Just keep swimming

My blogs took a little vacation so I could gain focus on my health and well being.

As I have declared many times in the past, I vow to make this the summer of change!

Physically, mentally, spiritually.

Reflecting back on the many fails in all these areas only convinces me that this has to be it. 2016. I may die trying but try I must! Failure is not an option. I have seen the light. My ego has taken its last swipe and downfall. I will plod along alone if necessary but I will plod. . .  while dragging weights behind me.

It's always better to have an exercise partner to keep you on the path of thinner and better and also to keep your whining and failures in check. Also, somebody to be accountable to for your time and days spent working out and continue to be faithful to the exercise regime.  I've seen and tried almost every workout there is and am repulsed at going to a gym and having to see my reflection in a mirror dripping sweat, gritting teeth and grunting to no one in general. Having a private trainer was a dismal fail and only making one of us better themselves and gain financial freedom. I don't respond well to shouting, bullying, fake encouragement or "give me 5 more".

I know what needs to be done. I did this to myself. I put bite after bite of mostly delicious food into my mouth and swallowed. I hate to sweat and due to a jacked up knee with no cartilage left in it, I can no longer walk long distances or use stairs. My 4 mile walks are but a memory now and so is any muscle mass accumulated during that period of my life.

There are no longer excuses that I have to be at work, volunteering or cleaning out the closets to be used to avoid the morning workout. Here I am. It is time. I've taken to a pool swim every morning before the sun is fully up and begin the 1 hour workout followed by the laps. At least there is no sweating and there is a time crunch to be fit and sleek due to water cooling as the fall approaches.
Even better, there is absolutely no judgment or comment about swim gear, forgotten hair trimmings and obvious lack of hair grooming on my part. Any one who wants to join us must adhere to these simple rules. . . . and bring their own towel.

My water buddy and workout companion is in the same boat as me but has the advantage of youth. She too is highly motivated and inspirational. We embarked upon our weight loss adventure on a whim and have kept it up for a month now. I love her so much because she reminds me that "We are HOT! We work out! We are going to be Accawesome! Our Earthly bodies will be almost as good as our heavenly ones!"

She's also not opposed to shouting and spouting obvious sentiments to God above . . . .   i.e.- "These kicks are the DEVIL!    Lord! Help me DO this! " Yup. We never forget to thank God that we are even able to have the option to exercise as choice and that every single day is a blessing. Praying through the tough parts is part of the day too. Sometimes, I think its the only thing keeping me afloat.

As I struggled to complete the last pull up on the board , I kicked my feet for extra boost power and was empowered after the success. . . although I was certain a stroke would overtake me at any moment. Definitely saw a flash of light and dizziness .

I keep feeling my carotid for any irregular heartbeats because with all the panting and grunting going on, it seems inevitable that the heart will just give up and take a permanent vacation. Week 4 and we are still good. We are getting better so we add more sets and weights. The heart rates have to be kept up so we switch up the routine to do it.

Am I ever going to be skinny??? Never.
Am I ever going to wear a 2 piece again? Nope
When I strut down the street, are heads going to turn? Doubt it.
But it's all okay. I am going to be okay with it. I'm not doing any of this for any one but myself. I don't need affirmation or congratulations from a soul. It's all me and for me.
Only 100 lb. more to go.
Only 20 more pounds to go before I can eat a chocolate cake and gallon of milk for my first tier reward!
Come find Nemo with me. BE the Dory! "Just keep swimming.......just keep swimming"
I'm out at the pool and the water is just fine!