I have crossed off some other firsts also.
On that list include zip-lining and snowboarding. Total endorphin rushes. I pretty much went down the hill (snowboarding) on my butt, BUT I was laughing the whole way. So were my girlfriends, btw. It was a total blast. ...and zip-lining? If you have never done it, DO IT!
This was all done in the last two years. I turned 41 and realized their are a ton of things I have not done. I am the happiest I have ever been and my life is almost half over! I need to do stuff!!!! Next, surf.
But first...
So I was at the gym like any other day, and a personal trainer Lady (def knew of her, but never really talked to her... not a talker at the gym...outside the gym you can't shut me up. Jenn, she came up to me and said, "you could've won this year's bodybuilding competition at so-and-so."
ummm, "what?"
"Symmetry", she said. "You have great symmetry"
again..."ummmm what?"
I'm not sounding very intellectual at this point, I realize. I was mostly humbled and honored that she would make such an accusation. I admit hearing the word symmetry has never really been used to flatter me before either. Was she hitting on me? Oh Dear, I have turned into a man ... maybe I should do more cardio.That's where this all started.
I was told by her and others that have been in competitions to blog about the journey and I wish I would've listened sooner because their are many things I wish I would have in writing (I find fonts, spreadsheets & clip art completely titillating but not to share about myself), for instance, these veins that are popping all over my body. ...wt???? I always thought women complained about the road maps on their legs? OMGawsh they are so cool!!! 'Oley smokers they are poppin' all over my abs and my arms and who knew!!!
Before I go on about how kewl it is to watch my body transform into some really cool Alien~esque~She~man I need to be honest...
I always thought women bodybuilders were...well...a lil...ummm...too ...manly. BUT I have a totally new perspective. I have never felt more feminine or strong at the same time. I can totally hang with the big boyz on the bench press and throwing those weights around makes me feel sho shexy. Those chics are hawt and I have total respect for their sickness. Total respect.
I have always been disciplined with exercise. I got hooked on the cardio when I saw a Turbo Jam info and have since been Turbo certified and been in the Fire infomercial for the wonderful changes that it paved for me leading the way to this next level of fitness.
When Jenn told me to do less cardio and more strength I was like, "but...but...really?...less Turbo?...but..." yeah, listen to your PT's they are smart lil houligans. I have lost 15lbs 7 weeks. (*side note: I am losing weight in the strangest places) Although, I have kicked up my strength about 2 1/2 hours a day at the gym (and for all you who say you can get it done in less...more power to you...I love the gym and if I can stay there and kick my ash, I will) my food intake is where I really struggle. I used to lead a weight management class. Nope, not even close to what this diet consists of. A whole different world.
I know I am not much different than most (except Jenn it seems) with the food addiction. Reeeeeeaaallly reeeeeaaaalllly hard for me. It seemed the first 15lbs were easy compared to now!!! I am sooooo sick of chicken. Until I start eating it, then I become entirely grateful for it. I miss my cake. I want cake. I thought with out having it for so many weeks I would not WANT CAKE. ...but I do. I just want cake. At this point I would even take a flavor other than chocolate. Oh and my Froyo with Smuckers Natural and Dark Chocolate Chips mixed perfectly with the right amounts left in the last spoonful...
see what I mean.
Another reason it is good to blog during your journey is if you start later the blog gets very lengthy and your readers will soon tire of the obvious.
So this is where I will free you and sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this.
I will close by saying I have NEVER felt this healthy, alive, determined, energized, strong, lovely, pretty, kickashish, never before been complimented more by total strangers about my arms, shoulders, legs, butt, abs etc (hate to admit how motivating that is) ...this is the shizzzz and I will annoyingly recommend it to all who are interested in feeling all the good.
Jessica XoX