I was really sore yesterday from my weight selection on Monday, so I decided not to push it and took a rest day. I did steady cardio today.

I decided since it has been 2 weeks between vacation and my period last week to just start over with Jericho's Comebacks program. Despite sleeping like crap, I feel really damn good about this one today! Sumo squats - 35 lbs, increased to 40 lbs in set 3 Split squat - 25 lbs, increased to 30 lbs in set 2 using 1 dumbell Chest press - 25 lbs, increased to 30 lbs in set 3 Skull crushers - 12.5 lbs, increased to 15 lbs in set 3 Side lying shoulder raise - 10 lbs, increased to 12.5 lbs for 2 reps in set 3 before dropping back to 10 While I had to pause a lot during set 3 so I could adjust my adjustable weights, so many of these are PRs for me. Specifically the 40 lbs for sumo squats and 30 lbs for chest presses 💪💪💪. I also used one adjustable weight for the skull crushers which I think helped my form. I felt no pain in my right elbow like I normally do which tells me it has to be my grip somehow. Since the adjustable weights are wider than a normal dumbell, my hands were out further but it was easier for me to squeeze my elbows together. I may only do 1 or 2 weeks of Phase 1 before moving on to Phase 2.

It is absolutely beautiful here. The snow on the trees makes it like a winter wonderland fairy tale. But I do really want to come back in the fall. I think the fall foliage would be gorgeous. Meanwhile, I am having a blast. I haven't laughed this much in a really long time. It has been an absolute incredible experience. The group of ladies I have met are fantastic. I have had zero complaints except the bitter cold. We've barely gotten into double digits. And our low this morning was -27 degrees and recorded by NWS as the coldest place in the US today. We went snowshoeing today. It was another find time. My body is very tired and sore. It is partially wondering what I did to it. But I am ready to go home tomorrow and I'm ready to see my puppy.

I am really sore from yesterday. I'm glad I took the 20 mins to stretch before snowshoeing today.

I actually felt like this came very naturally to me. The hardest part was actually going downhill. Firstly, your heals aren't strapped to the ski like downhill skis, so you can't turn. Secondly, x-countrt skis have no edge on them. So stopping, slowing down, or having any control of your speed is difficult. On one of the hills I went down, it was a steeper one with a curve at the bottom. I picked up too much speed that in order to stop myself before going into the woods was to fall face first into the snow. My skis were sprawled in a V-shape. I was laughing at myself so hard, that I did pee my pants as well. But I also got myself into a situation that I didn't know how to get up with my skis on, so somebody helped me pop one off. Is x-country skiing something I would do again? Sure, but I wouldn't invest in the sport. I'd rather stick to downhill skiing. But I am having a blast! I like all the women I have met in this group. I would definitely do something like this again! Disclaimer: I am in October. I'm doing the Shenandoah trip with the Explorer Chicks company.