In looking into the bodybuilding industry, I have discovered something I find interesting. I have yet to find a story of someone whose story closely resembles mine. There are countless stories of people who were fit and then worked hard to get shredded to prepare for a show. There a plenty of profiles of out of shape athletes who have gotten back into it and been able to recapture and even improve upon the physique of their youth. There are former military personnel who got a little pudgy after PT was no longer required. Muscle memory is a hug asset. I have not been able to find someone who was never "in shape" and looking to go on a stage in a bedazzled bikini.
I was not an athlete in my youth. I am not particularly coordinated and was at that time not particularly motivated. So unless running down the driveway when I was late for the bus, riding my bike, occasionally playing H.O.R.S.E. with my dad in the back yard counts as athleticism, then I'm gonna go ahead and count my process as starting from scratch.
I don't think it puts me in a great place of disadvantage but it may extend my target date by a bit. I have a lot more work to do to reach my goal and 7 more months does not seem like a lot of time. My dear, sweet friend Erika is preparing to compete in the Max Muscle NPC show in April and is stressing that she won't be ready. She looks FABULOUS! I encouraged her by letting her know that no one will care if she's not ready for April (which she will be!), but the journey is the journey. The target will be reached. I have to give myself that same grace.
I haven't given up on walking on stage in October. I will still work to that date. One thing that I have learned from my research is that there is an advantage to have been in shape in your youth. It's never to late to make healthy choices. But it's also never too early. Start talking to your kids, your nieces, your nephews, your friend's kids, your kids' friends about making healthy choices now! Develop healthy choices now! Make exercise fun! You know the best way to do that? Allow them to follow your example. Not everyone has to walk in front of judges in the warmth of the spotlights, but being an example and starting the trend of healthiness is a way you can make a difference.
Turn off the TV. Get off your butt. Ride a bike. Toss a ball. Run a block. Climb a hill. Grab someone and take them with you. They'll thank you later.
Guess where I'll see ya? That's right. In the gym!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Size 12? Why Yes Please and Thank You
It's milestone time, folks. I have not worn size 12 jeans since high school. For those of you who don't know me from those days, that's 22 years ago! They are Levi's 529s. I have another pair of Levi's that are 16s that fit me just a little bit loose, but hey, the label on the 529s says SIZE 12!!
These are the kinds of milestones that are special. My weight is still not under 200. My body fat measurement says I'm still in the obese category. So you know what? This almost 40 year old is getting it done. And getting it done in some pretty sassy size 12 jeans!
(AS A SIDE NOTE: I have learned so much about goals and milestones while working at Max Muscle Sports Nutrition. Today I received my official certificate to hang on the wall. I am a certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist. What's that crazy name mean? It means I am certified to create meal plans and guide people through the process of fat elimination and lean muscle retention. So I am ready to start signing up some clients in Raleigh when I move there in March. Tell your friends who live in the area. They can contact me at kelleymaxmuscle@gmail.com)
Now, back to me. I have not been 100% on point for the past two weeks on eating clean or getting my cardio done. I haven't updated my measurements on bodybuilding.com. I certainly have not taken any progress pictures. What's my excuse? I have been really distracted with all that I need to get done with the impending move, and the efforts to open the new Max Muscle store. At the end of the day...guess what.... there are always going to be things that distract me from my fitness goals. Those are just excuses. So, I saddle back up. I look at my schedule and figure out how to keep myself driven - how to keep myself motivated to stay on the path. I have to. That's all there is to it. I am not going to fall back on excuses that are readily available to me or the ones that friends so generously offer me. It is a goal. I will not take my eye off the prize. I will not beat myself up when I stumble. I will press on.
Are there areas in your life where you have set a goal and then given up because you stumbled? Have you looked over your shoulder to see who was looking? Meh. Stumbling happens. Don't give up. Get back up. Focus your attention on your goal; really look at it. Do you still want it? Can you picture yourself achieving it? What will you say to yourself when you reach it? Won't that be a cool thing to say? Why don't you go ahead and remind yourself now what you want to achieve. Go ahead and say it out loud. "I will not fail. I want to _____ and I will not quit til I get there, regardless of how many times I stumble." I'm serious. Say it out loud. I just did. I choked a little. Did you just inspire yourself? Now get to work. I know I will.
See ya in the gym!
These are the kinds of milestones that are special. My weight is still not under 200. My body fat measurement says I'm still in the obese category. So you know what? This almost 40 year old is getting it done. And getting it done in some pretty sassy size 12 jeans!
(AS A SIDE NOTE: I have learned so much about goals and milestones while working at Max Muscle Sports Nutrition. Today I received my official certificate to hang on the wall. I am a certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist. What's that crazy name mean? It means I am certified to create meal plans and guide people through the process of fat elimination and lean muscle retention. So I am ready to start signing up some clients in Raleigh when I move there in March. Tell your friends who live in the area. They can contact me at kelleymaxmuscle@gmail.com)
Now, back to me. I have not been 100% on point for the past two weeks on eating clean or getting my cardio done. I haven't updated my measurements on bodybuilding.com. I certainly have not taken any progress pictures. What's my excuse? I have been really distracted with all that I need to get done with the impending move, and the efforts to open the new Max Muscle store. At the end of the day...guess what.... there are always going to be things that distract me from my fitness goals. Those are just excuses. So, I saddle back up. I look at my schedule and figure out how to keep myself driven - how to keep myself motivated to stay on the path. I have to. That's all there is to it. I am not going to fall back on excuses that are readily available to me or the ones that friends so generously offer me. It is a goal. I will not take my eye off the prize. I will not beat myself up when I stumble. I will press on.
Are there areas in your life where you have set a goal and then given up because you stumbled? Have you looked over your shoulder to see who was looking? Meh. Stumbling happens. Don't give up. Get back up. Focus your attention on your goal; really look at it. Do you still want it? Can you picture yourself achieving it? What will you say to yourself when you reach it? Won't that be a cool thing to say? Why don't you go ahead and remind yourself now what you want to achieve. Go ahead and say it out loud. "I will not fail. I want to _____ and I will not quit til I get there, regardless of how many times I stumble." I'm serious. Say it out loud. I just did. I choked a little. Did you just inspire yourself? Now get to work. I know I will.
See ya in the gym!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
What Are You Good At? Then Do That
I have been really stressed about this move to Raleigh to open a Max Muscle store. I haven't taken the time to be excited. You know why? Because I haven't been doing it my way. I have been taking input from people who have been successful doing it their way which is great. It worked for THEM.
I had the fantastic, good fortune to visit the corporate headquarters of Max Muscle Sports Nutrtion this week. It was a great "Confirmation Day" as a step toward my Grand Opening of the store. I listened to stories of successful franchisees. I was able to sit down and speak to the founder of the company about his desires, his drive, his philosophy. Know what I learned? That although there is a set pattern - a proven model- in the franchise business, there is a unique way to approach it. Otherwise, there would be corporate, carbon-copies of stores with the same cookie cutter management style instead of individual "owners". So, I'm not going to do it exactly the same way as the next guy. I was designed differently.
I think it's our drive and passion that propels us to successfully reach our goals. Then we use our own unique characteristics to get there. Know what I'm good at? Being gregarious, focusing on people, making people laugh, memorizing facts and information, finding joy in the simple things. I am not a list maker or schedule task master. Never have been. Ask my teachers throughout my school days. I rarely did homework. I rarely studied. Somehow I managed to get decent grades by listening, really listening, and gaining what I needed from class. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes, but this is how I do things. I've never failed at anything. I cannot look back on a thing that I wish I'd done differently. I think our paths are already ordained. I think people are put in them to compliment our strengths and humble us in our weaknesses. I am thankful for the people in my path. I always try to learn the reason they are there and take advantage of it. For sometimes they are only there for a brief moment.
So, think about it. What are you good at? What were you designed to do? Are you denying your true nature to fit the model of what the world or your peers or your parents or your spouse or your kids expect of you? Think about how different things would be if people really focused on and did what they were created to do? How cool. Maybe you're not ready to make that leap. Maybe you haven't discovered your gift(s). They're there. Just waiting in the wings to make their debut. Consider letting them show just a little. People around you may frown. They may think you're crazy. They may....oh my....judge you. Or you know what? They might just surprise you. Just as you might surprise yourself. Happiness and contentment are contagious. I hope I can be an example. I hope you can find where you belong and in doing so begin humming on all cylinders. Just consider it. Ponder it...just a little...for me...(oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I can be very persuasive...)
Now I'm gonna go run some scenarios for business success in in my head. And I'm not going to write a single one down. ;-)
YES, I KNOW THAT'S A DANGLING PREPOSITION! Forgive me, Jewel King, Carolyn Spence, Martha McBride, Bonita Keene & Shannon Maurice-Williams!
See ya in the gym!
I had the fantastic, good fortune to visit the corporate headquarters of Max Muscle Sports Nutrtion this week. It was a great "Confirmation Day" as a step toward my Grand Opening of the store. I listened to stories of successful franchisees. I was able to sit down and speak to the founder of the company about his desires, his drive, his philosophy. Know what I learned? That although there is a set pattern - a proven model- in the franchise business, there is a unique way to approach it. Otherwise, there would be corporate, carbon-copies of stores with the same cookie cutter management style instead of individual "owners". So, I'm not going to do it exactly the same way as the next guy. I was designed differently.
I think it's our drive and passion that propels us to successfully reach our goals. Then we use our own unique characteristics to get there. Know what I'm good at? Being gregarious, focusing on people, making people laugh, memorizing facts and information, finding joy in the simple things. I am not a list maker or schedule task master. Never have been. Ask my teachers throughout my school days. I rarely did homework. I rarely studied. Somehow I managed to get decent grades by listening, really listening, and gaining what I needed from class. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes, but this is how I do things. I've never failed at anything. I cannot look back on a thing that I wish I'd done differently. I think our paths are already ordained. I think people are put in them to compliment our strengths and humble us in our weaknesses. I am thankful for the people in my path. I always try to learn the reason they are there and take advantage of it. For sometimes they are only there for a brief moment.
So, think about it. What are you good at? What were you designed to do? Are you denying your true nature to fit the model of what the world or your peers or your parents or your spouse or your kids expect of you? Think about how different things would be if people really focused on and did what they were created to do? How cool. Maybe you're not ready to make that leap. Maybe you haven't discovered your gift(s). They're there. Just waiting in the wings to make their debut. Consider letting them show just a little. People around you may frown. They may think you're crazy. They may....oh my....judge you. Or you know what? They might just surprise you. Just as you might surprise yourself. Happiness and contentment are contagious. I hope I can be an example. I hope you can find where you belong and in doing so begin humming on all cylinders. Just consider it. Ponder it...just a little...for me...(oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I can be very persuasive...)
Now I'm gonna go run some scenarios for business success in in my head. And I'm not going to write a single one down. ;-)
YES, I KNOW THAT'S A DANGLING PREPOSITION! Forgive me, Jewel King, Carolyn Spence, Martha McBride, Bonita Keene & Shannon Maurice-Williams!
See ya in the gym!
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Face of The Earth Was Lovely, But I'm Back
No, I did not fall off the face of the earth, but I did visit there for a few weeks. Thanks for waiting for me to get back.
I have been busy with plans to open a Max Muscle store in Raleigh, NC. I'm pretty stoked. I have never lived out the greater Fredericksburg area and am so excited about the opportunity to pursue my new endeavor. There's a lot to do between now and opening day! If you have any fitness and health enthusiasts in the Triangle area, let me know. I want to share how Max Muscle's focus on fitness and nutrition can change their life like it has mine. Look for an upcoming blog on supplement use and my opinions and testimonial about it.
The other thing that has kept me busy is this stupid cold. I rarely get sick and this one really threw me for a loop. I revisited a very sedentary, lazy, foggy, unfocused period on my couch for about a week & half straight. Ugh. I figure everything happens for a reason. I had a reminder of what my life was like before I started on this fitness journey. I spent many an unfocused, foggy day sitting on the couch by CHOICE! Now, the idea of sitting around isn't as appealing as it used to be. It took getting knocked on my butt to realize I don't want to go back there. I was able to maintain my workout schedule and forced myself to eat even when I felt like I was going to barf. It paid off. I lost another 7 lbs. So, I'm 7 lbs away from my first milestone of weighing 199 lbs. Baby steps, people!
I'll be posting updates on the bodybuilding.com site next week. Check out my progress there.
Take advantage of this beautiful weather! Get off the couch and move!
See ya in the gym!
I have been busy with plans to open a Max Muscle store in Raleigh, NC. I'm pretty stoked. I have never lived out the greater Fredericksburg area and am so excited about the opportunity to pursue my new endeavor. There's a lot to do between now and opening day! If you have any fitness and health enthusiasts in the Triangle area, let me know. I want to share how Max Muscle's focus on fitness and nutrition can change their life like it has mine. Look for an upcoming blog on supplement use and my opinions and testimonial about it.
The other thing that has kept me busy is this stupid cold. I rarely get sick and this one really threw me for a loop. I revisited a very sedentary, lazy, foggy, unfocused period on my couch for about a week & half straight. Ugh. I figure everything happens for a reason. I had a reminder of what my life was like before I started on this fitness journey. I spent many an unfocused, foggy day sitting on the couch by CHOICE! Now, the idea of sitting around isn't as appealing as it used to be. It took getting knocked on my butt to realize I don't want to go back there. I was able to maintain my workout schedule and forced myself to eat even when I felt like I was going to barf. It paid off. I lost another 7 lbs. So, I'm 7 lbs away from my first milestone of weighing 199 lbs. Baby steps, people!
I'll be posting updates on the bodybuilding.com site next week. Check out my progress there.
Take advantage of this beautiful weather! Get off the couch and move!
See ya in the gym!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I Need A Hero
(Anyone singing the Bonnie Tyler classic?? You'll sing it all day. You're welcome.)
Why is everyone getting on the Tim Tebow bandwagon? Now that he's done his damage to the steel curtain, even some die hard Pittsburgh fans are going to cheer him on. So why the sudden surge of support for an unlikely hero? We love an underdog. We love a Cinderella story. Even if his "te-bowing " and constant talk about his faith gets on your nerves, you have to respect that he appears to be the real deal. No one can dig up any dirt on him. The suits behind the desk on ESPN critique his form, compare it to other world class hall of famers, question his every move. Even John Elway is not a fan. What the heck? But you know what? He's doing it! I don't know how long it will last, but we love the ride. It's fun to cheer on the seemingly impossible.
Get where I'm going here? My motivations are pretty transparent. I want to remind you (and remind myself) that when you decide to take on a challenge, especially one that seems unachievable, people are dying to cheer you on...to see you win. Of course there will be poo poo head naysayers. There will always be malcontents and those who are jealous. There are those who are angry you have forced them to reflect on their own actions.
I've had a really great week. I've received a lot of encouragement and positive feedback. I'm excited again. I'm on an uptick. I believe I can do this. And a lot of that is due to the feedback and cheering from you. I am so blessed to be in a place to really make this happen.
There are stories of people achieving the impossible since the beginning of time. Scared to try? Get a fan club. Be someone else's fan. In the whirl of encouragement you may just find you are the hero someone else has been looking for. Get it done, people!
See ya in the gym!
P.S. Did anyone miss the Thursday Three last week? Oopsie...
Why is everyone getting on the Tim Tebow bandwagon? Now that he's done his damage to the steel curtain, even some die hard Pittsburgh fans are going to cheer him on. So why the sudden surge of support for an unlikely hero? We love an underdog. We love a Cinderella story. Even if his "te-bowing " and constant talk about his faith gets on your nerves, you have to respect that he appears to be the real deal. No one can dig up any dirt on him. The suits behind the desk on ESPN critique his form, compare it to other world class hall of famers, question his every move. Even John Elway is not a fan. What the heck? But you know what? He's doing it! I don't know how long it will last, but we love the ride. It's fun to cheer on the seemingly impossible.
Get where I'm going here? My motivations are pretty transparent. I want to remind you (and remind myself) that when you decide to take on a challenge, especially one that seems unachievable, people are dying to cheer you on...to see you win. Of course there will be poo poo head naysayers. There will always be malcontents and those who are jealous. There are those who are angry you have forced them to reflect on their own actions.
I've had a really great week. I've received a lot of encouragement and positive feedback. I'm excited again. I'm on an uptick. I believe I can do this. And a lot of that is due to the feedback and cheering from you. I am so blessed to be in a place to really make this happen.
There are stories of people achieving the impossible since the beginning of time. Scared to try? Get a fan club. Be someone else's fan. In the whirl of encouragement you may just find you are the hero someone else has been looking for. Get it done, people!
See ya in the gym!
P.S. Did anyone miss the Thursday Three last week? Oopsie...
Monday, January 2, 2012
This Is A Test...
Bruce challenged me to a test of sorts today. The gym is super crowded because it's Jan 2nd and he made me do three sets of leap frog squats across the gym. If that doesn't draw attention to you, I don't know what does. Must mean he's proud of me.
Get to the gym, walk around your block, run in place in front of the TV. Start the habit or keep it going. Get out there and do it people. I believe in you!
See ya in the gym!
Get to the gym, walk around your block, run in place in front of the TV. Start the habit or keep it going. Get out there and do it people. I believe in you!
See ya in the gym!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
It's a New Year - So What?
Most of us celebrate New Year's Eve with more fashion and fanfare than our own birthdays. Some celebrate with more zeal than the birth of my Savior. Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest certainly aren't on TV showcasing a star-studded Easter spectacular. All across the world, like-minded people are choosing to make today a new chance for change.
Hmmm... I've never been one to make resolutions. It is in our very nature to break them. And most do by February 15th. And the reality is, each new day is a new slate - a new chance for change. Each day. Think about that for a moment. Every morning when you wake, take a moment to reflect on the previous day, give thanks for the new one and "resolve" to make a difference within the parameters of that twenty-four hours.
Why do you think we break resolutions we make by mid-March at the latest? New Year's Resolutions are often made in haste like a wish before the crack of a wishbone or the wisp of a blown-out candle. Also, goals that are made are often too lofty or nebulous to focus and take small bites. "I'm going to lose weight." "I'm going to go to the gym more." "I'm going to quit smoking." Whew! How much weight? By when? How often are you going to the gym? Are you training for a 5K? What are the steps you are going to take to quit smoking? Have you sought a support group?
When I have my momentary meltdowns, pity parties, discouraged doldrums, I look to the plan. I focus on the long term goals that I have set for myself and then I look at what I should be expecting in the near term. The plan keeps me safe and keeps the aforementioned hissy fits to a minimum. But what if I had not taken the time to develop a plan? I'd likely look to my final goal and find it too hard in that moment and potentially give up. We have become creatures in need of a schedule. We arrive and depart from work or school at a specific time. We attend church and/or community meetings at a designated time of day. TV shows are based on a schedule that we can peruse as a guide on the screen. Why should be be surprised that we do well to plan out our meals, workout schedule and fitness goals? If it was easy, we'd all have perfect physiques and eat & do whatever we want. It's not easy. Our Creator did not give us this sophisticated machine just so we'd ignore it. It's fully loaded with every app available for use. It's finely tuned and just waiting for you to pay attention to it. Unwrap the gift of life that you have been given and choose each day as a mini New Year's celebration.
...Or maybe the night is just an excuse to party til you puke and get a free cab ride.What do I know?
See ya in the gym! (Every Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs & Friday between 11 and 1 - that's my schedule)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday Three - The Silver Lining Seeker is Baaaackkk!!
Hey, everybody. Thanks for going through my pity party with me. I had a good cry, felt sorry for myself, pondered all of the things that have gone wrong and now I'm ready to re-focus on the task at hand - getting lean!!
1) The support of friends and family who really understand you and know how to say the right things to keep you motivated are essential to your success. It was very humbling to rely on the input of others. You know who you are - thanks so much for your encouragement and perspective.
2) I had a great Christmas. I got some of the greatest gifts this year. From my sister, I received 4 sessions with my trainer - thrilling! From my roommate, I received a very gracious gift card to Kohl's because I need new clothes for my skinnier self and from my friend/nutrition coach, I received a water bottle that says "On a journey to a better me one rep at a time." How awesome to receive encouragement in such a tangible way. I'm soo gonna do this and you believe in me!
3) I am really embracing this whole Sports Nutrition lifestyle. I am working on my certification to be a nutrition coach and...wait for it...am opening a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition store in Raleigh, NC by summer(ish). There are a lot of details to figure out between now and then and I'll keep you posted on my parallel path of progress. I'm excited about the business opportunity and eventually owning 100% of the store. Look out, Triangle, I'm coming your way!!
See ya in the gym! Get in there, people!
1) The support of friends and family who really understand you and know how to say the right things to keep you motivated are essential to your success. It was very humbling to rely on the input of others. You know who you are - thanks so much for your encouragement and perspective.
2) I had a great Christmas. I got some of the greatest gifts this year. From my sister, I received 4 sessions with my trainer - thrilling! From my roommate, I received a very gracious gift card to Kohl's because I need new clothes for my skinnier self and from my friend/nutrition coach, I received a water bottle that says "On a journey to a better me one rep at a time." How awesome to receive encouragement in such a tangible way. I'm soo gonna do this and you believe in me!
3) I am really embracing this whole Sports Nutrition lifestyle. I am working on my certification to be a nutrition coach and...wait for it...am opening a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition store in Raleigh, NC by summer(ish). There are a lot of details to figure out between now and then and I'll keep you posted on my parallel path of progress. I'm excited about the business opportunity and eventually owning 100% of the store. Look out, Triangle, I'm coming your way!!
See ya in the gym! Get in there, people!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday Three is Friday Four...And It's a Doozy
Thursday Three is a Friday Four this week. I have a good excuse, I really do. The things I'm sharing this week are showing a side of myself I'm reticent to share. So I've been putting it off. I like to take the opportunity in this blog to encourage others and in doing so, continue to stay accountable and on track. The reality is that even "Miss Silver Lining" has bad weeks where I don't want to see the good side in my situation. This has been one such week...a Pity-Party-A-Rama! So bear with me as I share some of my dark moments. I'm hoping that in doing so, you will be reminded to forgive yourself when you're not on top of the world. In doing that, I can encourage others and stay accountable and on track. See a pattern here?
1. I was thrilled when my roommate invited me to join him and a few friends at the local hangout this past Tuesday. I don't get out much, I'm sad to say. I used to love being one of the guys and hanging out. Tuesday night was different. I felt awful. I actually cried a little when I got home and crawled into bed. Let me explain the dumb, irrational reason why. The guys, as guys often do, shared assessments and likes/dislikes about the women at the bar. In their innocuous banter, I was reminded of the fact that I have none of those "classic pretty girl" qualities. I don't even have big boobs anymore. I allowed myself to feel ugly and dumpy and quite possibly for the first time in my life, I walked out with my head down and shoulders rounded. I'm in a weird place right now. I'm getting used to my new, changing body. I'm seeking for my self esteem. Not to mention the fact that my hair looks dumb as it's growing out. Bleh. Get over myself already!
2. I worked out with my friend and nutrition coach, Erika, yesterday. She is working to compete in April at the Max Muscle NPC show at Woodbridge High School. It was humbling. I have 10 lbs of muscle on her but she's a lot stronger than I am. She schooled me a bit on my form, too. It is important to learn and I'm thrilled to do so. It's just the timing of it. It was in the midst of my pity party week, so I teared up when I headed back into the locker room. Bleh. My good friend, Dave, reminded me that Erika has competed before. She is working to compete again in April. She's ahead of me. It's okay. Don't panic. Thanks. Dave. I need that.
3. I failed at losing the last 11 pounds by the end of the year. Instead, I put on two and a half! Yes! More tears of humility. Bleh. I am working with Erika to tweak my meal plan and I am upping my cardio frequency. I KNOW I'll get it. It's just the timing...you know, the whole pity party thing.
4. I'm eating whatever whenever this weekend...starting today. I am exhausted from being disciplined eating clean six times a day. This is my Christmas gift to myself. I promise not to overindulge. I don't think I am actually capable of overindulging anymore. My idea of indulgence is having cereal and fruit for breakfast with NO source of protein except my skim milk! Take that! I'm a rebel!
See ya in the gym! (on Monday)
1. I was thrilled when my roommate invited me to join him and a few friends at the local hangout this past Tuesday. I don't get out much, I'm sad to say. I used to love being one of the guys and hanging out. Tuesday night was different. I felt awful. I actually cried a little when I got home and crawled into bed. Let me explain the dumb, irrational reason why. The guys, as guys often do, shared assessments and likes/dislikes about the women at the bar. In their innocuous banter, I was reminded of the fact that I have none of those "classic pretty girl" qualities. I don't even have big boobs anymore. I allowed myself to feel ugly and dumpy and quite possibly for the first time in my life, I walked out with my head down and shoulders rounded. I'm in a weird place right now. I'm getting used to my new, changing body. I'm seeking for my self esteem. Not to mention the fact that my hair looks dumb as it's growing out. Bleh. Get over myself already!
2. I worked out with my friend and nutrition coach, Erika, yesterday. She is working to compete in April at the Max Muscle NPC show at Woodbridge High School. It was humbling. I have 10 lbs of muscle on her but she's a lot stronger than I am. She schooled me a bit on my form, too. It is important to learn and I'm thrilled to do so. It's just the timing of it. It was in the midst of my pity party week, so I teared up when I headed back into the locker room. Bleh. My good friend, Dave, reminded me that Erika has competed before. She is working to compete again in April. She's ahead of me. It's okay. Don't panic. Thanks. Dave. I need that.
3. I failed at losing the last 11 pounds by the end of the year. Instead, I put on two and a half! Yes! More tears of humility. Bleh. I am working with Erika to tweak my meal plan and I am upping my cardio frequency. I KNOW I'll get it. It's just the timing...you know, the whole pity party thing.
4. I'm eating whatever whenever this weekend...starting today. I am exhausted from being disciplined eating clean six times a day. This is my Christmas gift to myself. I promise not to overindulge. I don't think I am actually capable of overindulging anymore. My idea of indulgence is having cereal and fruit for breakfast with NO source of protein except my skim milk! Take that! I'm a rebel!
See ya in the gym! (on Monday)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday Three
1) It is almost impossible to be grumpy when listening to Christmas music. Sitting in traffic? Blllling! No worries. Burl Ives is telling me to have a Holly Jolly Christmas. Somebody doesn't follow through on what they said they were going to do? Bllllling! Michael Buble is wooing me again with his version of Jingle Bells. Oh my, I still haven't lost a single pound. Blllling! Thank goodness Ella & Bing are telling me to keep my schoz maroon. Ahhh. All better now.
2) While The Biggest Loser is popular and a wonderful show to watch, there is a danger of being discouraged by the ridiculous results the contestants are able to achieve in seven short months. I find myself comparing my progress to the show. It doesn't discount what they do or what I do, but it is human nature to compare. I just gotta keep my head down and press on. You press on too, my friends.
3) One of my sub goals was to get down to 199.9 by the end of the year. When I established the goal, I was 216 lbs. Three weeks ago, I got to 211. Still 211. Hello, new plateau. I'd like to be done with you now. I was 165 lbs when I graduated from high school. I was 185 for a few months in 1996. If I can achieve this goal, it will be the first time I have been under 200 in a very long time. The cool thing is that this time I have changed my lifestyle to set me up for success in keeping it off. I'm pretty excited about that. I'll get there. Gotta get better at being patient. I'm careful about praying for patience though. God always proves to have a sense of humor when people do that.
See ya in the gym!
2) While The Biggest Loser is popular and a wonderful show to watch, there is a danger of being discouraged by the ridiculous results the contestants are able to achieve in seven short months. I find myself comparing my progress to the show. It doesn't discount what they do or what I do, but it is human nature to compare. I just gotta keep my head down and press on. You press on too, my friends.
3) One of my sub goals was to get down to 199.9 by the end of the year. When I established the goal, I was 216 lbs. Three weeks ago, I got to 211. Still 211. Hello, new plateau. I'd like to be done with you now. I was 165 lbs when I graduated from high school. I was 185 for a few months in 1996. If I can achieve this goal, it will be the first time I have been under 200 in a very long time. The cool thing is that this time I have changed my lifestyle to set me up for success in keeping it off. I'm pretty excited about that. I'll get there. Gotta get better at being patient. I'm careful about praying for patience though. God always proves to have a sense of humor when people do that.
See ya in the gym!
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