How I did it, Step 1: Get Real

 I want to start by saying that I cannot express how awkward I feel writing this.  I know that having a blog would lead you to believe that I can't wait to share my opinions and insight, but I actually get nervous about a more personal or prescriptive post.  But in the past few months, and especially the past few weeks, I've had a few people ask me how I lost the weight.  I normally just say (a little uncomfortably) "Diet and exercise! It sucks!" just to avoid diving into the really thrilling topic of calorie counting and body image.  I was a little nervous to blog about this because I don't want to come across as all holier-than-thou skinnybetch, but I figured my blog was a good place to really map it out, if anyone is interested, and share my story of how I lost 35 pounds. 

So, how did I do it?

I wish this was a quick answer, but it's really dozens of small changes that got me here. I am DEFINITELY not an expert in nutrition, fitness, or anything related.  I just made small adjustments over the course of the year until I had completely different habits, and a whole new approach to my health.  This is definitely not a to-do list for anyone looking to lose weight, more like some loose guidelines to help get you on the right track.  I'm going to blog in pieces about the changes I made, and hopefully you can adjust them to fit your daily life and start seeing the change you're looking for.

Before I get into step one, I also want to say that "How I did it" might be misleading.  This is an ongoing process for sure.  These changes are lifestyle changes, and I'm still growing and adapting.  I'm not still trying to lose weight, but I am trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  So maybe this whole series should be called "How I did it and am still doing it every day" but that's kind of a mouthful and I like to keep things catchy around here.

Step 1: Get Real
The first, and probably the most important step, of my weight loss journey (that phrase seriously cracks me up - I can barely take this seriously anymore), was a reality check.  In my mind I had been trying to lose the extra 40ish pounds I put on in college for two years.  In reality, I had just been worrying about my extra weight while doing absolutely nothing about it.  I wanted to lose weight, but I refused to change.  I was not ready to put in the effort, so I made excuses.

And then one day I looked in the mirror, and I had to realtalk it with myself.  I was detagging half of my facebook pictures because of how I looked.  I was too embarrassed to work out at a gym because I could barely run a mile without walking.  I was unhappy, and I had finally had enough.  I wish I could tell you what came over me, or what changed in me, but all of a sudden, I was ready.  I wanted to feel better and I was ready to work for it.  I got online, calculated my BMI, cried, and set my goals. 

What I want anyone reading this to take away from Step 1, is that this has to come from you.  You have want this.  Any attempts you make will be halfhearted until you are ready to change.  Get real with yourself.  Set goals.  And know that you will accomplish them. 

I'll blog with Step 2 soon!  If I tried to cram this all into one post it would be insanely long.  This Step 1 post alone was really long.  If you read this whole thing you MUST be serious about losing weight....or just like insanely bored.

love and realtalk,
AB

10k training

The only way that I can motivate myself to stay in shape is to register myself for races so far in advance that they don't seem intimidating.  It's like this horrible prank that I keep playing on myself, but it's really effective.  Once I'm registered I know that I have to train, and I don't mind working out (as much) because I'm preparing for a goal.  Normally I just register for 5k races, but after finishing my last 5k in July, I realized I had more in the tank.  So before I could think too much about it, I registered myself for a 10k in September.  And now it's September.  I wanted to blog about my training a little bit!  If you are an avid runner you should probably avert your eyes.  Honestly I wouldn't blame anyone for skipping these posts because they're more for accountability, and how entertaining can I really make exercise? Like I said before, I basically have to trick myself into working out.

I've been running 6 miles when I feel motivated enough, but normally I hover around 3 or 4 a few times a week.  When I don't run, I use the elliptical for about an hour, and I try to mix things up with fitness classes like kickboxing (thank you Groupon). 

I have about 3 weeks left until my 10k so I'm trying to get a little more serious about my training schedule. Here's a general idea of what it's going to look like until race day:

Mondays: cross training for 45 minutes
Tuesdays: 5-7 mile runs
Wednesdays: cross training and weights
Thursdays: 3-5 mile runs
Fridays: cross training for 45-60 minutes
Saturdays: 5-7 mile runs
Sundays: rest

Sometimes things might get switched up depending on my schedule, but I think any kind of post about this will keep me a little more accountable to my training.  My goal is to run the 10k in less than an hour, so I definitely have some work to do!  If you don't hear from me again it's because I slipped off a treadmill and was flung into that awkward open/close leg weight machine.

love and shin splints (just kidding...hopefully)
AB