Saturday, December 28, 2013

zaftig

I had decided i wouldn't weigh myself when I started this - not wanting to feel depressed if the numbers weren't ticking downward as fast as i wanted.  Well, I'm going to change that.  I will weigh in now, and then again in a month.  if what i'm doing isn't working - either by number or by feel of my clothes, then i'll know i need to modify what i'm doing.  i have a goal, and as with all goals, sometimes going from Point A to Point B requires a dodge-and-weave, or a recalculation (as my GPS yells to me all the time). so here it is:  I am 5'2" and weigh 175.  Makes me sort of numb to see it there.  I remember freaking out when i hit 110.  but - i'm on a quest to do my best.  See you at the end of the trail!  My plan is to check in briefly every so often, but we'll see how it goes - maybe more often.  Likely.  And please let me know if you have a health goal, what it entails, and how you plan to meet the goal.  i'm here to help inspire you too!
RESPECT YOUR HOUSE!

Friday, December 27, 2013

Move your feet NOW!

This is about going from a size 2 to a size 14, and teetering on the edge of 16.  it's about quitting smoking and hitting menopause at the same time - surviving - and coming out the other side with an ass the size of Arkansas.  It's about being a former professional athlete in my early years, to a couch potato with a weight issue now.  It's about being proud of quitting smoking, but unhappy about the huge weight gain - and finally doing something about it.  It's about quitting smoking and being proud of that, but unhappy with the weight gain and finally doing something about it because my cholesterol is doubled, my tri-g's are in the dumpster, and having just been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea "due to obesity," i will get off my friggin couch and do something i can enjoy.  if i can get off my couch.  (someone yell "cupcakes in the fridge.")

This is NOT about diets and diet schemes and diet shakes and pills and Rambo workouts and deprivation.  I am 56 (tomorrow!) and the closer to death i get, the more i seem to enjoy dessert.  this must be an easy or enjoyable thing to do.

It's about setting a goal, and working toward it, without giving myself excuses, OR guilt…acknowledging that life is not about a size, yet Respecting myself enough to allow myself to plan the work, then work the plan.  And about making it realistic and do-able.

So - are ya in?  Will you join me?

I will not be weighing myself, nor will i be counting calories.  Yes, that's what i said.  I will not be joining a gym.  yes, again, that's true.  as i continue toward my goal, i may add activities i feel i want to try, but i am starting with the 2 feet i was born with.

I have started walking.  just walking.  with a neighbor.  3 times a week.  Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.  we walk till we're done walking.  And there are 2 things we both like - shopping and talking.  So, first we shopped for all our cold weather gear in bright colors, and HiViz wear, since we walk in the dark during the week, (northeast winter darkness comes around 4:30) and are on a road shoulder.  That made it seem official - spending money for this gear made it an investment to get a return on.  And the first night, we set out and decided we would just walk till we knew we would have an uncomfortable arrival home…not a struggle, and not totally panting & wanting a taxi.  guess how far we walked?  4 miles.  yes, i said that out loud.  and the next time, we toured our area looking at christmas lights and it ended up almost 6 miles.  walking.  yes just walking.  a little fast - getting our heart rate up, but definitely not running.  i am too heavy to ask that of my knees just now.  we are lucky in that we live in a community of trails through the woods and wide shoulders for walkers and runners and bikers.

what i found after just the first walk - i felt like i could keep this goal, and i felt healthier.  i envisioned myself at my goal, and began even 2 weeks ago, to make better food choices because i didn't want to haul my ass around for 4 miles in the winter snow, then pack the fat back on my ass the next day.  and it is not even hard to choose a salad or soup for lunch, as opposed to a pizza.

aside from a weight number goal, we have decided to join the NoBo training with our local Fleet Feet store.  They have a "Couch Potato to 5K" program and we are shooting for that. (note that we are not sponsored in any way by any company or group mentioned, but i will let you know of products, services, stores, etc., that i find helpful).

And guess what?? my neighbor next door wants to join us, and the neighbor 2 doors down is coming too, as are 3 other women on my cul-de-sac.  So we have a posse.  it will be easier with more, in that there will always be someone to walk with in case of illness or just plain wanting to stay home.

our goal is fitness and health, not to look like a Sports Illustrated cover.  So if you live near me, and see a pack of plus-sized women walking down the road in HiViz vests, join us.  we aren't crossing guards.

we are on a quest to be our best.

just by walking.  and maybe a little dancing…