Day 18 - Resting on my rest day

Today was a day off.  Boy did I need it!  I don’t know quite how well I am holding up to my schedule.  I got enough sleep last night, but I’ve just been exhausted all day today.  I think this is going to be a short and to the point post, and then I’m headed to bed early.  I’ve asked Steve to take Michael into the chamber tonight so I can just go to bed.  That’s not like me at all, since I normally love our chamber time.  But, for tonight, I’m going to listen to what my body is yelling for and find my pillow.  Maybe two good nights of sleep with a rest day in between will be just what I need.

I’ll be back tomorrow, hopefully with renewed energy and focus.  Good night!

Day 17 - Moving Right Along

Mondays always remind me about the challenges of balancing getting my son off to school, working a full time job, and getting my exercise in.  Working from home does make it easier.  I’m learning that at lunch time, it’s OK to put a dvd in and let voicemail pick up if anyone calls.  I am entitled to a lunch break!  And, I’m also noticing that a good lunchtime workout does reduce my stress levels.  I find I’m much more patient when I’m exhausted.  And, my brain seems sharper as well.  I like that.

So, I did a 4 mile DVD during lunch, and then went to the gym this evening.  I did the circuit one time and did an hour of water aerobics.  My legs and arms are definitely going to be feeling it tomorrow!  I have a strong feeling that I am really going to appreciate having tomorrow as a rest day. 

Before class, we were chatting about dieting and different strategies to avoid snacking at night.  I shared my favorite technique.  I use the time when I am most tempted to snack to clean vegetables.  Usually, I cut up a head of cauliflower, or broccoli.  Sometimes I clean green beans or slice some cucumbers.  It doesn’t matter if you snack while you clean, vegetables are free.  Or, you can do any prep for the next day’s meals.  It will keep your hands busy and get you started on the next day’s healthy meals. 

I am happy that I find myself falling into some familiar routines.  I’ve found some DVDs I like better than others, some exercise equipment I really like, and some classes I enjoy as well.  As I get more comfortable with them, I’ll tell you a little more about each of them. But for now, I want to keep exploring my options and finding even more things to like.  Variety is the spice of exercise?

Day 16 - My First Progress Picture

I have to say that today was a great day!  I got to sleep in a little bit and relax with my husband a little while my brother-in-law took care of Michael.  That was a nice way to wake up.  Then, Steve took my new picture and did some photoshop work so I could see it side by side with the starting picture.  It’s not a huge change, but there is definitely a difference.  Yeah!  I love the fact that my face is starting to look thinner.

As far as exercise goes, it was a great day, too.  I did a 4 mile video, 30 minutes on the elliptical, and a yoga dvd.  Even though everything was spread out over the day, I was still pretty exhausted by the time I finished the last dvd.  At the end of yoga, you are lying on the floor in ‘complete relaxation’.  I couldn’t get up.  I just laid there for a few minutes until my body decided to work again.  But, once I got up and got moving again, I did feel better.  I do think there is a bunch of magnesium spray in my immediate future though.

One thing I have been thinking about is ‘why now’?  The pessimist in me says that I have been overweight my entire life, and what makes me think I can change at this point.  And, I’m 42 years old.  Why bother?  But, then the optimist chimes in and says that I can do anything I put my mind to.  And, I’m barely halfway through life.  Why not be as healthy and thin as possible?  Wouldn’t it be great to turn 45 in the best shape of my life?  To be able to go places and do things that I’ve never considered doing?  That is the voice I want to listen to.

Day 15 - Week 2 Results are IN!

I was worried for nothing.  This morning the scale read 338.5!  That’s 4 pounds this week and 9.5 so far.  I am really, really excited.  It’s nice to get on the scale and have the numbers move.  It was definitely worth all the aches and pains and effort to see a 4 pound loss this week.  I wasn’t able to take a picture today, but will definitely post one tomorrow. 

I am going to try to give myself a small reward every week, just to remind myself that this really is hard work and I do deserve something special.  Last week I got my hair cut, this week I cashed in a groupon for an hour long massage.  Now, that’s definitely not a small thing, but wow was it nice!  I had never had a massage before, so I had no idea what to expect.  I came out with all my aches and pains melted away, feeling like a whole new person.  I am going to have to watch for more massage groupons!  I almost forgot.  I found an article that says massage is being shown to reduce inflammation.  How’s that for an excuse?

Since I didn’t want to exercise after the massage and lose all the benefits, I did all my exercise early in the day.  I did two different 4 mile walking videos.  And, I definitely got the order wrong.  The second one was so much harder than the first.  I really didn’t think I was going to finish.  But, I did.  Somehow.  Then I collapsed in a heap for a while and drank several glasses of water.

We took today off from the hyperbaric chamber, so it was nice to come home, make a nice spinach salad for dinner, and just relax with Michael for the evening.  I’m not really sure what he thinks about my new exercise habits, but I’m sure he is finding it odd.  He has been really good about giving me the physical space to do the videos, and has figured out that I can’t really talk when I’m on the elliptical.  Other than that, I guess it doesn’t really impact his life very much.

It does seem to be impacting my life though.  I am noticing that I have been sleeping like a brick lately, and wake up feeling more rested than I have in a long time.  I do wake up with aches and pains that I could do without.  But, it’s nice to feel like I am accomplishing something.  Every day does seem to be getting easier.  Who knows, maybe one day it won’t feel so hard?  For now, I am just going to focus on meeting my goals and loving the results so far. 

Day 14 - Things to Consider

Today was a pretty good day.  I did two thirty minute sessions on the elliptical and one 4 mile video.  I hate missing the gym, but it was kinda nice to just get everything done at home today.  I’m tired, but, strangely, I feel good too.  It’s almost like my body wants to get used to this.  Or something.  I’m not quite sure what’s going on, but I think it’s good.

I had a couple of long chats today with people who really care about me.  One is concerned that I’m not giving my body enough time to rest and heal.  So, in a week or two, I might just take off a long weekend and see how I feel.  The idea makes me nervous, but I do understand the concern.  It’s definitely something I will mull over.

The other chat was in a similar vein.  She knows how much of a perfectionist I can be, and is worried that I will have a hard time when life really does get in the way and I can’t get my exercise in.  I promised her that if that happens, I will freely admit that I messed up, or had something come up, and then jump right back in.  The point of this blog is to keep me honest, not to keep me in a straight jacket.  So, if I mess up, please forgive me, but keep supporting me. 

Tomorrow is the end of week two.  I’m really excited, and nervous too.  I don’t think the scale will be as generous this week as it was last week, but that’s ok.  I actually feel like some things are getting looser already, and that is incredibly motivating.  And, that’s why I am also doing the pictures.  I love the idea of having multiple ways to judge my success:  the scale, the pictures, my clothes, and how I feel.  And right now, I just feel happy and hopeful.

Day 13 - Living My Priorities

Today was the first real test of my resolve.  A friend is leaving the area and there was a good-bye dinner tonight.  There was no way I could go into the office, get Michael an hour in the chamber, get in two hours of exercise, and go to the dinner.  So, after thinking about my priorities, I decided to take the day off.  It was great!

Since I got to sleep in a little bit, I was well rested.  Then, after Michael went to school, I was able to go to the gym and have 3 hours of exercise time.  I was able to go on the exercise bike to warm up, do a set in the circuit training area, go to a water aerobics class, and then go to a mat pilates class.  I was dead tired when I got home, but wow, it was actually fun.  (Except for feeling like I was about to die during pilates, that was not a high point.)

I didn’t set out to do three hours at the gym.  I just had things I wanted to try and the opportunity to try them.  Since I normally work during the day, I just hadn’t been able to try the circuit, or the pilates class.  I loved that I actually wanted to try something new.  And, even though I was terrible at it, I had fun.  And, after class was over, a couple of the women had suggestions for still more classes to try.  It scares me that I am actually starting to like the time at the gym.

All that said, I am incredibly sore, and don’t even want to think of the pain I will wake up to in the morning.  But, I am also proud of myself.  I like the choices I am making.  Even at dinner, I found an option that fit perfectly into my plan and stuck with it.  It makes me smile that I didn’t even think about cheating.  This is definitely a new me.

So, although I am incredibly sad to see my friend leave, I am really happy with the priorities she helped me find.  Thank you!

Day 12 - Ouch!

What a day!  I think coming off a rest day is harder than just keeping going.  I did manage to get all my exercise in, but it was hard!  For the record, I did a 4 mile video, 20 minutes on the elliptical, and 40 minutes of yoga.  It was hard to get it all in, but I did.  My muscles are definitely really sore, and taking a day off seemed more like a tease than anything else.

After the yoga, it was time to take Michael into the chamber.  Laying in one position for over an hour after all the exercise was just excruciating today.  I’m not sure why it was so bad, but when it was finally time to come out, I just wanted to sit in a corner and cry.  But, that couldn’t happen.  So, we took care of evening chores and now it’s time for him to go to bed.

Another thing I wanted to focus on today was staying hydrated.  I figure I am averaging over a gallon of liquid a day.  Not too bad, but with the amount of exercise and sweat, I probably need more.  Tomorrow I will track how much I actually drink and see if paying attention has me drink more.  Being slightly dehydrated could definitely account for some of the extra fatigue and muscle soreness.  Of course, so could going from doing a couple hours of exercise a week to two hours a day. 

I think with all the pain and exhaustion, I’m just not feeling as enthusiastic about this challenge as I have been  But, it’s only been a week, so I figure I need to push through and hope that when I come out the other side I am feeling better and my motivation gets better.  I will do this!

Day 11 - Rest Day?

I had the best intentions last night.  I was going to go to bed, have a great night’s sleep, and enjoy my rest day today.  My muscles were going to heal, and I would be back to full strength tomorrow.  Sounds good, huh?  Didn’t quite happen.

Even though I got to bed early last night, Michael was restless and so the two of us were up pretty much from 3 am on.  So much for the two of us getting a full night’s sleep.  He went to school and I went to work, both of us cranky.  Plus, I was sore from the circuit training yesterday.  So, I am getting ready to end this day just as tired and sore as I was last night.  Not quite what I had planned on.

But, tomorrow is a new day, and tonight is a new night.  I am going to try the going to bed early thing again, and hope that Michael actually sleeps tonight.  Who knows, maybe I’ll feel rested and ready to get back to my two hours of exercise first thing in the morning.  If not, there is always next Tuesday, right?

But, I am learning that I am stronger than I know.  I will get twelve hours of exercise in over the next six days, and I am going to meet my goals.  It might not be easy, but I am worth the effort, and I will do this!

Day 10 - Introducing Strength Training

Today really was a Monday.  It was hard for me to get moving and keep my motivation for the day, but I did it.  Did I mention it was hard?  I did a 4 mile video first thing this morning, and then went to meet with a trainer at the gym at lunch time. 

The trainer session is a standard start up session for all new members.  She asked me a bunch of questions, had me use the treadmill for several minutes, and then showed me around the weight circuit.  It’s been a long time since I’ve used any of those machines, and my muscles felt it!  She wrote a card for me to tell me my seat position and weight for each of the machines.  I just hope I remember everything we talked about when I go back!  Then, we talked about the different classes that are offered, and she suggested a few I might like to try.  Not bad for an orientation type session.

After work I still had 30 minutes to get in, so I got on the elliptical and cranked it out.  No intervals, just straight cardio.  I just don’t think my legs had the strength for intervals today.  It was really strange, it was the hardest session on the elliptical in some ways, and the easiest in others.  I really had to push myself to get on and stay on, but at some points, I actually found myself enjoying the movement.  I’m not sure what it means, but it’s interesting.

Tomorrow will be a rest day, and I really, really need it.  I am planning on going to bed early tonight and really taking advantage of some time to let my body recover from all the abuse.  I’m sure everything that is talking to me at the moment will thank me tomorrow night!  I really think the only thing saving me right now is going into the hyperbaric chamber with Michael.  I started out only going in because he can’t go by himself.  Now, I find myself really looking forward to the sessions. I think the biggest benefit for both of us is the anti-inflammatory effect.

I read an article online today that was talking about how HBOT can help with inflammation in children with autism.  It talks about reducing CRP, which is an overall indicator of inflammation.  I know my marker has been high for many years now.  So, I am hoping that the therapy will help both Michael and me.  What I do know is that my aches and pains aren’t nearly as bad as they should be for all the exercise.  HBOT has to play at least a small role in that. 

Now, it is time to get my son to bed, and who knows, I might just go to bed really, really early myself.  Good night!

Day 9 - Sunday, My Favorite Day

Sunday, wonderful  Sunday!  It was so nice to sleep in this morning, then scoot out to water aerobics.  It was a great class today, lots of energy, and a terrific workout.  Then, I got home and spent some time with Steve and Michael, just relaxing.  We grilled burgers on the deck, and Michael got to practice setting and clearing the table.  Then, I did a 4 mile video and collapsed in a little heap.  Add in 90 minutes of HBOT, way too much Mario kart and it was a full, but relaxing day.

This afternoon, I was thinking about all the reasons I want to do this.  I know that one big reason is that I need to get healthy so Michael will have a mother and Steve will have a wife.  My current weight is just not healthy, and it doesn’t bode well for a long life. And yes, having better eating and exercising habits will set a much better example for my son.  But, I realized this afternoon that I really am doing this for myself.

I want to be thin and healthy.  I have never been in my entire adult life.  I’m 42, that’s a long time to be feeling sluggish, bloated, and generally unhappy with my body.  I hear about people who are full of energy, who are the embodiment of health.  I want that for me.  So, even though it is a hard road ahead, I am finally recognizing that it is a selfish goal, and I am happy with that.  Every time I have tried to lose weight because someone else wanted me to, I failed.  This time, I am truly doing it for myself, and I expect to succeed.

Day 8 - First Weigh In

The results are in!  My first official weigh-in is 342.5, for a loss of 5.5 pounds.  Not bad for the first week!  I am really happy.  I am not sure I’ve ever lost so much weight in one week before.  Hopefully, this is just the beginning, and each week will be a good weigh in.

It was a pretty good day, too.  I started out with water aerobics.  I had hoped to stay and swim some laps after class, but it didn’t quite work out that way.  It was probably a good thing, because I was pretty tired after the class.  I did manage to fit in a 4 mile walking video and a 25 minute yoga dvd.  For just over 2 hours ofv exercise for the day.  So, it was definitely a good exercise day.

It was also a great food day.  Steve made a meatloaf to have for dinner, with lots of leftovers for the week.  And, I deiled a dozen eggs.  The refrigerator is stocked with a ton of veggies, and I have more organic veggies coming in this week.  The only down side was that we couldn’t grill because of the rain.  So, one task saved for tomorrow.  Other than that, meal planning and prep is done for the week.

Although my knees are still pretty sore, I think I am noticing a small uptick in overall energy.  I’ve been able to do more chores around the house and generally be more active than I have been all week.  So, I am optimistic that the fatigue might be fading and I can start to do more than just exercise and recover!

The day isn’t quite done yet.  I still have to go into the hyperbaric chamber with Michael and get him to bed.  Then there is laundry to fold and other exciting tasks.  But, I think I am going to sleep well tonight and dream of a successful first week.

Day 7 - One Week In!

I made it through the first week!  In a lot of ways it was harder than I expected.  I mean, I knew it was going to be hard to find time to exercise, and I knew I am really out of shape, but I didn’t expect the level of pain during the workouts.  And I really didn’t expect the level of fatigue and soreness after.  But, I have also been pleasantly surprised by all the support I’ve been getting.  All the people who have liked my facebook site, and sent positive comments, thank you.  When I want to forget I ever started this, I realize I have to keep going, just so I don’t disappoint you. 

As a reward for making it through my first week, I got a haircut today.  My hair had been down below my shoulders, but it was just feeling hot and unmanageable.  I’ve never been one to like sweating, and sticky, sweaty hair was just not fun.  So, it’s now short.  Really short.  I think it looks cute.  Hopefully, when I post my progress picture, you’ll agree.

Today was a pretty good exercise day.  I did the five mile walking video and an hour yoga class.  That actually put me at 2 ¼ hours for the day.  Not bad!  And before you even think that yoga isn’t a workout, you have to try it.  I was sweating profusely before the warmup was even finished.  There are still some poses that are going to take me time to learn, but I’m really proud of myself for trying something new.  Especially when I know that there are a LOT of yoga positions that are just not friendly for my body type.  I guess I will really know I’ve made a difference in my body when I can do all the positions in the class.

I think I am going to give my joints a bit of a break and try to do two water workouts tomorrow.  One will be the water aerobics class, and I’m thinking I might just swim laps after class.  That will still leave me about 45 minutes to do at home, but I’ll figure that out.

One last thought for the night:  the morning is a whole lot easier if you pack the gym bag before you go to bed.  I have my bag packed with everything I will need to take with me, and all my clothes laid out waiting.  That way, I won’t wake anyone up when I sneak out in the morning, and I can have five minutes extra sleep.  I like it!

Day 6 - Fatigue Sets In

Today was a really good day – but I am totally exhausted.  I thought it would be great to only have two workouts today, so I did one 5 mile video that was 1 hour and 15 minutes and one 45 minute water aerobics class.  Nice and simple, right?  Except for the overwhelming desire to die at mile 4 of the video!  OK, maybe I’m exaggerating, but exhaustion has definitely set in.

Now, before you ask me what I was thinking just jumping into 2 hours of exercise a day, let me explain myself.  I really thought that I was ready for this.  I have been exercising sporadically for months.  But never more than 20 or 30 minutes at time.  I have also been taking a lot of supplements, trying to get my body healthy.  And, I’ve been going into the hyperbaric chamber with my son for almost a year as part of his therapy.  I really believed that all this was going to prepare me (just a little) for this journey.  I think I was wrong.

But, I’m not giving up, or cutting back.  I am just complaining a little.  I actually love that my body CAN do this level of exercise, even if it is complaining a lot.  I have talked with several friends who have started fitness programs, and they are all telling me the same thing:  just push through the best you can, and your body will come around eventually.  So, here I am saying I am doing just that. 

The one thing that I am not having trouble with is the diet.  I’m really not sure why, but I haven’t had any sugar or carb cravings this time.  In fact, I almost forgot to eat dinner tonight. So, I am guessing that my body really prefers this diet.  All the veggies and protein seem to be agreeing with me.  I have allowed room for some fruits in my program, but to be honest, I haven’t wanted them.  This is a HUGE change for me.  I’m still trying to wrap my head around this.  If you have any ideas what might be going on, please leave a comment!

Day 5 - Expect the Unexpected

Ever have a day where everything you planned went out the window?  Today was that kind of day.  I actually did get up at 5am and spent 45 minutes on the elliptical.  Then, I went and picked up my boss and drove up to our training class.  But, when we got there, we found out we didn’t need to be there after all.  So, I ended up in the office with no lunch and no plan.  Fortunately, I was able to find a nice green salad for lunch that fit into my plan perfectly.  I just didn’t have my typical snacks.  It ended up working out OK, but it put me home later than I had hoped.

As soon as I got home, I changed and put in another 30 minutes on the elliptical.  It was hard, because I was already tired, but I did it.  And, I was really looking forward to aqua zumba tonight.  Then, I got a text from my cousin explaining that the pool was closed because of lightening, and she didn’t know if it would re-open for class.  I ate the dinner my husband put in front of me, packed my bag, crossed my fingers, and got in the car. 

When I got to the gym, the pool was still closed, but I managed to catch my cousin before she left.  She had finished her workout, but put in another 45 minutes on a recumbent bike, just to keep me company.  (Did I mention how sweet and dedicated she is?)  By the time we were finished, my legs felt like they were going to fall off.  But, at least I got the two hours in.  It was nice to chat and catch up on family, and still feel like I was ‘being good’.

I guess the lesson I needed to learn today was to be flexible.  Whenever I get really caught up in my plans, it seems that life will throw me a curve ball.  But, if I can be flexible, I might just be surprised by something good.

Day 4 - My First Rest Day

Today was a rest day.  I know it’s only day 4, but Tuesdays are a really impossible schedule, and there are no classes at the gym I can take.  So, Tuesdays are my official rest day.  Tomorrow is going to be another challenging day.  I am planning on getting up at 5:00 so I can do 45 minutes on the elliptical before work, then half an hour after, then a 45 minute aqua zumba class.  It will make for a long day, but I will do it.

I guess I should probably take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and why I started this journey.  I have been overweight since puberty, graduating high school at around 225, college around 250, and then steadily climbing over the years.  I was diagnosed with PCOS around 12 years ago.  The doctors told me it would get a little better if I could lose weight, but that it would be almost impossible to do so.  I was diagnosed with thyroid issues about 2 years ago.  The doctors all told me to do my best, but no one really expected me to ever be able to lose weight.

I have an incredibly supportive husband who will do anything in his power to help me with this journey.  I cannot express in words how much that means to me.  I also have a son with autism.  He has taught me to never listen to what someone tells you can’t do.  Things are so much harder for him than for ‘typical’ kids, but he is making progress every day.  If he can defy the odds and do things he was never supposed to do, then I can too.  If I can work half as hard as he does, I will lose more weight than I ever dreamed.

I am also fortunate enough to work from home three days a week most weeks.  This week is only two days, but that’s more of an exception.  Working from home gives me the flexibility to exercise before work, during my lunch break, and after work.  It also lets me keep healthy snacks in the refrigerator for whenever I need them. 

It feels that right now everything is in place for me to do this.  I have a plan, support, and great exercise options.  I am hoping that this blog will keep me focused and accountable.  Who knows, maybe I’ll even make a friend or two along the way.

Day 3 - Real Life, with Pain

Today was a bit of a reality check.  Trying to fit in a full time job, my family commitments, and 2 hours of exercise was definitely a challenge.  I had to get a little creative, but I did it.  I did 2 thirty minute sessions on the elliptical and an hour in the pool.   I have to say again how nice it is to have a workout buddy for some of the exercises.  I met my cousin at the pool tonight, and we did the water aerobics class together.  It does make the class seem faster when you have company!

One thing they never talk about on the show is muscle soreness and pain after working out.  My body is starting to strenuously object to this new regimen.  Even though I’m focusing on doing the most joint friendly program possible, I woke up during the night feeling like my arms were trying to separate from my body.  My knees and ankles throb.  I’ve been taking ibuprofen and using a magnesium/arnica rub.  It helps, but wow, I still feel it.  On one hand, it means that I’ve been working.  On the other hand:  ouch!

But, the best part about today is that it proved to me that it is possible.  I got my son off to school, did an hour of therapy with him when he got home, and even played some.  For work, I helped a lot of clients with problems, and did a little bit of coding.  So, life goes on, even with two hours missing from my schedule.  It seems silly, but it’s a huge relief!

I am looking forward to tomorrow.  My regular rest day will be Tuesdays.  There aren’t any classes at the gym that I can take, and I’m in the office all day.  So, it seems like the perfect rest day.  My arms, legs, and joints are looking forward to it!

Day 2 - So far, so good!

Day two – finished!  I am so excited that the first two days have gone really smoothly!  I woke up this morning and met my cousin at the gym.  I knew she was a member, but didn’t know if she’d be interested in going to water aerobics classes with me.  I called and she said yes!  It was so much easier getting out of bed this morning knowing that I would know someone in the class.  And the class itself was fabulous.  I got a really great workout but my knees and ankles were perfectly fine.  That is amazing in itself.

After the water class, I stayed at the gym and did another 45 minutes on a recumbent bike.  I was hoping to do an hour, but my feet were burning so badly I wanted to quit after 30 minutes.  I was so proud of myself for making it to 45, especially knowing I still had the elliptical at home.  I know on the show Chris Powell is always encouraging people to work through the pain and not let their body win, but I think this time I made the right choice.  I did get 30 minutes on the elliptical to round out my 2 hours, and I feel amazing.  OK, I feel exhausted, but incredibly proud of myself.

I haven’t been talking about the food part of my plan very much.  With both the Paleo and Dr. Wahls diets, the emphasis is on protein and LOTS of veggies.  That really fits in with my preferences.  I had converted to this way of eating a few months ago, so I don’t have a lot of cravings, or diet drama. 
What I can say is that I make a great salad, and killer deviled eggs!

Tomorrow is going to be a big challenge.  I have been able to get my two hours in fairly easily over the weekend.  Going back to work tomorrow is going to make it that much harder.  I am planning on how I will get it done, but I’ll wait until tomorrow to let you know if it works.  Good night!

Day 1 - Starting my Program

So, today was the official day one.  The morning started off a little rocky – I had to get up early to make a 9:15 water aerobics class, and needed to get on the dreaded scale.  These were definitely not high on my list of Saturday morning favorites.  But, I got out of bed and got on the scale.  348.  Not a happy number.  But, like they say on the show, you need to know where you are starting.  So, I recorded the number and decided that I will never see it again.

The next task was a lot more fun.  I remember that I used to love water aerobics, so I was excited to get ready for the class this morning.  It was only a 45 minute class, but it definitely got you moving!  I had a wonderful time, met some great women, and got an excellent workout.  After class was over, I did 45 minutes of lap swimming, alternating between the kickboard and the breast stroke.  I just don’t have the strength or stamina for much else yet.  But, I will get there!

I guess that’s probably what I love the most about water workouts; you can just start where you are.  The water is so gentle on your joints, and because you stay cool, the workout seems to fly by.   I know I have a ton of room for improvement, but it is still day one.  I have time.

After I got home from the gym, it was time to cool down and get the ‘before’ picture.  It’s not beautiful, but it’s me.  I am hoping that after this year is over, the ‘after’ picture will show a much smaller and healthier person.  I am planning on weighing in every week, and posting a new picture every two weeks.  I really hope to see a difference in each picture!

The rest of the day is kind of a blur.  I did get half an hour on the elliptical, so I met my goal of 2 hours of exercise.  That made me really happy, and totally exhausted.  But, I love setting a goal and meeting it.  It was a great food day, too.  So, even though it started out with an early wake-up, it ended up being an overall great day.  I am looking forward to see what tomorrow brings.

Starting My Journey

Back in February, I had convinced myself that I was a perfect candidate for the television reality show, Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition.  I went through every worry and excuse I had, then drove to Philadelphia to audition.  I thought I was perfect; I even had the entire year mapped out in my head.  Unfortunately, they didn’t agree.  I didn’t even get a call back.  I was crushed.  But, now that the show has started airing again, I’m all fired up and ready to finally lose the weight.  So, I decided to do it on my own.

I know it will be a lot harder without a trainer with me every step of the way and a film crew for motivation, but I’m hoping that this blog can help.  I’ve put a lot of thought into my ideal plan, so today is one last day of prep and tomorrow the fun starts.

My plan:

·         Follow a Paleo /Wahls diet (lots of vegetables, protein, healthy fats, and some fruits)

·         Exercise two hours a day, six days a week – a combination of yoga, strength training, water aerobics, swimming, and whatever else I can do.

·         Build in some time for relaxation and meditation wherever possible.

·         Document my progress with a picture and weigh in every two weeks.

It’s a big plan, but I have done a lot of prep work already. 

·         I joined a gym today, so I have a place to work out. 

·         I have an elliptical trainer at home, so I can work out in private when I want to.

·         The refrigerator and pantry are stocked with healthy foods.

·         All my trigger foods are gone.

It will definitely be a challenge, but I am up for it.  I know that others have been able to do this, even those older than me, and those with more weight to lose.  Besides, I’m pretty stubborn.  Once I make my mind up that I am going to do something, I will do it.

I hope that you will come along with me on this journey over the next year.  I am not sure if I’ll be able to achieve the dramatic results that you see on television, but I am going to give it everything I have.  I will report in every day and let you know how it’s going.