Current Struggle: Letting ‘chores’ slide to put me/exercise first.

Current Weight: 160.8

Current Mood: Invigorated! ****************************************************************

Hello Everyone,

Notice my Christmas colors : )  The last 2 weeks of November and this month are very busy and I’m sure all my readers can relate to that.  Between the family get-togethers, Christmas shopping, work, school, and normal everyday activities…whew…time can fly by.  This has caused a problem for me in my nutrition.

You see, when I get busy, I forget to eat.  Yes, I know what you are thinking.  Well, that should make losing weight easy; however, that is not true.  You may lose weight (water and muscle), but you will also put your body into starvation mode.  In this mode, your body is very greedy with calories and stores as many as possible as fat.  So, even though you are exercising, staying active and eating less…you gain weight and lose muscle.

Plus, it wears your body down when you don’t have the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.  Yes, you guessed it.  I got a cold.  Thankfully, it was just a miserable cold and not the flu or worse.  I decided it was time to dust off a plan I used at the beginning of this adventure–enter my cell phone alarm.  Now, I set my alarm to go off every 3 hours to remind me to stop and eat-something healthy : )   Yes, I have to clarify that statement, because us Americans are really use to getting what we want immediately…such as food to go.  This isn’t a bad thing on a once-in-a-while basis, but it can be if it is your go-to meal on a lot of your days.  Yes, I do eat at McDonalds, Burger King and Wendys.  But I get a plain burger, side salad, and water at McDs, a whopper junior with no cheese, mayo, or ketchup, skim milk and a salad at Burger King and plain baked potato and small chili with water at Wendys (only eat half the potato topped with half the chili). 

 Okay, with the nutrition part taken care of, I am still having trouble letting chores slide.  You know what I’m talking about: you go into the livingroom/den (where ever you exercise) to workout with one of your favorite DVDs and on the way you notice the rug needs vacuuming, dust or unfolded clothes.  DO NOT DO THEM UNTIL AFTER YOU EXERCISE–let’s face it, the chores will still be there waiting on you when you are finished.  However, if you put off exercising until you finish your chores…well, let’s just put it this way…I would hardly ever exercise : (  So, even though it is in the back of my mind…I know my family, as well as myself, benefits more with the exercise I am doing.

Take one day at a time with an ‘I will do it’ attitude and YOU will! 

Current Struggle: Letting ‘chores’ slide to put me first.

Current Weight: 164.8 (up 2 pounds from previous Julie weigh-in.)

Current Mood: Invigorated! ****************************************************************

Hello All!  I trust your November is going well.  Mine is flying by…you know how it is…time flys when you are having fun.  I have put myself on the ‘front burner’ so to speak.  It feels great and not so great at the same time.  Great because for the first time in a long time I am putting me first…not so great because the chores that need to be done everyday aren’t getting finished as quickly as before.  However, I have learned that by putting myself first…I like me more.  I like how I feel.  My outlook and attitude has changed for the better.  I find it easier to recognize the stress triggers in my life and cope with them in a more healthful way than before.  Yoga and deep breathing help no matter where you are : )

On November 2nd, I started working out with a personal trainer (Gwen of Better Body Sculpting) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  It is definitely a love/hate relationship.  She doesn’t cut me any slack.  She is definitely from the tough love school–she expects and gets 110% from me.  Even when I don’t think I have one more lift or ten more steps left in me…she gets it.  On the days that I don’t work out with her, I get ‘homework’ assignments of cardio and stretching.  Sunday is my day for rest and family funtime.  We took my measurements at the beginning and will take them again at the end.  I would put them in this blog, but I haven’t gotten a copy from Gwen yet.  I will definitely put them in my next blog between November 16th and 30th.

Speaking of exercise, yesterday we had our last group Forum class, which is sad to think about.  It was an awesome class that combined strength training and cardio by doing a strength exercise for 55 seconds, then going on to the next strength exercise without any rest and working different muscles at each station.  I am feeling it this morning…so I did some yoga stretches.  Hopefully I can get a group to go with me on nonconsecutive Saturdays until our Forum membership is up…if not, I will definitely miss my ‘partners in pain’ : )

Thanks to Gwen, I am back to writing down everything I eat to keep track of my caloric intake (1200).  I also write down every exercise (strength and cardio) to keep track of the calories I expend (350-600).  I was really surprised to find that most days I do not take in enough calories, which is probably why I hit a plateau.  My body was going into starvation mode and holding onto the fat due to insufficient calories.  We will definitely see how this plays out on December 1, 2009.

In the spirit of this holiday month, I would like to express my thanks to the many people who have given to me.  First, to my family and friends…I don’t say it enough-I LOVE YOU!  You are always there when I need someone to listen, when I need a hug or when I need a swift kick.  Second, to WSB (Brandi in particular)…a heartfelt thanks for giving me the opportunity to experience this life transformation and helping me meet my fellow participants.  Third, to Julie, my Emory Dietician…thank you for being my diet guide and my therapist.  You helped me find my way back to my path.

Don’t forget to count your blessings everyday!  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Current Struggle:  Strength Training.

Current Weight: 164.8 (up 2 pounds from previous Julie weigh-in.)

Current Mood: Rejuvinated. ****************************************************************

Letting go of ‘baggage’ is very hard to do.  I know because I have been lugging mine around for a long time.  There are lots of reasons why I have done this.  It is familiar, which is a big plus for staying in my comfort zone.  It is a known feeling–nothing scary about that.  It is easier than letting go and moving forward.

However, it is also a major impediment to living in the ‘here and now’ and setting goals for a bright future.  This month I had an epiphany:  This revelation happened when I realized I have been holding onto a lot of emotional ’clutter’.  I have allowed hurts and disapointments in my past to control me and my present actions.  In these past eight months, I have been trying so hard to be my best, healthy, happy me; however, trying to do that while holding onto my baggage is like trying to jump for joy with weights attached to your ankles.  Your not going to get very high.  Don’t get me wrong, I am amazed at my progress in the challenge thus far.

What is even more amazing to me is the effort I put into going around the clutter…when life is so much easier when you sort through it, keep what is truly important (the lessons learned) and throw out the unimportant things.  Do not try to change things that you are not in control of…that is like banging your head against a brick wall–you are the only one with the headache and the wall is oblivous.  I’m not saying this is easy or pain-free…a resounding “NO” to both; however, it is so worth all the discomfort to come out on the otherside a renewed person with a different outlook on life and for life.  The freedom and relief this has brought me is vast.  The possibilities this gives me are immeasurable.

A special shout out to Ouida, Monica, and Gwen!  Your presence at the climb up Stone Mountain Saturday (10/24) was very much appreciated by me.  I enjoyed your conversation, camaraderie, and spirit while we climbed.  The climb and your presence was very apropos to reaffirming my epiphany this past month.  Thank you for being there!  Also, thank you Julie–my very helpful dietitian/theraphist for our meeting (10/21) for confirming my direction : ) 

LIVE WELL!

Current Struggle: I have been getting bogged down…life happens while you are making plans.

Current Weight: 162.8 (up 1.4 pounds from previous Julie weigh-in.)

Current Mood: Determined to reinvent my state of mind.

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Hello to all,

This is my favorite Helen Keller quote: ”Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”  I understand this quote, but sometimes I just feel like my character is developed enough.  You know?  Maybe, it is just the blues from all the rain…I was born in July and I really need Sunshine.  It does brighten my mood and this has been a month that needs brightening.  It will get better and I know this because I posted this quote all over my house:  “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them-everyday begin the task anew.”  It is by Saint Francis de Sales.  I believe it describes all of us (my fellow challengers as well as the people who are following along with us online.)

As for myself, it describes exactly how this past month has been.  I have been very impatient…with my plateau, my exercise routine, my house, my family, but mostly with myself.  I see everything I want to accomplish and I want it done now.  Yes, I know Rome wasn’t built in a day and I am not super woman…wouldn’t that be nice?  But this month knowing these things and patiently accepting these things are two different things.  In my impatience, I have turned to some of my favorite comfort food…and you’re right…it just added to my bogged down mood.  My daughter played me a Miley Cyrus song:  Nobody’s Perfect…from the actions of babes, we can learn a lot : )

So, I’m not perfect…I’m blue, impatient, feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water…so, Tina, what are YOU going to do about it?  Yes, I realize I am the only one who can do anything about my present state of mind (although, all advice would be very welcome).  I believe my impatience stems from trying to do to many things at the sametime.  I’m spread so thin…I can’t accomplish anything…except eating Oreo’s…had no problem eating 6 of them : (  So, my new goals for the next month are to divide and conquer. 

1). I will reorganize the house–one room at a time–starting with the Library/Game room.  Have you ever felt like you couldn’t breathe due to all the “clutter”…I’m sure someone could actually put to good use the things I am holding onto…for some forgotten reason.

2). I will change up my diet and exercise.   I believe my plateau is due to my body acclimenting to my routines.  I need to shake it up.  I have a meeting with Julie (Emory) on the 21st; so, I will discuss this with her.

3). I will have a family meeting with my children once a week.  I will pick Thursday night to discuss the past weeks events, as well as the up coming weeks events (mine and theirs)…we need to all be on the same page : )

4). I will cut myself some slack.  I’m totally stressing myself out over all these things that in the long run will not matter; except for the healthy eating and exercise.  Usually, when it comes to my children, I ask myself 3 questions before I freak out: Will it matter tomorrow?  Will it matter next week?  Will it matter next year?  If the answer to these questions is No…then it isn’t worth freaking out over.  I need to be as considerate of myself before stressing out!

Well, I feel much better…like maybe I can make it to shore and lay in the sun for a while…metaphorically speaking…’cause I burn quickly : )

Thanks bunches for reading and also for any comments!

Current Struggle: I have hit my first plateau and it is really doing in my previous conditioning/reinforcement behavior.

Current Weight: 162.8 (up 1.4 pounds from previous Julie weigh-in.)

Current Mood: Determined to stay on track in this down-hill slide!  

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Let me clarify my ‘current struggle’ statement.  Operant conditioning is the use of consequences to modify the occurrence and form of behavior.  In my circumstances, to lose weight, be healthy and energetic, requires I plan healthy meals and snacks, exercise (cardio, strenght training and flexibilty training) and above all be consistent with both of these.  In operant conditioning, reinforcement occurs when an event following a response causes an increase in the probability of that response occurring in the future.  My reinforcement was in the form of loosing weight and feeling healthy and energetic.  However, now I am at a plateau that quite honestly is killing my motivation!  Help!?  I spoke with Julie about it and we decided to ‘tweek’ my diet, but be careful not to drop lower than 1400 calories a day with the exercise I am doing.  Okay, I did that.  It has been 2 weeks and 3 days (but who’s counting) and I have actually gained weight!  According to my scale I now weigh 164 pounds.  Talk about killing my ‘get-up-and-go’ attitude : (  This is especially bad timing since my High School Reunion is Saturday (10/03).

So, I did what I always do when I have questions.  I research and read.  I googled ‘weight loss plateau’.  Whoa, I got 319,000 results and suddenly I don’t feel so ‘alone’ in my delimma.  Perk number 1 in doing research.  One hit in particular caught my eye, mainly because it was titled, “5 Ways to Break a Weight Loss Plateau.”  Perk number 2 in doing research.  Here they are, which is perk number 3 in doing research; maybe, I can help someone else who has this delimma.

The best single word of advice is to make a change.  What changes can you make?

 1. Zig-Zag Calorie Intake
Zig-zagging, or calorie cycling is the process of varying daily calorie intake, while maintaining the same weekly intake. Instead of consuming (for example) precisely 1800 calories each day – you can mix it up. Eat 1500 calories one day, and 2100 calories the next. This can be as simple as halving then doubling a portion size, or adding a post-workout shake into the plan. Just keep your body guessing.

2. Strength Training
If you are not doing this as part of your program or lifestyle, then it’s time to start. Working your muscles will help to strengthen bone tissue, increase lean mass, and ultimately boost metabolic rate. 

3. Change Your Exercise Routine
So you go walking a lot? Then try jogging, or swimming, or cycling — anything that will change the way your body is working. If you are doing low intensity cardio work, then try some high intensity exercise (such as HIIT).  HIIT is High Intensity Interval Training, which is a form of cardio.  It involves intervals of varying intensities, with some of those intensitites quite high.  A typical HIIT routine will involve some bursts of ‘all-out’ training followed by periods oflower intensity that allow for active recovery even though you haven’t completely stopped exercising.  For example, on a treadmill, you might do a minute at 5 miles per hour (mph), then a minute at 6 mph, a minute at 7 mph, a minute at 8 mph, then you drop back down to 5 mph and repeat.  This is a popular method, but interval training can be as simple as doing an all-out sprint, jogging until your heart rate reaches a certain level, and then sprinting once again. 

4. Alter Macro-nutrient Intake
Although it sounds complicated, once again, the idea is to change what you are eating.  If you are eating a moderate diet that is higher in carbs – try eating less carbs and more protein.  There is no need to get super-technical over the whole thing.  If you have a carbohydrate snack every day at morning tea time – change it to a protein snack.  Whatever you are doing consistently – try mixing it up a bit. 

5. Change Meal Frequency
If you are eating three square meals a day – start adding snacks in between (which may mean reducing the portion size of the main meals). Eating often is an old and common style of eating – once again, you are trying to boost your metabolic rate.                                                                       

So, my dear reader, you might be like me and you’re thinking, but I know all that.  I have tweeked my eating.  I have added strength training.  I eat 3 mini meals and 2 snacks per day.  What else is there?  The article states that quite simply some of us seem to have more adaptive bodies than others.  So, what is the answer?  Chill out and back off…do not become obsessed.  Give your body and mind a break.  Every person is unique, and we must learn how our individual body responds – and how to work with that.

My 2 cents is this:  Don’t underestimate the damage ‘stress’ can do to you.  Stress can make you ‘toss in the towel’ or give up.  This can totally sabotage all of your previous hard work…not to mention the results you have gained so far.  So, calm down, do some yoga and don’t stress over the scale.  If you weigh yourself everyday, cut it down to once a week.  If that’s still stressful, weigh in twice a month.  The less you look at the number on the scale, the less you’ll think about your plateau.  Don’t forget to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.  Sleep allows the body to rest and rejuvenate.  If you’re not getting enough sleep, the body doesn’t get the proper recovery time and this can hinder weight loss.  Last, don’t freak out (remember slow deep breaths, in through your nose-out through your mouth-that’s good)…be patient with the process and don’t beat yourself up if the scale doesn’t move.  Just be happy with the progress you’ve already made.  Yea, Me!  Be happy that you’re exercising and eating healthy.  Yea, Me!  The rest will come in time!  : )  Thanks Bunches for the reminder, Bridgette!

Resources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinforcement

http://www.diet-blog.com/archives/2006/02/27/5_ways_to_break_a_weight_loss_plateau.php

http://wwwnaturalphysiques.com/faq/525.html

Yes, I admit I am a total geek : }

As you can see from the title of this blog…I am feeling a wee bit challenged right now.  It seemed to have started after my personal trainer session.  I got really down and got knocked off my workout routine.  I was so looking forward to having someone knowledgable to workout with.  Anyway, feeling sorry for myself wasn’t getting me healthy; so, I decided to look else where for knowledgable strength training.  I found “The Firm: Total Body TransFIRMation System featuring The Firm CardioWeights.”  It is awesome.  It helped me workout the soreness from The Forum Atheletic Club fitness class last Saturday.  BTW, the class and instructor were both very motivating, which is why I was very sore. 

Then, just when I get my cardio/strength balance going, I hit a weight plateau (spelling).  It doesn’t seem to matter what I do, I cannot lose.  I have even gained weight since my last meeting with Julie.  She advised me to continue with my weight training and also gave me a tip sheet on snacks.  She also told me that as long as my cardio workout didn’t use weights (except body weight) I could do that every day and then use weights to strength train every other day.

In the mist of all of this, my daughter got sick.  I almost missed Saturday’s class because of it.  Fortunately, my Dad postponed his trip to stay home with her for me.  (Thanks, Daddy!)  I took her to the doctor who believed it was the ‘stomach’ bug going around.  After being advised to give her soup and ginger ale and Imodium AD, I took her home and put her in bed.  Yesterday, she went to school and I went to my meeting with Julie.  Today, I went to meet Brandi for an interview and while I was on my way, the school called because my daughter was sick.  My Daddy once again came to my rescue and picked her up.  I have an appointment at the doctor’s office tomorrow at 11:30 am.  If this is a stomach bug…it sure is a tough one.

Well, I must get to bed as it is very late and I still have to get my son up and ready for school tomorrow.  Thanks for listening to me…I feel better.

Good night and get moving tomorrow : )

Current Struggle: I admit I was seriously bummed after my ‘free’ meeting with the Personal Trainer and my exercise partner has to under-go doctor tests; so, I let that derail my exercising schedule.

Current Weight: 161.6 (according to my scale on 08/30/09)

Current Mood: Bummed but ready to accept ’no excuses’! 

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Hello to everyone who is ‘along for this ride.’  It has been a rough two weeks.  I hadn’t realized how much I was counting on having a ‘professional trainer’ to show me the right way to strength train; not to mention that added responsibility of having someone to answer to!  I got so depressed about it that I actually let my emotions derail me from my goal…being the happiest, healthiest me I can be.

I mean when it comes down to it neither I nor you really need a PT physically beside us to strength train.  Think about it this way…how many things in your lifetime have you learned?  A lot!  Were they all from having someone physically there telling and showing you what to do?  No!

People learn in a lot of different ways: seeing, manipulating, hearing, or a combination of all three.  I can read about something I want to learn and I might retain 1/3 of it.  I can listen to an aerobic instructor during a class and follow the instructions, but I will not retain even 1/3 of the exercise class routine.  However, if I get a book (read) and a video (seeing) and do (manipulating) what they both say…I can setup and learn my own strength training routine.  By watching the video, I will learn the correct form and by reading the book, I will learn the correct amount of reps and sets to do for what I want to achieve.  Of course, as my past has taught me…my best teacher is experience…and no, we don’t have to finish the rest of that saying : p

The book that I am reading to help set up my personal strength training routine is called, “The Ultimate Body 10 Perfect Workouts for Women” by Liz Neporent, M.A. and it is awesome.  It covers a beginner workout, weight loss workout, abdominal workout, leg and butt workout, upper-body workout, strength workout, gym workout, and stretch workout.  The last three are the ones I am concentrating on using for my routine.  Liz Neporent also has a book called “Weight Training for Dummies” that I am on the libraries waiting list for.

 Now that I have my routine in hand, the next step is for me to make a date with myself.  I need to decide when I want to workout and put it in my day planner.  That time is ‘me ‘ time and NO EXCUSES!  I also want to get equipment for using at home.  I have my body, a yoga mat, 5 lb dumbbells, walking shoes and cross-training shoes.  I want to get a set of dumbbells and maybe a kettlebell and exercise ball.

If anyone out there has an exercise routine they enjoy…please share via comments to this blog.  Thanks Bunches!!

Just keep moving…just keep moving!

Bye for now!

Current Struggle: I have set up a new schedule for exercising since my children are back in school.  Lillian, I can’t wait to meet you at 10 a.m. on Friday.  : )

Current Weight: 161.4 (according to Julie’s scale August 5th)

Current Mood: Adjusting well to my new routine : )

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Okay, here is the scoop on my meeting with a Personal Trainer on Monday.  We met at 11 a.m. and started with a discussion, as we warmed up on the eliptical machine, on where I was at physically thus far and what I wanted to accomplish with strength training.  I told him I wanted to do full body strength training.

After our discussion, we started working…okay, he started instructing and I started working : )  First, I held 5 pound dumbbells and did sidelunges while doing bicep curls.  I went to the left for a count of 12, rested a minute, to the right for a count of 12, rested a minute, and then repeated the sequence for two sets.  Then, I got water and moved to a step exercise.

He put the step up 4 platforms high, which I thought was really high for a beginner and we kept the dumbbells from the first exercise.  I did a right step up, and while I lifted my left knee up for a high knee, I lifted the dumbbells up above my head.  Then, I lowered the dumbbells, while I stepped down with my left foot and then my right foot.  I then repeated this stepping with the left foot first for a count of 12.  I did two sets of this exercise, got water, rested for 5 minutes and moved on to my next challenge.

For my third exercise in my full body workout, we kept the dumbbells and moved to what looked like a 2 inch rubber balance beam.  He had me place my left foot on the rubber balance beam, while I kept my right foot suspended.  When I was balanced, he had me lift the dumbbells from in front of me out to my sides (forming a T) making sure I did not lock my elbows.  I then lowered the dumbbells to my sides, and as I slowly lifted my right leg up behind me, he had me bring the dumbbells to my front making sure I kept my elbows bent.  Then, I lowered my arms to my side and lowered my foot to beside my left foot for a count of one.  He had me do 12 balancing on my left leg and 12 balancing on my right leg.  I again did two sets, got water, rested 5 minutes and moved to my next challenge.

For my fourth strength training exercise, we moved to a machine that held a barbell.  He adjusted the weight (no, I didn’t ask him how much he put on it…sometimes it is best not to know those things), put a cushion that looked like a pipe insulator on it and showed me how to work it.  I opted to work the barbell across my shoulders while I stood in front of the machine.  I had to place my feet about even with the front of the machine, lift and roll the bar to keep it from locking on me as I lowered my body into an almost sitting position, then squeezed my glutes and exhaled while I lifted the bar back up.  I did 12 reps and two sets of this exercise, also.  Then, I got water, rested for 5 minutes and moved to my next challenge.

My last exercise was on another machine.  It worked my biceps, triceps, pects, and various muscles in my shoulders and upper back.  Once again, the weight was set for me…didn’t ask…and I was told to climb up onto the platform with my knees resting in the middle.  I grabbed the first of three handles and proceeded to raise my body with my arms until I could just see above the machine, then lowered my body until my elbows were almost straight.  I did 12 reps and rested one minute.  Then, I grabbed the third of three handles and repeated the process for 12 reps.   I finished the reps, got water and then we begin my stretching/cool down.  For my cool down, he had me do a lot of yoga stretches that felt good.

I was hot, sweating, tired and I felt absolutely wonderful…until we discussed his PT fee.  I would really love to have someone standing beside me when I enter the gym to show me what to do and the correct way to do it; however, I cannot afford $60 per session for 24 sessions ($1,440 for 8 weeks meeting 3 times a week).  When I told him I couldn’t do that…he dropped it to $55 per session for 24 sessions ($1,320 for 8 weeks meeting 3 times a week).  Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe I AM TOTALLY WORTH IT…I just can’t afford it…There is a difference.  As a single momma living on a limited income (until I finish school), I know where my financial priorities are.  So, I have decided to use the one fullbody workout that I was given for free and hope that I run into some very knowledgable gym ’regulars’ who will show me how to use other machines and do other strength exercises.  I also went to the Library (my favorite exercise DVD place) and borrowed some strength training books.  Maybe, I can create my own workout routine.

Anywho, back to my workout.  It was awesome.  I was surprised I didn’t feel it Monday night.  I was a little sore on Tuesday morning and I got a little more sore by Tuesday night; however, it was only enough to make me realize I had gotten a really good workout…not the kind of sore that makes you not want to move for about a month : )

PS:  Oh, I just remembered something about Carolyn using her ‘bonus’ money for a personal trainer.  I will email her for more information.

Well, that’s my PT update…take care of yourselves and MOVE!

Current Struggle: I am struggling with creating a new schedule for my exercising with my children being in school.  Right now, their buses aren’t running on a set schedule (8 a.m. one morning and 8:20 a.m. the next) and the teacher’s don’t have all the required paperwork in my son’s new middle school.

Current Weight: 161.4 (according to Julie’s scale)

Current Mood: Tired, but trying to adjust to this new routine : )

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Hello Everyone,

As you can read from the information above, I am having a hard time getting acclimented to a new routine with this new school year.  I have two children in two different schools riding two different busses leaving at two different times in the morning and getting home at two different times in the afternoon…whew.  My son doesn’t get home until 5 p.m….it is almost like he has a 9-5 job.  My schedule for everyone is still very much a work in progress. 

I’m hopeful that the second week of school will help the bus drivers cement in a set time (give +/- 5 minutes) for picking up my children.  Then, I can set up a set morning routine for myself.  Right now, I am exercising with Wii Fit, Wii Active and a lot of different DVD’s from the library.  (Have I told everyone how much I really like my public library!  They are great, because I can try out a lot of different exercise routines from hip hop dance, belly dancing, cardio/strength training, aerobic and ballet.  Really, there are bunches of exercise routines so you can never get bored.)

But I digress…I am working on a set schedule for exercising because I need/want to go to the gym for strength training.  I am meeting a personal trainer Monday at 11 a.m. at the Lenox Forum.  It will be fun and challenging at the same time I’m sure and I can’t wait.

Meet me back here on Monday evening and I will pass on the knowledge I have gained….

Til then…take care and remember:  Keep Active! 

Current Struggle: I am struggling with eating; actually the lack of it.  When I get busy, I forget to eat my mini-meals and snacks.

Current Weight: 164.2 (according to Julie’s scale)

Current Mood: Ecstatic!!! After the OBC PT this morning : )

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Wow, I cannot believe how well I did during the OBC PT mid-point this morning.  You don’t know how nervous I was about it.  I couldn’t sleep last night.  Yes, I suffer from text anxiety; however, it is usually due to a Trig, COBOL or VB test.  So, last night and this morning I couldn’t believe how anxious I was.  I knew I felt better, looked better, and was a lot more active than I was 5 months ago, but I was still extremely worried about not doing as well as I did 5 months ago.

When I got to the park, I realized that I wasn’t the only participant who was worried.  Just about all of my peers commented on being nervous/anxious about the 1 mile run and exercises.  I have to admit hearing everyone else was nervous helped to ease my mind…a little : )

It turned out that not a single one of us had any reason to be anxious.  The feeling of not being able to excel after 5 months of training was a throw-back from our before training mentallity.  Once again, I and my peers were thinking from a place we no longer reside.  We have punched through many walls of ‘unhealthy’ thinking in the past 5 months and we are stronger physically and mentally for it.  This morning made me realize that it is so easy to slip back into that ‘unhealthy’ negative way of thinking and it happens to everyone at one time or another.  Sometimes it happens to me a lot.  I have to be aware of my inner voice and apparently so do my peers.

The bottom line is we all came thorugh it with flying colors…I am sooo proud of my Subway Get Fit Challenge Peers!  I would also like to give a shout out to our personal cheerleaders–the men and women of the OBC–Ya’ll are AWESOME!  I know I couldn’t have done as well as I did this morning without everyone of YOU!  THANKS BUNCHES.  Last, but definitely not least…a huge THANK YOU to our group leader: Brandi Harrison and her camera crew!