I ran into my previous manager (Shari) in the locker room at work today.  She is a super health conscious women who is always so supportive.  She’s never too pushy, but always has a quick tip or a bit of advice if you’re looking for it.  It got me thinking about all of the people in my life who live healthy lives.  I draw inspiration from them and I hope to inspire someone else with my story.  For instance, my mom has always been health conscious.  She’s in her 60’s and takes two YMCA classes a day.  I’m not talking about Yoga for seniors either.  She does boot camp and every other crazy class they offer.  Then there is my dad, who told me the other day, that he has never tried sausage gravy cause he knows he’ll like it and it’s not good for him, so he’s just stayed away from it.  He is also eating a primarily vegan diet to take off a few extra pounds.  He is the slimmest I’ve ever seen him and he looks amazing.  My brother runs ultra-marathons and my sister-in-law is a yoga master.  With all of these healthy folks surrounding me, how can I possibly fail?  I suppose I am the only one that stands between me and success. 

3.1 miles is how far I went on the treadmill today.   That’s right….5k.  I jogged about 2.25 miles and had to walk about .75 miles, but darnit….I did it!  This might not seem like much of an accomplishment to some, but for me, this is huge.  Since the beginning of this contest, I have been using the elliptical, the bike, and taking classes.  I have recently started running a bit and at first it was ridiculously difficult.  I could do an hour on the elliptical, but couldn’t run for more than a couple minutes at a time.  Now I’m jogging away and not feeling like I’m going to fall down.  I have learned a few lessons, with my new activity, that I will pass onto you.

 

1.       Make sure your workout clothes fit properly.  Pants that will stay up on the elliptical, may not stay up during a run. 

2.       A good bra will keep those around you from talking about you behind your back. 

3.       It gets easier every time.  It’s not easy, but it certainly isn’t as hard as it used to be. 

 

 

I am definitely feeling more motivated today.  I plan on having a good workout and watching what I eat.  Yesterday was rough, but I think everyone has those days.  I assume that it is what you do the next day that determines how successful you will be.  

I have had a rough couple of days.  Not sure why, but I just don’t have any energy at all.  I managed to get down to the gym for some cardio, but it wasn’t very impressive.  So, today I will work on making sure I eat all of the right things.  I’m sure tomorrow will be better. 

 

P.S.  I went to the doctor’s office the other day to see if I could get off of my last blood pressure pill.  Unfortunately, I cannot…..yet, but I won’t stop until I can. 

I’ve started to add some weight training and some jogging to my workout and I must admit that my energy level is way up.  I haven’t jogged in years.  It’s pretty hard, but I feel so great once I’ve done it.  I can’t quite jog the entire time, but it’s going pretty well.  I “run” for sixty paces and then I walk for 30.  I intend to switch it to more “running” and less walking until I can run the whole time.  Sounds like a small step, but if you would have asked me to jog, four months ago, I would have told you that was crazy. 

This evening I am going to the doctor to see if I can get off the final pill I am taking for my blood pressure.  I have been taken off the other two for blood pressure and one for cholesterol, but I want to be med free.   That seems like such a big accomplishment.  It’s probably one of the things I am most excited about.  I’ll let you know what the doc says.  Have a great Wednesday!

 

 

                I had a very active weekend with my family.  Saturday morning, my personal trainer, Jane came over and kicked my whole families behind.  I like to call it Backyard Boot Camp, because that is just what it is.  Jane sets up multiple activities and we do each one for a minute.  What an incredible workout.  My abs were pretty sore on Sunday, but my 15 year old step-daughter was limping around like an old lady.  My husband and my 6 year old step-daughter seemed to be ok.  After our workout we headed to the beach for some swimming and we went to the pool on Sunday.  I felt like we had a very productive and healthy weekend. 

                My eating hasn’t been perfect lately, but I’m back on track and kicking my workouts up a notch.  I plan on doing cardio 4 to 5 times a week and doing weights 3 to 4 times (per G.I. Jane).  I like that I am not in first place right now, because it gives me a challenge and that always works for me.  I will do my best to win this competition, but Lisa Sheer isn’t making it easy.  She is doing incredibly well and is a weight losing machine! 

                In reading the other contestants blogs, or the lack there of, I am finding that everyone seems to be struggling right now.  It’s hard to keep motivated, but we all have to dig deep and give it a shot. 

                   

I’m feeling a little under the weather today and I am fighting eating things that I shouldn’t.  I know that when I’m not feeling well or really tired it seems to trigger me wanting to eat poorly.  Yesterday, I didn’t do so well, but today, I’m fighting the good fight.  I’m going to head to the gym, but who knows what kind of workout I’m going to have.  I assume that something is better than nothing, so I’ll do it any way.  I think today is going to be a rough one, but I keep telling myself that if I just get through today, tomorrow will be better.