My Fitness Journey

In the summer of 2017, I signed up to do Oxygen Magazines Challenge 3 - OC3 for short.  There were two coaches, and I chose Jamie Eason Middleton.  I was determined. The program lasts 90 days and every day you watch a video and do the assigned workout.  There's a meal plan too.  I was so into it.  I never missed a workout.  Until I fell down the stairs (ok, jumped thinking I was on the ground due to my poor depth perception) and broke my ankle.

Working out came to a screeching halt.  I was put in a walking boot cast.  I purchased a knee scooter and crutches.  This was midway through OC3.  I was disappointed - my first thought when learning my ankle was broken was "But tomorrow is leg day!)

I'd been big on always getting at least 10,000 steps a day with my Fitbit too.  That wasn't going to happen either. 

I gained some weight while my ankle healed.  Obviously.

So last summer, OC4 came up.  Jen Widerstrom (of Biggest Loser fame) was one of the coaches, and I chose her.  She even had a book, which I purchased, called DIET RIGHT FOR YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE.  Best money I ever spent.  I started the challenge at 154 and ended it at 137.  Numerous inches less on waist, hips, etc.  I did every workout.  I made the top 25 and got put in the Oxygen magazine.  I was proud of myself.

But I wasn't finished.  Then I went back and redid OC3.  I lost 7 more pounds.  Once done with that, I did a free challenge called Lean Body for Her.  And then it was time for OC5.  My coach was Amber Dodzweit Riposta.  She had workouts like I've never done before, so it was interesting.

OC5 just ended.  I've lost three more pounds, so I'm now at 127.  That's a good weight.  And I have some muscles.  I missed a few workouts here and there for various reasons, but I did almost all of them.  I stuck with the healthy eating and macros I learned from Jen Widerstrom.

And now I'm doing OC1, since I missed it the first time.  You can purchase past challenges and do them on your own.  I'm in the habit of working out now, I eat healthy 90 percent of the time, but I do have an occasional pizza or burger.  Alcohol is my biggest hurdle.  I do like my wine and beer.  I'm still working on that.

How did I stick with it?  I set a scheduled workout time, just like I do for my writing.  Of course, if something else comes up and I miss it, I have to do it later.  But I feel healthy and strong, which I love.

I'm 58 years old.  If I can do it, so can you.  Start small.  When I started, I couldn't do squats with any weight.  Same for step-ups.  I've gradually been increasing the weight so now I'm up to 15 and 20's.

It's not hard to create a new habit.  Try it.  You may surprise yourself.

Hot August Days

Here we are, in what is likely my least favorite month of the year.  August.  Where in Texas the heat index is so high it makes my stomach hurt to stay outside very long and where the air quality causes alerts.  As in, dangerous to breathe. 

Ugh.

The grass starts to turn brown, no matter how often you water it.  The electric bills soar, but I'm still grateful for air conditioning.  There are no good shows on television, and we've watched all the good ones on Netflix and Prime.  I read a lot, walk early in the morning (Hello, 7:30), and dream of fall.  Or what passes for fall around here.  Cooler temps, shorter days, and the return of all my favorite shows.  Yes!

Kids will be going back to school in a couple weeks.  Teachers start this week.  Back to school sales are running constantly, and there was just a couple of horrible mass killings at a Walmart in El Paso and a nightclub in Ohio.

So much darkness.  Arguing and hatred spewing and I don't even recognize our country any more.  I try to be light-filled, I try to love everyone and respect their viewpoints that might be different than my own.  I understand each and every person has their own journey to make, their own lessons to learn.  But that doesn't stop the pain. 

It.  Freaking.  Hurts. 

As does feeling powerless to do anything about it.  I tried the whole calling my representative, sending emails.  It was like a voice crying in the darkness.  Nothing changed.  I'm not sure why.  And on social media, I watch name-calling, finger-pointing, hatred and enmity and see the darkness swirling stronger.  I back away - back away from Facebook and Twitter - and retreat to Instagram where there are only lovely photos. 

I cuddle my new puppy, and love on my other dogs, and pray.