I am joining a gym...7 day trial 1/2 over

 I have been contemplating joining a gym. I signed on for a free 6 day trial at this gym nearby. Saturday was my first day. I did a spin class. Holy Moley! My lady bits are not a fan, However I DID make it the full hour! I made the mistake of updating my MapMyRun app (Replaced RunKeeper), and my friend saw and gave me hell for not texting her. She wanted to go. We met up later that evening at this local pub (where I completely negated any work I did at the gym, HELLO Cocktails, wings and Saratoga Chips!) and decided that we'd do another spin class at 8am the next morning. Not smart! I further negated THAT workout by having a root beer and yummy apps at my father in-laws. Oh. And the pasta salad! Not a great weekend, but I am still determined.

 It takes 21 days to create a habit, and 50% of those that make one, drop their fitness plan after before 6 months (or so says the personal trainer I met with). I am planning on entering the Color Me Rad 5k in September. Maybe that will keep me motivated.

I ran this morning. I missed my Sunday Start for my Beginner-5K training. I will loose out on one "Rest" day, however, I managed to do 1.7 miles in 18 min with a  5min. Run/1min. Walk plan. Not too shabby. First time I went over a mile. This program is to help get me to the point where I can run non stop for a half hour. Based off of my 5/1 (3x) run. I have no doubt I'll be able to make it! I know that I will not be competitive for  my first race, but I want to finish strong.

 Back to the bit about the gym. I got on the scale, and it was one of the body composition ones. Measured my weight, fat, water...the whole 9! I am "Healthy" in all areas, but I definitely can't wait to get back on in a couple weeks and see what progress I have made. The great thing about it, is it shows progress, even if you don't see it reflected in actual pounds off! Where many people get discouraged when they don't see actual weight loss, a good body composition scale will show you that you didn't really plateau. Invest in one or ask you gym if they have one. A great tool.

Week 3

I will preface this by saying I hate working out. With a passion. It is NOT fun. Even with my favorite music playing loudly in my ears. I literally have to force myself to put on my sneakers and go out for my morning "run". I have been doing 1 mile every other day or so for 2 weeks now. Started at over a 14min. mile and am down to just under 11min. Not too shabby. Still not good though. This is my Third week and I am committed. I have since passed the time where I usually give up! YAY!!

I am doing a fun 5K "Warrior Dash" in July. First leg is up a mountain. What the heck am I thinking? The only thing that may ensure I cross the finish line is the promise of beer at the end. Copious amounts of liquid gold. 

It is comical how out of shape I have found myself to be...but finding inspiration has been easy. From M., who has amazing legs that I envy, to a couple HS friends, Bubble and Hambone who, to know them today, you would never believe who they were in HS. They are true athletes and should be proud of what they have accomplished. 

So, with that, I continue on my journey to getting fit, and losing weight. I am not obese, but I am over weight. Luckily I carry well, and do not "look" my weight (I am vain enough to say I am happy for that fact), but at 5'4" and 140lbs...I could easily stand to lose a few...or 15lbs. I have a body fat percentage of 26.23%, and that is "acceptable"...but I'd like to get down to 14% Body Fat. That should bring my weight to a healthy 118lbs. 

I have always known not to strive for a strict number. I could never weigh 100lbs. I would look anorexic. I just don't have the body for it. Using Body Fat chart is a better way about finding YOUR personal "ideal" weight. I have 36.72lbs of body fat based off of body measurements. That means, 103.28 of my 140lbs is bone and tissue. You MUST have some body fat in order to actually function. For women it is higher. "Essential Fat" for women is  10%-12%. That means that for my body to even function properly, I should not strive to fall below 115lbs. Go to the link to read more. There is also a Body Fat calculator. It is not 100% accurate, but is a better gauge than BMI. 

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/body-fat-chart.php

So, anywho...logging in my stats, 

Weight: 140lbs

Waist: 26.5"

Wrist: 5"

Forearms: 8"

Bicep: 10"

Hips: 36.5"

Calf: 14"

Thigh: 21.5"

Ankle: 7.5"

Day 1

Today I start. I have said it a million times. Even did well a few times. As I quickly approach the dreaded "Big 3-Oh", I am more and more scared that I will become that middle aged woman who "let herself go".

I recently purchased a new pair of sneakers. Adidas Adipure 5-toe shoes. They are so ugly, yet, t he most comfortable shoes ever! I have issues with shoes, and would prefer to go barefoot all day if I could. Alas, going out in public (I won't even mention the grossness that is a public restroom!) and I have to work, so...shoes it is. To top it off, if I am going to wear something I find uncomfortable, they are at least going to be cute! Thus my infatuation with shoes...but that is a topic for another blog.

Back to my story.

I bought new shoes...I ran. 1 mile. Took me 13 minutes! Awful. My chest hurt and I was gasping for breath. I will power on. I have set a goal...2 months. I will be partaking in this year's Warrior Dash to support St. Judes with a couple friends. First leg of this is up a flipping MOUNTAIN...I didn't think this through! I will also be playing in a charity powder puff football game in September to benefit the Alzheimer's Association of North East New York. Practices start in June and I heard that these ladies are QUITE competitive.

With the realization of just how out of shape I am, and with high cholesterol noted in my health report, I embark on a journey to become healthy. I would LIKE to loose 20 lbs and fit into a size 3, however, I will settle for being able to run a 5K without a lung bursting at the 1/4 mile mark!

So here I am. Going to share my journey with God only knows. I figure, HEY! Why not?

Actually, I have an ulterior motive.  If I have to "report in"...I feel as if I HAVE to do my daily work out...I HAVE to be honest about what I eat. If someone happens to read this...great. I could use all the support I can get, and invite you to join me on my journey. There is no reason it can't be yours!

DAY 1
Stats:
         Weight: 140.4lbs
          Height: 5'4"
         Waist: 26.5"
          Hips: 36.5"
         Thighs: 22.5"
Goal:
         Weight: 120lbs
          Waist: 24"
          Hips: 34"
          Thighs: 18"


Woke up and made my boys lunch. Turkey sandwiched for them. Dogs out for their morning business and off on that "run" I went. Not sure if a 13 min. mile can count as a "run". I think a zombie from Dawn of the Dead could outrun me! However my app (RunKeeper, FREE in the android market) said I burned 115 calories! WOOHOO!

Off to work where I eat at my desk. Breakfast was a grapefruit and my coffee. Lunch is leftover grilled chicken and a half a cup of cous cous (I did take a Green Coffee Bean supplement before lunch). I think I may switch out cous cous with quinoa in the future. More expensive, but by far a healthier choice.

Dinner is a salad of mixed greens, parsley, tomato, peppers and Avocado. I like to just toss it in a touch of lime juice. No oil. My son is not a fan of my "2 dinners a week are salads" rule. He will thank me as an adult. I hope.

Desert is unknown. Snacks are my downfall. I can eat a bag of Doritos easily...