Time to move on...

This blog has been great, but life has really become more about what is happening outside the gym than before, so I am going to expand my posts to something other than just my fitness journey.  This journey has helped me learn so much, and so I hope you will join me at my new blog....here:

mylifejourneystartsnow.wordpress.com

It has been great so far....let's see what the next big steps bring....and thanks for reading!!!

8 months and counting...more if I had been paying attention...

On September 11 (no not that September 11th), I made the big step to walk into the Athletic Club in order to start on my 12 week challenge.  But now I am having fun doing it - especially when I get to look back and compare the before and after stats...like today...

The inches this time didn't make a lot of sense, but Miss Roxy explained that everyone measures in slightly different spots so that would account for the changes on the scale but wonky changes in the measurements.  But the bare foot scale calculates body fat and lean body mass, so I am happy to report those results.

BMI - down 5.5 (however not a good measure of 'fitness')
Body Fat - down 18% to a more reasonable, 'allowable' level - but still 8% more to go before I will consider myself 'done'
Lean Body Mass (read increased muscle mass) - up 15 pounds (seriously...15 pounds of just muscle)

I now have a 'number' that I am aiming for.  I have been so far away from that for so long that I didn't even want to think about that so-far-off-goal...but now it is going to be there...waiting for me to realize a dream that has taken me years to achieve.  I am sure this will be the hardest part of my journey - especially with summer right around the corner and cottage distractions abounding...but I have to stick with my new habits and keep those old habits from creeping back in.

I can't wait to report that I have hit that target number...it may still be months away, but it is in sight!!!

My favourite part...

Three excellent post-'break-up' work outs later...taking out all of the hurt, disappointment and sadness on my poor trainer and my poor shoes...and I have come to realize this:  Sometimes boys really don't know a good thing, and my favourite part of my crazy sweaty workouts are my 10 minutes with James Blunt when it is all over and I just get to stretch out all of my sore muscles and relax in knowing that I have done all I can.  Really, who works out for an hour and a half to two hours for 10 minutes of music induced calm???

That would be me.

Random post about running, laughing at fish and working out in the meat locker...

In less than a month, I am going to be one of hundreds of people who assemble in Victoria Park to run the Forest City Road Race.  I am going to do the 5k route - aiming for a personal best - which should be slightly easier than last year since I am 50+ pounds lighter.  But running any sort of distance is more of a mental game than anything else.  If you think you can do it, you can - and if you think you can't, you won't.

I am not looking to break any land-speed records - just going for a personal best time that will hopefully crack the 35 minute mark - which would still be at least 6 minutes faster than last year.  I am practicing hills and working on changing the voice in my head on those (see paragraph one).  It is so much better now that I can run outside.  I live at the top of a giant hill and there is no way around doing them. 

I had forgotten how great it is to run outside instead of on the treadmill like a hamster.  This week I took a day off and somehow managed to get talked into a mid-afternoon run with Tracy at the gym....the scenery at the gym is significantly more interesting in the afternoon than it is when I usually go at 6/7pm at night.  Made me want to be in my 20s again (only for a few minutes though).

I have taken to doing cardio in the front section of the gym (which I never thought I would choose to do) because I feel like there is a lack of oxygen/good air in the cardio room sometimes.  There is also a big fish tank up there...today the fish were chasing each other around and I am pretty sure I laughed out loud once...I really need to get a life and/or not listen to my music so loud...lol

Miss Roxy and I did what she called a 'sweaty' workout today.  I knew I was in trouble when she was plotting with Meghan (another trainer) and when I came up - note to self - never leave your trainer unsupervised with Meghan!  It was pretty hard, and yes super sweaty! 

The exercises were made all the more difficult because I am fighting off a cold which makes my lungs generally uncooperative most times.  I also forgot my headband which meant I had super awesome hair after about the first 15 minutes and it just got better after that....seriously, crack-head hair by the end of our session - in the MEAT LOCKER no less!  She also made me do my favourite exercise - burpees.  There was a guy doing weights behind me facing a mirror, so I am sure he got more of a show than he bargained for. 

Luckily I had my fancy Lululemon capris on today which are usually pretty good at staying on - but sadly (or not so sadly) I think it may be time for a new pair as even they were starting to fall down  **sad face due to price of said fancy pants**  Thank goodness my birthday is coming (hint, hint friends)...LOL

Monthly Summary for March...

I track everything I do.  For the past 7 months, every day, I track calories in and calories out in the hopes that the weight will continue to fall away if I maintain my vigilance.  And so far, so good.  It isn't always easy and I don't always want to put EVERYTHING down - but in the end I would only be lying to myself.  So even those days where cookies find their way into my lunch (or breakfast), I track those calories - accept that it happened - and move on.  Even the planning is getting easier - probably because I have given in to the fact that I am a creature of habit and actually like to eat the same thing for breakfasts and lunches...it is just so much easier to only have to 'plan' one meal.

Some weeks go well, and some weeks I only lose 'point-something' of a pound, but in the end as long as it is going down I don't really care.  My new trainer (nickname TBD) and I are on to a regular schedule of two times per week (Tues/Thurs), and she has promised to check my progress at our session every Thursday.  Unfortunately, I don't think this week is going to see a big drop as I have been distracted by so many other things in life that I only made it to the gym 4 times last week...and, in fact, I should be at the gym right now.

Our workouts so far have been pretty tough, and she has a very interesting life!  Roxy is training for a natural fitness competition (different than body building) which takes place in just over a week.  She is eventually going to have to receive 4 coats of 'body paint' that will make her slightly orange - but with a purpose.  Apparently the lighting they use for the shows is so bright that it will wash out white skin, so these layers of spray tan help show off the competitors' muscle definition...there had to be a reason.  She is also the proud owner of a Savannah monitor (read: funky lizard) that she has to feed weird frozen things - but he sounds pretty fun.

She has me doing the same types of sessions that The Enforcer did - free weights with interval/cardio in between - but she always mixes it up and is adding new stuff...like last night's box jumps...in MAN LAND.  For those who don't know what a box jump is, picture this - there is a platform similar to the ones they make elephants balance on at the circus, that is about 18" off the ground.  You stand in front of it, crouch down and then with both feet jump onto the top....then you step back off (because I can't jump backwards) and do it 9 more times.  Now, I know I am making it sound easy - I mean how hard could it be to jump onto something that is only 18" high?  But having an irrational fear of doing backwards things is eclipsed only by my fear of jumping onto things that could potentially hit me in the shins if I don't jump high enough resulting in nasty looking scars (trust me - Paul had them).

So for about a minute before I could force myself to do the first one, I would just stand there crouching down and standing up again because I couldn't bring myself to trust that I would make it to the platform - Roxy knew I could do it - but my brain just wouldn't help my legs jump.  Once that first one is out of the way it is 'easy' - but it is getting that first one done and trusting that I won't smoke my shins that I have to stop thinking and just do it.  She was a very good sport, and didn't let me get out of them - and by the third set it was going pretty well...but I was glad when they were finished :)  My butt is pretty sore today!

As I mentioned before, I track everything.  I use a genius (and free) online program called Map My Run.  So even though it is March 30 and I still have one more workout tomorrow until March is over...here is my monthly summary:

• Days containing a workout:  21 (am including tomorrow since I have training)
• Average time per workout:  1 hour 20 minutes
• Total time spent at the gym:  28 hours (really???)
• Most fun workout:  TRX in Tracy's foyer with 2 x 1.6k run in between sets (she is trying to kill me...lol)
• Total calories burned: 10,432
• Weight =  -2.5%

A message from Roxy...

So, in light of the fact that it was a fairly long list covering off my relatively sneaky personality - I sent the link to my blog to Roxy (my new trainer) so she could read it if she wanted.  She obviously did because when I went to meet her tonight, she had a sheet for me that said this (in perfectly formatted layout might I add):

Working out with a Rockstar

Welcome aboard Chris!  Let me begin by telling you how stoked I am to be part of your 'lose it' journey!!  It makes me very excited to read about all of your current successes, and the future goals that you have set!

Let's get to it!

• Feel free to whine, pout, sulk, swear, or cry.  But once you're done, be ready to finish the task at hand!
• Expectations of both ourselves and other people can be key motivators in may aspects of life.  Use it to your advantage!
• I take injuries very seriously, and because of that I believe form is key.  In this case I'm not nagging, I'm particular!
• Now that I know you hate burpees and push-ups, we will be doing plenty!
• I promise the "meat locker" isn't as scary as it seems.
• I enjoy challenges.  Let's make some firsts!
• I give you permission to stalk me with questions when ever you need.  I also promise that if I ever don't have the answer I will find it for you.  I believe in continued growth, and my brain loves sucking up new information.
• I'll call you on cheats, and generally add more reps in return.
• I have thick skin.  Verbal beatings accepted.
• I suck at thinking of nicknames, however once I think of one I'll most likely bribe you with some form of exercise for you to find out.

Let's Rock this!

Be Excited

<<complete with a motivation quote as follows:  "I am better today than yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow">>

So there you have it folks....she can give it out as well as take it, so I think we are going to get along just fine.

Our first workout was all new stuff- sweaty, sweaty stuff.  More lower body than anything, but with great new core/arm exercises - oh and sprints on the treadmill to boot.  I am physically exhausted and I can feel my arms stiffening as I write this....it is a whole new routine my friends.

Do you think it is too late to say that I love burpees and push ups?

Stuff my new trainer needs to know...

There it is...her name is Roxy and she is my new trainer for the foreseeable future.  Since I now spend a ridiculous amount of time at the gym, I get to see all of the trainers spend time with their clients - some are engaged with them, paying attention to what their clients are doing - and some just look down-right bored and irritated with the person standing in front of them - even though they are paying a good amount of money to be there.  Luckily Roxy fits into the first group.

Roxy seems to be a mix of funk and fitness, and promises that we will have fun and work hard.  Our first session is on Thursday night - so it will be interesting to see what it will be like to work with someone other than The Enforcer.  So as I was running tonight, I started a list of things that I need her to know about training me - and here they are:

• Although I have lost 50 pounds, there is still a lazy person inside me who isn't really interested in working out and she will look for any opportunity for you to be weak
• Occasionally I will tell you that I can't do it - and I need you to tell me that I have to
• I expect a lot of myself
• I expect a lot of the people around me
• I have had lower back surgery, so I need you to be extra-strict about form
• Don't let me use my back as an excuse to get out of exercises (but do refer to #5)
• When I say I hate something (like the stupid burpee) it is because they are hard, and you should make me do more of them...
• I have very mild asthma that acts up when I get a cold - but it won't slow me down any other time...
• The Enforcer has set the bar high
• I still have a long way to go before I hit my goal - and I need the accountability - demand that from me no matter what
• I really do hate burpees
• I get very nervous when I have to do anything backwards
• I get very nervous when you make me go on high platforms and then step off them backwards (or forwards for that matter)
• I really do hate Man Land (aka The Meat Locker), but don't mind the main level...
• I really can't count and do exercises at the same time
• Talking to me during an exercise helps distract me from how much pain I am in...
• Ladder drills are sweaty, sweaty fun
• If I can finish the set of weights without making faces....it is too light...no matter what I tell you...
• I am in better shape than my body appears to be in...
• I will try to cheat sometimes....don't let me....
• I am not in as good shape as I think I am...
• Push me to do things I don't think I can
• Mix it up - different routines are what has helped me get to where I am today
• I really hate push ups (and burpees, but I can't be too clear about that)
• If I have a nickname - please let me hear it from you and not your coworkers...
• You will get a nickname and make the blog
• I am not a good skipper - damn rope gets in the way - but it is fun to try
• I will text you with questions - incessantly sometimes
• I won't cancel unless I am really sick
• Free weights are preferred over the machines
• I will try to bribe you at times to get out of doing something hard - don't believe me
• Sometimes I have hard days at work and want to hit something - med ball slams are good these days :)
• At some point, I will say something bitchy to you - but it won't be intended and I will feel guilty about it until the next time I see you and can apologize

I think that is all, but if I think of anything else - I will add it in.


Looking forward to Thursday :)

And so it ends....

I have a bunch of feelings about this, but I am mainly feeling sad as I recover from my final workout with The Enforcer.  He certainly outdid himself this time - combining kettle bells (horrible and heavy metal weights with handles on them), tension bands, the rope ladder (still super fun but sweaty) and jumpy bench things that were very hard.

It wasn't actually supposed to be our last session, but I have to head out of town for work on Thursday afternoon so I had to cancel on him.  I can't really explain it, but it feels like I am losing a friend - and I have no control over it.  Stupid because it isn't like he is leaving the city - he is just leaving the gym.  I am sure our paths will cross again, but for now it SUCKS. 

So Mr. Enforcer, Captain Buzzkill, Paul...thank you for motivating me when I didn't think I could do it, for putting up with my whiny bitching when the exercises got hard, for trying to find me a replacement that will try to live up to the expectation you have set and most of all for pushing me to expect better of myself and for myself.

A motivational note from my sister in Scotland...

So I needed a push tonight because The Enforcer had to cancel our session as his fiancee was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance due to a nut allergy reaction (scary stuff for sure!!!).   Not to fear though, she is still quite sick but he assures me she is getting better and will be okay.  Damn peanuts!!!


I had a shit day at work today, and wasn't feeling at all motivated to go the gym - well unless I was going to be able to punch something.  So I posted my plea on FaceBook and got the following response from my sister in Scotland:

Get your ass in gear girl! It isn't about the trainer. It's about you. Everything you've achieved has been because YOU wanted it! Think about it... is it worth it to start getting lazy and unmotivated just because you have to switch trainers? Now get on that treadmill and gimme 30, then do frees, then flies and pulldowns, then go have a fat free smoothie because you earned it! GO! *nods*

See...I am so lucky to be surrounded by the people I have in my life - even if we are related and they HAVE to love me :)

Thanks Dawnie!!!

ps - did the 'Rock Bottom' class which is apparently code for 'you won't be able to sit tomorrow' - super tough and it did the trick - stress melted away...

The big 5 - 0

When I started this journey last January I thought it was the beginning of something major - but I had thought that before.  I can't even count the number of times I have tried to 'diet' in hopes of improving my self-image and confidence.  I have tried them all - point counting, calorie tracking, nutritional counselling - and although they were all successful in the beginning, eventually I always fell back into my old habits.  Many other January's I had resolved to lose the weight, and the following January would find me in the same spot - if not carrying a few more pounds.

I have been trying to figure out what made this time different.  What was it that finally changed in my head that wouldn't let me quit even when all I wanted to do was lay on the couch.  All I can come up with is this:  nothing changed, I just got sick of making excuses for myself.  I wish I could say that I had some epiphany about how great my life could be if I fixed this one part, but really it was just being sick of being fat.

It certainly hasn't been a quick fix.  I dreamed of losing 2 pounds a week every week, after all that is what all of the diets claim is possible right?  But that isn't the reality of it.  What is real is that even if it comes off half a pound at a time, at least it is coming off - and when you add it all up it is a pretty impressive number...in fact - Saturday marked the big 5 - 0.  That's right - 50 pounds gone - but certainly not forgotten.  For perspective I decided to look up things that weigh 50 pounds, so here they are (feel free to add more):

• A small bale of hay
• A 4 year old child
• A giant bag of dog food
• A small window air conditioner
• 6 gallons of water (almost 23 litres)
• 2 car tires
• 25 pairs of stilettos (just for Mich and Jen)
• 50 bricks of butter
• 5,000 sheets of photocopy paper (or a case of paper!)

OHHHHHHHH NOOOOOO!!!

My world is coming to an end...the worst has happened....my amusing, entertaining, talented, creative, thoughtful, professional, knowledgeable, patient, positive, understanding, optimistic, disciplined, strong, fun, challenging, dependable, inspiring, genuine (and a million other words) trainer Paul is leaving the Athletic Club - changing things up to pursue a new career.

I knew it was probably coming, but wanted to believe that in the end he would stay and I must say that I am pretty sad about it.  Apparently working 60 hours a week (or more) and only seeing your lovely fiancee a few hours a week isn't a way to live - who knew?  It will be a big loss for the club, his other clients and, of course, me.

He explained how difficult the decision was because he doesn't want to let down his clients and he really does love training.  But in the end, he needs to think about his family and start building a career that doesn't see him wearing sweats all day.  I tried to dissuade him by telling him that he will have to buy all new shoes - but he assured me that he is quite the shopper with impeccable fashion sense.  Not really a shock since he must have 12 pairs of running shoes (including a special pair in Western purple :)

I am not even ready to think about what will happen 2 short weeks from now, because it's going to mean getting a new trainer.  Someone who doesn't know me or how hard I have worked to get to where I am today.  I kind of pity whoever it turns out to be though because they will always be in The Enforcer's shadow.  I still have two weeks to try to change his mind, so any tactics you can offer to get him to stay would be appreciated!

FIANLLY - The Contest Winner Is...

Well, after almost three months of waiting, it comes down to this...some girl named Shannon won the contest and not yours truly :(  Got the following email from the Athletic Club:

Good Morning,

I wanted to take the time and thank you for participating in the London Free Press Lose It Challenge. We have selected the overall winner, although I do not believe anyone lost throughout the journey.

The person selected by the selection committee is in fact Shannon Dartch.

 

I certainly would like to thank you for taking part and certainly wish you the best moving forward, it has been a memorable journey for everyone involved.

Kindest Regards,

Jay Wright

Senior Director of Personal Training

The Athletic Club Group

So CONGRATULATIONS to Shannon because she must have done amazing!  I thought I would be upset finding out someone else won, but actually it is just a relief to know that it is all over.  I don't think any of the 12 people would want to go back to the way we were at the beginning of September when this all began.

I know that for me it has been a pretty drastic change from then to now.  I look forward to going to the gym, I have lost over 20% body fat and I feel GREAT!  I got 24 free sessions with my trainer (who has the patience of a saint) and I always knew that I had great people in my life - but never really realized how great they were/are until this experience.  I am a pretty lucky kid!

So I have said it before, this journey is far from over - although at least I am well past the half way mark.  I am pretty proud of what I have accomplished so far, but couldn't have done it without all of you. 

Thank you for that!

What if there is no 'before'...

Being a single girl in a world of happily married friends is hard sometimes, but going out on dates with (almost) perfect strangers is even harder.  Now I know why people spend their 20s navigating the dating scene, because back then I could have taken it - but now it is like going bathing suit shopping - no one wants to do it, but you can't be without so you suck it up and go.  I haven't had horrible experiences with dating either, but it is hard to constantly put yourself out there only to find out that the person who seemed so normal is actually quite strange - and now they have my email/phone number...

A friend of mine once steered me away from a clearance rack at a clothing store because, as she so adeptly put it, it is just the best of what no one else wanted.  That is what it is like dating in your 30s - and don't get all sympathetic and overreact - that is just the way it is.  Well, except me because I have actually been in the glass display case because no one can afford me :)

But while I was heading off on a date this weekend, I got a motivational text saying that I look great and to just go in and be myself.  And then it struck me...I am absolutely starting to look great (I often joke that I am not 'hot' yet, but lukewarm and heating up), but if you didn't know my former fluffy self you wouldn't know (or likely care) where I have come from over the past year.  Now I am not saying people are superficial, but dating isn't like a job interview where you can strut your stuff and brag about how even your weaknesses are strengths - you only get that one coffee/lunch to make that first impression.  Later when you get to know someone on a more personal level, that is when the story of my fitness and healthy lifestyle ups and downs would be more interesting.

So we were joking around last night and I have decided that I am going to get a before and after button made up so that it will subtly be there.  That way everyone will know that they are privileged enough to be seen with the new and improved Chris Patrick.  Joking of course (and no there won't be a t-shirt either).  I guess it was just a reminder that I don't know everyone's back story, and to have a more open mind about these first dates.

My trips to the gym and crazy workouts with The Enforcer are only going to continue to add to my confidence and willingness to go on these first dates - so that hopefully I won't have to go on them forever.  He is out there....just have to keep looking for him.

The world according to Paul...

I imagine that when you spend 14 hours a day helping people through their workouts, that you have no choice but to develop coping mechanisms to get through the day.  I have long known that The Enforcer has a different perspective on the world, but tonight I have decided to start a blog post with some of the funny things we talk about that offers me a small glimpse inside the mind of my trainer.

Paul is a well educated man (well, he didn't go to Western - but I guess I can look past that), he has a large group of friends that seems to span the globe, and he is so in love with his fiancée that his entire face lights up when he talks about her (so cute).  When you spend two hours a week with someone every week, you learn a lot about them.  So here are some of the funny things I have learned, starting with the greatest from tonight.

1. The Power of One
   According to 'man rules', a woman that does something like watching football while drinking beer, wearing a football jersey for her favourite team or lifting an impressive amount of weights, bumps her up an entire number on the 'heat' scale....so if she was a 7 before they see her do that, she would be an 8 after.  It does however work the other way as well....so say a girl is a 9 and she opens her mouth and proves to be an airhead, she can also lose a full number (or more).  There doesn't seem to be a hard and fast rule about how the number ratings are applied, but I thought it was awesome so had to share it.  I should say that it also applies to men - for instance, if a man is cooking dinner, he moves up on the heat scale...yes, yes he does ; )
2. Girls with calluses on their hands are hot.
   I have posted this one before, and still staunchly disagree.  I have however discovered that the foot paddle that keeps my feet cute also doubles as a hand buffer to rid my hands of said ugly calluses, making them smooth again.  To add to this, he also feels that those bulgy arm veins are sexy - yes Paul, maybe on a guy, but certainly not on a girl.
3. Shape doesn't matter.  Attitude and confidence matter.  Let's go to the Meat Locker.
   Well, in all fairness I think my friends have told me the first part before so this isn't really new, but he is constantly trying to get me to workout in the 'Meat Locker' downstairs (a free weight area of the gym that I call 'Man Land' as you can always guarantee the huge guys are down there grunting away).  He should maybe re-think his 'let's go find you a husband' approach when I wind up looking like a drowned rat - which happens EVERY workout.  I haven't yet mastered the art of gracefully sweating through one of the Enforcer's sessions.  Maybe someday, but still not there in attitude or confidence so we will stay upstairs for now thanks :)
4. Good clients get hall passes.
   I am accountable to The Enforcer for every workout I do (or don't do - which is way worse), which I believe is part of the reason I have been so successful so far.  But sometimes clients have bad weeks, get bitchy and just plain unpleasant to be around - like when my sucky ass gets sick...however, if you are a good client (which is yet to be defined - but I have said status, so it must centre around general awesomeness) you get a hall pass - which I think is like a get-out-of-jail-free card for being difficult to be around.  Happily I have mine still (I think).
5. Your trainer has a nickname for you...he just won't tell you what it is.
   I have never had a nickname stick...the only one that has really stuck with me is Chrispy, and really that isn't a nickname so much as a short-form of my name.  The Enforcer is happy with his nickname and actually flips between The Enforcer and Captain Buzzkill depending on the severity of the workout - he is a pretty good sport.  But he feels that I should have a nickname as well...we started with C-Pat, but that was vetoed; then there was C-Section which he thought was great because he apparently doesn't know what that actually is (again, he didn't go to Western), and now we are stuck on Fluffy (I am still really working on getting rid of this one, and fluffy applies to my post-workout-crackhead-hair in case you think he was being mean)....I know he has funny nicknames for some of his other clients - so I am pretty sure he has one for me and just doesn't want to tell me what it is...will work on getting it out of him - I am crafty that way.

I wish I had started this long ago because I am sure there would be a full top 10 list.  I will add more as I remember them - or as new tidbits come along.  I would also be open to your suggestions for a nickname - but again, remember that I have veto power!

January I am glad you are over....

It hasn't been the best start to 2011 for me.  It started off with three great New Year's celebrations, but ended with a flu that turned into pneumonia and lasted all month.  I am finally shaking that off and getting back to my regular routine, but it has been a challenge to not fall back into old habits. 

I should explain that I am not a good sick person.  I am whiny, bitchy and just plain annoying to be around - so I count my blessings that I still have friends after the January I have had.  Even the Enforcer has taken one for the team this month - I actually feel kind of bad for him.

I am missing the drive that the contest gave me.  I have still been losing, but it is WAY easier to have that glass of wine (or two) and sneak a dessert here and there when I don't have the success of 11 other people weighing on my mind.  I have only run into one other person from the contest at the gym since it ended.  She did pretty well too, and we are both excited to know how everyone else did - and of course who won. They have promised to announce a winner in February - so I will keep you posted.

While I was sick, I did fall back into some old habits so they are still kicking around, waiting in the shadows for when I am weak -  but my success so far has been pretty motivating and keeps them down for the most part.  From the beginning of 2010 to last week, I have lost 45 pounds - 25 of those since September.  It is getting harder though - and the Enforcers workouts are getting much more difficult. 

My next major goal is the end of April when I hope to be well within the 'healthy' weight range for my height.  It will still take a lot of drive and discipline, but I am pretty sure I will make it.  Just have to keep up with the momentum I have going and look forward to Spring and all those cute new clothes :)

Have you used these excuses?

There is nothing I love more than a really good commercial - mainly because of what I do - but it does take a lot to impress me.  There are a lot of reasons that I am partial to this new Nike ad.  Primarily it is because so many of these things have come out of my mouth in the past.  But also because this guy was born with Spina Bifida and didn't let it hold him back - in fact he is an Olympic champion.

I have faced none of the challenges that this guy has - and I have fallen far short of what he has been able to achieve.  Now not everyone has it in them to be an Olympic athlete, but next time I am sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself, contemplating skipping my workout - I am going to watch this again and get my ass to the gym...because I can.

Healthy lifestyles suck when you are sick :(

For the past 4 days I have been down and out with the flu - which has now magically turned into a cold - and is sure to make the rest of my weekend super fun.  I haven't been able to go to the gym since Tuesday, and although I know that this is supposed to be a long-term lifestyle change I feel like I am cheating - even though I can barely pull myself off the couch to get a glass of water (out of diet coke booo).  So I am working on staying positive and trying to at least stay on track with my eating.  Problem is that even when my body is sick it still craves food (I don't get that kind of flu). 

Unfortunately the food I am craving is all high in fat and calories.  It took everything I had not to stop on the way home from work last night to get some tasty, salty fries.  Which goes back to a theory I have where if you really, really want something and you don't have it, that you should lose that number of calories - but I digress.  I guess what I am really craving is comfort food - which for me isn't chocolate, it is salty carbs.  It isn't like I don't have a ton of healthy food in the house, because I do, but I don't want any of it - which technically means I am not hungry at all right?  Wrong...stomach is grumbling and mind is telling me that it won't hurt to have just a few chips...

This is a dangerous combination - a sedentary lifestyle and cravings for salty, fried foods - and it could jeopardize some of the work I have put in.  I feel a bit like an addict laying here on the couch - minute by minute trying to convince myself that I don't need that food - and it isn't even in the house.  But I know that the variety store is right across the street, and they take debit so I wouldn't even need cash.  It is really a good thing that I am so lazy because right now that store may as well be across town for the motivation I have to get up and get dressed.  A saving grace I suppose...

The Enforcer doesn't consider chips, chocolate or candy 'food' because they offer no nutritional value, simply empty calories.  I buy into this 98% of the time, but I wonder if he ever has cravings for these things.  Then a thought went through my head...if you are a nutritionist or a personal trainer, where would you go to buy junk food that you could be sure that you wouldn't be seen by a client?  Do you send other people out on covert ops for your cravings - or do they simply not crave these things?  And if they were caught, do they have a back story planned?  It has all made me realize that I have too much time on my hands right now - but at least it was a funny distraction for 20 minutes :)

My week in Mexico...

So I don't know whose life I had last week, but a girl could get used to travelling like this.  It started when we left Toronto and were upgraded to first class for the flight down and continued when we got to the resort and were upgraded to Platinum Class at our hotel!!  Our hotel was gorgeous and we changed and hit the pool in record time.  It was a great week, maybe a little colder than we were expecting, but that didn't stop these hearty Canadians from trying to soak up as much sun as we could!

I also did the impossible....I worked out 5 of the 7 days I was in Mexico!  It helped me preserve my sanity as I was there with my mom and sister - who I love very much - but we all shared a room too so it was a lot of together time :)  LOL  The gym was a little rough, and there were the muscly guys there that monopolized the weight machines they did have...haven't quite got the courage to swap in with them yet thanks.  As a side note - The Enforcer says they lift heavy weights to make their muscles 'puff' up so they look bigger for the ladies on the beach...LOL

I made due with the free weights and the funny half inflated ball they had.  I tried to do my regular routines, but it was hard because they didn't have a lot of the equipment - so I probably got off easy - but I was still pretty sweaty in the end.  The cardio equipment was certainly a lot more current than the weight room but it was still from the early 90s I am sure.  The treadmills had two settings - on and off - but funny enough the instructions were programmed in 8 different languages...and then there was the elliptical that had the waving arm posts that squeaked with every movement.  Luckily Tracy had sent me her super hard personal spin program so I could use the bikes they had to mix it up a little.  I also managed to run outside one day so I got to see a lot of the resort - and it was very nice!!!

My little trips to the gym helped make up for the ridiculous amount of food I consumed over the week.  The food at the resort (Barcelo Maya Colonial, Mexico) was very good and not one of us got sick!  The beverages were also excellent ;)  I tried all sorts of strange tequila concoctions (which they call Mexican water) before I realized that I should just stick to Corona during the day and Caesars at night (YEAH!!). 

Not jumping on the scale for a while - but was back at the gym today to begin my repentance.  It was so worth it :)

I have the best trainer EVER!!

Before you ask, I don't know who has won the contest as of yet - but I will let everyone know as soon as I do.  But I did post my results last week for anyone who hasn't seen them - just click here.

I couldn't be happier with my results so far, but I still have a long way to go :)  But tonight, Paul (no nicknames for this one) gave me 20 roses - one rose for each of the pounds I lost during the contest - and a very nice card congratulating me on my achievement so far.  HOW AWESOME IS THAT???

 

So again I say - I have the best trainer EVER!!

My super-awesome-motivational-way-to-go-flowers :)

How not to celebrate...by Chris Patrick

For the past three months I have accounted for everything I put in my mouth, worked my ass off at the gym and cut out all of the things that aren't technically 'food'.  So now that the contest is over, and the three months are wrapped up I let loose, over did it and paid the price.  Totally not worth it either - only succeeded in embarrassing myself.  Not to mention that over three days I think I consumed enough calories for the week (or two).

So this morning my resolve is back, I am feeling like a human again and the blow out is over.  It also marked my first session with the Enforcer since the final weigh in.  We are moving on to a different round of exercises that are less focused on cardio and resistance and more focused on heavy weights of balanced push/pull movements.  It is also the start of the 5 day a week gym routine, because apparently there can be too much of a good thing.  He wants me to focus on getting more protein into my diet and having rest days where I don't do any weights - just cardio - as well as two days where I don't do anything too structured.

I am also going to have one 'cheat' meal a week - not a day or a weekend, just one meal where I can have what I want or have been craving - because all this rabbit food is fine for three months, but I need to have a life - and apparently those bad habits are still kicking around (as witnessed this weekend) so I need to be able to work those back in without losing my mind.  Will be a little harder in Mexico next week, but just have to be sensible for the other two meals and make sure I don't over do it on the chips and guacamole :)  oh and the slushie drinks...LOL

I also got in trouble at work today.  I took in the left overs from the party (cupcakes and nacho dip) and everyone accused me of trying to make them gain weight...LOL...I honestly just didn't want it in the house, but I guess I can see their point.  It has been a never ending rotation of cakes, lunches, pizza, chocolates, cookies and candies for the past month or so.  I have been strong so far, but am going to have to remember that my next goal is just 4.5 months and a bit away and it is going to take some pretty strong resolve to get there!!

The final results are in....

Totally unexpectedly I had to weigh in tonight.  The Enforcer called about an hour before our appointment to let me know.  Apparently they were supposed to be done on December 4, but no one called - which SUCKS because at least if they were on a Saturday I could have weighed in in the morning - not after three meals and a hell of a lot of water!!!  Booooooooooo :(

So here are the final results for the contest:

20 pounds lost, 7.2% less body fat, 3 pounds of muscle added = total of 23 lbs fat GONE
4.7" off my shoulders
2.1" off my chest
4.0" off my abdomen
3.5" off my waist
7.1" off my hips
1.2"/1.0" off each bicep
0.7"0.6" off each forearm
5.2"/4.8" off each thigh
For a grand total of 34.9 inches lost!!!!

This journey is far from over, but I am happy that the contest is.  Now I can focus on living rather than how the other people are doing.  It isn't likely that these results will win me the contest, but I am happy with my results and I don't know that I could have done anything differently to improve the them.

Thank you all for giving me this kick start, and for continuing this journey with me!!!
xoxoxo

Snow Day? Not with only 6 days to go...

London has been hit with the craziest snow storm over the past two days.  Two days in a row I have been sent home from work at noon - and I am hoping to have a full snow day tomorrow :)  But the contest closing draws nearer, so skipping the gym is not an option.  The Enforcer lives clear across the city and was in a minor accident on his way home yesterday (he says he is okay), so wasn't going to make the trip across the city with a car that is dripping coolant (that can't be good).  But not to be outdone, he emailed me a session that could be done at home or at the gym - what a guy!!

But I should have known that it was too good to be true.  So just in case you think he is taking it easy on me because of the snow - here is what he sent.  Each set was to consist of 5 exercises that would be spaced with 15 seconds in between each one and a 45 second rest at the end.  Here is the set:  10 push ups (from the toes for as long as I could stand it, and then from the knees); 20 deep squats (read 90 degree angle); 10 burpees (remember those from a couple of months ago?); 20 bridges (basically hip thrusts laying down, but done with your feet on a ball); and finally 15 crunches (knees up at 90 degrees).  Tired yet??  Well, once you are done that set - wait the requisite 45 seconds and then do it all over again - 10 MORE TIMES!!

Set one - I was pretty sure he was kidding about how hard it would be - even the burpees weren't that bad...
Set two - still kind of wondering what the big deal was going to be...
Set five - contemplating how life would have been easier if I had chosen shovelling (his other option)....
Set six - wondering if he would be able to tell if I only did 8 sets....
Set seven - wondering if I am actually on number 7 or number 9....shouldn't I be done by now...
Set eight - determined to do all 10 - even if he wouldn't know if I cheated and did 9...
Set nine - counting down from 20 so that I know I am almost finished with the damn burpees....there is no way of looking elegant doing those....
Set ten - feel like high fiving someone for actually completing all 10...so here is my virtual high five *HIGH FIVE*
End of set ten - I lay there (other people wondering if I have died), but couldn't quite move yet....

Seriously. hard. workout.  Arms are going to be very sore tomorrow. 

I was also feeling skinny today, so I decided to jump on the scale to see if it was all in my head - but it wasn't and I am officially 23 lbs lost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Very close to my 25 pound goal for the program (well, it was originally 35 but early on I had to accept that wasn't going to happen).  6 more days to go - motivated for a strong finish. 

7 Days to go!!

7 more days to win this thing!  Just a few days from now I will be posing for pictures and being weighed and measured as I attempt to show up the 11 other people who entered this contest with me.  I have said it many times, but I wish I had written down all of the measurements so that I could see how I was doing.  I feel like I have done what I can, have slipped up a couple of times (3 times actually) but always bounced back and gotten right back on plan.  After all, I still have to have a life don't I?

I don't think that three days above my 1,800 calorie max is going to make or break this competition - but not one to take any chances, I ventured out to the gym tonight - while the entire city is snow bound.  I was one of 4 people in the cardio room when I got there, and was the only one by the time I left at 5.  I did catch the 'Food TV' addict though (who watches the food network at the gym?).  It was an emaciated waif of a girl who was wearing bike shorts and a tank that hung off her - it was a disturbing combination actually.

The Enforcer cancelled our appointment earlier in the day due to the weather, and there were only 2 personal trainers there when I arrived.  Generally the place is crawling with them.  It was nice to have the gym to myself (or almost) - but I did miss training tonight.  Sunday is my night off, so I couldn't very well sit at home and not work out two days in a row with only 7 days to go (which actually made me laugh because before I would have taken it - and then some).  Captain Buzzkill has promised that tomorrow will be a killer session, so will have to report back on that.

The countdown is on!!  

Boot Camp Results are In...

So if you will recall, 4 weeks ago Renee and I signed up for a crazy boot camp.  We worked out with out instructor Tuesday's and Thursday's from 7-8 and were given a DVD with a calendar for workouts when we weren't with her.  I am doing so many other things right now that I have to admit that I haven't even cracked the DVD, but she did do the weigh, measure and caliper thing before and after and I am pretty happy with the results.

In the 4 weeks I lost 8 pounds and a total of 5 inches!!  Yeah...makes me excited to see the results of the contest...I wish I had written those numbers down so I wouldn't just be relying on the scale...will be using measurements going forward.

Losing more by staying home?

Tonight was a special kind of session with Mr. I-feel-bad-that-I-went-on-vacation-so-I-am-going-to-torture-you-really-badly.  It was a cardio set where we did upper body followed by a 350 m row and stairs (1-by-1, 2-by-2, and 3-by-3) five times.  This is something new, but apparently we are going to be alternating cardio 'super-sets' with weights to try to further confuse my body.  I guess there really is something to this whole muscle confusion theory.

I never thought I would say this in my life, but tonight The Enforcer told me that I needed to take more days off when this contest is over because he is worried that I am not giving my body enough time to recover between workouts - which means that I may actually be working against my own weight loss goals.  Apparently when a semi-in-shape human being kicks their bodies ass at the gym 5-6 days a week, the body gets confused - so instead of shedding weight - it holds on to it for dear life. 

So even though I am doing cardio, weights, boot camp and Tracy's crazy personal spin class - sweating so badly that I have had to buy special shirts so I don't look like a drowned rat when it is all over (girls shouldn't sweat like this) - I may not be losing weight.  That hit me pretty hard, and I actually broke down a little because I have only lost 2 pounds in the past two weeks.  To find out that all this hard work I have been doing may have been better spent staying home one night to relax - was hard to accept. 

He knows that I won't quit until this contest is over, so he figures that it would pointless telling me to stay home (damn competitive nature of mine).  He is right though - I am not going to slow down - yet.  With just 2 weeks to the end, a weekend of missed workouts (which may be a good thing) and the feeling of fitting into regular sized clothes - I am pretty excited to see the actual results of my little journey so far and am still determined to hit that 25 pound mark. This isn't even close to the end of my journey, but knowing that I will be able to moderate this schedule is going to make the next two weeks a little easier.

PS - If you are confused about the weeks, I get a bonus week because The Enforcer was on vacation last week - so this is actually week 11 of 12 :)

Week 10...

10 weeks ago I was laying on the couch wondering what this challenge was going to be like and whether I had what it took to make it through the 12 weeks without embarrassing myself - well I can definitely say that it hasn't been without its embarrassment but I do have what it takes.  I have only seen a couple of people from the contest, but they seem to be doing really well also.  It is going to be a tough race to the end, but it will only be the end of the contest - certainly not the end of this journey.

In the past 10 weeks I have counted calories, burned over 37,000 calories at the gym, run 2-5k races back to back, done a crazy boot camp and quite literally grown out of all my clothes.  I am currently down 18.8 lbs, but I am pretty sure that some of these workouts have developed some muscle too (which does not weigh more than fat no matter what people say - 1 lb is 1 lb - it just takes up much less space).  So hopefully that will also have a positive effect on my overall results.

The next two weekends are trips away and next week The Enforcer is on vacation in Europe so I am on my own (which also means that I get a bonus week to lose that much more).  Workouts on my own for a whole week?  A little nervous, but I think I have some good habits going and I do have boot camp twice next week so that is good.  I am also a little nervous about being out for dinner two weekends in a row, but will just have to keep my wits about me and work out extra hard if I slip up. 

Next week is 'freebie' week at boot camp so if you are in the London area and want to come to one of the classes - you can try it for free...the added bonus is that the person who brings the most people gets 4 free weeks of boot camp!!!  So let me know if you have any interest in joining us from 7-8 pm on either Tuesday or Thursday next week!!!  The class is a lot of fun - it is hard work - and it is free to try it out...ladies only though sorry guys :)

What not to say at the gym...

Saturday morning.  9 am.  John's Cardio Box Class at the gym.  Seriously. Hard.

Today's class was especially hard - mainly because I am fending off a cold - but also because every fan in the room was on which triggered my stupid asthma.  I was having a lot of trouble catching my breath in between his crazy 55 minutes of cardio madness.

During one of the lunge/kick combinations, I had to stop to try to get my breath back.  This older lady behind me - in her outside voice - says ,"This is a hard class.  It isn't for everyone."  I kid you not!  Now, I am going to choose to believe that she was trying to be supportive rather than being a GIANT bitch.  Trying to say that it was good that I was sticking with it.  But the longer I thought about it the angrier I got, so I turn around and tell her that I am having trouble catching my breath - to which she says,"and your legs are going to be tired tomorrow too".

Which brings me to the title of my post - what not to say at the gym.  I don't care how in shape you are, how long you have been doing the class, how fancy your gym attire is or whether you can do deeper lunges that I can - we are all there for the same reason: to get in shape.

If you are at the gym, you automatically become as good as anyone else in there - no better, no worse.  I don't care if you are the President of a company, when you are at the gym it is common ground and unless you have something positive to say - keep it to yourself.  Now my gym is one of the friendlier gyms in the city, which is why I like it.  The staff say hi when you come in and bye when you leave, people smile at each other and are generally cordial and thoughtful with respect to leaving the machines as they found them.

But as with anything, there are always the exceptions.  Like Wednesday night when a group of 3 girls took up 1/4 of the mat area designed for abs/stretching for 45 minutes - making fun of people as they worked out on the machines, weights and with their trainers.  I knew they were making fun of me, but I was with Paul and we have pretty funny conversations which helped me ignore them.  Besides, none of us were doing anything that warranted laughter.

Which makes me wonder why I would accept this type of disrespect at the gym, where I wouldn't anywhere else.  I would never have let a friend or coworker speak to me the way that lady did in class today.  I didn't want to say anything because it would have been awkward for the rest of the class, but now that lady is going to think that what she said was okay.  And those girls are going to think that it is okay to sit and make fun of people who are doing their best to improve their health.

So I guess that means I can't just sit by next time.  I have to think of things that I can say as a witty response that will cut them off and let them know that they are being rude.  Something like:   "Did you know you just said that to me in your outside voice" or just turning around and saying nothing with a disgusted look on my face.  Open to suggestions on this one....I know you people are sarcastic - that is why we are friends :)

Boot Camp Karma...

So I get home from Tuesday's boot camp and brag about how I almost did the whole class and how I was going to do the whole class tonight....only to be blind-sided by an 80% cardio class with the ladder of death and many bouncy, jumpy, steppy moves that made me glad I ate well before the class.  Ah yes, karma my friends....I even told The Enforcer that I aced it - and now I have to go back and reneg on that.  I honestly feel like I have been hit by a bus this week - but I finally passed the BIG number...not by much, but I don't care.  Super excited because that means that I am half way (not from the beginning of the challenge, but the beginning of the year)...maybe this is going to be a Happy New Year after all!! 

Boot Camp Begins...

In an effort to 'mix it up', I have registered for a 4 week boot camp with my friend.  We will now be going there two days a week (Tuesday and Thursday) for an hour of cardio, strength training and abs.  Tonight was the first night and I really didn't know what to expect, but I was nicely surprised by how tough it was.  I was also nicely surprised at how much of it I could actually do!

I have been so focused on how many calories I put in my mouth and how many calories I burn at the gym that I haven't really noticed how much my endurance has increased.  I mean I still get winded jogging, but it isn't the winded that means I can't go on - it is different.  I may not be fast and it may not look pretty, but really no one looks cute when they are exercising or they aren't doing it right.

The Enforcer (aka Captain Buzzkill) says that guys find a girl that actually sweats at the gym more attractive than a girl that looks cute but isn't really working out.  He also says that guys like girls with calluses on their hands - so I have to take what he says with a grain of salt sometimes.

All that aside, tonight we did squats, suicide runs (with crunches), plank variations and some crazy oblique crunches that I am pretty sure had us looking like a pretzel.  Point being, I almost did the whole class without taking a break (almost)...so now on Thursday I want to push myself harder to do the entire class - without a break.  We also got a DVD for the days we aren't at the class, so now I have to go and buy a DVD player so I can annoy the neighbours downstairs even more :)

The past couple of weeks I have had a bit of a motivational issue - focusing too much on the fact that I have only lost 15 pounds and questioning if all the work is worth it - so this was just what I needed.  Something different so that I could see what I could have done before and what I am capable of now.  Everyone has been so supportive in this journey of mine, but tonight I actually felt like it was all working - that I was making good on the promise I made all of you and to myself.

So funny enough -even though I have so much support from the people who matter the most in my life - I have a revived sense of why I am doing this and feel re-motivated - all from 55 minutes of exercise. 

Non-food related rewards...

So most of the time I have complete control over what I eat, and I am sure there are some people out there that will say that we always have complete control over what we eat, but I am still obsessing about what I ate on Saturday.  You see, a very close friend was moving and I was there to help unload the container and set up the house...it was a very busy day and our gracious hostess made sure we were supplied with drinks and snacks all day.  But by the end of the day I had eaten 2 pieces of pizza, half of a massive cheeseburger, Caesar salad and a cookie.

I know that it isn't the worst thing in the world, and one day of bad nutrition doesn't make or break my new healthy lifestyle - but I can't shake that I should have been 'better'.  I guess there is a small victory in that I stuck to water and diet Pepsi instead of beer, but what am I going to do when this competition is over and I am not fighting against 11 other people for a great prize?  Are those 'cheat' days going to sneak back in until I am right back where I started? 

I do feel as though I am making some pretty great changes - but 12 weeks with no wine, chips or dessert is a lot different than no wine, chips or dessert forever.  I am learning how to stop thinking of food as a 'reward', but I am going to need to replace that with other rewards to keep up my motivation and have even tossed around the idea of rewards for each of my major milestones.  Like within the next couple of weeks when I hit that HUGE point, I am going to reward myself.  I don't know what it is going to be, but it has to be good.

Now normally I would celebrate by going out for dinner or having a party - but both of those activities are calorie related.  I need to start thinking of non-food related reward ideas (i.e. no wine, restaurants, parties).  Suggestions anyone????

Motivation and my Inner Monologue

I ran into Tracy at the gym tonight and saved her from what I am sure would have been a tedious, stretchy yoga class - replaced by a double set of Paul's finest upper body routines complete with medicine ball burpies :)  It was fun to have someone to work out with who was just as sweaty as I was - instead of Paul who maintains a sporty but sweat-free aura the entire time.  I forgot my headband tonight too, so I had some super sweet hair - which was awesome. 

Tonight was upper body because we (Tracy, Todd and I) ran the 5k Sunshine Race sponsored by Lululemon in Masonville on Sunday.  It wasn't supposed to be a hard course, and I couldn't really figure out why it was so challenging until Tracy mentioned that the second half of the race was basically a long up hill climb - not steep, but never-ending, with no down parts in between.  The race last weekend was super hilly, but at least it was followed by sections where we were running downhill.  But through all of that, I managed to shave another 1:15 minutes off my 5k time :)  Yeah me!!!

I did notice though that my work out gear was in some serious need of updating.  Everyone else was all 'lululemoned' out and I was in a ratty t-shirt and Adidas capris.  So this year for girls shopping weekend, that will be my goal - to find some great workout gear for an even greater price.  As it stands, I wind up doing laundry every night so more 'stuff' is definitely in order.

Which brings me to the title...I was thinking about it again tonight.  I need to go out and buy these things so that I can go to the gym and workout comfortably - sure it doesn't have to be a $200 pair of lululemon capris with matching stretchy top, but I should at least treat myself to a few new t-shirts made of that 'wicking' material instead of my free Moosehead and Western Homecoming shirts.  But it all goes back to the fact that I still feel like I am masquerading as an athletic person.

Now I realize that this will change at some point, and I will start considering myself 'athletic' but for now that isn't what was going on in my head.  Which prompted me to ask myself what I was doing that was different than any of the other people who I see at the gym.  I am using the same weights and sweating on the same cardio machines - I am just a different size (for now).  And then I realized that my inner monologue was demotivating me...I have burned over 21,000 calories so far in this journey and lost 10.9 pounds - that is way more than I would have had if I hadn't taken this on!

So now I am going to work on my inner monologue not being so negative.  Everyone has been so positive throughout this experience, so it is about time I jump on that bandwagon and enjoy the ride!

10.9 lbs lost as of today!!!!

That is almost 11 pounds and although I thought it would come off faster, the whole thing is getting a little easier.  I know that I am only tracking what I lose during this competition, but I was reminded this week that since February I have actually lost 31 pounds.  Paul handed me a 30 lb flat weight so I could see what my body used to carry around - and it was heavy!  Also pretty excited that I am getting close to breaking a really big number...one that I haven't seen in over 10 years!

I am still not sleeping better like they said I would.  Tracy attributes this to the fact that I insist on working out in the evening.  I am sure she is absolutely correct, but so far I haven't been able to drag myself out of bed to work out before I go to work.  I don't know that this week was the best one to choose to try to do it as I am battling a cold, got a new boss, had to sit through 2 days of riveting regulatory training and have crazy repairs required on my car.  STRESS!!!!

But I did discover that there is a rule about going to the gym with a cold.  If it is from the neck up then you are okay to go and moderate what you would normally do.  If it is from the neck down (or a fever), you need to stay away from the gym for 2-3 days until it clears up.  So, since it has taken up residence in my head/sinuses I have gone to the gym all week...I didn't do cardio on Tuesday though so I don't get out of going this weekend.  It is kind of hard to do cardio when you can't breathe though :}  I even had to use my puffer this week - first time in months!

Telling you people....there should be bonus pounds lost for going to the gym when you just want to crawl under the blankets and sleep :)  

PS - I have now burned over 20,000 calories since the beginning of this crazy trip!!

Name that trainer....

For about a week now I have been trying to come up with a nickname for my personal trainer...it was actually ZooKeeper's idea, but I haven't been able to come up with one for him.  It is bothering him too because he wants to know what it is that I come up with....he thinks I am holding back because it is mean.

Now, he doesn't read my blog so I am not looking to brownie points, but it should be known that he is AWESOME!  He doesn't let me get away with cheating on exercises, has the patience of a saint and kicks my ass in a new way every time I see him - no mercy (well, unless he makes me cry - but that was only once when I had only lost one pound and then broke the tension band...LOL).  His full name is Paul Tavares (no relation to the hockey player - I asked) and his buddies have had nicknames for him that are absolutely inappropriate.

He grows hair on his face because he can't grow it on top of his head (his words, not mine).  He has claimed to be a master of the jump rope.  Likes Pinot Grigio....he lives with his fiance and they are planning a very cool backyard wedding next year.

So...I am going to keep trying to think of one, but since I have such creative friends I thought I would put it out there for suggestions....if your name is chosen, you get a free dinner at my house!!!  (Hopefully that is an incentive).

My super hilly, sweet 5k...

Over the past few weeks I have really started to notice a difference in my energy levels and endurance while exercising.  I know it has only been 5 weeks, but 5 weeks 5 days a week is starting to add up!  Today I did the Pinery Run - 5k - but they changed the course due to 'upgrades' and construction going on the usual course.  Last year I was on pace to have a great finish - but half way through I tore my calf muscle.  As a result, my finishing time wasn't really reflective of the practice/training I had put in.

So I was a little nervous this year, but figured that my past few weeks would help me through.  The course was a lot different this year.  It was almost 90% hills - mostly small and relatively manageable - so that was a good thing.  I downloaded a bunch of new songs and created a new play list on my iPod so that I wasn't using my usual one, hydrated myself (a little too well as it turns out) and headed out.  The first 1k was essentially up hill the whole way - but since it was an out and back course (meaning that you hit 2.5k and turn around to come back) that meant that the final km was going to be downhill :)

The park was beautiful...the leaves were all changing but hadn't yet fallen - and when I was finally out of the rush of the initial start (with 600-700 other runners) it was a gorgeous day for a run!  I still haven't mastered my 'pace' yet, so I found myself out of breath a couple of times - trying to keep up with people in front of me.  It was mainly my ego getting in the way as runner after runner passed me.  But by about 1k I found my stride and I had a pretty good momentum going.

I still felt strong as I high-fived Tracy on her way back (for what would turn out to be a THIRD PLACE FINISH for her...yeah Tracy!!!) and I knew that I was much further along than when we did the same thing last year which helped me along as well.  I skipped the water station on the way out, but caught it on the way back - BEST. WATER. EVER.  The rest of the race consisted of numerous conversations with myself to try to convince myself 1) that I didn't have to pee 2) that I didn't need to walk; and 3) that this really was the last hill before the rest of the course was downhill.  By the time I saw the 4k marker I was pretty ready for a strong finish - all downhill!!

Tracy met me at the top of the final hill, all smiles, to let me know that I was on track to finish with a personal best.   So she, Brandon and Ben ran with me for the final few 100 meters with shouts of support and helping to a strong finish!!  And I forgot to look at my time as I crossed the line - but I know it was a personal best for a race by at least 1:30 mins!!!!!  Even with all the hills :)

I am very happy with my finish...it certainly isn't what people 'normally' do 5k in, but I am not so much in it for the time as the improvement in how I feel.  Like for instance, I feel like I could have done more today (not much more) but when I finished my last race - Dennis was pretty sure I didn't even breathe for the last 200 meters.  I didn't have anything left at the end of that race, but I did today so that makes me happy!  There is even talk of doing another 5k next weekend through Masonville (nice and flat for the most part)....anyone care to join??  

I should also mention that although I am still at -9lbs (-9.2 actually), that two people this weekend commented on how different my face looked.  Thinner.  Super awesome!

Week 6 starts tomorrow and I am already looking forward to it.

Upside down....right side up....it's not a workout...

Thanksgiving in Ottawa was a blast.  Linz's house is awesome and quickly became a 3 bedroom for the long weekend.  I decided to fly this year because last year really didn't go well (missed a turn/exit and ended up in Montreal) - and it was well worth it!!  But as with all holidays there was food everywhere.  

Now, it isn't realistic to think that I will never be able to have dessert again - so I made sure that I worked out while I was there and counted every calorie that I put in my mouth.  Hopefully it will pay off on Thursday so that I at least stay even if I don't lose anything.  The eating program they have me on allocates between 1300 and 1800 calories per day - and even with Thanksgiving dinner - I managed to stay within my limits - wine and everything.  Just have to plan ahead...

Linz lives in a really cute neighbourhood that is right across the way from what I am sure is the most expensive farm on the planet.  That's right kids, our Federal government has hundreds of acres of prime real estate locked up in an experimental farm right in the middle of Ottawa - combines, plows, corn and all.  It did however make for a very nice area to run.  So I ran 5k on Friday and Sunday and then on Monday I went for a short 20k bike down the paths by the canals....that's right 20k and in slightly less than an hour!!!  Even I was impressed with myself.

But it did leave me absolutely exhausted today - like so tired that my legs got tired climbing the 20 stairs up to my office - so I decided that I would go to the gym and do a class because I just couldn't face 1.5 hours on the machines.  So I get all dressed (which consisted of a long inner monologue of 'just go and do the class, then you can go to bed' and 'you had pie so you have to go') and ventured to the gym.  Couldn't really picture myself getting back on a bike tonight so cycle was out - which only left hot yoga (no) or anti-gravity yoga....hmmm....well, haven't tried that before - not a fan of yoga - but I should try it at least once right?  After all, the club had billboards about it and they are the only clubs in the city to have it.

Um....should have stuck with my anti-yoga stance and avoided it.  My friend had learned that they don't often clean the 'hammocks' (twice a week from what she heard), so I was glad that I had long pants and a 3/4 length sleeve to keep the sweaty fabric away.  There were only 5 people in the class so the instructor was taking it easy on us - but she took it so easy on us that I barely broke a sweat! 

The bands themselves are just a thin polyester fabric that is hung from the ceiling in a 'U' shape.  There is a lot of fabric there even though they look really thin.  The basic premise is similar to mat yoga, except that you use the support of the band to mix it up a little.  For instance - downward dog is done with the band around your hips while leaning more forward.  This was the first maneuver she had us do, and I was alarmed at how much this little band of fabric HURT!  I figured I was doing it wrong it hurt so much - but no, it was supposed to feel like that.  We bent forwards and back, sideways and wrapped ourselves in the fabric to make a cocoon.  We even did inverted poses where you hang upside down - using your core to balance.

The poses look elegant, but anytime you take your feet off the floor the band quite literally cuts into whatever body part it is strung around (hips, back, wrists - you name it).  It was so painful that I barely noticed that I was doing exercise.  I even have a slight case of rope burn under my arms from one of the core exercises we did.  I can now see why only 5 people came to the class...it really didn't feel like I did anything at all which kind of makes me mad because it feels like I wasted an hour that I could have actually been working out.

So, another class that I can't really recommend - and I think it is safe to assume that I am not a yoga person at this point, although I do like that they start and end the class in a meditative state - but that is probably just because I am tired.  I am going to count this as a rest day since I don't really believe that I burned many calories tonight.

A lesson in coordination...

I have never claimed to be the most coordinated girl in the world, but since I have started working out with a trainer I have found out exactly how clumsy/uncoordinated I am.  It started with little things like tripping over the BOSU or toppling over when I was coming off a step - but today had to take the cake.  I was taken down by a little piece of stretchy plastic that every 3 year old can use - yes my friends, I was beaten by a skipping rope.

It wasn't one of the horrible ones that we had to use as a kid - the yellow ones that you had to burn the ends on that left little plastic splinters in your hand.  No it was one of the cheap thin ones that has the plastic handles.  It all started off innocently enough - Paul demonstrated exactly how he wanted it done - and I was to repeat exactly what he did.  It wasn't anything fancy like double jumps or skipping on one foot - no sir, it was regular skipping.

Now, I should premise this by saying that I bought some fancy new shoes too - so I am going to blame part of it on 'learning' my new shoes - but they can't take all the credit.  So I take the rope and put the handles in both hands, and just as I did in pre-school I started with the rope behind both of my feet....so far so good...then I brought it over my head (or at least tried to) and whacked myself in the back of the head with it - see that can't possibly be the shoes fault.  So back to my starting position with the rope behind my feet handles in each hand - and this time it made it all the way over my head only to be stopped by my feet.  It seems that I must work on hand/eye coordination (which should worry anyone who drives with me).

I tried a few more times and then wiping away his tears of laughter, Paul had me do it with no rope.  Just the jumping part of it (which is awkward enough for me) but I imagine I looked a little strange to everyone else waving my arms around like I still had the skipping rope in my hands....so I was beaten by a simple piece of plastic - but not to be outdone, we kept trying that throughout the session and by the end I was able to string together 10-12 skips....this is not the end dear skipping rope....not the end....

My day off before Week 4 begins

Sunday should be a day of rest right?  So today I got caught up around my house after three weeks of neglect - laundry, meal planning, groceries, laundry.  I actually had to schedule myself a day to do it, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (for life getting back to 'normal' that is).  Didn't go to the gym today for the first time in 8 days!

I haven't even had time to update everyone on my progress.  I am now officially 6.2 lbs down in total!  I know that isn't supposed to make a difference and that the weight I lose isn't as important as the change in lifestyle (blah, blah, blah) but I am going to need something to keep me motivated throughout this process - and eventually I won't have the other contestants to keep me going.  Funny that I am already thinking about the end of the contest, but these three weeks have gone so quickly!

I am learning about healthy food choices - which is sometimes hard depending on where I am.  Yesterday was the homecoming football game, and the Alumni Association was invited to the lunch in the South End Zone.  I spent most of my time driving the Alumni Association golf cart, taking guests from the gates to the end zone - and trying to stay dry in the pouring rain.  So by the time I stopped for lunch, I was so cold and wet that pretty much anything heated sounded like a good plan.  Luckily they had grilled chicken on a bun, so I didn't have to make any really tough decisions - but the side dish they were offering was CHIPS.

Ah my sweet kryptonite...salty, crunchy, yummy chips....how lovely they would have been.  They were even in those small bags, perfectly portioned for a little treat but not so many that I would have to do 2 workouts to burn them off.  But then I have a birthday party later and I am sure there will be wine - and right then and there the decision was made....a glass of wine with dinner instead of the salty goodness.  If only all decisions were as easy to make!  I know that I won't be able to avoid chips for the rest of my life (or even until the end of the day as it turns out), but I guess it is about focusing on one decision at a time.

When I got home, Tracy convinced me to meet her at the gym for a quick workout before the party - what a girl!!  I probably would have laid on the couch trying to warm up, but instead I learned a new machine and sweat my a$$ off.  She had me try the step machine that looks like an escalator - starting on level 9 and doing a fat burning cycle that takes you up to about level 14 and then drops you back to level 9.  I managed to crunch my toes a bunch of times, almost fall off once and round out the 10 minutes before calling it quits.  Burned a crazy 150 calories in 10 minutes, and I will try it again, but decided to finish the rest of my workout on the cross trainer.  Paul mentioned that he will soon be bumping me up to 700 calories per cardio session, so I am enjoying these 'short' ones for now.  A quick few minutes of plank (not in a row) and it was off to get showered and ready for the party.

Dinner was fantastic (as always) and I opted out of dessert.  After dinner I came face-to-face with chips again...I only had 4-5 with some homemade salsa, and was satisfied with that.  But I wasn't even hungry because we had just eaten dinner...one of my short term challenges was to stop unconscious eating so I failed that time, but at least I only had a few rather than munching down half the bowl (and I counted them on my nutrition tracker). 

I guess my point is that while we were playing a game after dinner, I unconsciously ate an additional 150 calories - in chips/salsa, veggies and a little bit of dip.  Man did that add up quickly!  But we all did it.  We had just eaten a great meal - there was plenty of food and we all ate for quite a while - and almost as soon as dessert was cleaned up we were back at it again!  Still counting it as a win though because I didn't go crazy and I stayed within my calorie range for the day (even if it were at the high end).

So, still on track and better prepared this week to make healthy meals and snacks.  On to week 4....

All this and rug burn too

Paul's special kind of torture kicked in again tonight, combining cardio and weights with squats, jumps and the wobbly BOSU.  It was actually kind of fun.  He has taken quite a liking to the rowing machine - doing 350 m sprints and he keeps lowering my time - it started at 1:35, then went to 1:27 and tonight he helped me do it in 1:18!!  It is a killer hour with him, but I am finding that it isn't so much the weights that are killing me - it is the cardio.

Tonight's work out was so hard that he actually told me NOT to do cardio when we were finished.  That he thought I had worked hard enough to earn a night off (which actually means that I have to come in and do cardio on the weekend), but I don't know if I could have done it anyways.  This one was super tough - but this is what I signed up for right?

I did ask him how my competitors were doing, and he said they were doing well - so that just pushes me harder.  There is one guy in the competition - the rest are ladies - but he weighed over 500 lbs at the start of the competition.  Paul is his trainer, so I know he is getting worked hard, but he has already lost a significant amount of weight from the sounds of it.  No worries...he doesn't have this all wrapped up....plus I am really starting to look forward to going to the gym (did I just say that???).  Don't get me wrong, I am behind in everything, have very few groceries and have basically given up on dating for the time being - but it is already getting easier to arrange my schedule, so a few more weeks and it should be a breeze...they say 21 days makes a habit right??

The funny part of my session tonight was the cool down where we focus on the muscles that are giving me trouble...tonight it was one right above my knee.  Paul's solution was to get an over sized rolling pin and have me basically roll back and forth over it while I lean on my elbows on the manky Athletic Club carpet.  So there I am merrily rolling away when I realize that my elbows are sore....yep, got me some rug burn on my elbows.  Hopefully it isn't bad enough to stick around (it burned in the shower though...uh oh) - or I am going to have some explaining to do to people who don't read this!!!

Tomorrow marks 7 days from my last weigh in (which you will remember did not go according to plan).  I am torn as to whether I want to weigh in or not.  Guess you will have to wait and see...

Cardio + Weights = Torture!

Man, where is the time going??  This is the beginning of week 3, and I feel like I am making a small step towards the overall progress I want to see...even if I can't step on the scale again.  Yeah, not quite over the last weigh in yet, but I have continued to go to the gym, sweat myself stupid and burn those 500 calories - even if it takes 3 machines to do it!  That's right, my short attention span has once again shown its ugly head and I find that working out on one machine gets tedious - so Saturday I did 3/4 on the elliptical thingy (the one with static handrails) and then finished up on the bike, then tonight I did time on the treadmill and then finished on the elliptical again...it is all about mixing it up.

Paul decided to mix it up tonight too and add a little cardio to my routine while working my whole body - guess he got bored with the upper and lower body routine.  This meant doing something called a medicine ball burpie - which was actually quite comical since I froze every time I was supposed to jump my feet backwards.  Now in case you don't know what a burpie is - let me break it down for you.  (1)Put medicine ball on the floor between your feet while holding on securely with both hands (luckily the 16 pound round ball comes with handles - oh boy) (2) Jump your feet backwards (trying not to twist your ankle on the first one) so you are in formation for doing a push up with your hands still securely on the ball (3) Do push up while not tipping over while hands are on said round medicine ball (yeah going to skip that part for now thanks) (4) Jump your legs back in so your feet are by the ball (5) Stand up with the ball in your hands - but the ball doesn't stop at your waist - oh no, you have to lift it into the air and jump at the same time.  Phew....now do that 14 more times without passing out, breaking anything, swearing in your outside voice or trying to skip numbers and hope your trainer doesn't notice (he does).  Hoping I figure out what I did to deserve this so I can remedy it by Wednesday - before we meet again....

Joking of course...because it always feels great when I get home and know that I did it - that I didn't give up and I followed through.  There were many other forms of torture tonight - in fact when I went to meet Paul he actually said "man I must have been mad at you" when he looked over what we were going to do over the next hour....hopefully he was joking....he promised more of the same on Wednesday too...can't wait :)

Just 1...

Couldn't have been more right about not wanting to weigh in if I tried...finally bit the bullet tonight and stepped on the scale before my session with Paul tonight.  I shouldn't have done it...in just under 2 weeks I have only lost ONE POUND!!!  I have been following the nutrition program (with the exceiption of 2 glasses of wine on Saturday), I have been to the gym 7 of the past 10 days - either with my trainer or just doing cardio - but the point being I was pretty upset about only losing one pound...and then as I was doing one of my exercises, I broke the tension band which didn't help matters at all. 

Now, I know that I have only been doing this for a little over a week, but isn't the first week when you see the big number???  I am trying to keep in mind that this is a 3 month program and I can't expect to see too much of a change right away.  Paul was very supportive and talked about how it is important to weight yourself at the same time of day on the same scale, how we are building muscle that will weigh more than fat (blah, blah, blah) - it is all about the numbers - and '1' was not one of the numbers I had even considered.

So I am pretty upset - and I have to admit that my determination is seriously dented at the moment, but hopefully a good night's sleep will help...after all it may only be 1 pound but at least it is in the right direction.

And on to week 2...

Well, I have been at this for a little over a week now and I can't seem to bring myself to step on the scale to see if there is a change.  I mean, I know there is going to be a change (and in the right direction) - but what if it isn't as much as I feel I have earned - then what?  I tend to be motivated by success at things - as I am sure most people are, but I am also very easily demotivated by perceived failure.  I got a pass this week because I was in Ottawa for my sisters housewarming (more on that later).

So I talked about this with my trainer Paul, and he was frustratingly neutral about it.  He can see both sides of the issue as well and reminded me that I will be gaining muscle as well, so that could account for a smaller loss than I would have anticipated.  It is funny because I am less than 50 feet from the scale the whole time I work out, but I can't take the steps over to get on it.  So I am thinking that I am going to weigh myself before my next session with him on Thursday - so if the results aren't what I thought they would be, then he can talk me down and make the workout harder.  I know that this is supposed to be a lifestyle change as much as it is a competition, but for now it is the competition that is keeping me motivated.

And motivation was the name of the game this weekend.  I ventured to Ottawa for Linz housewarming party and to see her spanking new house first hand.  Needless to say, my serious case of house envy was not placated...it is even nicer in person - and her friends are very nice (if maybe a little too smrt).  I saved up my calories throughout the day and managed to have only a few chips/salsa and about 1 full piece of fresh bread (mmmm) in between carrots, broccoli and fruit - oh and a couple of glasses of wine.  And in the end, I managed to stay within my calorie range for the day - wine and all :)

I guess it is all about planning.  Linz made us a super tasty and healthy meal on Friday night, because we both knew it was going to be a high calorie day the next day.  I think I also burned a lot of calories helping organize all of the boxes and cleaning up for the party.  I really wish someone had witnessed me on my hands and knees vacuuming the carpet with her Dustbuster (because the central vac is on the fritz)....seriously it was quite comical - even Hailey (katface) had a smirk on her face as she watched me perched on the top of her new favourite couch.  I was actually surprised how many calories 'cleaning' burns...but I have no plan to give up my cleaning lady - let's not get carried away here :)

I have also found genius bikes at the gym that have built in programs so you can do a spin class at any time.  There is a guy that talks you through each of the stages and tells you when to turn up the tension and when to turn it down.  I am really liking spinning, although I am still waiting for it not to hurt.  I also did lower body with Paul tonight, so I should be good and sore tomorrow (but don't worry, I am well stretched).  

End of week one, and I am still as motivated as day one - feeling changes in how my clothes fit (even if it is all in my head) and already learning that 500 calories on a cardio machine isn't as rough as I originally thought if you are doing something that is fun - like spin or swimming.