Inspired by Don over at 210 again, I started looking for something to keep me motivated. Don's motivation is traveling enough miles to have made it to Tokyo. He has gone almost 1500 miles on his bike. Wow! I know that goals help people keep going. I have goals, but I need mini goals in between to make it seem like it's not such a daunting challenge.
I had been thinking of ideas to try to keep myself motivated when I started seeing Facebook ads for the Run For Your Lives 5k obstacle course. I had seen the ads a few times before, but I never really thought I could do a 5k. I've always wished I could, but it just never seemed feasible. However, I've learned in the last few months, that there is a lot that I can do that I never thought I could. So when I started seeing the ads again, I thought, "that's it. That's what I need". I'm going for it. There is nothing better in this world to motivate me than zombies! I'm going to participate in the Run For Your Lives 5k. I don't want to win, I just want to complete it. I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment I'll have when I'm done.
I have a lot of training to do. There are 117 days between now and then. I'm planning on starting the Couch to 5k run program by cool runnings in addition to working with my trainer. I did not go on my walk today because I had to go grocery shopping, I knew I was going to get called in to work tonight, and I figured I could use a day of rest before the real work begins. Tomorrow morning, I will start the C to 5K training.
I'm so, so nervous. I'm worried that I won't be able to be ready by December. This is something I've never thought I would be able to do. I've never really tried anything that I knew would be this much of a challenge. I'm excited at the same time though. I know I'm going to do this. I'm going to work and push myself until I can do it. Failure is not an option.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Compliments Help Supply Motivation
Yesterday's workout was much better than before. I didn't do a full 2 miles yesterday due to lack of time. I did do some jogging though and finished my one and a half miles pretty quickly. I felt like I got a great workout, and I was pretty surprised by how easy running felt. With my trainer, I put in 110% and felt great afterward.
This morning at the end of my shift, I walked into the comm center to turn in my keys and pagers. My dispatchers told me that I looked like I had lost a lot of weight. Although it was just a passing observation, it did loads for my self esteem. It definitely helps motivate when people can tell a difference!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Still Learning
I found out before that pushing yourself during exercise was more about mental barriers than it was about physical shortcomings. Yesterday, I learned a new lesson.
I went into my workout with my trainer with a lot on my mind. I've been letting my emotions get to me lately while still dealing with my break up and all the joys that come with it. I wasn't necessarily in a bad mood, per say... but it wasn't exactly a good mood either. I just had things weighing on my mind. Even though I thought I had left my thoughts at the door when I walked into the gym, I still felt their effects on my work out.
I thought I was focused, but I guess I was more distracted than I realized. I was more sluggish, my muscles were reluctant to push through harder exercises, I had a harder time catching my breath, and I really just felt tired. I still got a good workout because my trainer pushed me, but I don't feel like I really gave it my all.
Hopefully today's workout will be better. I know I'll have my good days and my bad days, and as time goes on, I'm having more good than bad. Tonight was definitely a good night. Although the day started off rough and included a visit from my ex, I was able to go to sleep and wake up feeling pretty well rested. I stepped on the scale and saw that I'd lost another 5 pounds! I'm down to 260. That made me feel like a million dollars. Another 100 lbs to go and I'll be eligible for Marine Corps enlistment.
I'll be going for my morning walk here in just a little bit if it stops storming long enough. If it doesn't stop storming, I'll just hit the gym instead. I'm going to start working on my times this week. I'm doing 2.5 miles in 45 minutes. My goal for this week is to do the 2.5 miles in less than 40 minutes. It'll be a challenge, since I'm walking with my dog, but it gives me something to work toward.
Next week, I'm going to start looking at bicycles. My birthday is coming up soon and I think I deserve one.
I went into my workout with my trainer with a lot on my mind. I've been letting my emotions get to me lately while still dealing with my break up and all the joys that come with it. I wasn't necessarily in a bad mood, per say... but it wasn't exactly a good mood either. I just had things weighing on my mind. Even though I thought I had left my thoughts at the door when I walked into the gym, I still felt their effects on my work out.
I thought I was focused, but I guess I was more distracted than I realized. I was more sluggish, my muscles were reluctant to push through harder exercises, I had a harder time catching my breath, and I really just felt tired. I still got a good workout because my trainer pushed me, but I don't feel like I really gave it my all.
Hopefully today's workout will be better. I know I'll have my good days and my bad days, and as time goes on, I'm having more good than bad. Tonight was definitely a good night. Although the day started off rough and included a visit from my ex, I was able to go to sleep and wake up feeling pretty well rested. I stepped on the scale and saw that I'd lost another 5 pounds! I'm down to 260. That made me feel like a million dollars. Another 100 lbs to go and I'll be eligible for Marine Corps enlistment.
I'll be going for my morning walk here in just a little bit if it stops storming long enough. If it doesn't stop storming, I'll just hit the gym instead. I'm going to start working on my times this week. I'm doing 2.5 miles in 45 minutes. My goal for this week is to do the 2.5 miles in less than 40 minutes. It'll be a challenge, since I'm walking with my dog, but it gives me something to work toward.
Next week, I'm going to start looking at bicycles. My birthday is coming up soon and I think I deserve one.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Resting Day
Wednesday, my trainer decided to take a break from the machine weights and instead used dumbbells and my own body weight. I did so many squats that I thought my legs were going to fall off. I was sweating so much that I had to take my glasses off because I couldn't see through them. When I got home after that work out, I seriously thought about just napping on the stairs because I didn't think I was going to be able to make it up them to get inside. If it had been a little cooler out, I might have just done that!
Wednesday and Thursday nights were both pretty rough. Climbing in and out of an ambulance all night with sore muscles is a challenge. I still did my 2 mile walk Thursday morning after working Wednesday night. It was a little slow (about 10-15 minutes slower than my normal time). I felt every muscle aching with every step. It felt good in a way though, because I felt like I was getting stronger.
This morning after work, I decided to just go home and sleep without doing my walk. I felt horrible and almost couldn't sleep because I knew I needed to be walking, and I know my dog loves going to the park. But on the other hand, I knew I needed to rest my muscles and let them heal. I woke up with my muscles feeling much, MUCH better! They're still sore, but not nearly as bad. I guess rest really is what I needed.
I'll start my walking again in the morning. I'm looking forward to it.
Wednesday and Thursday nights were both pretty rough. Climbing in and out of an ambulance all night with sore muscles is a challenge. I still did my 2 mile walk Thursday morning after working Wednesday night. It was a little slow (about 10-15 minutes slower than my normal time). I felt every muscle aching with every step. It felt good in a way though, because I felt like I was getting stronger.
This morning after work, I decided to just go home and sleep without doing my walk. I felt horrible and almost couldn't sleep because I knew I needed to be walking, and I know my dog loves going to the park. But on the other hand, I knew I needed to rest my muscles and let them heal. I woke up with my muscles feeling much, MUCH better! They're still sore, but not nearly as bad. I guess rest really is what I needed.
I'll start my walking again in the morning. I'm looking forward to it.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Like a Boss
My trainer rocks. I started seeing him last Wednesday. I saw him Wednesday and Friday, and from then on, every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I'm still doing my 2 mile walks in the mornings, but the trainer gives me an extra push.
I have to say, getting a trainer is possibly the best decision I have eve made. He pushes me to levels that I have never been able to take myself to. I push myself to a certain point and then give up. He pushes me to that point and then breaks the barrier and pushes me forward into uncharted territory. It hurts. My muscles burn and they're sore for days afterward. But as its burning and sore, I can feel myself getting stronger.
I've always heard athletes say that it's 10% physical and 90% mental... I understand that now for the first time ever. There's no way I could do what most athletes can do... but I can do more than I think I can. I just have to focus on my goal and go until my muscles physically can't go anymore. And it feels great knowing that I'm achieving something. My sore muscles are like a badge that I wear with pride. How cheesy is that?!
I have to say, getting a trainer is possibly the best decision I have eve made. He pushes me to levels that I have never been able to take myself to. I push myself to a certain point and then give up. He pushes me to that point and then breaks the barrier and pushes me forward into uncharted territory. It hurts. My muscles burn and they're sore for days afterward. But as its burning and sore, I can feel myself getting stronger.
I've always heard athletes say that it's 10% physical and 90% mental... I understand that now for the first time ever. There's no way I could do what most athletes can do... but I can do more than I think I can. I just have to focus on my goal and go until my muscles physically can't go anymore. And it feels great knowing that I'm achieving something. My sore muscles are like a badge that I wear with pride. How cheesy is that?!
This is me before I started losing weight. Not sure what weight I was at in this picture.
This is me on June 22nd, about a week into my lifestyle change, at 299 lbs.
And a close up of my face...
This is me today, at 265 lbs.
I look crazy serious... or just crazy...
I can't see much of a difference yet, but I know that I will soon.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Personal Trainer
After a long weekend of having fun with my friends, I saw a personal trainer today at my gym. I was really worried about this visit because I just knew that the wine I had Saturday night, the pasta I had Sunday night, and the margarita I had Monday night were going to put me back up over my weight. Somehow, I got lucky. I weighed in today at 265 lbs. I didn't lose any weight this weekend, but I didn't gain any. I'm calling that a victory. I had a blast this weekend. My Happy Divorce Party was a lot of fun.
My trainer did an IronMan body composition analysis of me today. I scored a body age of 38. That's 15 years older than my actual age. Yikes! It also told me that I don't drink enough water and my body fat to muscle ratio is extremely high. It really made me start thinking more about my health, rather than just my weight.
When we were done talking about my weight, body mass, and goals, my trainer took me out into the gym and made me work out a little bit. It was a pretty mild workout (compared to what some people do) but it sure made me sweat. It made my legs burn like the pits of hell too. Leg lifts are hard work. Today I was able to do 26 assisted push ups in 1 minute, 44 (very poorly performed) crunches in 1 minute, and I spent 4 minutes on the bike just go gauge my cardio performance. I also did leg lifts and the bi(tri?)ceps machine. (I'm not sure which the machine was for, but I had to grab the bars and push the weights down). I did assisted pull ups, but could only do 3 or 4. They were tough, even with 165 lbs to assist me (so I was only pulling up 100 lbs, but JEEZE that was a heavy 100 lbs!).
My trainer will be $360 for 2 months. That's $180 a month. I'm not sure I can afford it, but I really need to do something, so I'll have to find a way to make this work. I will see my trainer 3 times a week. I need someone to push me and make me work to lose this weight. I've heard that having a trainer helps to motivate you, helps push you, and gives you someone to hate to help push your way through. I'm sure the money will also factor in, because I cannot afford to waste this $360!
My minimum requirements for going into the Marine Corps are a weight of 160, a 3 mile run in 31:00, 50 crunches in 2 minues, and a 15 second flexed arm hang. My personal goals before going in are a weight of 150, a 3 mile run in 24:30, 80 crunches in 2 minutes, and a 60 second flexed arm hang. I have a long way to go, but I know it's acheivable.
I'll be posting pictures from pre-weight loss and the end of month one in my next blog. I can't see a difference yet, but I'm SO excited for the day when I finally can!
My trainer did an IronMan body composition analysis of me today. I scored a body age of 38. That's 15 years older than my actual age. Yikes! It also told me that I don't drink enough water and my body fat to muscle ratio is extremely high. It really made me start thinking more about my health, rather than just my weight.
When we were done talking about my weight, body mass, and goals, my trainer took me out into the gym and made me work out a little bit. It was a pretty mild workout (compared to what some people do) but it sure made me sweat. It made my legs burn like the pits of hell too. Leg lifts are hard work. Today I was able to do 26 assisted push ups in 1 minute, 44 (very poorly performed) crunches in 1 minute, and I spent 4 minutes on the bike just go gauge my cardio performance. I also did leg lifts and the bi(tri?)ceps machine. (I'm not sure which the machine was for, but I had to grab the bars and push the weights down). I did assisted pull ups, but could only do 3 or 4. They were tough, even with 165 lbs to assist me (so I was only pulling up 100 lbs, but JEEZE that was a heavy 100 lbs!).
My trainer will be $360 for 2 months. That's $180 a month. I'm not sure I can afford it, but I really need to do something, so I'll have to find a way to make this work. I will see my trainer 3 times a week. I need someone to push me and make me work to lose this weight. I've heard that having a trainer helps to motivate you, helps push you, and gives you someone to hate to help push your way through. I'm sure the money will also factor in, because I cannot afford to waste this $360!
My minimum requirements for going into the Marine Corps are a weight of 160, a 3 mile run in 31:00, 50 crunches in 2 minues, and a 15 second flexed arm hang. My personal goals before going in are a weight of 150, a 3 mile run in 24:30, 80 crunches in 2 minutes, and a 60 second flexed arm hang. I have a long way to go, but I know it's acheivable.
I'll be posting pictures from pre-weight loss and the end of month one in my next blog. I can't see a difference yet, but I'm SO excited for the day when I finally can!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Vacation
Dieting while on vacation is hard!
I spent last week in Chicago with my family for a reunion. It was hard to eat healthy up there. The reunion was catered and there wasn't a whole lot of healthy anything. Also, since we were 12 hours from home, we did a lot of eating out while we stayed up there. I did go to the gym in the mornings, but I only did a quick 25-30 minute cardio work out when I went. The car ride there and back was hard too. Finding healthy food at a convenient store/gas station is about as easy as finding a sane person at a Tea Party convention.
Since I've been back I've been eating a little more healthy. I've been working out a little more too. I met my weight goal last week, but I had to work my butt off to do it, since I ate so poorly while I was on vacation.
This weekend, my friends are coming up to visit. I'm a little worried, because being 20 somethings, we like to drink when we go out. Alcohol does NOT help with weight loss. I don't want to throw myself off, but at the same time, I don't want to be the party pooper. Why is it that the fun things and the things that taste good are all so bad for you?
Also, I'm going to Dallas this weekend for a visit to Six Flags. Again, vacations and diets don't go well together. However, we've picked a hotel with a gym and swimming pool, so maybe I'll be able to work out some. I'm also thinking that maybe being out in the sun all day at Six Flags will help make up for the bad food choices that I'm sure I'll make. Does Six Flags have salads?
I've set up and appointment with a personal trainer on Tuesday. I am having some trouble pushing myself on my work outs, and I'm not exactly sure what I should be doing when I work out. I've heard some folks say that muscle weighs more than fat, so you don't want to build muscle when you're trying to lose weight. BUT... I know that muscle is a fat burner. Muscle requires approximately 25% more energy than fat does, therefore, it burns 25% more fat than fat cells. The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn. This is why men burn fat more quickly than women. Another thing I'm worried about is getting flabby. I know that if I lose weight without doing some kind of weight lifting or toning, I'm going to have a bunch of loose skin. Gross. So I figure, if I get a trainer, he'll be able to help me out and keep me on the right path.
I spent last week in Chicago with my family for a reunion. It was hard to eat healthy up there. The reunion was catered and there wasn't a whole lot of healthy anything. Also, since we were 12 hours from home, we did a lot of eating out while we stayed up there. I did go to the gym in the mornings, but I only did a quick 25-30 minute cardio work out when I went. The car ride there and back was hard too. Finding healthy food at a convenient store/gas station is about as easy as finding a sane person at a Tea Party convention.
Since I've been back I've been eating a little more healthy. I've been working out a little more too. I met my weight goal last week, but I had to work my butt off to do it, since I ate so poorly while I was on vacation.
This weekend, my friends are coming up to visit. I'm a little worried, because being 20 somethings, we like to drink when we go out. Alcohol does NOT help with weight loss. I don't want to throw myself off, but at the same time, I don't want to be the party pooper. Why is it that the fun things and the things that taste good are all so bad for you?
Also, I'm going to Dallas this weekend for a visit to Six Flags. Again, vacations and diets don't go well together. However, we've picked a hotel with a gym and swimming pool, so maybe I'll be able to work out some. I'm also thinking that maybe being out in the sun all day at Six Flags will help make up for the bad food choices that I'm sure I'll make. Does Six Flags have salads?
I've set up and appointment with a personal trainer on Tuesday. I am having some trouble pushing myself on my work outs, and I'm not exactly sure what I should be doing when I work out. I've heard some folks say that muscle weighs more than fat, so you don't want to build muscle when you're trying to lose weight. BUT... I know that muscle is a fat burner. Muscle requires approximately 25% more energy than fat does, therefore, it burns 25% more fat than fat cells. The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn. This is why men burn fat more quickly than women. Another thing I'm worried about is getting flabby. I know that if I lose weight without doing some kind of weight lifting or toning, I'm going to have a bunch of loose skin. Gross. So I figure, if I get a trainer, he'll be able to help me out and keep me on the right path.
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