Biggest Loser at work, the gym and a cat nap

Today was a good day. Though I did sleep in just a little longer than I initially anticipated, I finally dragged myself out of bed, into the shower and began my day. I decided to make good use out of my bike and rode up the Marlborough Mall for some errands before heading to Sunridge to run a few more. While I was at Sunridge, I remembered that a friend of mine at work had spoken with her gym about a free two week trial at the gym. I should have remembered how that works and that you don't go to a gym for free without first signing up for the remainder of the contract, but it was fine. I had wanted to possibly sign up there anyway because I love it there and the hours are great. Plus, it's literally between my work and home so I can go before work or after work and not lose too much time. Thank goodness for the c-train being right there. I do have a membership at another gym but their hours are horrible and it's very frustrating that I can't use it as much as I would like when it's more convenient for me. My membership is now at World Health and not only do they have showers in the change room, but they also provide shampoo, conditioner and a hair dryer. This means I don't have to lug those things with me if I go before work and worry about getting ready! I love convenience. Also, they now have a dry sauna. My pore's were very happy about that. I'll still be doing some things at home and going on my weekly bike rides around the park next to my house but I'll be able to make some good use out of the gym than ever before. What's great is that I can do some consultations with a trainer as well. I don't like always having someone there but I like having someone start out with me, show me what I need and when the next phase comes up, I can get some help in the next direction so this is perfect. I'm super stoked about it. I forgot to mention that at work we're doing a "Biggest Loser Challenge" and I'm determined to win. Lol My biggest motivation, however, is definitely my health so even when the challenge is complete, I won't stop. I've come this far though, so why would I?

The only thing that is very frustrating is my lack of ability to NOT get heat stroke. It seems to be getting worse as well. Ever since I was young, no matter what I do, I always get heat stroke. It used to be just headaches but over the last couple of months, I've also been getting nausea and it's so annoying. I love being outdoors doing sports, riding my bike or going for a walk and if it's hot out I can't enjoy it. People keep telling me to drink more water but it doesn't make a difference. The manager for the trainers at the gym today suggested High Blood Pressure but directly after I tested it at Shoppers Drug Mart and I was Normal/Optimal. It was neither too low nor high so it can't be the issue. I don't know. If anyone reading this has any suggestions, please let me know. I would love to figure out how to deal with it because I just want to be able to enjoy the outdoors to it's fullness.

The benefit of where I live though is that I'm right next to a park so once it begins to cool down, I can hop on my bike and head over there for a good cardio work out. I can also do some strength and core exercises on the grass area so it's not all bad. It's making life a lot easier in that regard.

It is getting late and I think I've fully recovered from my bout of heat stroke today so I'll be going to bed now. Thursday is my official first day at the gym but I may go tomorrow. If not, I have other plans. I do need to go shopping desperately and add to my fridge. I've got a few good things, but I definitely need a few more things.

That is all for now. My life now consists of work and working out. At some point I need to get more of a life, but for now I'm content with this. Once I have a car life can get busier. It's very warm in my room right now... gosh dangit. Anyone have a fan they aren't using? No? Okay than. Pay Day I may need to take a trip to the store again for one of those.... Though short, summer sure likes to make life uncomfortable if you aren't a person who deals with heat very well.... this cat pretty well sums up what summer is usually like for me when it doesn't cool down...



Until next time.... bon soir!

Patience and Perserverence DOES pay off!

It is amazing what time and patience can do! I've struggled with my weight most of my life but I had no idea that I had it in me to actually do something about it. Since finding out about my PCOS, I have gained more of a desire to get my health in check. My sister has been an amazing example for me because he has the same thing and when she found out, she just kept going until she finally reached her goal but hasn't stopped. It can be a difficult thing sometimes to choose healthy over delicious but healthy CAN be delicious. It also takes time and effort to not only eat right, but get out there and move! But I've done it so far. I could do better, especially food-wise ( more just actually cooking and eating a more balanced diet ) however, I have made some changes that have helped me drastically.

Since the first time a few summers that I stepped on a scale and found out the number I had reached in adulthood, I have been determined to get rid of it. For a while, I did really well. I began to lose and eventually I plateaued and shortly thereafter, stressful situations came into my life and I stopped. And I gained it back. Over the last year or so, I have been trying to focus more and more on my health. In January, however, I had the unfortunate luck to hurt my ankle which hindered my exercise goals. In retrospect, I still ate the right foods, cut out sugar completely out of my diet for about a month ( since then, I'm no longer dependent on sugars ) and have grossly increased my water intake. With a cast and injury, I already started to see a difference. Since healing, I've also been making goals to exercise more and get moving. I've recently purchased a bicycle as well which I've already gotten some excellent use out of. My muscles move better, my clothes are slowly getting smaller and even underwear fits better. It's wonderful! I have more energy and my skin even feels better. The best part, people notice it. That shouldn`t surprise me though considering the amount of weight I`ve lost in total. Are you ready for it?

To date I have officially lost 45 lbs!!! AMAZING! Now I just have to keep going. Along with the weight loss I am trying to teach myself habits that will last a lifetime. I don't just want to lose weight, I want to be healthy and be able to run marathons as well.

My short term goal is to lose 20 lbs at minimum over the summer which will put me not far off from my weight in high school. From there, I would like to lose at least another 30 lbs by the end of the year. That puts me at an average of 8.3 lbs of weight loss each month which is about 2 lbs a week, which is apparently healthy. Given that I am sure to plateau and slow my weight loss the more I lose, I may or may not reach that goal but that isn't going to stop me! Another 78 lbs or so will put me at my "initial" healthy goal weight.

I will continue to blog more often about my weekly health endeavors and share both my accomplishments and healthy finds! If anyone would like to offer tips and advice, they are gladly welcomed.

Health will not be only topic, however. I often have moments of inspiration or a need to express myself in word and this is the best place for it so if I ever rant, feel free to skip it. It's better on paper than in person as most people don't really care what I have to say so thank goodness for the scroll bar on the side of the browser.

Enjoy my blog and comments are both welcomed and encouraged!