Day 205: Exercise -- The Free Antidepressant

I know I've complained over and over about the end of daylight savings time taking away my precious biking workouts, but it's really been getting to me. I miss the open air, the constant breeze, and the repetitive hum of my pedaling and the wheels against the concrete. I even miss having to avoid the dog poop and the stupid walkers and joggers who are going the wrong way on the trail, and I miss my bike.


But since biking alone in the dark just is too much of a safety hazard for my tiny 4'10" self, I have to resort to working out in my dimly lit apartment to stuff I find on the Internet. It's definitely better than nothing.


I'm still feeling strong symptoms of depression lately, but yesterday I had an evening of relief. Why? Because I exercised my ass off. Thanks to the almost masculine pushing of Miss Jillian Michaels and her YouTubed 30-Day Shred workout, I felt like a whole new person for several hours.

I've been doing her Level 1 Shred on and off for the past 3 or 4 weeks, and I've gotten a little tired of it. At least I've gotten BETTER at it in the process. I decided to try Level 2 of the Shred tonight, and HOLY CRAP I could barely get through it! I intend to alternate evenings of Level 2 and Level 1 on days when I'm stuck working out inside.

I apologize for the mean names I called

you during this workout, Ms Michaels.

I intend to bike on Saturday morning if it isn't too windy. Heck, I might still go even if it's really windy just because I MISS IT SO MUCH. My little folding bike has helped me lose 14 pounds since April, and I've formed a bond with it! I don't intend to break it just because it's cold and dark.

On an unrelated note, I'm missing Nick more than usual over the next few days. Although I miss him terribly and I'm sad I won't be seeing/meeting our Animation Mentor friends, I'm super excited for him today because he's in California for the next few days attending the CTN Animation Expo in Burbank, CA. I guess you could call it the "ComicCon for Animators." Here's hoping he networks like crazy and has a fantastic time with all of his animation brethren. He 1000% deserves this trip, and I'm so happy that he gets to be with his own kind for a few days!

I'm beyond ready for the weekend, my friends. One day at a time.