Month 1: A Long Way to Go

The next week after our vacation of gluttony and alcohol drinking, I decided to start to get in shape and lose weight for real this time. For the last month I have worked out 6 days a week and I've been trying to eat less calories. Actually, this week I only did 4 days because I was so busy....felt super guilty about that but I'm going to change my workout routine this next month so it was a good break. My other rule is no alcohol AT ALL until the first game day of the University of Florida football season. Rough, huh? So far, I've lost about 9-10 pounds. However, I've learned that these first few months are going to be the hardest.

Even though I feel healthier and I've noticed a change in my body, no one else does. I still have 35 more pounds to go until I get to my goal weight. It's going to take at least until the end of November and if not longer.  I don't get complements. No one stops to say, "Wow, you look great. You look like you've lost some weight!" I keep telling myself that I have to be patient and that it will pay off in the end, but it's incredibly hard without reinforcement from others. It's not that I'm doing this for other people but any kind of encouragement I can get helps.  However, I've noticed the thought that keeps me the most motivated is the idea of revamping my whole wardrobe and getting rid of all my fat clothes. Kind of vain, huh? The thought of fitting in my size 8 jeans again is so exciting! I also can't wait to look good in shorts again. Or to try on clothes at a store and not get depressed.

I noticed that after awhile I started to get bored with my work-out routine. Mostly, I did the elliptical and sometimes stairs or the treadmill for at least 30 minutes and then for 10-15 minutes afterward I focused on my "problem areas" (arms, tummy, thighs). This month I decided that I need a goal other then weight loss to motivate me. So I am going to do an "advanced beginner" 5k prep routine. Every week I will increase my distance by .5 miles but this is how I am starting:

Monday-1.5 mile run
Tuesday-Cross Train (40-45 minute and weights)
Wednesday-1.5 miles race pace (this will be outside and not in the gym)
Thursday-rest day
Friday-30 minute easy
Saturday-rest day
Sunday-2 mile run (this is my distance day) and maybe weights afterward

I haven't actually signed up for a 5k yet because I want to make sure I have time for applications and the GRE on top of working out and going to work for 40 hours a week (ugh..). I will have to revisit that question again at the end of my second month of losing weight. So it's off to a good but anticlimactic start. If anyone else out there would like to exchange thoughts of encouragement I would love the opportunity to be your coach. I could email you inspirational quotes and check in on your progress and you could do the same for me. Us "curvy" girls need to stick together. Oh, the joys of being a woman.  I say that because my boyfriend is super skinny and does not take care of himself. I did however, convince him to get a gym membership. Progress. That's what its all about. Motivational Song of the Month

One day at a time.