Challenges along the way..

I know without a doubt my biggest challenge is mental- Mind over Matter..  

I am realizing that it's so challenging to drink enough water- to feel hydrated- especially working out. It's so important but, first off there is no more gulping- just sipping water... 

Then I know I need to eat more but, a few bites and I am full. Something salty like cheap pizza- I would rather drink water.. And something really sweet- is just too much.. I am just a real piece of work at this point. 

And then I start thinking - what if this weight loss is not working.. I know how stupid is it to let negativity creep back-- I should wear a shirt saying I am proud of me-- I have lost 47 pound in 2 months  that is a major accomplishment yet, when I look in the mirror I don't see it. Yes, yes this is something for the therapist. Sometimes I need to be reminded this is my journey to be healthy. That's it.

I also really want to empower people to take back control of their health. Just one step one day.. I know stop laughing - it's a whole lot contradictory. 

And I get people being embarrassed about being overweight.. One of my friends says yesterday- I could never go to D-1- I mean I can barely run 4 miles. I wanted to say without using lots of expletives "Shut up- I have never ran 4 miles- wait I can't run at all! If you can run 4 freaking miles- you can go work out." Negativity hits everyone and sound absolutely ridiculous to the others who are hearing it. 

I have friends who encourage me everyday- one friend who I have not spoken to since my wedding - sent me a card. I have a huge team of folks (probably you) who keeping me going.. Thank you, Jesus. I am thankful- for you- for those of you who encourage me daily- and for Jesus.  

A Place to Belong

I made a decision on my way to workout today- If I don't finish- I will stay for the whole workout. D-1 is a supportive team environment-and I am a part of this team.  

So, I walked back into D-1 today and felt at home.  I am just going to say what I shouldn't say- Yes, yes I am a 290  something pound obese working mother who drives 40 minutes to work out with a group of people in the middle of the day! Yes, the workouts have to mostly be modified for me. But, that's okay. I

showed up and gave it my all. That's what counts, right?  Today, I kept seeing the words perseverance, dedication, integrity, focus and finally pain is weakness leaving the body..  Todays warms up were like last time (Click here to read about my first time at D-1).. But the majority of the workout was very different.. It involved a weight bar lifting, disc weights, sprints and some fancy footwork. I am dead serious when I say" I had to modify it all. I actually made it 45 minutes (maybe 50 minutes) without my body screaming stoooop. You know what's really cool is that your teammates want you to succeed- everyone is very encouraging! It also feels really fun. There are all sorts of athletic levels at my workout.. 

So, if I can do (modified and all)  this YOU can too..  Stop making excuses and start taking care of yourself!!!  The decision to be healthy- is never easy. Working out is part of the decision. It's not easy.. Nothing about being overweight is easy. I believe in you! 

We all have excuses of why we don't work out. But, my friend Andrew says I am going to get the workout bug or fitness training bug and then I will be unstoppable... I can't wait. 

Day 1 of the D-1 experience

It's late. I am tired and sore- so this will be short and sweet.  Andrew was right! The experience was awesome. It was addicting.. The people are encouraging.. And boy howdy, do you feel the work-out.

Background info on D-1:
D1 is The Place for The Athlete.  They provide custom training programs, expert coaching and the latest in physical therapy, all in a motivating, high-energy environment. Every person who walks through the doors of this state-of-the-art facilities is trained and treated like an elite athlete.  D1's athletic-based, motivating atmosphere is designed for student-athletes and adults to receive the D1 Experience via their replication of top college/pro training environments and facilities.  D1 places a strong emphasis on developing positive character, core values and self-esteem, ingraining character building in every workout. Profanity, negativity and tardiness are prohibited at D1. Click here to check out Little Rock D-1.

My thoughts:

D-1 is serious, motivating, positive and hard work. They use everyday tools to help you be your best. This is

not dancing or movement class or walk around and get your heart rate up.. This is a fast paced training environment where you might or might not cry 30 minutes into because you physically can't go another step- they encourage you EVERY step of the way- even if when your only half done. They were so glad I just showed up. I will not lie.. I completed warm ups (jogging 4 laps, doing lunges and other activities I can't really describe then we did "mini station work outs".   There were 2 -5 exercises I could do. There were 2-5 exercises I couldn't do.. and 2-5 I just didn't do because of my tiredness. As my leader (Tish) says "listen to your body"- so I made it roughly 30 minutes. Tish said.. I would be tired tomorrow. She was wrong. I was tired 15 minutes after I left... I am pretty worn out.

Hey, I did waaay more today than I have done in years. Ladies and gentlemen we will call this success.  But, I am going back. Actually, I am joining a Burn it 2 Earn it weight loss challenge at D-1. So, it looks like I will be sticking around till the holidays. Come join me. If I can do it then so can YOU!!

where have I been?

August is a busy month for me. I work in education. So, this week school started.. Just a glimpse into my life

Today's schedule:
6am Wake up and get Lauren up!
7:00 Lauren on Bus
7:30 Breakfast with my hubby
8:15 pick up Maddie for Neuro Consult
9:00 Arrive at Children's
xray-meet with doctors-discuss/plan surgeries
10:30 miss another appointment because we are still waiting and planning
11:00 draw blood
11:30 drop off Maddie
11:40 Go to Sams get a Cart and half full
12:30 Get to work and unload
1:00 Reschedule meetings because surgery for Maddie is next week!
1:30 Organize a plan for the day
2:30 pick up kids for AfterCare
4:00 My kiddo is still on the bus- reschedule therapy appt.
4:30 My kids bus ride is one hour in the afternoons. sadness. Plus I have her iPod. Bad mommy
5:10 leave work for a meeting
5:45 Drive down Cantrell to Mexico Chiquito and order chips n salsa.
sit in traffic for 3 miles on the way back..
6:32 arrive late to the meeting
8:35 drive home from West Little Rock
10:00 BLOG
11 p SLEEP!