole30 challenge, I want to reward myself with a new fitness watch. I used to reward myself with food, which is just not ideal. I try not to have regrets. Everything we do, we do with a purpose or a reason – so regrets just spread negative thoughts – unnecessary.
A new watch would be such a great reward! I love mine – it motivates me to do more. 🙂 Thank you!!!
yes, your friends are right! you got this! you need recovery! and YOU CAN DO ANYTHING for 7 more days! 7… that’s it!! WEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are going to do awesome in the competition! All those sprints your not a fan of will pay off 🙂 I try not to have regrets but sometimes thats a hard feeling to get rid of. Headphones are a huge deal when working out. I hate when they fall out or hurt your ears so I would splurge on nice ones, and shoes!
It can be hard to let go, but I try to remind myself that I can’t change the past. All I can do it make better decisions in the future!
Look at that bootay! I don’t have one myself… MUST KEEP SQUATTING! Ha Ha
LOL! It’s not easy but I swear it CAN be done. I don’t have the genetics… 😉
Aww! I’m so proud of you! Sprints really ain’t the funnest, but I’m sure you’ve done a bunch back in your running days 🙂 Totally agreed on treating yourself with things other then food. I like to treat myself by watching my favorite TV show or two 😀 Nothing wrong with that 😛
Yay progress! I definitely see a booty in there 😉
While I need to work on practicing it more often, I definitely believe in living without regrets. What’s done in done, so what’s the point in going back to agonize over what you could have done differently?
I splurge on shoes. As soon as mine show signs of wear and tear, I buy new ones. I figure it’s worth the extra money to buy good shoes more frequently than deal with an injury!
Shoes are key!!! I’m so glad I learned that lesson – my legs are much happier. 🙂
Very proud of you and your motivation 🙂 Keep going friend, you are almost there!!
You’re doing great! It’s almost here!
I guess my fitness splurge is probably races. I tend to buy some pretty cheap workout gear (Target, Old Navy, etc) but then I spend a lot of money on races each year.
You’re going to rock your competition! I know it 😀 LuLulemon is my downfall, so I try to never step foot in the store. Or else I would go broke. Haha
I can see why now!!! 😉
no no no regrets here either.
Ive made so many errors in life–but they make me who I am.
xo
Amen! 🙂
LOVE this post & thx for the shout out! So important to rest when you are working hard bur also depleting with food – god I hate the dieting part of competitions! 😉
LOVE that you bought yourself goodies too & that top is so cute – you are going to rock it – pic on you pls! 🙂
I so wish I got chosen for the FF Bose campaign since I need new buds so badly! Even as much as I work out, I can’ pay that much. No $ here but I love the sound of shorter cord, remote & sweat proof! 🙂 If I win the lotto, I will buy but stuck with my crappy ones for now! 😉
You are looking great!!! Can’t wait to see how you look come competition day & I know you have rest & celebration planned after! 🙂
If you win the lotto I hope you buy a lot more than headphones! 😉
Thank you so, so much for all of your advice and encouragement. I can’t tell you how much it has meant!
I will do more than buy headphones! I will buy a house where I can open my windows & shades & nobody can look in – that is my dream! 🙂
I know how hard this is Laura so all I can say is you are a winner no matter what! Take all the lessons learned & do the best you can! 🙂
There might be a little giveaway happening… shhhh… 😉
Your progress looks awesome! I can’t imagine doing daily sprints… my knees and shins would be so angry. But it’s short term, so I guess that’s the difference. Hang in there!
Oh yes – definitely NOT sustainable.
I see it! That’s definitely a butt! 😉 Can we talk about those guns though?! Nice work!
Thanks, Alayna!!! How are you feeling?
Mostly good. I’ve just entered the “large and uncomfortable” phase and homegirl is kicking and punching the crap out of me 24 hours a day. It’s like she has a personal vendetta against my cervix. Other than that, I’d say this whole thing has been not too bad. 11 weeks to go. o_O
Whoa… 11 weeks?! Time is flying (syas the one who’s not growing a little human in her stomach). 🙂
I “try” to live life with no regrets – actually getting better at it. 🙂
And good running shoes are my fitness splurge, although they’re more of a necessity.
Good headphones are a MUST! There is nothing worse than having headphones fall out during the middle of a workout. I don’t have time to be dealing with/worry about that!
Exactly! These were awesome – even when I was jumping around!
Yes, Mommy is leaving a comment! Great job! Cut booty! Almost as cute as when you were a little baby, but baby butts sure are cute! Ha!
I thought that saying about If’s and But’s was a Dadism? Uncle Kenny, really?
I love YOU……and great job with All you are accomplishing! You make me proud, but as Dad always said…..Make Yourself proud!
Thanks mommy… 😉 xoxo
That was Kenny! Dad just quoted him a lot
Your uncle’s quote is fantastic. You are looking fantastic–all your hard work is definitely paying off! Way to go!
Thank you!!! It’s a journey. 🙂
You are amazing!!! The sheer dedication that you have to possess to train for a competition is incredible! I’ve never bought anything from Lululemon (or even been to one!) but I love your new top!!!
Hope this final week of training is a great one!!
Thank you so much!
Trust me – stay away from Lulu. I see the addiction now. LOL!
I own nothing from Lululemon, but yoga clothes are just so darn cute. I’m glad I actually DO yoga now, so I feel a bit more legitimized in coveting them, even if I don’t actually splurge on them. [All of my workout gear is discounted or from Target/Old Navy….or t-shirts I got for free or have had since college.]
Your booty is looking BAD [in the Michael Jackson way], and those headphones look awesome. If they sent me a pair, I’d probably be in love, but for now my $15 ones will have to do. 🙂
Haha – I’m usually the same way about gym clothes. It’s a fun treat on occassion though. 🙂
🙂 Get it girl!!!!!!!!! So glad to have met you!
Me too!!! See you tonight. With Mexican spice blend. 😉
I LOVE lululemon and find myself buying workout clothes from there more often than clothes that I need for everyday. It’s definitely a splurge, but the quality makes it worth it. I’m so excited for you about your competition this weekend you’re going to be amazing!!
Thank you, Heather! Can’t wait to get everyone together again soon!
I love this post! I love that you don’t want to have any regrets! I totally see a booty, too! It’s there!! So, how come this was your first bath in forever? Do you not like em? Because I am a shower girl all the way. I haven’t bathed (taken a bath… lol) in years, either!
This is so bad… but I am too impatient to take a bath. I get in and 5 mins later I’m bored. LOL!
I have that top!! I have it in the bright orangy pink color and LOVE it!! The back detailing is so awesome!
I saw that one too! Love, love the back.
I need new earphones stat. like real bad. Mine are just not cutting it
This is your first ever Lulu top??? Girl…….. You’re gonna be hooked! You are so awesome, Laura! Keep up the great work – only six more days 😀
I know, I know… it’s so awesome! That store is the danger zone!
I LOVE Lululemon, it’s definitely a splurge item. I am completely obsessed with their running gear! Those headphones look pretty sweet I must say… will keep a lookout for them 🙂
I didn’t even let myself try on shorts (yet). They were way too cute!
I love that you legitimately post photos for us to check out your ass. Own it, girl.
I didn’t work that hard to hide it!!! LOL!
I’m giving you a big ol ass-slap right now! You are doing a GREAT job and working so hard for it. No regrets at all!!! I’m working on the no regrets. I am starting to realize, good or bad, whatever happens shapes me to be more me…if that makes any sense at all. I am not perfect, but I really try to do the best I can at everything I do. I’m just me and I completely accept that.
I LOVE that top you bought. So cute!
You are gonna do GREAT! I’m so proud of your hard work! xoxo
I appreciate that ass slap. LOL! Thank you so much for all of your encouragement. We HAVE To get together when I get back. 🙂
Oh goodness, you look so good!! I can’t believe your competition is already here. You are going to ROCK that stage with that booty and those pythons! I am so excited for you!! Great Lululemon choice, by the way! 😉
Thank you, Christina!!! I’m just ready to DO IT at this point. 🙂
YOU are going to rock the show this weekend! I am so excited for you and excited to see pics from it too! I know you are going to look absolutely beautiful!!!!
YAY for lululemon!!!!
Thank you!!! I am so in love wiht this link up., btw. 🙂
you are going to be great!!! you are such a hottie and you have worked so hard 🙂
and that top is adorable!
Thank you, Ladies! xo
Lookin’ great! And no. The headphones do not make your butt look big. They make it look like a ROCK! Haha! That’s a great review. I really need some awesome headphones for the gym that are small and comfortable. I don’t love my iPhone earbuds, but they stay in place for the most part. I’ve wanted to splurge on some Beats headphones, but they are SO big. I think they look stupid at the gym. They’re sweat proof, but do you sweat a lot around your hair/ears? iPhone earbuds sometimes flop out of my ears when I sweat. That drives me nuts. I might consider investing in these…thanks for sharing a review! My fitness splurge items are shoes. I buy a new pair every few weeks. I joke about how, unlike normal girls, my closet is packed full of Asics and Brooks high-test running shoes, as opposed to Jimmy Choos and Tory burch sandals. Oh well…
I thought the SAME thing about the Beats! It seems like way too much going on. And the shoe thing… I 100% relate. I used to be so into heels. Then I started really working my legs. LOL!
Oh my goodness.. your arms! I’d kill for them 🙂 Your hard work and dedication is so inspirational! I’m excited for you for this weekend and can’t wait to hear how everything goes. No regrets!
My aunt & I checked out the Lululemon at Atlantic Station a few weeks ago. I had never been in one (or to AS) and I loved every second of it. I wish I could buy out the store – or just work there so I could live in Lulu all day long!
Heidi… thank you so, so much! Amrs are my favorite to workout. 🙂
I spare no expense when it comes to workout anything! Earphones, buying music, protein powder, u name it! Nice post and progress pic, keep rockin!
I like your style!!! 😉
Congrats on being so dedicated & working so hard on your figure competition!! You look GREAT & I’m sure you’ll do amazing!! 🙂 I just love how you’re always so prepared w/your meals & bring them everywhere w/you. You’re an inspiration & proof that hard work DOES pay off. 🙂
Thank you, Karey!!! It’s not so bad after you get in the habit. 🙂
Hang in there Laura! You can do ANYTHING for 5 more days! Can’t wait to see you rock the stage! (You will share pics, right?)
I will share pics ad nauseum. 😉
Thank you!!!
You are so very close now….hang in there. No regrets is a perfect motivator for five more days.
By the way, I ate asparagus with you last night for solidarity (or really because I enjoy asparagus).
I love the BOSE headphones; I use them myself for workouts and yard work, and that definitely is a little badonka donk you’re rocking. Keep it up!!
So appreciate the solidarity. Stinky pee unites! 🙂
Can’t wait to hear all of the details of the competition. I know you will be a Champ, Laura!!
Thank you, Fran!!! xo
Regardless, it takes a lot of confidence to go on a stage in front of people in a bathing suit so kudos to you.
Or a lot of crazy… LOL! Thank you. 🙂
This month one of my goals is to put it all out there – no regrets!
I have Yurbuds, and I LOVE them. They don’t move. At all!
That Lulelemon tank is so cute! I keep wanting to splurge…but I’m cheap! I’m totally a TJ Maxx workout clothing shopper.
I was supposed to get some but they never shipped! Oh well – these Bose rock. 🙂
TJ has the best deals on workout clothes!
Dude. You’ve got a butt! And Bose earbuds are the only way to go. I have some and loooove them! Everything else hurts and falls out of my tiny ears!
LOL! Thanks, Al. 🙂
I’m obviously very behind on blogs and just read this. You make me smile – I didn’t know my little tweets made an impact this weekend and that makes me VERY happy!! You are awesome! =)
It did!!! Love you, friend!
Bison, Boobs, and Booties…OH MY!!! Nice derriere m’dear! (yeah, I totally just had to Google that…ugh, I used to be SO good at spelling…technology has turned my brain to mush!)
On a serious note…because you know, sometimes I’m capable of such things…I am SO proud of you! I know this has been tough for you and I know it’s going to get tougher (hey, I SERIOUSLY don’t lie), but it will all be worth it to stand on that stage with pride! No regrets! xoxo