When I filled out my application for this program, one of the questions was, why do you want to be a part of Get it Back - Give it Back. Part of my answer included being able to give it back. I wrote that if through this journey someone, somewhere hears something I say or reads something I write, and it changes how they are living.........well I couldn't imagine anything better. So with that in mind, I promised myself that this blog would be an honest representation of how I am doing and feeling throughout this journey.
Anyone who watches Biggest Loser knows that week two is hard. I'm going to tell you that week two on Get it Back - Give it Back was hard too. It wasn't just hard physically, but emotionally it was a roller coaster. I did, however, learn some things.
Monday night Team Castanet met with Stephanie. She had set up a circuit for us upstairs. We all were doing everything, and yet we were all subdued. It just seemed hard. Now I'm not sure why the energy was low for everyone else, maybe it was thoughts of the obstacle course that was coming after our workout, but for me, I had decided to try eating my dinner before I came instead of a snack. I was worried about having dinner too late since we were staying for the obstacle course after our workout. Lesson one learned. Don't eat that much before a workout with Stephanie. My stomach felt like I had swallowed a rock. I gave it my best, but it was a lot harder than it should have been.
The obstacle course arrived, and I know everyone was dreading it. I felt a little better about it during our workout when Stephanie told us if we crawled, we should be through it in 4 minutes. Once we were shown the course, I think we all felt a little better. It was still difficult to think about doing it in front of everyone, but when my turn came, I did what I could to block that out and concentrate on what I was doing. I'm not going to tell you it was easy, the 5 up downs and the 10 step ups onto 5 risers made my legs burn especially after the squats and stairs I had just done during my team workout, but I did it, and I did it without any modification. It wasn't fast, and I'm sure it wasn't pretty, but I left excited about how much better it will be when I do it again at the end.
Tuesday after work I headed back to Global Fitness and hit the treadmill. I was focused, and I felt good. I pushed hard with both my speed and time and managed to do 54 minutes and 3.65 miles. I even got the speed up to 5 and ran for a minute at a time a few times. (One of my goals is to run a 5k......did I actually say that out loud?) I was ecstatic after that. I have an issue with being able to run. My grade 6 & 7 gym teacher was quite the athlete, and this man had no time for a chubby 12 year old who couldn't run a mile like the other kids. His way of motivating someone was to belittle them. No one explained to me that if I tried a little every class that I would get better. I came to dread those classes. I wasn't stupid, and yet this teacher never took the time to teach. So now at 47, I wonder if I will ever be able to run any distance, but I am determined to find out. I left the gym proud of myself, but I didn't stretch which brings us to Wednesday and lesson two.
I woke up on Wednesday barely able to walk. My thighs were burning, but I figured after a shower it would all work itself out. It didn't, but I headed to work and thought that after a few laps of Walmart I'd be fine. After all, that's what happened last week. Nope. I got to the gym, and my legs still hurt, but I found a treadmill determined to get my work out in. I still managed 50 minutes, but it was a painful and much slower 50 minutes. My speed never went above 4, and for most of the time it stayed at 3.8. My heart rate didn't get up as high as usual, because my legs couldn't handle it. I felt discouraged as I hobbled to the change room, but I had still done 50 minutes which was something. I still didn't stretch.
Thursday was our team workout, and our weigh in day. I weighed in, and I was down again. I was a little discouraged though, because I was down an amount that I have lost with just diet alone. I felt that with all the work I've been doing and being very careful with what I eat, it should have been more. I have to get my head around the fact that any loss is a good thing. Stephanie also measured our body fat, and all I'm going to say about that is, "way too high". We headed down to a raquetball court, and Stephanie introduced us to a bosu ball. Our work out this week involved a lot of stepping on and off this ball, and my legs were screaming. I did everything Stephanie asked, but I didn't feel like I was doing it very well. I had to really dig deep in order to keep going when all I really wanted to do was stop. Thursday was a very hard day. I knew going into this that I have a lot of work to do. Thursday made me realize that maybe I have even more than I thought. By the time we finished, I was a bit of an emotional mess. I should have been happy with the weight loss, and I should have been happy that at least I was able to keep using the bosu ball for the whole work out, but I expected more of myself. Its funny, or maybe sad, that my expectations for myself can be so unrealistic, and yet I consider myself to be very encouraging of others. I went home and curled up on the sofa with a blanket and hot water bottle and quietly watched TV with my husband. My wonderful daughter, who knew nothing of my emotional state, sent me a text telling me she was proud of me and some other wonderful things. Just what I needed at the exact time I needed it. My head started to get back in the game, and even my legs felt a little better. Maybe it had something to do with the stretching that Stephanie made us do at the end of our work out?
Friday was definitely better. My emotions were back in check, and my legs were starting to feel stronger. I did another 45 minutes on the treadmill, and I was able to gain back some of the speed I had before. There still wasn't any running as I wanted to listen to my body more. My legs didn't feel ready for that just yet. On my way out, I signed up for the beginner's yoga class for Saturday. That evening, I had the best medicine for my emotional roller coaster ride, I got to cuddle with my 7 week old grand daughter. Puts things into perspective.
Saturday morning I went to the gym early so I could get in some time on the treadmill before the yoga class. My legs were definitely returning to normal, and I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and was able to get my speed back up over 4. I went to the yoga class at 9, and I thoroughly enjoyed the hour. I have always been fairly flexible, and I have admired the quiet strength that yoga offers. I surprised myself at how well I seemed to be able to do, and at the end, my muscles were all stretched out, and I felt so much better. Lesson two, always, always stretch!
This week definitely had some highs and some lows. Its Sunday, the day I take as my day off and as I write this, I realize that I've still accomplished a lot. I didn't give up. My weight was down. I did get 6 work outs in. I completed the much dreaded obstacle course. My diet has been good, no cheating, and my food log is up to date. When I put my jeans on this morning, they definitely fit differently, in a very good way. I've learned that eating oatmeal before a workout is better than chicken and veggies. I know that stretching is extremely important, and the harder I work out, the more necessary that stretching is especially if I want to be back at it the next day. I've also learned that this is a process and that my head needs to be in the game. I need to be kinder to myself and offer myself the same patience I offer other people. When I look at it that way, its been a successful week.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Week One
Team Castanet meets Monday's and Thursday's between 5:30 and 6:30 so I didn't have to wait long to meet my team. After work I went home, packed my gym bag and headed to the gym for 5. I needed time to fill out paperwork and find the change rooms. :)
As I was driving to Global Fitness, I was overwhelmed by the most beautiful sunset. Normally I am inside making dinner at this time so I often miss these wonderful sites. I wondered what else I had been missing out on, but I realized that the journey I was about to begin would help me quit missing out. I was about to begin living in a whole new way. I was extremely nervous. I wasn't doing this with anyone I knew. My support system was in place, and its a good one, but I still had to do this alone. My husband, kids and friends are all incredibly supportive but none of them were going to be walking through the door with me.
I met Carla, a member of Team Castanet, at the desk and together we found the change rooms and the rest of our team. Stephanie joined us and we introduced ourselves to each other. I felt a little more comfortable. After going over the basics of the program and some of the expectations Stephanie has, we went upstairs to work out.
The work out was great. Stephanie is very encouraging and despite wondering how long the work out would last and whether or not I would last as long, I was feeling less nervous. When she told us to never apologize for doing out best, I knew this was going to be ok. Since we were working out upstairs I did wonder how I would make it back down after the work out, but we all managed.
Tuesday morning came, and I was stiff although not as stiff as I thought I would be. Since I am on my feet all day, the stiffness worked itself out by lunch. After work, I headed back to Global Fitness. Again I was nervous. I wasn't meeting anyone today and I had to figure out what to do. I got changed and quickly found a treadmill. I made it for 40 minutes! Not bad for the first day on my own.
Tuesday evening I was sore, even more than in the morning but Wednesday came and I headed back to the gym after work. This time was easier to walk through the doors. I was starting to feel like I belonged. I hit the treadmill for 45 minutes, and after I was sore but ecstatic. I was doing this.
Thursday was time for our second team workout. Somehow I was nervous again. Stephanie was introducing us to Tabata, and we were going to weigh in. Tabata sounded intense and I don't really like the scale although it is a necessary evil in this battle. My food journal was ready for Stephanie so I handed it in and stepped on the scale.........I was down! And it was a lot more than I expected. That made me forget briefly about the tabata but only briefly. It was an intense work out but I felt like I had done better than the first work out. Maybe I was spurred on by the scale but I was more focused despite the pain I was feeling. My legs were burning when we were done but it was the best feeling.......to know I had given a good effort.
Friday and Saturday I went back and did the treadmill again. Saturday I pushed it to 50 minutes and knew I had earned my Sunday rest day.
Today is that day and I am enjoying what I have accomplished so far. Yes I am a little stiff but that is a result of working hard. My food journal is up to date and I've made some switches. I have given up butter on my toast for almond butter which actually tastes so good that I feel like I am cheating while getting some healthy fat. I've given up cheese which I love and I am getting my dairy from yogurt and cottage cheese. I have also discovered that I have even more support than I thought which was already a lot. My husband has made it clear that the next 3 months is all about me and he is willing to fend for himself and the boys when necessary. My oldest son made dinner one day last week. My youngest son has listened to me talk about my sessions and my daughter makes for a wonderful cheerleader. I had coffee with my best friend today who listened intently to everything that has happened this week and people at work are offering their encouragement as well. I have finished this week up realizing that I can do this and even if I have to walk through the doors of Global Fitness alone, I am far from alone in this. Bring on Week Two!
As I was driving to Global Fitness, I was overwhelmed by the most beautiful sunset. Normally I am inside making dinner at this time so I often miss these wonderful sites. I wondered what else I had been missing out on, but I realized that the journey I was about to begin would help me quit missing out. I was about to begin living in a whole new way. I was extremely nervous. I wasn't doing this with anyone I knew. My support system was in place, and its a good one, but I still had to do this alone. My husband, kids and friends are all incredibly supportive but none of them were going to be walking through the door with me.
I met Carla, a member of Team Castanet, at the desk and together we found the change rooms and the rest of our team. Stephanie joined us and we introduced ourselves to each other. I felt a little more comfortable. After going over the basics of the program and some of the expectations Stephanie has, we went upstairs to work out.
The work out was great. Stephanie is very encouraging and despite wondering how long the work out would last and whether or not I would last as long, I was feeling less nervous. When she told us to never apologize for doing out best, I knew this was going to be ok. Since we were working out upstairs I did wonder how I would make it back down after the work out, but we all managed.
Tuesday morning came, and I was stiff although not as stiff as I thought I would be. Since I am on my feet all day, the stiffness worked itself out by lunch. After work, I headed back to Global Fitness. Again I was nervous. I wasn't meeting anyone today and I had to figure out what to do. I got changed and quickly found a treadmill. I made it for 40 minutes! Not bad for the first day on my own.
Tuesday evening I was sore, even more than in the morning but Wednesday came and I headed back to the gym after work. This time was easier to walk through the doors. I was starting to feel like I belonged. I hit the treadmill for 45 minutes, and after I was sore but ecstatic. I was doing this.
Thursday was time for our second team workout. Somehow I was nervous again. Stephanie was introducing us to Tabata, and we were going to weigh in. Tabata sounded intense and I don't really like the scale although it is a necessary evil in this battle. My food journal was ready for Stephanie so I handed it in and stepped on the scale.........I was down! And it was a lot more than I expected. That made me forget briefly about the tabata but only briefly. It was an intense work out but I felt like I had done better than the first work out. Maybe I was spurred on by the scale but I was more focused despite the pain I was feeling. My legs were burning when we were done but it was the best feeling.......to know I had given a good effort.
Friday and Saturday I went back and did the treadmill again. Saturday I pushed it to 50 minutes and knew I had earned my Sunday rest day.
Today is that day and I am enjoying what I have accomplished so far. Yes I am a little stiff but that is a result of working hard. My food journal is up to date and I've made some switches. I have given up butter on my toast for almond butter which actually tastes so good that I feel like I am cheating while getting some healthy fat. I've given up cheese which I love and I am getting my dairy from yogurt and cottage cheese. I have also discovered that I have even more support than I thought which was already a lot. My husband has made it clear that the next 3 months is all about me and he is willing to fend for himself and the boys when necessary. My oldest son made dinner one day last week. My youngest son has listened to me talk about my sessions and my daughter makes for a wonderful cheerleader. I had coffee with my best friend today who listened intently to everything that has happened this week and people at work are offering their encouragement as well. I have finished this week up realizing that I can do this and even if I have to walk through the doors of Global Fitness alone, I am far from alone in this. Bring on Week Two!
The Beginning
For those who don't know me, I am a 46 year old mother of 3. I have been married for 27 years to a wonderful supportive man. I love God, my family and all things Disney. I have a wonderful life that I realize could be better if I just took better care of myself, and that is where it all began.
It all started back in December 2012 when I decided to drop off an application at Global Fitness for its annual Get it Back - Give it Back program.
I have long struggled with my weight and fitness but this program offered an opportunity to get some help and allow me to maybe, just maybe, figure it all out. I filled out the application and somehow managed to walk through the front doors of Global Fitness and hand it in. That may sound like a fairly easy task but it really wasn't. Gyms are intimidating and asking for help isn't easy for me. By handing in the application, I was asking for help. Step 1 over.
The information meeting finally arrived, and my girlfriend offered to come with me. I'm thankful she did because the place was packed and I was scared. I listened to everything everyone had to say and I came away inspired by the whole program and especially by the things previous participants had to say. 30-40 of us in that room would have the opportunity this year, out of 70-80 applicants. I left with everyone else to begin the long week of waiting. We would all know on Friday.
During this week, Biggest Loser started a new season. I watched those participants throw up, get yelled at, fall off the treadmill and break down and cry. I started to wonder if I really wanted to be a part of the program. I became scared I would get in and scared that I wouldn't get in. It was a roller coaster of emotions that week while I waited. I really wanted to change and I didn't have a plan B. Get it Back-Give it Back was it.
Friday came and I can honestly say I have never checked my email as often as I did that day. I wanted in and I wanted to know. When the email came and I saw my name on a team, it was a sense of relief and a feeling of total fear. Now I needed to wait out the weekend and on Monday I would meet Stephanie, my trainer and the rest of Team Castanet. The journey was about to begin.
It all started back in December 2012 when I decided to drop off an application at Global Fitness for its annual Get it Back - Give it Back program.
I have long struggled with my weight and fitness but this program offered an opportunity to get some help and allow me to maybe, just maybe, figure it all out. I filled out the application and somehow managed to walk through the front doors of Global Fitness and hand it in. That may sound like a fairly easy task but it really wasn't. Gyms are intimidating and asking for help isn't easy for me. By handing in the application, I was asking for help. Step 1 over.
The information meeting finally arrived, and my girlfriend offered to come with me. I'm thankful she did because the place was packed and I was scared. I listened to everything everyone had to say and I came away inspired by the whole program and especially by the things previous participants had to say. 30-40 of us in that room would have the opportunity this year, out of 70-80 applicants. I left with everyone else to begin the long week of waiting. We would all know on Friday.
During this week, Biggest Loser started a new season. I watched those participants throw up, get yelled at, fall off the treadmill and break down and cry. I started to wonder if I really wanted to be a part of the program. I became scared I would get in and scared that I wouldn't get in. It was a roller coaster of emotions that week while I waited. I really wanted to change and I didn't have a plan B. Get it Back-Give it Back was it.
Friday came and I can honestly say I have never checked my email as often as I did that day. I wanted in and I wanted to know. When the email came and I saw my name on a team, it was a sense of relief and a feeling of total fear. Now I needed to wait out the weekend and on Monday I would meet Stephanie, my trainer and the rest of Team Castanet. The journey was about to begin.
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