So, what has happened since my last weight loss endeavor? An amazing timeline of events! Since finishing HCG, I have been able to maintain my size. I have gained weight - but in the form of muscle. While triathlon training - I got down to 135. I am now in the 145ish range, but my BMI from my weight in the 130's has stayed the same. How? Exercise, specifically weight training. (The Winona YMCA has a great class called BodyPump!) My clothes all still fit that I bought last year in March. I had to learn to stop obsessing about the scale. I hardly get on it now. It's not about a number. It's about one's health.
I still watch what I eat - like a hawk. I log my meals and exercise through myfitnesspal. I have a heart rate monitor when working out so I see the results of my calorie burn more accurately. This way I can make sure I eat correctly during athletic training. I exercise 6 times a week, 4 of those days two different types of workouts executed - like swimming and later in the day running. While some might think it excessive, it's necessary for triathlon training, and for the half marathon training I am currently going through.
Last summer, I participated in three 5K obstacle-courses. Run For Your Lives, Warrior Dash, and Dirty Girl. All involved mud, sweat, and challenges and were a total blast! I even managed to raise $650 for St. Jude with The Warrior Dash! I also enjoyed the Winona BK5K Road Race and The Color Run in the Twin Cities! For Triathlons, I participated in Trinona, Chisago Lakes, and Maple Grove. Each time I learned a lot about myself, and pushed myself to the max. This year, due to finances I will be a bit pickier. I am currently registered for Tough Mudder and Trinona (this time the international distance/course). For those who don't know, Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile long course with 25 obstacles designed by British Forces. Tough Mudder helps support "The Wounded Warrior Project" through donations of participants, and donations from those who give to participants for the cause. I am in charge of our local YMCA team, and we have about 6 people that are planning on joining us for a great challenge that will leave us exhausted but happy!
In the very near future, I will be taking on online course to get my certificates in Wellness Coaching and Personal Fitness Chef. I am hoping to use this as a side career to help inspire others to be healthy and happy. I will be doing this with my friend, Stephanie and through her spa "Brilliant Bodywork" in Onalaska Wisconsin.
I really believe anyone can make changes to become healthier. It's just whether people want to change or not. Sometimes people are just not ready, or are scared of failure. One can only fail by not trying. We learn about ourselves through self discovery. I have really learned a lot about myself. I know that I have to keep setting the bar higher for myself to help me keep going. That I am determined to keep on a path of healthy living and I yearn for more knowledge on how to sustain and improve my lifestyle for myself and the ones I love.
Click here if wish to donate to The Wounded Warrior Project in my name for participating in Tough Mudder. Wounded Warrior helps those who need it most after serving our country. I used to be engaged to a Gulf War Vet. He currently is being treated for his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and recently contacted me to apologize for how his condition effected his treatment of me. PTSD is a VERY real thing. It effects everyone around the individual suffering from it. Then there are those with physical combat wounds. These men and women give their lives for us. If you can give them support, that's a great way to show your appreciation.
