Change is Not Easy

Many years ago a mentor told me that if a person was able to achieve a significant change themselves - they would be better at leading others through change. Moreover that through change people would discover something new about themselves.

Maybe this year of turning over a new leaf is making me a different person in addition to the physical changes I'm experiencing. Maybe by losing 100 pounds I'm discovering a new me. 

Hum... something to ponder over wine :)

Move more - Lose More: Weekly Summary

The past few weeks my progress has come in strength and power, reduction in inches but not in weigh loss. This week I tested the notion of busting through a plateau by doing two things.

Teresa in Colorado, Circa late '80's
Adding to the List - Another Hiking/Camping Trip

First off I know that I'm not trying to lose vanity pounds - I'm about 40-50 pounds overweight. Plus I know that I haven't been eating over my nutrition plan - hitting 1200 calories per day regularly. Although I had not been having salads every day for lunch, I haven't been straying far from the plan.

It's that evil exercise I need to change up. And this past week was just perfect to test that theory. So #1 plateau busting plan action item: in addition to shoveling wood chips for 11 hours over two days - I rode my bike further and further each day.  By the end of the week I was hitting 16 miles a day. Working it!

Strength and Endurance - Weekly Summary

When I turned over a new leaf to make healthy choices in my life - one of the key considerations was that I wanted to be "fit" - that being stronger and more able. This past weekend I saw for myself just how far I have come towards achieving that goal.

I love to garden and every year I get a load of free wood chips and spread them around the yard. I'm not alone in this effort - it's a family affair. I have typically taken the role of "Job Site Manager" directing wheelbarrows of chips all around and then raking them into place. I have relied on others for the muscle to do the "real work." This usually takes us 3 days to get it all done. 

Not this year. If I had any concerns over my weight loss slowing down and that I wasn't making progress, this past weekend was a big thumbs up and "Go Girl." 

Home workout Challenge - 1 truckload of wood ships in two days

12 Mile Bike Ride - Weekly Summary

Ride Ataxia - July, 2015

Every now and then something exceptional happens. 

Today's Non-Scale Victory - completing a 12 mile bike ride in support of good cause.  Perfect weather, awesome location, and a great group to ride together. I surprised myself. Plus I didn't even mind about wearing those silly bike shorts and shirt (well not too much!)

Here is a shot of me crossing the line at the end of the race! I had lost track of the distance and was surprised to be at the end - I thought there were a few more miles to go. That was such a great feeling; to not be exhausted. 

Everyone was in such great spirits and I met really great people. Lots of inspiration around each turn.  Many people have challenges in their lives, that I can work to overcome my issues with weight is a blessing. 

Biking - part of my new routine. Never would have guessed that. 

What I need from you to help me be successful...

They say that change is hard and the having a strong support network is critical to sustained life choice adjustments. 

After trying many diets and exercise programs or having them thrust upon me (by parents or loved ones) I'm taking steps to ask for and get the support I need.  As you can see by the picture to the right, I've had a long history of being over weight. Even at this age (6-7 years old) I was being told what to eat. 

Chubbie Girl - circa 6-7 years old

Now much older (and maybe wiser) I'm in charge of my destiny. A step I took last year was to apply to the "Be a Loser" contest at Five Seasons Club. It was challenging to go into a room and discuss how I arrived at being morbidly obese and what I was willing to do to turn a new leaf. One of the key questions asked was "Do you have a support network?" The answer is yes!

Do you have someone in your life who is looking to make a big change and you might be asking yourself 'How do I support someone on a diet or who needs to lose weight?" Are you looking to help those around you be better supporters? Well here's my guide (Part 1) to what I'm looking for in my support network. 

Applications being accepted online :)  This is just my perspective - it might not be right for everyone.