Day 10: Pushing through it!

It's official, I have my first real "sports related" owie. Somehow I've developed this blister type of thingy on the back side of my ankle. Actually I'm not sure what to call the location, but here is a picture. It doesn't hurt or anything although I think that it is pretty cool. I want to bust it, but if I do that, then I think that it will start to hurt.

Today was a hard workout. I woke up on time, but didn't get out of the bed and ended up falling back to sleep. I woke up at 6:00am (which is the time that I'm supposed to be at the track) so I jumped up, put clothes on and left. Although track time was pretty intense for me at this stage of the game, I found it to be more mental than physical. I had to constantly tell myself that I can do this. Tiffany did a great job too of constantly encouraging me, but I had to quote scripture in between my breathing to push through. It went something like this - inhale for two beats silently and then on the exhale make the declaration

Inhale Inhale
Exhale - I can do
Inhale Inhale
Exhale - All things
Inhale Inhale
Exhale - Through Christ
Inhale Inhale
Exhale - Who strengthens me

I'm a musician at heart, so if something is put to music, I'l get it. Instead of doing a lot of walking, we'd jog a straight and walk a curve or walk a straight and jog a curve. I really wanted to give up, but I couldn't, I had to push through the physical feelings and the mental thoughts that aren't helpful in accomplishing the overall goal. Tiffany said before to "Walk with Purpose" and I'd remind myself of that when I wanted to put my head down or slow down to a snails pace (didn't do that great every time, but it helped). Since I have a purpose behind what I'm doing, I have to constantly remind myself even when I don't feel like it. It turns out that at the end of the session although I only went 3.57 miles, I shaved a full minute off of the time that it takes me to do a mile. So instead of 16 minutes and 44 second, today I did a mile in 15 minutes and 34 seconds. That's pretty good! I wanted to go to the gym this evening, but things didn't really work so that I could. Personally I'm a little disappointed, but maybe God did it that way so that I wouldn't go and overdo it.

I'm grateful that tomorrow is a rest day from getting up early. No track date tomorrow, but I am going to go to the gym after work. I want to honor my commitment with passion and consistency, so I have to go for a little while and do something.

Although I'm doing pretty good with drinking the necessary amounts water - the funny thing is that I can tell a difference in my skin and digestive system as a result of drinking all of this water - I didn't do too well with the eating today. Part of that is because I didn't bring my food with me since I was going to be out and about for most of the day. You know what, it really wasn't that bad. I had popcorn at the movies and part of a slushy. Outside of that, everything was on point as far as the food is concerned.

The MOST blower part of today was the fact that my Nike+ Sports Band went bad. It wouldn't upload the data from today or yesterday's Track Date. I called Nike and the only thing that they could do was send me another one, but that would take 4 to 6 weeks! Who has time for that? By six weeks, I'd really like to be able to jog a full two miles and I'd like to be able to track everything. But the GREAT thing was that I took it back to The Sports Authority (where I purchased it) and they did an even exchange. Nike said that they wouldn't do it, but I am so grateful that they did.

My neck still hurts from that class yesterday, so it's really great that I'll be able to sleep in tomorrow. Hopefully it will get better really soon. Now I'm off to do homework!

Day 9: Track Date

I had my 6am date this morning at the track. I call it a date because although the track is not a person, it is a place that was designed and developed for people grow and mature and develop physically, emotionally and relationally. Honestly it was struggle to a degree because my body is a little tired and I knew that I’d have to push past what I did yesterday and do more today and pushing past how I feel in a physical manner is so new to me. I believe that you have to build onto what you’ve already done in order to grow (just my philosophy though). I got there before my friend intentionally but I’m not sure what my reasoning behind that was. I think that I just wanted to prove to myself that I'm really serious about this thing or if I was just doing lip service. I walked for a while before we incorporated jogging. Actually I jogged a full mile today but I wasn’t that excited about it. It was a mild stone and major accomplishment in this journey, but I didn’t feel “proud”. Now for clarity, I didn’t jog a full mile non-stop, it was broken up into different segments like yesterday. But, the segments were more frequent and longer with a minimum of 1/8th of a mile each time. So my total distance today was like 4.2miles (I think, I have to look at my meter again).

While my friend kept running, I sat on the bench so that I could people watched for a little while which lead to a serious thinking session. As I watched people go around the track, my eyes focused on one lady and man who were really chatting it up. I thought, “WOW, they haven’t even broken a sweat. How do you come to the track and not break a sweat?” I looked at someone else and said, “How come she has on flip flops and jeans? She can’t be that productive dressed like that.” It hit me (as I got a whiff of my body funk) that people decide to come to the track (or work out for that matter) for different reasons. Some do it for social interaction, some for physical health, some for mental stability…..whatever the reason, everyone has a reason and I was being judgmental of which I had to repent for. Then my heart changed and started praying for people. I guess when your eyes are open you can see better the needs of the people around you. One lady had stress/frustration written all over her face. Another guy was determined to walk, regardless of how far ahead the people who came with him got. IDK, it was just an eye opener in a different environment.

So I wanted to be adventurous by taking a class called Body Flow after my track date. It’s supposed to help you by providing stretching/strengthening exercises. The instructor was very nice and personable, but that class was not what I thought that it was going to be. It was not EASY! I thought that the class would be easy. My legs were shaking and sweat was pouring off of my face like a piece of meat on a grill. I mean sweat was pouring off of me. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have my headband on, of which I have to work out with because I sweat so much. I don’t know if I am going to take that class again (although I feel like I have to so that the class does not defeat me). I realize that I did something wrong because my neck and knee hurt now and it’s not that good sort of hurt that you feel after a good workout.

Tomorrow is going to be a major workout session because I have my 6am date and then I am doing Body Pump and (maybe) Body Attack. We shall see about both of those classes, it may be just one.

Day 8: I JOGGED!

You won't believe it (or maybe you will)..........I JOGGED TODAY!!! I started walking around the track and then at different intervals I would jog. All of the jogging intervals totaled .5 miles (that is a half mile). Who would have thunk it, I jogged a half mile. Yeah it maybe laughable to some, but I did it. Actually between walking and jogging, I did a total of 3.70 miles. That is more than a 5k! I'm very tired, but I know that I can do it because the Holy Spirit empowers me to do stuff that I can't do.

I am so amped up, I really am. I am a 300+ lbs. woman who has the ability to do something that seems unthinkable to most.

Day 7: The Goal

Today is my day of physical rest, but I'm busy making plans. Although I've established my long-term goal and a number of short term goals, I think that it will be helpful if I establish weekly short term goals to help achieve the overall long-term goal.

Week 2's Goals
- Participate in some form of physical activity everyday (excluding my day of rest - Sunday) by walking and incorporating LIGHT jogging into my routine.
- Stick with the two classes that I took last week: Body Pump & Body Attack
- Vitamins: take my established necessary vitamins every morning with my breakfast after working out
- Stick to my eating plan
- NO eating after 12am, regardless of how late I get off work and will be up doing homework

The above is going to be mad challenging, but without a challenge I don't accomplish anything. Character is developed through the hard things that we deal with in life and I want to be a woman of Godly character. I know for a fact that my pride will have to be placed on the back burner and I'll probably have to ask for help and accountability, but that's ok, right?

Day 6: OMG I'm sore

I am SO sore right now. This morning I went to the gym and took a class called Body Attack. The title alone should indicate what the workout did to my body. Everything burns and is sore. The thought of getting up out of my seat right now is scary. But it's exciting at the same time. In the class I did things that I thought that I couldn't do. I'm realizing that I don't give myself as much credit as I should or better yet, I don't give God enough credit. In my weakness, HIS strength shows up and empowers me to do stuff that I wouldn't ordinarily be able to do. I think that it's awesome.

Even though I hurt right now, I know that this feeling is temporary so I have to press through it, ya know? I think that I'm going to try to get a one mile walk in before the day is over. It's not much, but it will help (hopefully) take away some of this soreness. You know what I could do, I can walk to the end of the street and then jog the rest of the way back home. Hummmm, I think that I like that idea.

Anyway, I'm realizing that this journey is not just about physical development, but there is a lot of relationship development going on. Not romantically (at least not yet-lol), but I've really been developing relationships with other ladies and it's actually pretty cool. I met this one person at the gym and we had a conversation like we've been girlfriends for years. It was amazing! I know that I can talk to just about anyone, but it was different. There are a few other people who I had relationships with already, but the context of the relationship is changing. I don't know what Jesus is going, but it's pretty cool.

I have joy, but I feel happy.

Day 5: Workout Class

Today was my first exercise class in literally years!! I was a little apprehensive because I didn't want to look like a looser, but all of my apprehensions were dismissed because the class was great. The people there were very nice and friendly and the instructor was very helpful and understanding. The name of the class was Body Pump and we used weights. They were not heavy when you picked them up, but lifting and turning and holding is a different thing! It was rough but I made it through. I was so proud that I finished the class and stayed up (for the most part) with everyone else. Who cares that I did beginner exercises, I did it and that's all that matters.

This work out is the first that has me plum tired. I am tired and getting slightly sore in my arms. Although I am developing a little consistency with my workout, I have to do better with what I eat. I can't go hard and work out everyday but continue to eat the same things that I have been. That is counter productive. But that's the thing, I know what I should do, but then don't do it, which blows majorly.

The big thing this coming week is: Developing Meal Plans. It's totally easier said than done because I have no clue of the things that I should eat. Plus, I eat on the go. Creating meal plans means that I have to plan every meal and snack as well as cook and take food with me. We'll see how this goes, but you know what - "I can't do what I've always done and expect a different outcome!"

"With a renewed mind, I can do al things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me!" I gotta keep telling myself that.

Day 4: No workout

So today I did nothing! I didn't do any walking or anything. Oh, but I did do some stretching this morning because my back was hurting when I woke up. Initially I felt bad, but then thought about it and decided not to feel bad because I've been doing something everyday so far. Yeah, it's only been a week, but who cares about that.

Tomorrow (actually later this morning today) I am taking a class at my gym. I haven't taken a class at a gym in years. Usually I don't do well because classes require a level of coordination that I honestly do not posses, but I'm going in open minded and ready. This class is going to see something that they never have before - I hope that the teacher is ready (LOL).

You know, I'm really enjoying myself right now. Although it is still new, so far I don't dread a workout. This afternoon I was really blown because I wanted to go to the gym, but had so much work to do that time would not permit. I wish that my gym was open 24 hours, then I could go regardless of the time that I got off of work. Oh well. More to come!

Day 3: Continued

I just walked another 1.52 miles. I am so excited and proud of myself. I got a Nike+ armband so I was able to track my milage and the intensity of the walk via the Nike Plus website.

I also did a mini jog. It wasn't a lot, but it's something and not as bad as I thought that it would be. I was very apprehensive but I did it, I DID IT!!!! Tomorrow I'm going to the gym and I'm going to try jogging a little bit more on the treadmill.

Day 3: 2 Miles Walking

Again, I woke up late this morning. I'm not sure if it is my alarm clock or just me, but I have not been waking up on time to get to the track when I'm supposed to be there. But no worries, I got there and was only 5 minutes late.

So today I walked 2 miles which equates to 8 times around the track. Yeah, I totally didn't want to though. I was cool with the four times around from Monday, but when my friend said that we were going to do 6 times around I said, "Ok", but I wasn't too happy about it. While on the 6th lap she said, "What time is it" and I said, "7:44 am". Then she said, "Great, we have time to do two more laps" of which I responded, "ARE YOU SERIOUS!!"

Honestly it wasn't that bad. I am really trying to work on my breathing while exerting energy from any form of physical activity. Oh, on the last lap, I was shown the proper way of walk - arms at mid length and your supposed to turn your hips a little. The best way that I can describe it is walking with a switch. All females know how to do it I guess, now I just have to practice it.

Because I want to practice some more, I'm debating between going to the gym tonight or taking another two mile walk (or maybe I'll push my own self and go a little further). I have to pick my nephew up from Summer Camp, so a good walk with him tonight may not be a bad idea.

Earlier last week I reached out to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society regarding their Team N Training events that take place all round the US. After checking my e-mail today, I see information regarding the Marine Corps 10k race here in DC on October 31st and then information on Marathons and Half Marathons in Orlando, Philly and Phoenix in January of 2011. After really reading through the information, I'm wondering if I'm being realistic with myself.

I was planning to do a 5k (3.1 miles) in November. But if I can almost walk that now, am I really pushing/challenging myself? Should I consider doing the Marine Corps 10K at the end of October?

Day 2: The Gym

Just getting home from the gym and I feel great!!! Didn't have my workout this morning because I was madd tired, but I had to work out today.....committed to the journey!

I had an extremely rough day today at work today and part of me just wanted to come home and do homework. But I thought about different things that I've heard & read where people talk about exercise as a great stress reliever. I've never believed that idea (LOL), but thought today would be a great day to give it a try. I had to make a stop at Target to pick up a few things and then to make a visit to a friends house before my final destination of "The Gym"!!

Ohhh, I don't think that I mentioned that I got my new running shoes yesterday. When I changed my clothes and put my shoes on, my feet felt like they were in heaven. I've never felt like that in shoes before. There was a comfort and bounce that was absolutely AMAZING!!! I stood in place for 5 minutes just bouncing because my feet felt soo good. With my workout clothes and brand new heavenly feeling shoes on, I walk into the gym doors with pride and confidence. I arrived at 10:00pm and joined the 15 other people already there. The gym closes at 11:00pm, so I only have an hour to work off as many calories as possible. I head straight to the stationary bike in the movie cinema room. The bike is comfort zone for me because I can go really fast and not look like a dork. On the treadmill I feel like I look like a goober, which is why I didn't spend much time on it. So the final tally is
Bike
Time: 20 minutes
Distance: 4.81 miles

Treadmill
Time: 10 minutes
Distance: .65 miles

Yesterday I signed up for the Nike+ training plan and it said that I should walk .67 miles in 15 minutes. Although I didn't go to the .67, I don't think that I did that bad today. Tomorrow I have an appointment at 6:45am at the track. Hopefully I'll get up on time.

Day 1: Walking

Today was the first day of my training. I was supposed to be at the track at 6:45am. I was proactive and set my alarm clock for 6:15am thinking that that would give me plenty of time to get up and be on my way. Well, unfortunately I didn't hear the alarm clock and didn't wake up until 6:50am. I threw on the first thing that I could find, got some water and was out the door. No wash up, no teeth brushing or hair coming. Nope, I was gone! It's bad enough that I'm late for the first day of training, who has time to take care of those logistics. Besides, I'm going to work out (hindsight, I should have at least bushed my teeth) for goodness sakes!

So I get to the track and I'm looking for my friend, but she is nowhere to be found. So I say to myself, "Self, now is the time to get away! You wouldn't be lying when you say that you were there." I quickly came against that thought because I've come to far. Just getting up and making my way there was an accomplishment so I wasn't going to give up that easily. I was very impressed at the number of seasoned adults on the track. My "impressed" thoughts quickly turned into slight envy. These people are walking/running at a pace that I certainly couldn't keep up with so I was slight embarrassed. My friend showed up and we were walking and talking and this seasoned man comes along side of us and says, "You ladies are doing more talking than walking". I know that he didn't mean any harm, but it certainly didn't make me feel good. I already felt like I was going at a snails pace in comparison to everyone else and now I guess other people thought the same thing.

But you know what, (I want to say screw them and there thoughts right here but I don't think that that would be to nice) so what! Everyone has to start somewhere. I think that it is natural to compare ourselves to other people, but to condemn myself is not going to happen. I am where I am because of different choices that I've made. Now, I'm making new choices that will benefit my life and I don't have to quit when the process get's a little tough because I honestly can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Heavy vs. Broken

Last night I wanted to get a jump start on my new routine so I got on the treadmill to see how far I could walk in 30 minutes. But I wasn't able to go that far because every time I got on the treadmill, it would stop going! Was I too heavy for the machine or was the machine broken? I don't know either way, but because I am heavy, it's a good probability that I was just to heavy for that particular machine. But that's ok, I may be too big for the machine, but I'm not too big to walk on a track.

People Know

OMG, more people know about what I am doing! Some I told, some I didn't, but it's sort of freaking me out a little bit. Maybe it's because I don't do too well with accountability or it could be because I am an excellent quitter. Like if quitting were an olympic sport, I would have the gold every time.

So if you're going to accomplish any goal in life, there have to be short term goals in place in order to get to the main goal, right? I already said that I am going to do a 5k, 10k, half marathon and then full marathon next year, but didn't nail down a plan of how to make that happen. I guess God spoke to two individuals to challenge/push me from just having a great idea to doing something to make it happen. As a result I am starting my training on Monday morning at 6:45am and am signed up for my first 5k race November of THIS YEAR!!

THIS YEAR!!

Am I crazy to think that I can do this? Like I was at the airport this morning and was huffing and puffing walking from one end to the other end AND I WAS ONLY WALKING!!! But I guess these are the normal thoughts that people go through when they are preparing to do something they have never done, right? Questioning one's ability to complete/accomplish a task I would think is healthy and realistic. The thing that is different is that I know that I can't do this in my own strength.

The bible says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Boy oh boy am I going to need his strength to start, continue and see this through.

The Reason for a blog

Today I updated more settings of my blog and I had to answer the question of "What is the point of this blog?" I feel like life is a journey. There are up's and there are down's, but it is the decisions that we make in life that begin and end journey's. I believe that our bodies are the temple that God chooses to live in, but I have not done a good job of taking physical care of my temple or body. I've made a decision that I want to change that and here is where I want to chronicle the high's and low's of this journey. Why do this publicly (as I am very private with my personal's and private's)? Sometimes in order to be successful at something, it takes a public declaration of what the goal is and the steps that your taking towards accomplishing that goal. I've done things privately for far too long in my life.

This is something that I want to do and hopefully when the rubber meets the road, I won't give up!

Shoes

In order to prepare, I need to get new shoes. But I don't want to get man shoes because of these HUGH 13 1/2 sized feet. I'm going to check out Nike's website to see if I can order female running shoes that will fit my feet. Maybe I should go into a Nike store to have my feet appropriately measured......decisions, decisions.

Marathon Options

Ok, so I didn't know that a full marathon was 26 miles (which is a lot)!!!! I think that I am going to have to break up all of this running. With some training, I think that I can do it. I'm going to break it up like

First Run - 5k (3 miles)

Second Race - 10k (6 miles)

Third Race - Half Marathon (13 miles)

Fourth Race - Full Marathon (26 miles)

Hummm, I wonder if I'll be able to successfully train and be ready by 2011? I guess time will tell huh? Honestly I think that I can do it though.

The Decision

So I've decided.......I'm running a marathon in 2011!

The reason this is such a big deal is because I am a morbidly obese 32 year old woman who has not engaged in much consistent physical exercise. So the idea of a marathon is sort of laughable to anyone who I've told thus far....which is only two people right now. I've gone back and forth on the idea, because I wasn't sure that I'd be able to do it because of the physical stamina required. BUT, if I don't try then it won't be possible right? This blog will chronicle my journey as I prepare, run and recover.

Honestly I got the idea from the movie Julie & Julia. Not sure if anyone would follow, but I think that I need to do this for me. I'm great at not completing tasks or following through, but I can't do that anymore.

Today, Monday, June 14, 2010 is the beginning of my journey. I can do this!