Nuts and Bolts...Part 2

So I have also been asked a LOT:  "What are you doing, how much do you exercise?"

Here's my summary.  (Remember!  Sadly, not every body is the same so you will have to find what clicks for you.)

I have the 10K Runner App on my iPhone.  The training for it has you running 3x week.  I've been SO consistent with that!  I run when it tells me to run.  I walk when it tells me to walk.  I don't allow myself to walk during the walking segments because I know if I give into myself once, I'll do it again!!!  Recently (in the last week) I have upped my running more to 5x a week.  Right now I backed myself down to week 8.  I calculated out my 1/2 marathon in January, so I am begining the training now each week.  The app will take me through a 10K.  At that point, the makers of the app also have a 21K runner app (21K=13.1 miles).  This will get me through the 1/2 marathon.  Once I get into the 21K app, I noticed my running will be about 4x per week.

Running is my constant.

I also LOVE Zumba!  And by love, I mean I would make out with it if I could!  I feel awesome when I do it (although I'm sure I look like a fool!).  And I burn massive amounts of calories in the 1 hour class I go to!  The only problem:  when hubby is out of town.  Usually he is gone, lots.  This makes an 8:30pm - 9:30pm class pretty impossible with small kids who's bed time is 8pm.  So, I had to back down on this one.  I still go every chance I can!  But it's hit and miss!!

However!  I found a great deal on a Zumba DVD set on a online yardsale site.  I ended up getting them and have used them a few times.  My plan is to include the Zumba DVD's on days I can't actually get to the awesome "Warehouse".

Some have asked if I have been lifting weights, or doing situps.  Um.  No.  I did Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred 5 times over the last month.  Five.

I know I need to start adding the weights into it because I want to not just be "small" I want to be toned!  So I'm trying to figure that aspect out still.  (I'm kinda weight/gym/working out stupid)  Plus, I don't really have the $$$$ to join a gym right now.  But, I have 2 5-pound weights here at home so hopefully Pinterest will help me learn to make the most out of them!  :)

Really, that's all I've been doing.  I think sometimes we try to make things more complicated than they need to be.  Or sometimes we think we have to do everything all at once (weights, cardio, eating, etc).  If you can do it all at once...GO FOR IT!  But I cannot.  So I do what I can, and hope to see the scale thank me in return.

The biggest thing is do SOMETHING!  If you're overwhelmed, start at the beginning.  Like I said yesterday...with FOOD CHOICES!  Then slowly start adding some walking or jogging or a workout DVD.

FIND SOMETHING THAT YOU LIKE!  If you find something you enjoy it makes working out a LOT easier!

Now I'll be honest.  There are still many, MANY days that I hate running.  Before, when I was pretending to train for a marathon I got my miles up above 10.  I realized that the first 5 miles always SUCKED!  It took my body that long to figure out, 'oh...this isn't so bad.'  I keep wondering if that's why I'm hating these 2 and 3 mile runs.  Whatever the reason, just know that there are many days when it's a mind game!  I have to fight with myself to be strong.  I have to reward myself:  "If you finish your 28 minute FULL run, you can go to Zumba tonight."

It's kind of pathetic.  But I've realized losing weight is SUCH A MENTAL GAME!  You have to want it.  You have to want it SO BAD that your mind can't talk you out of it!!!  It's easy to give into yourself.  It's easy to make excuses.  It's easy to say, 'I'll just start tomorrow, or next week, or next month.'

PEOPLE:  if you keep putting it off, you are just making it that much harder on yourself!  Trust me, I did it for YEARS!

Take baby steps.  Find little success moments that you can be damn proud of yourself for!  No matter if you have 5 pounds to lose or 5,000 pounds to lose...it's possible!  I've read so many success stories!  I've seen my own progress!  I did not take a magic pill.  I did not have a surgery.  I did not go to bed and wake up 70lbs smaller.  It takes a daily commitment to yourself, and a re-commitment every day there after!  Will there be slip ups?  Yes.  (Unless I'm not normal.)  I've slipped up so many times!  I've fallen.  I've even told myself that 'I give up.'  But do you know what?  I'm so glad I never actually did.  All around me I see those close to me deciding to follow this same path and NOTHING makes me happier!

You too can follow this path.  Don't just read about my journey.  Start your own.  And share it with me!  I want to cheer you on!  I feel like I have been given a 2nd chance (and maybe a 3rd and 4th and 5th!).  I love how much more strength I have.  I love that I don't get so tired.  I love that I can climb my stairs FINALLY without being winded!  I love what I see when I look in the mirror....and it's been a LONG time since I could say that!

But what I love more is seeing those I love decide they are worth it too!  I love seeing my husband drop almost 50 pounds in the last 3-4 months, and he's still going!  I love seeing my brother lose over 80 pounds in the last 4 months, and he's still going!  I love seeing my mom...my greatest cheerleader...lose and keep off about 40 pounds, and she's still going!  I love seeing the healthy vibe click with those I love most!  I love that I have dear, dear friends who have decided they are worth it!  One who broke under the 200 pound mark for the first time in a while, the other who is SO CLOSE to breaking into those 100's!  I love that I am surrounded by people who have been in my shoes.  Who know how hard this is!  People who sweat, and curse, and cry, and cheer over every pound they shed!

I promise people, it's worth all the hard.  It may seem overwhelming.  It may seem like your mountain is too high.  I know.  I really truly almost gave up.  But something inside my head clicked.  Something made me realize that I had more to live for.  I didn't want to finish my life as the fat girl that was always left behind!  I didn't want to hold my kids or family back.  So I started moving forward.  And before long, 1 pound became 2.  2 pounds became 5.  5 became 15.  15 became 30.  And now I'm almost at 70!  They all add up.  And they will add up for you to!

So get on it!  Stop reading, right now!  If you have time to read blogs, if you have time to be on Facebook, if you have time to watch TV, if you have time to be on Pinterest...YOU HAVE TIME TO MOVE FORWARD TODAY!