This Is It!!
As I sit here about to type this morning’s entry, I can’t help but feel a rush of emotions. I look back over the past year, I can vividly see/remember exactly where I was in October of 2008….and to realize where I am now–not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually…..I cannot help but sigh with overwhelming gratitude.
The strength I feel most comes from within. It’s amazing to me the interconnectedness of our being in how the mind and body work beautifully and simultaneously in harmony. The change that comes and is often snowballed in effect is a wonderful thing to behold in someone else. But the experience of it within yourself is awe inspiring because you know your life will be changed forever.
The last four weeks I have been preparing for TODAY. My very first fitness photoshoot. My first photoshoot, actually–ever! I LOVE to take pictures and have them strewn all over my home, of friends and loved ones that remind me of the good times we’ve shared. But today was for ME. Selfish? maybe. Do I deserve to get gussied up and have some fabulous shots taken that show all the hard work I have done in the last year? ABSOLUTELY! Plus, these are going on my new online personal training website AND I’m sending a few portfolios through to the fitness industry (hey, a girl can dream!) So, yes, this is all me…and there are times in all our lives when it becomes a neccessity to focus on ourselves for a while.
As I got in my car this morning, the air was cold and raw. I sat there for a good 60 seconds while my car grumbled for starting her up so early. I thought, “well–this is it!” as a surge of nerves shot through my stomach. The shy side of me is fighting the strong side of me to turn off the engine and heave myself back into bed…seriously, I have a shy side that I beat down on a consistent basis. So I felt this might be a serious challenge for the photographer to coax me through.
I got to the gym and there was no one there–relief. I warmed up in my sweats and got some blood pumping through my muscles. Not too long after that my photographer walked in, Mike Cameron-Cameron Photography. He’s listed on my sidebar if you want to check out his work. He happens to be married to an old colleague of mine so I was very happy to work with him.
He took little time setting up his lights, bells and whistles. I stripped out of my sweats and sprayed my hair one more time. We moved around the floor shooting as many different kinds of shots as we could think of. And it was a LOT of fun…he had to keep telling me to smile–the one thing I usually never forget to do–because I’m a perfectionist and I was so focused on expelling the breathe out of my abs and holding each muscle so perfectly that I kept forgetting to smile. At one point I laughed at myself because I’m sure I had this look of deadly focus burning a hole right through the lens!
At the end, I felt exhilerated…and proud of myself! I can’t wait to post some pictures here and on my other networking sites. Even 20 years from now, yes I plan on still being super fit, but I will still always look back on this time as a sort of a new beginning for me. A new beginning to what I have only yet to live and find out…..and I’m excited and thrilled and overwhelmed and blessed and incredibly grateful for all that life has handed me so far to make me who I am today.
I want to thank all my wonderful friends and family who have been unwaveringly supportive of me, to Tony Horton and P90X who got me surfing this wave, to the ever-beautiful Diana Chaloux who directed me through my muscle-building phase, and finally to my cyber-trainer and friend, Adam–who handed me that final baton so I could sprint up and over that hill and finish with a smile on my face!
Week #3
Ok, so this was the week I SAW the most results!! Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the time to take some pictures this weekend as I am busy apartment shopping AND car shopping! (that’s enough to drive any woman off a cliff) But in just a few short days, my photographer will be shooting me at my gym which is much better than the “hit-the-camera-timer-and-run-into-a-pose” method!
To think a year ago I was at 136 lbs, to now be 111.5 pounds is quite a shocker! Not that 136 lbs is huge–but on my frame it’s not pretty or balanced. I have never been this lean in my life. Sure there were times I was super skinny, but I was soft–BIG difference! I look at some pictures even from this past July and I’m amazed at what a little tweak in protein intake and targeted exercise can do! I am so pleased with my results–and I feel like a million bucks!
I have to say this week was TOUGH nutrition-wise. No complex carbs left me feeling exhausted during workouts and my stomach ached. But by Saturday I was allowed a little brown rice and now I feel great! I don’t want to lose much more this week so I’m focusing on just maintaining and being extra careful with the protein so as to not lose any muscle.
I’m a bit nervous about my shoot. I’m a shy girl at heart but I’m hoping I can do what it takes to get some great shots for my site. Plus, at this point and time in my life….I could use a little boost!
Halfway There!
Week #2 started rough, but the nausea and fatigue didn’t last. By Monday night I felt fine and the week was smooth sailing! I still can’t believe how non-existent my cravings are!
On Friday I got my trainer’s permission to have one light beer.(angels singing) It wasn’t that I HAD to have it, but every Friday night after work, my company has “Beer Hour/Social Hour”. I wanted to go as it capped off a week-long event for our department–to be social, and, well to drink beer! The campus is huge so this is a great way to meet people that work at the same company. So I grabbed a Corona Light and schmoozed….have to admit, I didn’t so much feel like finishing it. Go figure! I went home an hour later and worked out.
The weekend came, and I’m usually so busy that it’s really hard to fit all my meals in, but I did. And come Monday morning, my weekly weigh-in time I was a whopping 2 pounds lighter. Awww, snap! I was a bit disappointed but reminded myself how far I’ve come. I’m not going to dwell on it–it’s just a number. I took some pics which helped me feel better…I can see that 2 lb difference! Next 2 weeks are the most grueling=ZERO carbs. God help me, I won’t be a royal beeeyotch!!!!
Weight: 119.5 lbs
Week 1 Recap!
So I have to say, Week 1 was rather easy!! No salt, no sugar just lean protein, brown rice and spinach for the next 4 weeks! Lean out, schmean out!!!
I believe the gods are on my side because:
1.) I have a quite a bit of stress in my life right now, which automatically curbs my appetite. bonus!
2.) Work is busy–I don’t have time to think about food, much less what foods I am missing. score!
3.) Both contribute to that aching feeling that I need to workout, so I’d like to think this is going rather smoothly!! My clothes are getting looser, my energy is good………………………..
…………………until Day 6! I started the day with an hour powerwalk 10% incline followed by a trip to the spa with a friend for a massage and hair appointment. We didn’t go out to lunch because I simply cannot eat out during this phase. So we went our separate ways and I ran home for feeding #3. Afterwards, I hit the grocery store to load up on food for the week. I was about mid-way first aisle when I wondered when the energy from my meal was going to kick in. I felt sooo wiped out! So I went home and took a snooze….uhhhh…I’m not a napper so 20 mins later, I got up and dragged myself through the day.
Day 7 was worse. I barely made it through my morning cardio and shuffled around my apartment trying to get things done and literally wanted to vomit the entire day. I think my body was detoxing…the symptoms are common. I wondered how in the world I was going to make it thru my PM lifting routine……I texted my trainer and found out I can have black coffee! (NOW YOU TELL ME!!!) ahhhhhhhh…I was euphoric sipping on its warm nutty goodness and immediately transformed into the energizer bunny again…..ran to the gym, pounded it out, met up with some friends and watched a movie and stayed up until 2am!…yeah, I’m regretting it the next day but ah, life is good again! Week 2, here I come!
End of Week 1: 121.5 lbs!
4-Weel Whittle
On September 21, I embarked upon a four-week leanout program to help me get ready for a photoshoot. This shoot will supply images for my website as well as a few little “contest” entries. I’ve heard the horror stories about so-called “lean-outs” but I was nothing but excited to see what this was going to do to my physique!
This comes at an opportune time in my life as I really need something to throw myself into. So, off I go…I will update weekly!
Starting Point!! Sept 14, 2009
Zip It!
One of the most beautiful places in New Hampshire is the White Mountain Region. I go there often for breath-taking (literally) hikes. Nothing clears my head more than enjoying nature and breathing fresh mountain air.
So I spent last weekend roughing it in the North Conway area which ended with a “Ziplining Tour” !! Located in Bretton Woods, NH, and descending over 1000 feet of elevation, the tour takes nature-lovers and thrill-seekers across a series of tree-top zip lines. High-flying suspension bridges and hiking trails connect the zip lines.
What fun! I had the time of my life–the weather was sunny and crisp and the leaves had started changing already! My group was fantastic and we all became fast friends frantically exchanging email addresses and phone numbers at the end of the day. And I have to admit I was rather pleased with myself for making it through the entire tour without clinging to one of the 250 yr-old trees and screaming, “dear god, we’re all gonna die!!!”
It made one memorable day I won’t soon forget.
Picking Up Climbing
In my quest to become a more well-rounded fitness athlete, I am always on the lookout for activities that will challenge me in different ways. I’ve always enjoyed biking and being outdoors, but I find that as I grow older, my desire to be more active in the open space we all share is ever-increasing.
So, what’s a fun-lovin’ girl to do?! I found a great site www.meetup.com where you can punch in your zip code and find all kinds of groups from every area of interest imaginable. I joined a hiking group which I’ve had some great fun with over the past 2 years and recently joined a women’s rock-climbing group earlier this year. (who wants a jock starin’ up at your hoo-ha?!) However, they meet every Monday night, and my hectic work schedule along with commuting from Boston has prohibited me from making most of those meetups. But I press on….soon I find that the same location offers a wide array of climbing packages from beginner to the very elite! score!
So why would anyone want to pick up climbing anyway? Is it for the hardman
image of pure force portrayed by the media? Tom Cruise hanging off a cliff in MI2 is enough to scare the be-jesus out of me. Besides, I hate heights. When I reach a mountaintop, I stay far from the edge…it makes my insides curdle. But I am a determined to look fear in the face. Besides being a great workout for the entire body, climbing is all about balance…knowing your body and being able to reposition it in space. It’s about creativity and learning to adapt to what the rock has to offer. It’s also about concentration and overcoming your fears for the void….and I’m all over that.
So here we go…this is the first post of my adventures in this sport. Fingers crossed, it won’t be my last!
Bodies Under Assault
In today’s modern world, our bodies are continually under assault. Studies show that toxins we ingest such as refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, additives and prescriptions as well as environmental toxins such as air pollution, cosmetics, petrochemical wastes and heavy metals are wreaking havoc on our hormonal systems. And our hormones drastically effect our metabolisms. Thus, the cleaner your world is, the healthier you will be.
This is a blog, not a book so let me just cut to the chase. Don’t just clean up your eating habits, clean up your environment too–be mindful of the cleaning products and materials you bring into your home and yard as well as the lotions, soaps and cosmetics that touch your skin. Your body absorbs ALL of this in one way or another.
Good news is that we are becoming more and more aware of these toxins and the effects they have on the human body. There are many many products out there to make you and your environment more healthy.
At age 30, my hormones still were not properly balanced. When I realized how toxins effect hormone levels, I did a complete overhaul not only on my kitchen but on my entire home.
Here are just a few of the important changes I’ve made–you might find them interesting:
-Switched plastic wrap brand to Saran Cling Wrap as it does not contain Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
-Store all food in glass containers.
-Buy eggs in cardboard containers instead of ones in styrofoam or plastic ones. (or better yet carry them home in a basket from a local farm!)
-Rinse any canned food thoroughly and switch to stainless steel drinking bottles
-Use chlorine-free paper products
-NO anti-bacterial anything! (I’ve been doing this for 2 years and I’ve only come down with 1 mild cold in that time—hmmmm)
-Use only stainless steel, glass or iron cookware
-Switch soaps, cleansers, cosmetics and cleaners to naturals. Here are the brands I now use:
Soaps: handsoap, Mrs. Meyers; body soap, Burt’s Bees and Alba
Cosmetics, Joppa Minerals; lotions & potions, Kiss My Face, Burt’s Bees, Alba; hair products, Nature’s Gate Organics
Household Cleaners: Dishwasher/washing, Seventh Generation; Laundry Items, Seventh Generation, Spray Cleaners, Ecover, Clorox Green Works, Mrs. Meyers (there are a lot of things you can clean with vinegar and lemon juice as well!)
Familiarize yourself with labels and learn what the bad stuff is! This can be overwhelming so take a few products at a time. And I can tell you that the cost of these items is minimally higher than the others. Isn’t your health worth it!? Your body will thank you in more ways than you can imagine!
I DID IT!
Back in October of 2008 when I started P90X, I set a ladder of goals for myself. My motivation snowballs when I meet goals that I set. And, instead of setting a very high goal, I set several small goals as stepping stones to the big cahuna.
Well, P90X changed my life. I know, I know..sounds corny. But in doing 2 rounds of this fabulous system, I gleaned many “ah-ha” moments. In short, this system is what got the wheels turning in my head to make a change to a fitness career.
So a largER goal was to reach 15% body fat. And I did it!!! On August 15, 2009 I went for another testing and received the results via phone last night. (well, his reading was 14.9 but I like to round up) I got soooo excited…to think 10 months ago when I started this journey, I was at 24-skinny-fat-percent! yuck! Now I feel empowered, not by a number but by the fact that all my hard work is paying off. And it only propels me to work harder, be stronger, be fitter–because I have no intention of sitting in Boca playing bridge all day when I’m 80!
OCT 2008–24%: 
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JULY 2009–17%:
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AUG 2009–15%:
(Taken the day I received my bf% test results! Pardon the fuzzy picture–I will replace with professional shots)
I feel stronger and healthier than ever and I’ll never stop setting goals!
Supplemental Stunner!
When you have a demanding workout regime, recovery is crucial!! You need proper nutrition pre and post workout.
Most days I work out twice a day, and in the last 6 months or so I’ve run into issues with fatigue, overtraining, extended muscle soreness and slow/nonexistent muscle growth because I wasn’t giving my body what it needed to recover. Additionally due to my crazy schedule, the fact that I rise at 5am and am a “morning person”, I often need an energy boost by the time I’m hitting the weights which is around 7pm. I was taking a half-shot of 5-Hour Energy which was working great for me, however I’m a little sensitive to caffeine and towards the end of my workouts, I was a bit shaky which isn’t good since my last sets are when I need the most power.
So last night pre-workout, I tried a new drink I had ordered called X-Tend. It contains all the goodies muscles love: Vitamin B6, L-Leucine, L-Glutamine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine, etc etc. I had 1 scoop pre-workout, and sipped on another 2 scoops in my 24oz water bottle to split for during and after my workout. The Watermelon flavor is yummier than I expected–really refreshing! ………………….well, I wasn’t I completely PUMPED during my workout!?!?! It wasn’t that shaky kind of pumped you get from caffeine, but just a strong energy that lasted the entire workout–and then some!! I lifted heavier than I ever have….what a great natural rush! It was awesome!
**I’m not paid to promote anything, but I’d definitely suggest anyone give this stuff a try!
