Stronger

I feel amazing, strong. This afternoon, I successfully intensely rowed for 50 minutes. I've rowed with the crew before, but today was different. I matched them stroke for stroke. With the same level of intensity.

It takes strength and great effort to row -- you want the the power in your legs. It took me a while, but today I felt it in my legs. The sound of the water: swish, swish. That was assurance -- I was in unison with the crew. The rowing crew.

A few days ago, I was chatting with Sherri (owner of Northwest Personal Training) about my fitness goals. Sherri advised me not to focus so much on my weight, but focus on getting stronger. She said, the stronger you get, the more efficient your body will perform. And eventually the pounds will drop. She used some other fancy training terminology, but that's the gist of it.

Working out is not only about physical strength -- it's more about the mental strength. I battle with myself often, but when I get out of my own way, I'm stronger, more efficient. Today, I feel stronger than ever. Thanks Sherri and NWPT for helping me get stronger.

Recovery journal

Day 101: It went DOWN! 10 minutes on the treadmill @ 2.1 mph. 20 minutes on recumbent bike ranging 65-75 rpm, and the highlight of it all - (4) consecutive 45 second planks with three personal trainers spotting me, rooting me on, and making sure my form was good . The last plank was especially for my assistant coach I had to show him how STRONG I really am.

Am I *Thin Yet?

Now

This is taking way too long. I feel antsy. It's like one of those long, road trips I use to take as a child and had no real sense of time. I'd be in the backseat of the car, asking "Are we there yet? When will we be there?" I mean, really when will I get there? When will I look in the mirror and see the strong, fit body I desire? I know, I know. It may be that I never get there and I should learn to appreciate myself for what I am  currently - believe me - I expect everyone else to. It's just that when you work as hard as I do at this it becomes overwhelming. I mean, day in, day out I'm battling obesity and let me tell you it's one stubborn opponent.  

388 lbs.

I take photos all the time just because I like to document my weight loss. Anyhow,  this weekend I took a photo (See "Now" photo) and wow! It confirmed what I've been feeling - my midsection needs some serious work. Then, this morning I  weighed myself to find numbers that indicate I weigh as much as a newborn elephant. Geez, I want out of this body and I want out now. I'm growing more and more impatient. And the closer I get to my goal the harder it becomes. Enough ranting time to tighten my seat belt.

*Thin - I only used the word in the title because it flowed better. What I desire is to be stronger, fitter, and weigh less than, well a newborn elephant.