First Steps

As I sit here drinking my morning cup of coffee (ok, I’m on my second cup) I was thinking about what my first steps in this Gold’s Gym challenge should be. Obviously, I need to eat less and move more, but I think I need to be more specific. I’m sure I’ll be adding more to my list of steps, but here’s what I’ve come up with so far.

1. Cut the soda. I read last night that a 16 oz. soda has the equivalent of 14 teaspoons of sugar. I don’t think I’ve ever just had a 16 oz. soda. OK, I have, but not often. I usually buy at least a 20 oz. bottle at the store. And I know I drink more than 16 oz. when I pour my own from a 2-liter bottle. And you better believe if we’re at a restaurant I drink more than 16 oz. Really. That’s just unacceptable. It’s a wonder I’m not diabetic. That’s a lot of sugar I’m making my body process, not to mention the calories I’m consuming.

2. Add the water. I really can’t say much more about that. It’s a no-brainer. I have to drink something. And replacing my sugared sodas with artificially-sweetened sodas isn’t exactly healthy, either. In moderation, I’m sure it’s fine. But I can’t consume 60-100 ounces a day of aspartame. I mean, I probably could, but I’m going for healthier, not only thinner.

3. Skip the fried. Go for grilled or broiled when out. Opt for lower-fat choices at home (and when out). Remember that even though the calorie-laden meals do taste delicious, but so do the healthier options. Eat to live, don’t live to eat.

4. MOVE! Period. I have to move. My goal is to move every day. My “off” days will be at least a 30 minute walk. They offer classes at the gym that I’d be insane not to take advantage of. I love Kick and Power, and I’m sure I’d find other classes I enjoy if I gave them a chance. The first step is getting there. I talk myself out of it quite a bit, but once I’m done I feel so proud of myself. My goal is five days a week at the gym. Even if I don’t do a class, I need to get on the elliptical.

Journey to a 5K, June 9, 2010

Week 1
Day 1

Yesterday my friend Lori called me, wanting to encourage and motivate me. She challenged me to start running and train for a 5K. I accepted her challenge.

Now, I am well over 200 pounds. And I do mean "well over." I've never run. Let me take that back. I have only ever run when I absolutely had to. And those occasions are have been rare. I'm simply not a runner.

So, this morning Lori arrived at 6:30, ready to begin my training. The goal was a mile and a half. My neighborhood is hilly, which is great because the 5K I chose is pretty hilly. I walked more than I ran, and it took me about 40 minutes. My calves are killing me. I am seriously hurting. But, I know this is a good thing. I've never worked my muscles like this before. I've never had to learn to breathe like this before. So, all "well-over" 200 pounds of me walked/jogged this morning, and we'll do it again Friday.

Patrick went to the grocery store to get bananas for me, and I have to really up my water intake if this is going to work. Wish me luck.