Stop comparing and just get moving...

"Comparison is the death of joy" Mark Twain said that and I would have to agree. I often get discouraged when I feel I am not running as fast, lifting as much, or seeing result as quickly as someone else might be. I rarely pat myself on the back or feel pride because I have a tendency to look at someone I may idolize and see how far I am from getting to their level when I should be focusing on the journey.

I have to remember that it isn't about what the person next to me is doing it's about what I am doing. I admittedly am still in a rut and I can't seem to get out of it. I am lacking in motivation and it is overwhelming. I saw a link recently by a women I follow named Marie Forleo who said to forget about motivation and just get moving. She was addressing life in general and she is right. I need to get moving in any area even if its totally unrelated to fitness. I just need to get moving. I need to abandon the couch, the T.V., and the computer for awhile. I need to get my behind into gear and accomplish something.

In conclusion...Focus on my journey and avoid comparison. Seek motivation through action not through contemplation.


Here is the link to the Marie Forleo Video....just copy and past it in your address bar to see the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvflCq-u0g4&feature=youtu.be

Shrink Me Out of These Trousers!

I must confess...when I lost weight I never got rid of my "Chubby Girl Trousers" these wide leg charcoal pants that make me appear thinner than I am and that literally fall off of me when I am close to my goal weight. These trousers that are currently too snug have remained part of my wardrobe when they probably shouldn't have. Some people hold on to clothing in hopes that they will lose enough weight to fit into them again and I just have to wonder if holding on to these pants was my way of subconsciously accepting an inevitable weight gain. Nevertheless, they have become a symbol for a non-scale victory challenge.

A "Non-Scale Victory" consist of weight loss that isn't measured by the amount of pounds you lose but rather by mileage you run, the weight you lift, or inches you've lost, etc... It is a victory that is earned but is often overshadowed by the pesky numbers on the scale. In order to maintain my motivation I will do my best to ignore the scale and celebrate these other victories.

I am no expert but I am discovering that dwelling on failure is no way to rekindle your motivation. In fact it will do the opposite and keep you down. My "Chubby Girl Trousers" may be too snug now but after a few weeks of changing my habits they will loosen up. I am going use these pants as a stepping stone in the right direction.

• Stone One: The pants will become so loose I will need a belt to keep them up 
• Stone Two: The pants will become even more loose causing me to move back a few notches on that belt
• Final Stone: The pants will become too big that the belt can no longer hold them up.

After the final stone I will donate these pants and move on to the next challenge. I know that I am not perfect, I know it will take time to change my bad habits, and I realize that beating myself up is no way to live. I lost motivation, I got comfortable, and I gained weight but here I am trying again. Trying is a part of life...think of how many tries it took before you learned to tie your shoe, how many tries did it take before you learned how to ride your bike, and how many tries did it take before you found an ideal companion and that's if you're not still trying. In my opinion as long as you keep trying you don't really fail you fall. I have fallen but I am getting up at my pace and I challenge you to do the same!

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Here we go again...

"I have fallen and I can't get up"... Famous words from a T.V. Commercial that emulate my fitness journey. I have seriously fallen and I can't find the motivation to get back up. I decided to start this blog to chronicle my journey into trying yet again to reach my fitness goals. I have been successful in the past not once but twice losing twenty pounds each time (See Photos Below). The first time I lost twenty pounds I was doing P90x and running regularly. The second time I lost it I was lifting weights using the Jamie Eason Livefit program on bodybuilding.com and running. Both times I ate fairly healthy.

I have unfortunately gained all of my weight back due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. I have a major sweet tooth and a weak will. I turn into a temper tantrum throwing little demon that screams give me more once I've had a taste of sugar. If I buy a box of little Debbie brownies I will consume the entire box within a day or two all by myself.  This typically occurs when my evil red head visitor arrives and the chocolate cravings become overwhelming. 

I like to put a disclosure out there...I've never felt like I've been extremely overweight but I know when I start feeling uncomfortable it's time to do something. Uncomfortable to means shortness of breath, clothes fitting too snug or having to go up a few sizes, always trying to hide my belly in photos, and the worst part is losing my sex drive because I don't feel sexy. The time has come to start again and I pray this blog will keep me motivated and hold me accountable. I also pray that in maintaining this blog I will help others along in their journey. Let's inspire each other!

So, today I've decided to try P90x3... I did the "Total Synergistic" video and I have to say it kicked my butt. I couldn't keep up with them. I hope that I can indeed transform within 90 days. Cheers to day 1!

My Current Stats are...

Ht: 5'2"

Wt: 155lbs

Waist: 37.5 inches

Hips: 39 inches

Chest: 37 inches 

These are my before and after photos from the first time I lost 20lbs using P90x, running, and eating better but not exactly clean..

 The Second Time...Using  Jamie Eason's Livefit, running, and eating clean.

This is me now... I have a ways to go and I need to succeed. Wish me luck!

 I pray I maintain consistency and keep it off this time.