Tug-of-war

Squats. Lunges. Push-ups. Typical exercises found in most workout routines. We done plenty of them in yesterday's boot camp, but we also done a little something unexpected, something fun -- a game of tug-of-war. Whew!

When I saw Trevor grab that huge, thick rope my eyes lit up. I haven't played tug-of-war since I was a kid. We anxiously formed two teams, grabbed our spots in line, and started digging in. Tugging back and forth. Tug. Tug. Tug.  My heart was beating fast. It felt like it was going to pop out of my chest. But, I was having too much fun to care I just keep digging.

I never realized I was so competitive. I really started getting into it.  Round two I was first in line. Digging hard. We tugged and tugged. A few times the other team started pulling away from us. I was screaming "PULL." We pulled ourselves to victory that round.

Afterwards we were breathing hard, smiling, and laughing. Feeling like kids again. It's nice to do something different like a game of tug-of-war to break up the typical workout routine. Thanks, Trevor for the unexpected, fun challenge.

I'm really digging my new training studio Northwest Personal Training. It's kinda cool and different.  Wanna join in on the fun and get fit? Email me: farewellfatso@gmail.com for your complimentary pass.

Right on course

2011 © Vivian Johnson

When I was hit by a car and sidelined with a fractured tibia in February, I could not conceive why. At the time, I was working with an awesome trainer, fitness level and endurance at it's peak. I was even training for a half marathon. In a blink of an eye a "Change of Course." 

I spent months on crutches with no weight bearing to my leg -- in a brace. I made a pact with myself during this time to keep my spirits high, but let me tell you -- those were some trying months. Having to get around was difficult, not being able to exercise with intensity even more difficult, friends came and went, and then there was the fear that I would not fully recovery. Sometimes at our darkest hour - our lowest point is when we rise to the top. When we are going through life at a study pace, all is well and life is easy we find ourselves in a comfort zone. It usually takes some sort of tragedy, a period of darkness to force us to make adjustments, dig deep, and sit still with ourselves. Trying times are what build character. Again, I did not conceive at the time why I was being taken on this route. Ohhhhhhh but now I can see clearly. I'm blinded by light. Like Eminem said, "I guess I had to go to that place to get to this one." So folks here I am at this place, five months later: leg mostly healed, working with another phenomenal trainer, regaining my strength, and on the verge of some really big life changing events. I can honestly say, everything happens for a reason and we may not see it at the time because we can't see past the darkness, but I kept my spirits high, kept living my life and exercising. Some people would say that I've been setback five months, I beg to differ -- I'm right on course.

I read a book, "Returning: A Spiritual Journey," while taking a theology course in college and I refer to this excerpt again and again: "In times of anguish it was hard to have the faith of an Abraham, and difficult to be reassured by doubts when I seemed to be walking in darkness. Yet there I was, like everyone else, having emerged from all sorts of crises and heartbreak and traumas, events that seemed to have insured my destruction or at least any chance of ever feeling joyous and fulfilled again, and I had gone on, and felt renewed and hopeful all over again, and the very pits of despair most often seemed to have been entries to the next unexpected, unimaginable (while in the pit) emergence and rebirth." ~Dan Wakefield 

Drive-thrus and ATMs

No quick fix.  Just a never, give up attitude and HARD work.

We are a society that craves instant gratification. Fast food drive-thrus, ATMs, and 1-10 item check-out lanes at the grocery store. We don't like to wait. We want, what we want -- now. So no surprise that when it comes to losing weight and adapting a new healthy lifestyle we're no different. The changes aren't happening quick enough, we grow impatient. We become discouraged. We...

I can honestly tell you, ladies and gentleman the drive-thru (DT), ATM mindset does not work when it comes to losing weight. This is the HARDEST thing I've ever done in my life so I'm speaking from experience. The only way to get the weight off is through hard work, diligence, and a sense of humor. There were plenty of times when I became discouraged because the scale wasn't moving (it's at a stand still right now), I wasn't able to perform a push-up, or I had a slip-up and indulged in chocolate chip cookies. These types of things are normal -- it's life. Instead of hanging my head and throwing in the towel, I made adjustments. Heck, in July 2004 I had gastric bypass surgery which was my DT, ATM approach and that did not work. Sure, I lost some weight, but ultimately it wasn't until I truly made up my mind and put in the necessary work through diet and exercise that I began to see results. The point, is I did not give up. I dismissed the DT, ATM approach and took control.

I think it's important I mention that results shouldn't only be tied to the scale when trying to lose weight. Look to other things like a change in your endurance, strength, and your attitude. Yes, the goal is to lose weight but ultimately the goal should be a lifestyle change. The way I live my life today looks totally different then in July 2004. I say all this to say, if you plan to set out on a path to healthy living and weight loss, there is no quick fix. Stay focused. Stay diligent. Leave your DT, ATM mindset behind because folks this all about HARD work.

"Hard work pays off. When someone tells you otherwise, beware the sales pitch for something “fast and easy” that’s about to come next. The greater your capacity for hard work, the more rewards fall within your grasp. The deeper you can dig, the more treasure you can potentially find." Steve Pavlina

Hello 2011… Goodbye 2010

As 2010 comes to a close, I’d like to thank God for giving me the courage, strength, and love for myself to fight this battle against obesity. When I set out walking back late in December ’09 I never imagined exactly where my feet would carry me. And, oh where and how they have carried me. I started walking merely to clear my head, but eventually I really started to enjoy the walks. One day while walking I had an epiphany – it was this day that has forever changed my life. 

I won’t bore you with a recap of my triumphs and struggles in 2010. Those of you who have followed and supported me know the stories. I will say this -- this is the last year that I’ll be fat. This time next year you won’t even recognize me. There, I said it, it’s in writing. My word is my bond.

My personal goal for 2011 is to continue to lose weight, strengthen my body – especially my core, and build my physical endurance. I pray for the continued mental strength and toughness I need to defeat obesity. This is the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done in my life and now that I’m closing in on defeating it for good, it only gets HARDER.  

As we begin a new year, blessings and peace to you all. For any of you struggling with weight issues and longing for a better, healthier lifestyle I hope that my story will inspire and support the internal motivation necessary to make it happen. Remember, YOU can do anything you set your mind to.

For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!

                                

        Since January '10 I've lost 54 lbs... But, gained so much more.



12/10

 

8/10

10/09

                                                               
                                   150 lbs. ago ... MISERABLE

7/04

So Far

Woke up this morning, went to the bathroom, and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Whoa. I’m still fat! I’ve worked SO hard, shed over 130 lbs., and according to the BMI chart I’m still considered obese. SMH.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m proud of myself for coming so far, but I still have so far to go! Discouraging? Sure. Enough to make me give up? Never. Why? That’s a loaded question but suffice it to say… I love myself and I owe it to myself to live a healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle free from being trapped inside of a body that is dead. So yes, I’m still fat, but not for much longer. Thank you God for giving me the strength, courage, and love for myself to fight this battle. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!