A year ago I made up my mind to get in shape. 30 was looming over a
year away and I wanted to feel better when I turned 30 than I did a few
months before 29. I started by walking here on campus in the mornings.
When summer started to roll around it just got too stinking hot and the
opportunity opened up for me to join the gym with a few of my friends.
Throughout the summer we were hard core, sometimes doing 2-a-days and
challenging each other to be there every morning. As Summer ended and
we welcomed fall and the peace and quiet that comes with the tourists
going home, schedules got crazy. Our morning workouts had at some point
shifted to evenings after work, but with only Monday and Thursday
evenings free that didn't leave me much time to hit the gym. Then the
conference season started and that really threw me off schedule. I
stuck to it as much as I could, but wasn't pushing myself the way I
wanted to.
In a year I haven't lost a whole lot of weight, but
my body has changed and I am DEFINITELY in better shape than I was this
time last year. It was all I could do to walk a mile when I started.
Now I'm doing 3.1 miles, plus a cool down, and alternating walking and
running. My lungs still need some help, I literally have to concentrate
on breathing during the running/jogging intervals, but otherwise I'm
doing well. Considering most of my life I have been inactive, except
when forced to be by PE class in school, I don't think it's too shabby.
The best part is I recently had to purchase new jeans, and when I did
so was able to purchase a size that I have not bought since I moved to
Florida 11 years ago. WOOT! Even better, though annoying for my pocket
book, is that my new jeans only make it about 2 wears before being too
stretched out to be cute and requiring both a wash and a dry. I may be
buying a smaller size before too long.... a size I don't think I've worn
since clothing sizes coincided with my age!
This morning with
renewed determination I got up before the sun and went to the gym. I
did about 50 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights. Last night
before bed I prepped and set the coffee pot to start brewing at 5:20am.
As I suspected the smell of coffee helped me get out of bed and on my
way. Drinking most of it on the way to the gym woke me up and drinking
the rest on the way home kept me from falling back asleep. Now in the
solitude of my living room I'm drinking another cup and gathering my
thoughts before starting another week.
I started working out last
year for me, no one else, just me. Now, though I continue to do it for
me, I also do it with a May bridesmaid dress in mind and someday a
wedding gown of my own. (Don't get too excited... I'm just saying the
day will come...) I also do it because it feels good when people say,
"Whatever you're doing keep it up. You look great!" Being that I am a
"words of affirmation" kind of girl it motivates me. (Check out the 5
Love Languages quiz. http://www.afo.net/hftw-lovetest.asp)
Right
now I face the early mornings alone. Everyone else is on a crazy diet
that has been deemed "the diet of death" and can't work out. They are
loosing as much as two pounds a day, and though mine is coming off
slower I feel proud of my efforts. I know that every pound that comes
off has been melted by my own determination, my own blood, sweat and
tears! Then again I don't mind going to the gym alone. It was nice
having everyone there over the summer, having the accountability, but
the gym has become my "me" time. I can think, reflect, pray... I like
it! Though I must admit... when a good worship song comes on my play
list it's often challenging to hold myself back so I don't look like a
total loon! It's cool though to know I am meeting with God, basking in
His presence, amidst all of the machines and sweat! :)
I'm
adding a section to my blog dedicated to my daily journey to be a
slimmer version of myself. 30 is 2 months and 1 day away. I think I'm
going to face it like a Spider Monkey, all jacked up on caffeine and
endorphins! This is going to be an amazing year, 2010, turning 30, IT'S
ON!
I'd love for you to join me on this journey, whether by
doing something to get moving yourself, or just by reading my
adventures. Now I must hit the shower so I don't stink at work! ;)
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