Time for a change

When my weight loss journey began I thought I would walk and do Weight Watchers and that would be enough. It would be all I would want to do and no more. But I have found that my body needs to be tricked at times and walking only produces the excitement and desire to take the exercise routine to a new level.

I have hit another plateau so something had to be done. I had a 3 pound gain last week and this week I lost only 1 pound so I knew that my body was settling in and I need to shake things up.

Well, that is what me and my partner have done, we have taken our exercise to a new place. While I was recovering from my surgery Deana began a walk/run routine at the YMCA. So, now I have joined her. I had to or she would have ran and left me!

So, yesterday we moved to the Y and are now on the treadmill. I walked for 1 minute and ran for 1 1/2 minutes and we did this for a half hour. After the first half hour we walked for another half hour. I couldn't believe that I was running. I haven't ran in decades. And it felt great! So great I went out afterwards and bought me better shorts to run in.

I ran! This fat girl, going on former fat girl, ran. So, off we go. To lose the rest of our weight and run/walk into a new lifestyle.

I can hardly walk!

Yesterday I met with a personal trainer. She is someone whom I have done a "boot camp" with last year. I contracted with her for an hour and she set me up a workout routine using weights, a 62 cm ball and a chair. She gave me about 6-8 different exercises to do at least three times a week. This is to go along with my walking.

Well, since my workout with her yesterday, just so she could show me the routine, I have been so sore. I found some new muscles and today they are talking to me. Just to sit down is a chore. But this is great. Muscle confusion. My 5 mile walk this morning was tough since I am so sore but I was glad for the soreness.

She thinks this should jump start my metophilism and get my weight to falling off again. I have only lost 2 pounds in the month of January.

I will meet with her again in about 6-8 weeks and she will change up my routine and add to it. But for now, just going to the bathroom is hard!!

50 Pounds!

On this day - February 9, 2009, 5 months from the day I began, I have hit the 50 pound mark. These last few pounds have been hard to shed. So, now I have 50 to go and the deadline is September 9, 2009. At times it feels daunting but I just tell myself to continue doing what I am doing - walking in self control and exercising and most importantly -- Praying.

This whole journey is more than just losing weight. My friend and I have really been diligent about taking inventory of our lives as we walk and lose weight. We are working on our attitudes and our reactions to things that happen and to people. This weight loss is as much about my spiritual life as it is about my physical life. They go hand in hand.

So, as my friend reminded me, I am on the down hill slide. I pray the pounds just peeling off and I reach my goal - 100 pounds!

Downward I go! 48 pounds

Monday's are weight in day. Since I am not a part of a Weight Watchers class, my partner and I are on the honor system. We both weight at home and then report to each other when we meet at the park in a little while. I am always just as excited about her weight loss as I am about mine.

I lost 4 pounds last week. I am down 48 pounds. I had made it my goal right before Christmas to be at 50 pounds on this Monday (today) but I realized I would not make it so I am hoping that comes next week. Actually if I can keep up my 3 pound loss a week I will go over my goal.

Even though I have lost a lot of weight, I still have to fight discouragement. I have as far to go as I have come. My goal is 100 pounds. Today starts week 18. Our goal date is September 9, 2009. So pray I don't become discouraged. I won't give up, I can't, my partner won't let. Neither would my Menagerie. They are all cheering me on.

So, on this cold morning, I press on to walk in the park, teach a bible study at my church this morning and walk in self control.

Stalled

That is how I feel right now. I am stalled at 44 pounds. I gained about 1 1/2 pounds the week of Christmas and then lost them back last week so I remain at 44 pounds. So, I press on. Walked 5 miles yesterday, stayed under the points allotted and today is a new day. I had hoped to be at 50 pounds by next week but hopefully that will have to wait a week.

So, I head to the park to meet my partner and walk our 5 miles. I just pray the rain has left the area and we can get the miles in. We hate to make up miles but we do because we are committed to walking off these pounds.

39 pounds

13 weeks ago I began my journey to lose 100 pounds. I am doing Weight Watchers and walking. I have a friend who is also doing this with me and we are holding each other accountable. We have had moments of frustration and elation and we have walked many a mile. But the pounds are coming off.

I didn't really realize how bad my weight had gotten until I saw a picture of myself and I went to the doctor. All my numbers were good but my doctor was very honest with me and told me that my numbers would not stay good. In the coming few years I would be dealing with some serious health issues. She was my wake up call.

This morning when I did my weekly weight in and I reached the 39 pound mark. I am very excited. I would love to reach 50 by January 1 but I am not going to be disappointed if that doesn't happen. That goal will come in its due time.

This whole process has been a family affair. My children and husband have cheered me on, encouraged me and watched me as I have measured my food. They are happy for me and I like having them with me on this journey. That is what family are for - to hold each other up and see each other through.

So on this cold Alabama morning after I take the Menagerie to school I will meet my friend at the park to walk. She is good therapy for me.