Get Set

When I first met with Kara, she evaluated me in the usual trainer way. Basic fitness, the measuring of the fatness, vitals.

None of it came as any surprise to me.

I was 40 pounds over what would be an ideal weight for me.

I carry my weight in that dangerous area, around the middle (I'm an apple). And, the data showed that I was in that 30% body fat range.

My bp is managed with medication (TWO medications).

I liked my cocktails. (Still do).

I liked to eat. (Still do).

At the time I was still going to Weight Watcher meetings and I thought the training and the WW would be a good partnership. The trouble was, I had been going to WW for so long, it was like white noise. I was just not motivated by that program any more. In my early 30s, I had lost about 20 pounds with Weight Watchers (and no exercise). I kept it off for about 2 years after getting lazy and not attending the meetings or doing the program and I have never been able to have that success again. I also never made it to goal. Then, I wanted to lose 30 pounds to get to goal and lost 20. Now, I need to lose 40 pounds to get to the weight I got to when I lost the 20. Just typing that exhausts me.

Kara and I got started. I selected Wednesdays and Fridays for my training sessions. My thinking was that it's easier to self-motivate on Mondays.

I told her that I absolutely would not run. Ever. Not a runner. Not sporty. Not an athlete. I like lifting weights. Hate cardio.

She started slowly.

All these things are the things I have said every time I tried to start exercising.

But this was different in that deep down, I felt the commitment. I really did.

The first month, I worked hard. I didn't worry about my diet, but focused on merely getting to the gym. I did. I think I may have missed one session due to getting stuck at a pediatrician appointment.

I was astounded at how utterly painful our first session was. (Seriously, I hurt so bad, in ways I'd never hurt that I was convinced I had waited to long to get fit and it was too late). And then, I was astounded at how fast I made headway in endurance. Kara was amazing. She seemed to really get when I needed pushing and when I had to pull back and we continue on that path today.

The most depressing thing: in the first month, I gained three pounds. That really discouraged me. I nearly just stopped then. I thought, well, I'll be the first person to GET LESS FIT with exercise. (No I didn't really believe that, but GAH, Universe, throw me a friggin bone!) I decided that I HAD to be a person who exercises regardless of my weight. I told myself that even if I remain the same, or gain a few pounds, becoming a person who exercises regularly was better for me overall.

Life is full of family, friends, laughter. I'm not complaining. I'd really like to be around for a lot longer because of that.

I kept at this for the next six months. And, the weight pretty much hovered in the same place. But I kept going. Twice a week with the trainer.