Another blogger, Kath from Courage to Start, on my 12 week body transformation (12WBT) program has again issued a weekly challenge for other 12WBT bloggers. I participated in those she offered in my first round, so thought I'd again join in the fun and frivolity. Plus, it means I don't have to think of something to blog about today.
1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play.I’m a single 43 year old woman, slightly frustrated with her life. And my weight is only part of it. I’m one of those people who assume I can’t be happy, or that things won’t fall into place until I get my weight under control… or until I feel, and look, like a normal person!
2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender??Losing weight. This is my second round and I mostly refer to the program as a weight-loss program, although a few other 12WBTers pick me up on it regularly, given that many on the program are doing the ‘Lean and Strong’ version. But for me – and where I’m at, at the moment – it’s all about losing weight.
3. Why do you blog??
Ha! I can cheat here as I wrote about it yesterday… but in summary I blog because I love writing and am sufficiently self-absorbed to assume my thoughts are of interest to others.
4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)I’m not one to have idols. In fact, there probably isn’t ONE person I would like to be. Naturally I’d like to have the body of many-a Hollywood actress or almost any athlete (other than a shot-putter or female Sumo wrestler. Of course!); the mind of someone far more sane and intellectual than myself; or the money of any mogul. But… I’m inspired by lots of people who overcome everyday hardships and just get on with it without the self-pity and victim mentality which often consumes me. At the moment I’m in my hometown because my father’s in hospital. And, as I watch my mother’s patience and tenderness towards him I am truly touched.
5. What things in life bring you the most joy?I’m seriously tempted to say food and alcohol. But… because I’m now (well, ummm…. becoming) a more evolved and enlightened person I won’t say that. I SHOULD probably say, family and friends and that is true – in part. But the things I love doing the most are: writing, reading and watching television. Hmph, who says I’m superficial?!
6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?Remaining as focused as I was in my first round. I wouldn’t have even considered eating chocolate or cake, biscuits, chips etc, BUT am not sure I’m as resolute as I was back then.
7. What are you most excited about 12wbt?The bloody weight loss. Of course!
8. And what scares the pants off you?Failure, a loss of motivation, distraction. Giving up.
9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 wordsExercise something that HAS to be done, rather than enjoyed.
10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feelingA sense of pride at how well I’ve done, over the 12 weeks and in total. And… I will be even closer to my goal.
This might surprise you as I’m not usually one for blowing my own trumpet (or maybe I am....?!), but today’s post is a smug self-congratulatory one about stuff I’m doing well. It doesn’t happen often and I’m not sure if that’s because I’m not usually doing stuff well, or because of the whole trumpet-blowing phobia, but either way this kind of post is rare for me.
And in fact, this part onwards is a second draft because – despite starting with that upbeat paragraph – the rest of it was full of tales of woe and self-pity. Despite feeling glad that I restarted tracking my food and exercise this week (as promised in my ‘Game on (bitches)’ post) I tempered the rest of the original post by going on to confess that I had popcorn for dinner Monday night (cos I forgot to get the fish out of the freezer). And then Tuesday night I actually ate two pieces of fish (with salsa) instead of one. Then last night I had red wine. There were trade-offs for each of those and Tuesday and Wednesday in particular, I kept below my 1200 calorie limit. I just made some bad choices.
So... what started as a self-congratulatory post quickly descended into my usual ‘Aren’t I bad?’ twaddle.
So (forgive the language), fuck it! Back to the trumpet-blowing. I’m going to ignore the negatives and refocus on my good news stories for the week because I need to get some perspective. Sure I have a long way to go, but I need to remember that just four months ago I was binge-eating caramello koalas, bags of corn chips and hot chips while avoiding people and spending my life on the sofa.
But now... I’m a different person. Well, not entirely cos I’m still me. Obviously. However, not only did I start tracking my food and exercise on Monday as promised; but I also upped the ante on my exercise. Last week you will recall that I ventured into a Zumba class for the first time ever AND I went to a ‘Move and Groove’ class. And this week I went back for more. AND, on top of that I went to a Body Pump class. I know it’s shocking, but Monday, Tuesday AND Wednesday I took a lunch break and attended classes every day. I surprised even myself as I thought I might get to one or two classes a week. Rather, I made a concerted effort to ensure I was free and to not feel guilty for taking a lunch break on those days.
Better still, I enjoyed all three classes. I’m loving Zumba: the music is amazing and instructor fabulous. Move and Groove (aka Body Jam – sort of) is still a bit strange with a Hip Hop-dancing instructor making it up along the way. But... again – great music and some funky moves. And finally, attending my first ‘Pump’ class in about seven years wasn’t as scary as I thought it might be. Of course I paced myself fearing the shock my body might go into after having to suddenly lift ambitious weights (in addition to carrying my excessive weight about).
With busy workdays on the remaining two days of the week I’ve planned to rely on my faithful rented exercise bike at home – previously much-hated and dreaded, although now I get some variety I suspect it will be quite handy.
So there you have it. Whereas four months ago I couldn’t walk without getting shin splints I’m now mixing up my exercise and trying new things. On Saturday I’ve booked into a pilates reformer class and am already considering trying some boxing classes at the gym next week. Just to keep me on my toes. Literally!
Another blogger, Kath from Courage to Start, on my 12 week body transformation (12WBT) program has again issued a weekly challenge for other 12WBT bloggers. I participated in those she offered in my first round, so thought I'd again join in the fun and frivolity. Plus, it means I don't have to think of something to blog about today.