It has been a while...I've had so much going on between work/workout/work/getting prepared for school/life that I just haven't had 30 minutes to myself to write! I don't like that! This will be the last blog I have until after my final measurements on Friday, April 20th. I will then be on my own for 2 weeks until I start the next phase of my training. This 5 Week Metabolic Challenge has been a "jumpstart" for what I want my lifestyle to be moving forward. I have made some very big changes in my daily habits, workouts, and eating. It hasn't been easy, and I've definitely been sore, but it has been worth it.
Last Friday I found out that I had lost 2.2% bodyfat in 3.5 weeks. That is a lot. I still haven't seen any real weight loss, but I am not letting it get me down. I know that there have been some inches lost throughout this time, and I am going to keep on working at this after this Friday. I guess I just can't seem to get too hung up on that number on the scale right now. Is it frustrating, yes, but I can see other changes. I don't want to wear a size 16 for the rest of my life, so I am going to keep working at this no matter what.
For the second week in a row I have had my high games at bowling. Still going to attribute this to everything I have been doing at Go. I bowled a 151 and a 152, and I had 2 Turkeys during that time. I feel stronger, and more stable when I am bowling. I am hoping for similar scores again this week. I just want to stay steady at this time.
Another big change for me is that when I do burpees or other jumping movements at the gym, I have to pull up my pants! Yes, even the spandex ones. They start to fall down during workouts, so I think that is a plus, too.
This Friday will bring a lot of news that I am definitely both looking forward to and very afraid of. I just need to know that my friends and family are behind me to finish this journey after this coming Friday - regardless of where I stand. I know it took me almost a full year to put the weight on, and it could take just as long to take it off. I just know that I do want this, and I want to bring the sexy back for Jamie Back. Thank you for reading this much...I promise to keep writing more.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Don't Worry...be Happy
Welcome to the weekend! I decided to take yesterday (Friday) off. I worked my tuckus off every day this week (Sunday -Thursday) and even doubled up my workout on Wednesday. I earned a day off, and I think my muscles have thanked me for it. At least, I am moving a tad bit quicker today, so far.
On Thursday I met with Coach Kathleen and did another intense workout with her, and followed it up with 30 minutes on the treadmill. During the 108 minute workout I burned 742 calories, which felt really good! Later that afternoon I went for a 1.2 mile walk, hopefully burning at least another 100 calories. Finally, I finished off the night with bowling. Ahhh....the weekly Bowling League. I love it, it's so nerdy to say this, but I do.
I absolutely bowled the best 3 game series that I have ever bowled. I would say that I was able to do this due to my stronger core! I always have focused on holding in my core when I go up to bowl, but this week it felt a lot better. I have to say that I only was able to do this due to my training over the last 2 weeks. I know this may sound a little strange, but yep...that's what I chalk up my 5.38 pin increase on my averaged up to!
It's Easter weekend, and it is a little difficult to make sure that I do everything I need to do to keep on my journey...especially when I forget my freaking shorts for my workout! Seriously! I remembered everything else...digging through my bag last night as we were getting ready for bed, I was like, "Noooooooooooooo!!!". Guess that means I'll do more work tomorrow when we get back to Columbus. It's not the end of the world. I can take 2 days off in a row (and we will at least be walking around a lot today & having fish for dinner), but it was part of my plan to eat well & still workout during this trip. I won't let it derail everything though.
Was tested this afternoon when we went to Sammy's for lunch. Seriously - there were some crazy, crazy items on their menu. A bacon-wrapped hot dog, covered in chorizo, and then covered in queso. Yeah...pretty much a heart attack on a bun. So, I had to make sure I wasn't tempted by the cheese covered devil.
Back to the drawing board tomorrow...and getting back on the workouts.
Hope everyone has a very Happy Easter!
On Thursday I met with Coach Kathleen and did another intense workout with her, and followed it up with 30 minutes on the treadmill. During the 108 minute workout I burned 742 calories, which felt really good! Later that afternoon I went for a 1.2 mile walk, hopefully burning at least another 100 calories. Finally, I finished off the night with bowling. Ahhh....the weekly Bowling League. I love it, it's so nerdy to say this, but I do.
I absolutely bowled the best 3 game series that I have ever bowled. I would say that I was able to do this due to my stronger core! I always have focused on holding in my core when I go up to bowl, but this week it felt a lot better. I have to say that I only was able to do this due to my training over the last 2 weeks. I know this may sound a little strange, but yep...that's what I chalk up my 5.38 pin increase on my averaged up to!
It's Easter weekend, and it is a little difficult to make sure that I do everything I need to do to keep on my journey...especially when I forget my freaking shorts for my workout! Seriously! I remembered everything else...digging through my bag last night as we were getting ready for bed, I was like, "Noooooooooooooo!!!". Guess that means I'll do more work tomorrow when we get back to Columbus. It's not the end of the world. I can take 2 days off in a row (and we will at least be walking around a lot today & having fish for dinner), but it was part of my plan to eat well & still workout during this trip. I won't let it derail everything though.
Was tested this afternoon when we went to Sammy's for lunch. Seriously - there were some crazy, crazy items on their menu. A bacon-wrapped hot dog, covered in chorizo, and then covered in queso. Yeah...pretty much a heart attack on a bun. So, I had to make sure I wasn't tempted by the cheese covered devil.
Back to the drawing board tomorrow...and getting back on the workouts.
Hope everyone has a very Happy Easter!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
I Got the Power
You would think that maybe I would have figured this out a while ago, but I got the power. No one else does. I am the one that holds my future in my hands. Sure, there will be other people that will influence me, or introduce me to new ideas, but ultimately it's up to me. I, and I alone have to make the changes and do the right thing.
I've been "busting my ass" according to others. I won't disagree, I hit the gym on a very regular basis. I burn at least 100 calories for every 10 minutes I am in the gym. I use a heart rate monitor to ensure I'm staying in my zones. I'm doing work. I'm keeping myself accountable. If getting in to the gym twice in one day, and burned just over 1000 calories isn't getting it done...I don't know what would be. I just need to keep at it. That I can do.
I know there are a lot of other programs out there where you start shredding weight immediately. I know that there are other people of my size that have lost weight immediately when they started exercising. What can I say...my body has never been typical for anything. I was at a plateau for almost 3 months when I finally decided to take on the program here at Go Fitness. Of course I'm nervous, but I'm not quitting.
I'm not perfect. I will have setbacks & will need to watch my diet. I will have struggles when I watch others around me do what they want, and never gain a pound. However, I have made a promise to myself. It's a promise I can't break. If I have a slip-up, I just need to focus on the next issue at hand & do it better. It's all on me. I can have supports and guidance, but it is all on me.
“A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.” ~Patricia Neal
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson
I've been "busting my ass" according to others. I won't disagree, I hit the gym on a very regular basis. I burn at least 100 calories for every 10 minutes I am in the gym. I use a heart rate monitor to ensure I'm staying in my zones. I'm doing work. I'm keeping myself accountable. If getting in to the gym twice in one day, and burned just over 1000 calories isn't getting it done...I don't know what would be. I just need to keep at it. That I can do.
I know there are a lot of other programs out there where you start shredding weight immediately. I know that there are other people of my size that have lost weight immediately when they started exercising. What can I say...my body has never been typical for anything. I was at a plateau for almost 3 months when I finally decided to take on the program here at Go Fitness. Of course I'm nervous, but I'm not quitting.
I'm not perfect. I will have setbacks & will need to watch my diet. I will have struggles when I watch others around me do what they want, and never gain a pound. However, I have made a promise to myself. It's a promise I can't break. If I have a slip-up, I just need to focus on the next issue at hand & do it better. It's all on me. I can have supports and guidance, but it is all on me.
“A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.” ~Patricia Neal
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wind Beneath my Wings
Yesterday was tough. It was a long day at work. It was a tough workout with Coach Kathleen. It was a tough day of keeping to my diet (so freaking hungry & mad cravings). Finally, it was a tough day of remembering why I'm doing this & that it will take some time. Kathleen had to literally talk me off a ledge last night. That ledge was a head-first dive in to a giant ice cream sundae. You'll be pleased to know I didn't jump.
I don't know what was my problem yesterday. I completed my workout with Kathleen, going up in weight on many of the exercises (that's a plus!), burned 432 calories in 38 minutes of work, and was awarded a gift card at work for best exemplifying our goals. Why wouldn't all those things equal a very pleased & proud me? Ahhhh....the brain is a powerful thing. Right now I think that the brain is my worst enemy.
So, before I drove off to Wendy's to buy a triple bacon cheeseburger (honestly, that doesn't even sound appealing), fries, and a coke - I texted a few people that promised to be supports. Today's blog is a thank you to them. They were there in my darkest hour, and helped pull me up so that, at least, my head was above water. I'm not drowning, but I'm not out of the water, yet. I still have a lot of work to do.
First, to Sharon (the owner & my boss at Go Fitness):
Thank you for taking time out of your busy evening to send me a supportive & informative message. I know how hard you work and how late you leave. I also know the stress you put yourself under for making goal each month, and how hard you've been working on these marketing plans. Even with all of that, you took the time to respond, and tell me that this is the beginning. To remind me that it will take about 4 - 6 weeks for my body to adjust. You always ask me how things are going, encourage me when I'm working out, and congratulate me when I'm done. It's nice to have a boss that truly cares about my well-being.
Second, to Kathleen (my kick-ass Coach):
You have so many clients, and you were still working last night when I texted, but you took the time out to respond to me. You even searched for an article that specifically addressed my issues. You printed it and were willing to bring it to me after work. These are all signs of going above & beyond what you are paid to do. It meant a lot to me that you would do this. I need to remember that liver & muscles can hang on to water weight, which can be up to 10 - 13lbs total. I didn't realize that at all. I just thought that I should be losing weight instantly with all the hard work I've been putting in. The article really opened my eyes. It didn't completely alleviate my concerns (because I'm stubborn), but it helped tremendously. Thank you!
Third, to Michael (the best boyfriend ever):
You are there...always. You never let me down. You are intuitive to my emotions & needs. I don't know how you do it, but I thank you for it. I know I'm not the easiest to deal with at times, but I do try. Just a giant hug from you can set many things straight in the world. Thank you.
Finally, to my Mom (the bestest woman in the world!):
Every step of my entire life, you are there. You have always encouraged me, always supported me, and always tried to keep my spirits up. When you were struggling you tried not to let me see. You set a great example to me. I know I can talk to you about anything, and you never judge, you always just try to help. You always remind me of how proud I've made you, and that you couldn't ask for a better daughter (even if I beg to differ at times). Your unconditional love has inspired me to show the same to others. Life lessons are hard to learn, but I am doing my best. I love you - and am so lucky that you are my Mom. Thank you!
"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him."Ralph Waldo Emerson
I don't know what was my problem yesterday. I completed my workout with Kathleen, going up in weight on many of the exercises (that's a plus!), burned 432 calories in 38 minutes of work, and was awarded a gift card at work for best exemplifying our goals. Why wouldn't all those things equal a very pleased & proud me? Ahhhh....the brain is a powerful thing. Right now I think that the brain is my worst enemy.
So, before I drove off to Wendy's to buy a triple bacon cheeseburger (honestly, that doesn't even sound appealing), fries, and a coke - I texted a few people that promised to be supports. Today's blog is a thank you to them. They were there in my darkest hour, and helped pull me up so that, at least, my head was above water. I'm not drowning, but I'm not out of the water, yet. I still have a lot of work to do.
First, to Sharon (the owner & my boss at Go Fitness):
Thank you for taking time out of your busy evening to send me a supportive & informative message. I know how hard you work and how late you leave. I also know the stress you put yourself under for making goal each month, and how hard you've been working on these marketing plans. Even with all of that, you took the time to respond, and tell me that this is the beginning. To remind me that it will take about 4 - 6 weeks for my body to adjust. You always ask me how things are going, encourage me when I'm working out, and congratulate me when I'm done. It's nice to have a boss that truly cares about my well-being.
Second, to Kathleen (my kick-ass Coach):
You have so many clients, and you were still working last night when I texted, but you took the time out to respond to me. You even searched for an article that specifically addressed my issues. You printed it and were willing to bring it to me after work. These are all signs of going above & beyond what you are paid to do. It meant a lot to me that you would do this. I need to remember that liver & muscles can hang on to water weight, which can be up to 10 - 13lbs total. I didn't realize that at all. I just thought that I should be losing weight instantly with all the hard work I've been putting in. The article really opened my eyes. It didn't completely alleviate my concerns (because I'm stubborn), but it helped tremendously. Thank you!
Third, to Michael (the best boyfriend ever):
You are there...always. You never let me down. You are intuitive to my emotions & needs. I don't know how you do it, but I thank you for it. I know I'm not the easiest to deal with at times, but I do try. Just a giant hug from you can set many things straight in the world. Thank you.
Finally, to my Mom (the bestest woman in the world!):
Every step of my entire life, you are there. You have always encouraged me, always supported me, and always tried to keep my spirits up. When you were struggling you tried not to let me see. You set a great example to me. I know I can talk to you about anything, and you never judge, you always just try to help. You always remind me of how proud I've made you, and that you couldn't ask for a better daughter (even if I beg to differ at times). Your unconditional love has inspired me to show the same to others. Life lessons are hard to learn, but I am doing my best. I love you - and am so lucky that you are my Mom. Thank you!
"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him."Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Don't Stop Believin'.....
....Trying to remind myself of this....it's rough today.
To say that today is rough might be the understatement of the year. I am exhausted. I have worked out 10 of the last 13 days. Starting today (for the rest of this week), I will be working 10-14 hour days until Friday. I am sure that a bit of my exhaustion might be from just thinking about this week. I have carved out an hour each day to still get my workout in, too. Today, I am set to workout with Kathleen...and I am just dreading it. Not because I am afraid she will give me things that I can't do, but because I am just plain tired. My legs feel like lead, my joints hurt...and I am whooped. I know that I will need a few more days of rest here soon, but that may not happen until Friday or Saturday.
Today, today, today...trying to live in today. This is rough. I decided for some dumb reason to weight myself this morning. WTF was I thinking?! It was at my home, and it was my scale...it showed that I was up to 210. WHAT?! I feel (felt) so good! How can I weigh more? I mean...I have until tomorrow for my real weight in, but is it feasible for me to drop this 4 pounds to show even a 1 pound loss this week?! (close your eyes for those of you who hate cussing) FUCK!
Now, realistically I knew this could happen. I could be retaining water weight, I could have gained muscle, I could _____. However, I just wasn't expecting this. I ran intervals yesterday, and I haven't felt that good running in about 2 years. I took that as a really good sign of other things...which was probably a bit too optimistic. Damnit. I will not let this control & defeat me.
I will honestly say that my eating over the weekend could have been a little more spot on (had 2 cheat meals....a few drinks at my friend's going away party), but I did workout (which is a heck of a lot more than I used to do on weekends). I felt good coming out of the weekend. Now, I feel like pooh.
Okay....so, I'm going to take control of this. I'm going to feel better today, & make it through with a better attitude. I have to. I'm the only one that can make myself better.
To say that today is rough might be the understatement of the year. I am exhausted. I have worked out 10 of the last 13 days. Starting today (for the rest of this week), I will be working 10-14 hour days until Friday. I am sure that a bit of my exhaustion might be from just thinking about this week. I have carved out an hour each day to still get my workout in, too. Today, I am set to workout with Kathleen...and I am just dreading it. Not because I am afraid she will give me things that I can't do, but because I am just plain tired. My legs feel like lead, my joints hurt...and I am whooped. I know that I will need a few more days of rest here soon, but that may not happen until Friday or Saturday.
Today, today, today...trying to live in today. This is rough. I decided for some dumb reason to weight myself this morning. WTF was I thinking?! It was at my home, and it was my scale...it showed that I was up to 210. WHAT?! I feel (felt) so good! How can I weigh more? I mean...I have until tomorrow for my real weight in, but is it feasible for me to drop this 4 pounds to show even a 1 pound loss this week?! (close your eyes for those of you who hate cussing) FUCK!
Now, realistically I knew this could happen. I could be retaining water weight, I could have gained muscle, I could _____. However, I just wasn't expecting this. I ran intervals yesterday, and I haven't felt that good running in about 2 years. I took that as a really good sign of other things...which was probably a bit too optimistic. Damnit. I will not let this control & defeat me.
I will honestly say that my eating over the weekend could have been a little more spot on (had 2 cheat meals....a few drinks at my friend's going away party), but I did workout (which is a heck of a lot more than I used to do on weekends). I felt good coming out of the weekend. Now, I feel like pooh.
Okay....so, I'm going to take control of this. I'm going to feel better today, & make it through with a better attitude. I have to. I'm the only one that can make myself better.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
Aristotle
Aristotle
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)