Cardio.....remix!

So after the wipeout on the treadmill Tuesday morning, I am now relegated to the bike. I don't hate the bike. I used to love the bike. But, I miss doing my normal routine. It's a little frustrating, but I understand it's only temporary. Given my history, I have to make sure that I do not do anything that could cause problems later on.

So, tonight I thought I would get in the upper body workout, and some cardio. I didn't really know what I would do for cardio but I knew I needed to try something. So, I did a little bit of treadmill… Little as in like three minutes maybe and then I did the bike for 22. There at the end it was starting to get sore so I quit. I'll be back tomorrow for a little bit more, and hopefully this bruising and swelling will go away. 

I am just itching to get back to my normal routine. Man, I never thought I'd say that! I was that girl… You know the one that avoided exercise like the plague! Now, my day doesn't feel complete if I haven't made it to the gym. 

I think part of the motivation is that I am so close to my goal , I can taste it. So close. Yet, so far away. When I get tempted to want that big juicy hamburger or that taco or that pizza I just have to remember how far have come and where I was just 2-1/2 months ago. 

So, here's to trying new things… And here's to busting my tail on something else until I can get back to my cardio routine.

Wipeout...

Yep. Did it. This morning. Off the treadmill. How? I don't know. All I know is I was looking at the parking lot, and then I was looking at the floor. Oh, and tangled up in someone else's elliptical machine. Glad they were not hurt (sorry, about that Michelle!). So, what hurts? Everything. But, it's like they said...everyone fails at something once. That was just an epic fail. I don't really have any visible bruising, but my left shin is pretty sore. I'm thinking the bruise will appear tomorrow. But I won't let that stop me. I got back up on the machine and although it took me a few minutes (okay, a lot of minutes) to get my bearings...and I ran...wasn't pretty and it wasn't long. And I used the safety clip this time...probably will for the foreseeable future! Oh well, the point is...you fall, you get back up. You fail, you try again. You can't let yourself completely fail because you had a fall. It's too important.

The bright side of this whole situation? I was able to get up by myself. Ten weeks ago I couldn't have done it. I got back on. Ten weeks ago, I'd have walked out of the gym and never come back. I have changed so much in the past ten weeks. I'd like to say that if I'd have known how great I feel compared to what I did feel - I would've done this years ago!

So what are you waiting for? Go inspire someone. Pick yourself up from the struggle you are facing and face it head on. Is there a fear you have? Go conquer it. Something you are afraid of doing? Do it. The struggles you face today and how you handle them will shape you into the person you'll be tomorrow.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

So remember I asked my trainer to up the game...well, he did. He remembered. I'm glad he did...now. I wasn't so happy at the time. In fact, his smart aleck comment, was "I can't wait to read the blog about this one..."

First, we had Small Group Training. We did drop-sets on chest press - I couldn't see the weights, so I don't know what they were, but they were heavy! Then, we did the seated cable fly...12 reps at 50 pounds, 10 reps at 65 pounds, 8 reps at 80 pounds, 6 reps at 95 pounds. Then, we did the chest press (you know, the one where you lay down). Started that one at just 20 pounds, and ended with 90 pounds. Not too shabby for a girl! In between the chest press, we had to do push-ups. Of course, mine were modified, but one day I will push out those push-ups like a champ!

Immediately thereafter, we did my regular training session. That was a circuit. First up, punching the punching bag as fast and hard as I could for 1 solid minute. Doesn't sound like a long time...until you do it! Then...clean and press with a 45 pound plate. 10 reps. I thought my arms were going to fall off. Three sets. After that, sprints in the exercise room for a solid minute. It's harder running on the regular floor than it is on the treadmill! After that, it was jumping. Yes, jumping. Jumping is a phobia of mine. I don't do it. I don't like it. I don't know what the phobia is about it...but I hate it. Then we did this thing with the medicine balls that is gonna make me hurt...up and over my head in an arc shape. Sara had to jump rope while I did more sprints. Then ropes. Then more sprints. Then we ended with compound rower 50 times at 35 pounds. Just for fun, afterward, Sara and I decided to try and plank. I have only been successful once (twice, now). This time I was able to plank for 14 seconds. Not long, not pretty, but 3 seconds longer and prettier than the first time. So, I'll take it. At one point, I was ready to quit, and he said, "Put your money where your mouth is..." meaning get off your behind and move! I gave him a look that could kill and moved on.

My goal is still 100 pounds by August 1. I am very close to reaching that goal. I have 45 days left...and not 45 pounds to go! So, until then, my game plan is:

1. Stay on track with meals/snacks.
2. Drink 1-1/2 gallons of water daily. (This is up about 1/4 gallon).
3. Cardio at least 1 hour each day.
4. Weights at least 20-30 mins. each day.
5. Get enough sleep.
6. Jog on the treadmill more.

So there ya have it. I'll keep you posted on the progress. It's going to be rough, but I am the only one that can make myself succeed. So, if that means sucking it up, then that's what that means. Anyone want to be a gym buddy at 5:15 a.m.? Just text me!

I saw this post and I cracked up laughing (hey, it burned just a few more calories...):

Bring It!

Today I am gathering up my "too big" clothes and donating them. Getting rid of them. Adios. Not storing them in my closet or my attic. Saying goodbye. They are not who I am anymore. And, I never intend to return there. I was miserable. Even though I did not necessarily show it on the outside, I was. I am becoming a little less miserable every day! Last night, my 23 year old brother, said, "Man, you're walking faster than me!" First time I've ever heard that...and boy, did it feel good!

There are exactly 46 days until August 1st...my goal date of losing 100 pounds in just 4 short months. So I just told Danny I want to up my game. I have a goal to meet by August 1st and he said, "Ok, no takebacks..." Now I might be a little scared. But, I have the best support system a girl could ask for. I have so many people in my corner, that I never knew cared as much as they do! So, here's to upping the game...finishing this goal strong...and setting a new goal to knock out of the park!

This year is about changing my life for the better. Only I can make the choice to do it. I know what needs to be done, and how to implement those changes. So, today marks a milestone for me. I am ready for whatever is thrown my way. 2013 is my year.

Thank you to all who support me day in and day out. For all your notes of encouragement, comments on the blog, texts, calls, cards and Facebook messages. You can't know how much they encourage me. So, here's to making the next six weeks the most painful and dedicated six weeks of my life (so far). Bring it.