Monday, November 30, 2009
Holidays- a diet's worst enemy!
Happy post- Thanksgiving everyone! I hope all your holidays were fun and cheerful!!
Personally, my Thanksgiving was filled with food and fun, and more food! I was able to eat my favorite...Pumpkin Pie!! And I loved and savored every single second, which is how food should be eaten I do suppose! However,
Okay, so it could be SO much worse, I could be back up to my starting weight and feeling bloated and still full from the weekend! What is it about this time of year, that brings the food lovers out in all of us! I know it does for me! For foods that normally wouldn't pass these lips "Oh, it's only once a year, what will it hurt!?" However, what if I did that for every single holiday? So here, my friends, is a "well it's only once a year" list!
January- New Years! Mini sausages, champaign, and tons of munchy things. What's a few extra cheese and crackers? After all, it's only once a year!
February- Valentines Day! Oo, can we say chocolate everyone? Creme filled, solid milk and dark, big pieces in a BIG heart! Then of course, don't forget our romantic dinners by candlelight! With soft music and 2000 calories! However, it's only once a year!
March- For me, anniversary time!! If you're like us, the first question "oh, where should we go eat for our anniversary?!" Usually, a place that specializes in delicious steaks and desserts! But again, it's all good, it's only once a year!
April- Easter time! Bunny rabbit stew? No, I'd say not, but Ham, and casserols, and stuffing and eggs, MM, that, a good Easter dinner, makes! Why are we worrying though? It's only once a year!
May- Well, what on Earth holiday is in May you might ask? Well folks, can we say, Mother Day?! Oo, those mother's day buffets are divine! But it's for mom, and it's only once a year!
June- If it's not for mum, it must be for Dad! For June is father's day! Let us remember our dads, by shoving our faces! It's fathers day, it's only once a year! (I should tell you too, June 1st, is national donut day!)
July- God Bless America....with burgers, brats, potato salad and blowing things up...including our bellies!!
August- Can you believe summer is almost done? Well, let's celebrate with one last camping trip! I bring the smores, you bring the beer, they'll bring the weiners and buns!! We only get to go once a year though! It's a special occasion!!
September- man, back in school already! However, it's time for our Labor Day BBQ!! Beans and potato salads, burgers and brats, beer and friends! It's cool though, it's just one last hurrah!!
October- Spooks and ghouls come out, to Target, in the candy section! Did you ever know how many more candies appear on the market around this time?! It's so easy to buy ONE bag and be like, "well it's Halloween! What would Halloween be without Candy corn?!" After all, it's only once a year!
November- duh! We all just went through the infamous Turkey day! Sure, turkey is great for you, just, when you add potatoes, gravy, casserols, stuffing and of course, PUMPKIN PIE!! But we're with family, and it just doesn't happen that often!!
December- Who are we kidding folks? The entire month is one big food festival! People making cookies, parties to go to, and everyone to shoving their own specialties at you!! It's SO great! And it's Christmas after all, it's only once a year!
Think about this, for every special occasion, we add an extra, 700 calories to our day! That's at least an extra 8,400 calories a year! AT LEAST!! 700 is pretty gracious if you ask me! So this holiday season, don't skimp, just think about what's going into your mouth! If you can't resist, most gyms are open the morning of the Holiday! Hit it up for a bit! You'll feel MUCH better when you eat that pumpkin pie!!
Friday, November 27, 2009
My decision...
So many thoughts, so many concerns, so many choices!
Well, I'm going to cut to the chase, I have made my decision as to what I'm going to do. I, Cara Ann Berg Rainey, am going to be in town for the next couple years. I am going to be a grad student at the U of Minnesota, and be part of the ROTC program!
Why did I make this decision? Well, let me start by saying there were three people I really had to talk to, to feel as if my decision was the right one.
First and foremost the most important person to help, was Colin. When I told him about the ROTC idea, of course he was behind it! It wasn't until I told him what I was going to do that he got really excited, which helped me know I made the right one. Our first conversation was about an hour long and he helped me sort through all my options, and helped me take a look at all my options (see previous post). I am so lucky that he is supportive as he is. The next couple years are going to be hard, financially and physically and mentally! So, knowing that we would get to spend the next two years together is an awesome and amazing thought!!
The next person I really needed to talk was Norman. For the last 9 months, I have been working like a mo-fo to get in shape for the Marines!! So, I needed to make sure from him that, in his mind, it wouldn't be giving up. Basically, these are the points I got out of our conversation. First, it wouldn't be giving up, because I will still be going into the military! Next, who is to say, I can't be a bad ass soldier? Why can't I take all the standards of the marines and bring them over to the army? Talk about an awesome leader! To be able to physically challenge the soldiers I will lead, to keep them with Marine physical standards and army mental standards! Next, he made the point that, the army can give me a marriage, which I would not have as a Marine. So, there was a lot more to it, but I'm trying to keep it SOMEWHAT short for ya'll!
So, those two are my emotional and physical gurus, who I look to for advice in the matters of life and, well, physical challenges. My last person I looked to was the man who got this ALL started, Ret. Col. Bob Ayotte. To think, if he and my dad had never run into each other in Cub months ago, who knows what would be going on! Because of this man, I have a feeling my marriage will be a very successful one, and I will more than flourish as an Army Officer!
Isn't it funny how ONE day can change an entire lifetime? Never take one for granted folks! You just never know what moment will change your life forever!!
Well, I'm going to cut to the chase, I have made my decision as to what I'm going to do. I, Cara Ann Berg Rainey, am going to be in town for the next couple years. I am going to be a grad student at the U of Minnesota, and be part of the ROTC program!
Why did I make this decision? Well, let me start by saying there were three people I really had to talk to, to feel as if my decision was the right one.
First and foremost the most important person to help, was Colin. When I told him about the ROTC idea, of course he was behind it! It wasn't until I told him what I was going to do that he got really excited, which helped me know I made the right one. Our first conversation was about an hour long and he helped me sort through all my options, and helped me take a look at all my options (see previous post). I am so lucky that he is supportive as he is. The next couple years are going to be hard, financially and physically and mentally! So, knowing that we would get to spend the next two years together is an awesome and amazing thought!!
The next person I really needed to talk was Norman. For the last 9 months, I have been working like a mo-fo to get in shape for the Marines!! So, I needed to make sure from him that, in his mind, it wouldn't be giving up. Basically, these are the points I got out of our conversation. First, it wouldn't be giving up, because I will still be going into the military! Next, who is to say, I can't be a bad ass soldier? Why can't I take all the standards of the marines and bring them over to the army? Talk about an awesome leader! To be able to physically challenge the soldiers I will lead, to keep them with Marine physical standards and army mental standards! Next, he made the point that, the army can give me a marriage, which I would not have as a Marine. So, there was a lot more to it, but I'm trying to keep it SOMEWHAT short for ya'll!
So, those two are my emotional and physical gurus, who I look to for advice in the matters of life and, well, physical challenges. My last person I looked to was the man who got this ALL started, Ret. Col. Bob Ayotte. To think, if he and my dad had never run into each other in Cub months ago, who knows what would be going on! Because of this man, I have a feeling my marriage will be a very successful one, and I will more than flourish as an Army Officer!
Isn't it funny how ONE day can change an entire lifetime? Never take one for granted folks! You just never know what moment will change your life forever!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Army vs. Marines...which is better?
Well, maybe not better, but which is the right path for me?
For so long, I've poured everything into the Marines, and now, the thought going through my head is "If I go any other route besides Marines, I will be a failure..." I have people telling me that, that is wrong, yadda yadda, but that's how I feel! I feel like I would be letting myself, and ALL OF YOU down. I do love the Marines, but I love being with Colin! So here is my pros and cons list of both branches of service, up to this point:
Marines, PROS:
- empowerment
- part of a VERY elite few
- tough both physically and mentally
- shorter deployments
- resume uniqueness
- won't be able to join in 2 years
- male dominated
- I get to serve
- very slow promotion rate
Marines, CON
- Colin = Army (not living together)
- about a year and a half of training, away from everyone
- demanding
- male dominated
- fewer opportunities (deployments & MOS)
- fewer places to live and transfer to
- can deploy at a drop of a hat
Army ROTC, PRO
- get a free Masters degree
- get to be with Colin, possibly even at the same base
- I get to serve
- more chances for deployments
- faster promotion rate
- many places to live (including Colorado, or Maryland!)
- a lot of MOS opportunities
- get to go to the U of M for a while!
- Make HISTORY at the U of M, being the first married couple ever through the ROTC program
- get to be with family for the next couple years
Army ROTC, CON:
- I don't get to be a Marine, and I let everyone down
- I spend 2 years in poverty with Colin
- longer deployments
- takes longer to get my commission
- not as much camaraderie as with the Marines
- have the constant question "what if?" in the back of my mind
- I already have a lot of Marine crap! lol
- probably will move around a lot more
There are more to each of the lists, but, just right off the top of my head, this is my pros and cons! People, I am SO darn torn still. Normally by now, I have a pretty clear cut idea, but I just don't know! I hope this helps all of ya to get an idea as to what's going on in my head and why it's eating me alive!
For so long, I've poured everything into the Marines, and now, the thought going through my head is "If I go any other route besides Marines, I will be a failure..." I have people telling me that, that is wrong, yadda yadda, but that's how I feel! I feel like I would be letting myself, and ALL OF YOU down. I do love the Marines, but I love being with Colin! So here is my pros and cons list of both branches of service, up to this point:
Marines, PROS:
- empowerment
- part of a VERY elite few
- tough both physically and mentally
- shorter deployments
- resume uniqueness
- won't be able to join in 2 years
- male dominated
- I get to serve
- very slow promotion rate
Marines, CON
- Colin = Army (not living together)
- about a year and a half of training, away from everyone
- demanding
- male dominated
- fewer opportunities (deployments & MOS)
- fewer places to live and transfer to
- can deploy at a drop of a hat
Army ROTC, PRO
- get a free Masters degree
- get to be with Colin, possibly even at the same base
- I get to serve
- more chances for deployments
- faster promotion rate
- many places to live (including Colorado, or Maryland!)
- a lot of MOS opportunities
- get to go to the U of M for a while!
- Make HISTORY at the U of M, being the first married couple ever through the ROTC program
- get to be with family for the next couple years
Army ROTC, CON:
- I don't get to be a Marine, and I let everyone down
- I spend 2 years in poverty with Colin
- longer deployments
- takes longer to get my commission
- not as much camaraderie as with the Marines
- have the constant question "what if?" in the back of my mind
- I already have a lot of Marine crap! lol
- probably will move around a lot more
There are more to each of the lists, but, just right off the top of my head, this is my pros and cons! People, I am SO darn torn still. Normally by now, I have a pretty clear cut idea, but I just don't know! I hope this helps all of ya to get an idea as to what's going on in my head and why it's eating me alive!
Friday, November 20, 2009
A whole nother path?
It's so funny how, you are SO set on a path then all of the sudden something happens that makes you think something TOTALLY different!!
For the last 7 months I have been training SO hard to get into OCS. The work I have done has exceeded all my my expectations! When, a couple months ago, I sat down with one of my dad's friends', ret. Col. Ayote. A wonderful man, incredibly knowledgeable about the military! And, he mention ROTC. At first I just brushed it off like it was the "easy" way out. I went today and talked to the ROTC people. I walked out of there more confused than ever!!
One of the BIGGEST downsides to going the ROTC route, is I would have to give up on my Marine dream. The thought is beyond heartbreaking to me. As I found out when I called and got more information, the rude lady on the phone said "Um, that might be the army, but we don't allow grad students to be in ROTC!" With attitude! I wanted to be like "F-U lady! Up your nose with a rubber hose!" I just don't know how willing I am to toss my hands up and be like "oh, well, I tried!" I can't! That's not me!!
The plus side to ROTC: I would get a FREE masters degree, as well as my commission in the army. I also would get to spend the next two years with Colin, actually being a family. I would get to celebrate Christmas, go to the state fair, enjoy life! Again, plus a free masters degree! That's something that will never leave me!
Again though, how willing am I to turn my back on the Marines? For the last seven months, I eat, sleep and breathe Marines! They have gotten me to here! I Love the Marines. I want to be one of the few and the proud! My heart is SO split it's not even funny! My mind is in SO many directions, and it's amazing how hard this is!!
I need advice from family, my friends, and yeah, I'm tuning to religion, I need help from God! I am meant for the military, I know I am! But....where???
For the last 7 months I have been training SO hard to get into OCS. The work I have done has exceeded all my my expectations! When, a couple months ago, I sat down with one of my dad's friends', ret. Col. Ayote. A wonderful man, incredibly knowledgeable about the military! And, he mention ROTC. At first I just brushed it off like it was the "easy" way out. I went today and talked to the ROTC people. I walked out of there more confused than ever!!
One of the BIGGEST downsides to going the ROTC route, is I would have to give up on my Marine dream. The thought is beyond heartbreaking to me. As I found out when I called and got more information, the rude lady on the phone said "Um, that might be the army, but we don't allow grad students to be in ROTC!" With attitude! I wanted to be like "F-U lady! Up your nose with a rubber hose!" I just don't know how willing I am to toss my hands up and be like "oh, well, I tried!" I can't! That's not me!!
The plus side to ROTC: I would get a FREE masters degree, as well as my commission in the army. I also would get to spend the next two years with Colin, actually being a family. I would get to celebrate Christmas, go to the state fair, enjoy life! Again, plus a free masters degree! That's something that will never leave me!
Again though, how willing am I to turn my back on the Marines? For the last seven months, I eat, sleep and breathe Marines! They have gotten me to here! I Love the Marines. I want to be one of the few and the proud! My heart is SO split it's not even funny! My mind is in SO many directions, and it's amazing how hard this is!!
I need advice from family, my friends, and yeah, I'm tuning to religion, I need help from God! I am meant for the military, I know I am! But....where???
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The beginning of the beginning...
Tomorrow is one of the biggest steps I've made in my weight loss journey so far! Tomorrow, I will arise at 0600, drive to Bishop Whipple Federal Building, and start my group training with the Marines. It's a program they have for people who are passionate about getting in, but need a little extra help!
How this started....
Yesterday I was feelin' SO good about myself. I requested more info about the OCS program, which in turn, sent me an email with the email address of who to contact for more information at Ft. Snelling. So, rather than waiting, I decided to be proactive and email them myself. So, that I did. I told the whole story in a hand basket! Within 5 minutes (I'm not kidding you, 5...for a military organization to respond...yeah, WHOA!) I got a response saying they really liked my passion and wanted to talk to me more. So, I responded with my number.
Again, within 3 minutes, MAX, I had a call from them! So, we chit chatted a while about why I wanted to join, yadda yadda. The most unfortunate part about the Marine, unlike all other branches, they strictly go by height and weight! With the army, they look at your body fat percentage, as do the others I believe, as a way to determining whether you're fit enough or not. Marines? Nope. Just height and weight!
Unfortunately, even with how much I've lost, I still don't qualify... yet. So, as we were talking, he transfered me over to an officer. He was telling me about his PT class he started a few weeks ago! His direct words "We love your passion for the Marines, and as soon as we get you within 10 pounds of the needed weight, we're going to talk about your future as a Marine Corps Officer!" Okay, hearing a Marine Officer say those words, gave me crazy confidence!! Not a "if you get to where you need to be!" NO! It's "as soon as we do!"
I am going to be working with them Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and working with Norman Tuesday and Thursdays! Insane? Perhaps!! But there's a reason they're lean and mean, they're the U.S. MARINES! Soon...I will be too!
How this started....
Yesterday I was feelin' SO good about myself. I requested more info about the OCS program, which in turn, sent me an email with the email address of who to contact for more information at Ft. Snelling. So, rather than waiting, I decided to be proactive and email them myself. So, that I did. I told the whole story in a hand basket! Within 5 minutes (I'm not kidding you, 5...for a military organization to respond...yeah, WHOA!) I got a response saying they really liked my passion and wanted to talk to me more. So, I responded with my number.
Again, within 3 minutes, MAX, I had a call from them! So, we chit chatted a while about why I wanted to join, yadda yadda. The most unfortunate part about the Marine, unlike all other branches, they strictly go by height and weight! With the army, they look at your body fat percentage, as do the others I believe, as a way to determining whether you're fit enough or not. Marines? Nope. Just height and weight!
Unfortunately, even with how much I've lost, I still don't qualify... yet. So, as we were talking, he transfered me over to an officer. He was telling me about his PT class he started a few weeks ago! His direct words "We love your passion for the Marines, and as soon as we get you within 10 pounds of the needed weight, we're going to talk about your future as a Marine Corps Officer!" Okay, hearing a Marine Officer say those words, gave me crazy confidence!! Not a "if you get to where you need to be!" NO! It's "as soon as we do!"
I am going to be working with them Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and working with Norman Tuesday and Thursdays! Insane? Perhaps!! But there's a reason they're lean and mean, they're the U.S. MARINES! Soon...I will be too!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Another (not so) small accomplishment!!
One of my favorite parts about losing weight (besides losing it) is accomplishing things which before I never could have done! Tonight, I have achieved that!!
When I started my journey, I could not do a flexed arm hang to save my life! Gravity was not my friend. While, it's still not my friend, I'm conquering it second by second! As shown in previous post, to get into the Marines, I need to do a 15 second arm hang.
Well my dear friends and readers, I am SO happy to tell you, with over 2 months to go, I am at 14.5 second arm hang! yes...14.5!!
Can you believe it??? By the end of next month, I could have my papers signed for the USMC!!!!! I think about it and I get kind choked up, I'm not gonna lie! The little fat girl we all once knew, is gone folks! She is gonna be a strong, tough, solid, in your face bad ass Marine!! OORAH!!!
When I started my journey, I could not do a flexed arm hang to save my life! Gravity was not my friend. While, it's still not my friend, I'm conquering it second by second! As shown in previous post, to get into the Marines, I need to do a 15 second arm hang.
Well my dear friends and readers, I am SO happy to tell you, with over 2 months to go, I am at 14.5 second arm hang! yes...14.5!!
Can you believe it??? By the end of next month, I could have my papers signed for the USMC!!!!! I think about it and I get kind choked up, I'm not gonna lie! The little fat girl we all once knew, is gone folks! She is gonna be a strong, tough, solid, in your face bad ass Marine!! OORAH!!!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Last 20-25 pounds! I'M STUCK!
I am stuck!
I have about 25 more pounds to go. I am down 60, which I am SO very proud of, I'm not gonna lie, cus it took a lot to get there!
However, I am on the last leg and my body is feeling it!! It has gotten used to my exercise routines, it has gotten used to my diet and my weight is starting to flat line again. I have read article after article about how to lose those last pounds, and I tell ya, they don't sound effective to me, if that makes sense! They are SO restricting!
I'm thinking about cleaning out my fridge and cabinets and doing a full protein thing! I know for the few to no carb thing really isn't the most healthy, but it will get me to where I need to be to go sign my papers! Then bootcamp will help me keep it off for a while! :D
I need help on this, I'm not going to lie. I've had a really good hand on everything so far, but it's getting difficult! HELP ME!!!
I have about 25 more pounds to go. I am down 60, which I am SO very proud of, I'm not gonna lie, cus it took a lot to get there!
However, I am on the last leg and my body is feeling it!! It has gotten used to my exercise routines, it has gotten used to my diet and my weight is starting to flat line again. I have read article after article about how to lose those last pounds, and I tell ya, they don't sound effective to me, if that makes sense! They are SO restricting!
I'm thinking about cleaning out my fridge and cabinets and doing a full protein thing! I know for the few to no carb thing really isn't the most healthy, but it will get me to where I need to be to go sign my papers! Then bootcamp will help me keep it off for a while! :D
I need help on this, I'm not going to lie. I've had a really good hand on everything so far, but it's getting difficult! HELP ME!!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
My diet plan
I realized, after all these posts, I have never posted just what I'm doing, and what my daily life is like, diet and exercise wise!
Well, as I awaken to the world bright and early, okay, we'll say about 0743 (alarm is set for 0800, but I always wake up early!) with my breakfasts, I try to consume a protein and a fat and a starch. Most times I don't get all three, I'm not going to lie, but I do my best to keep it under 300 calories! My favorite breakfast lately has been 2 whole grain waffles with 1 tbls PB. MmM! Nummy!
So my food through the day is very consistent. I try to eat every few hours, and I TRY my best to up the protein over anything else. How many calories I eat varries a lot on my exercise. I eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day (MOST days, I don't get up to 1500) When I diet, that's about the extent!
I have a few rules for myself however. I don't follow them 100% of the time, I'm not going to lie, maybe 97%! No nibbles of anything, unless it's veggies with nothing on them! The easiest way to accomplish this, make your nibble foods, totally unaccessible!! Or, if you're like me and LOVE to nibble, figure it all out and count the calories, and then nibble away! Just do NOT go beyond what you have written down! My dad had a saying I love "you nibble, you scribble!" That's the way it has to be, easy as pie! MmM, pie!
Exercise! This is my FAVORITE part of dieting, I'm not gonna lie to you! I LOVE to workout now! I love going to Golds, I love seeing the people, I love getting on that treadmill listening to my running cadences and I love lifting weights! Okay, there is eye candy at the gym, again, not gonna lie to you, so that makes it easier to go! (Leave me alone, my husband's been gone a year! lol!) The other thing that has helped MAJORLY is working with Norman. Not just because he pushes me beyond what I ever thought I could do, but because it's someone to workout with and keeps me honest! Finding people you love to spend time with is awesome when you can spend some time together at the gym!
I go to the gym 6 days a week! Every single time, I do cardio! Even if it's just 10 minutes, I cannot stress enough CARIDO, CARDIO, CARDIO AND CARDIO!!!!! If you don't like the treadmill, elliptical or bike, take a class! Most gyms offer free aerobic classes of some type! Take a swim! There are SO many ways to get in cardio, but it is VITAL to losing weight! I do weights at least 4 times a week. Upper one day, bottom another, core another, and the 4th day is a sort of, free for all! Emphasize the part you really want to work on! Me, it's my arms so you'll find me doing that more often than not!
With diet and exercise alone, some people can succeed! What makes what I'm doing different than others, and other times I've dieted, is motivation! I have a very specific goal in mind! Before, I used to say "I want to lose weight!" Okay, I lost a pound, WOOHOO! I lost weight! This time is SO much different! My goal was and is "I want to lose 100 pounds, by the Spring, to join the Marine Corps, and attend OCS!" VERY specific! Are you planning a trip? Say to yourself "I want to lose___pounds for my trip to_____by_______" I don't think I can stress enough HOW important this step was in my weight loss, and still is!!
Finally, I used the power of the mind! One thing I do every single night, is I imagine how I am going to look, on graduation day, standing there in my greens at attention! I can tell ya, I look DAMN good!!! I see myself every night the way I want to be! Start seeing yourself that way! The first thing you think of in the morning? "Today, I will be one step closer, one day closer, one moment closer, to my goal! How will I do that? I will watch what I eat, I will go to the gym, even if I don't want to!"
You have to do this, if you want to, FOR YOU! If in your mind, you're not ready, it won't work! I promise that! If you are really ready, and want any help, I will be more than wiling to help you out! Maybe...start a blog? Keeps ya honest and real!
Well, as I awaken to the world bright and early, okay, we'll say about 0743 (alarm is set for 0800, but I always wake up early!) with my breakfasts, I try to consume a protein and a fat and a starch. Most times I don't get all three, I'm not going to lie, but I do my best to keep it under 300 calories! My favorite breakfast lately has been 2 whole grain waffles with 1 tbls PB. MmM! Nummy!
So my food through the day is very consistent. I try to eat every few hours, and I TRY my best to up the protein over anything else. How many calories I eat varries a lot on my exercise. I eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day (MOST days, I don't get up to 1500) When I diet, that's about the extent!
I have a few rules for myself however. I don't follow them 100% of the time, I'm not going to lie, maybe 97%! No nibbles of anything, unless it's veggies with nothing on them! The easiest way to accomplish this, make your nibble foods, totally unaccessible!! Or, if you're like me and LOVE to nibble, figure it all out and count the calories, and then nibble away! Just do NOT go beyond what you have written down! My dad had a saying I love "you nibble, you scribble!" That's the way it has to be, easy as pie! MmM, pie!
Exercise! This is my FAVORITE part of dieting, I'm not gonna lie to you! I LOVE to workout now! I love going to Golds, I love seeing the people, I love getting on that treadmill listening to my running cadences and I love lifting weights! Okay, there is eye candy at the gym, again, not gonna lie to you, so that makes it easier to go! (Leave me alone, my husband's been gone a year! lol!) The other thing that has helped MAJORLY is working with Norman. Not just because he pushes me beyond what I ever thought I could do, but because it's someone to workout with and keeps me honest! Finding people you love to spend time with is awesome when you can spend some time together at the gym!
I go to the gym 6 days a week! Every single time, I do cardio! Even if it's just 10 minutes, I cannot stress enough CARIDO, CARDIO, CARDIO AND CARDIO!!!!! If you don't like the treadmill, elliptical or bike, take a class! Most gyms offer free aerobic classes of some type! Take a swim! There are SO many ways to get in cardio, but it is VITAL to losing weight! I do weights at least 4 times a week. Upper one day, bottom another, core another, and the 4th day is a sort of, free for all! Emphasize the part you really want to work on! Me, it's my arms so you'll find me doing that more often than not!
With diet and exercise alone, some people can succeed! What makes what I'm doing different than others, and other times I've dieted, is motivation! I have a very specific goal in mind! Before, I used to say "I want to lose weight!" Okay, I lost a pound, WOOHOO! I lost weight! This time is SO much different! My goal was and is "I want to lose 100 pounds, by the Spring, to join the Marine Corps, and attend OCS!" VERY specific! Are you planning a trip? Say to yourself "I want to lose___pounds for my trip to_____by_______" I don't think I can stress enough HOW important this step was in my weight loss, and still is!!
Finally, I used the power of the mind! One thing I do every single night, is I imagine how I am going to look, on graduation day, standing there in my greens at attention! I can tell ya, I look DAMN good!!! I see myself every night the way I want to be! Start seeing yourself that way! The first thing you think of in the morning? "Today, I will be one step closer, one day closer, one moment closer, to my goal! How will I do that? I will watch what I eat, I will go to the gym, even if I don't want to!"
You have to do this, if you want to, FOR YOU! If in your mind, you're not ready, it won't work! I promise that! If you are really ready, and want any help, I will be more than wiling to help you out! Maybe...start a blog? Keeps ya honest and real!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Taking it to the next level!
Okay, so the down period is done...for now! :)
Usually after these brief downfalls, I like to come back stronger than before! I feel that's what I'm doing again this time. In three days I have worked out harder than I have for the entire past month combined! I plan to continue this pattern tomorrow, and Friday! Maybe it's a mistake saying on here that I'm ready for that step, but I am!
Today in Norman's bootcamp, I felt like I almost achieved more, personally, than I have to date! I was able to do my flexed arm hang for seven seconds! With my hips and gravity working hand in hand, this will cause me great annoyance! So, it's not quite there, but if you are wondering, here are the requirements I need to just get into bootcamp:
15 Second flexed arm hang
50 Crunches in 2 minutes
and a 31 minute 3 mile.
Sound easy? It's not, I swear! For someone who started out in as bad of shape as I did, I know I have more work to do than most going in, but it's time to take it to the next level! I've got the crunches down pat, that's not problem! The next thing I have to work on is my endurance for the run! I can run a 10 minute mile, it's running it constantly! I took a hit on my run! I was up to 4 this summer, but something happened, I'm not sure what! Well, it's time to get that back up! As for the arm hang, well...I'm working on that too! I'm hoping I can get as close, if not beyond, where I need to be, and adrenaline will help me out even more! :D
If you want to know more about what I have to accomplish in the next month or two, I've included a link so you can check it out!
With all the help I've had so far, I KNOW I can accomplish this! Thank you all for your support! You don't know how much your words of encouragement have helped! I'm thinking of all you guys when I'm training, and you all make me remember WHY I'm doing what I'm doing! So thank you over and over all!
What I need to become a Marine...part one!
Usually after these brief downfalls, I like to come back stronger than before! I feel that's what I'm doing again this time. In three days I have worked out harder than I have for the entire past month combined! I plan to continue this pattern tomorrow, and Friday! Maybe it's a mistake saying on here that I'm ready for that step, but I am!
Today in Norman's bootcamp, I felt like I almost achieved more, personally, than I have to date! I was able to do my flexed arm hang for seven seconds! With my hips and gravity working hand in hand, this will cause me great annoyance! So, it's not quite there, but if you are wondering, here are the requirements I need to just get into bootcamp:
15 Second flexed arm hang
50 Crunches in 2 minutes
and a 31 minute 3 mile.
Sound easy? It's not, I swear! For someone who started out in as bad of shape as I did, I know I have more work to do than most going in, but it's time to take it to the next level! I've got the crunches down pat, that's not problem! The next thing I have to work on is my endurance for the run! I can run a 10 minute mile, it's running it constantly! I took a hit on my run! I was up to 4 this summer, but something happened, I'm not sure what! Well, it's time to get that back up! As for the arm hang, well...I'm working on that too! I'm hoping I can get as close, if not beyond, where I need to be, and adrenaline will help me out even more! :D
If you want to know more about what I have to accomplish in the next month or two, I've included a link so you can check it out!
With all the help I've had so far, I KNOW I can accomplish this! Thank you all for your support! You don't know how much your words of encouragement have helped! I'm thinking of all you guys when I'm training, and you all make me remember WHY I'm doing what I'm doing! So thank you over and over all!
What I need to become a Marine...part one!
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