This blog serves as an inspirational and entertaining progress report on my seemingly never-ending journey to 200 pounds.

Monday, April 6, 2009

A Fresh Start? You Bet!


I really felt as though I was at the end of my tether, unable to afford to keep my personal trainer, and hopelessly confused about why I couldn't shake the excess weight. As far as I knew I was eating properly, working hard at the gym, and pushing myself even harder on my days away. Something drastic had to happen, and just when I thought I'd already tried it all, there seemed to be another idea there waiting for me. In the history of my writing in this journal, I've gone out of my way to avoid proper names and product placement, but I'll have to break the rules this time. I joined Weight Watchers Online. I've heard of, and actually known, more "real people" finding success with this plan than any other, and it's one avenue I had yet to attempt. I'd always been hesitant to join, foolishly thinking that if I couldn't lose weight "on my own", then it wasn't worth attempting. Considering the amount of money I've spent to this point on meal plans, gym memberships, and assorted pills, I justified this expense as "yet another investment". Though if I was to add up all of the finances that have exchanged hands in the pursuit of my own "physical utopia", I'd likely be retiring at a much younger age. Yet, in this new structure, it seems as though it will be one of the most affordable (and hopefully most successful) plans that I've put together for myself.

Firstly, I haven't completely divorced myself from my trainers. That would be impossible, as they are very supportive, and crucial to my pending success. They are now supplying me with monthly workout plans that I will perform from home. Of course, to furnish this particular portion of the plan I've had to invest in a set of dumbbells and a bench. As the sales clerk swiped my plastic, bleeding my bank account of its precious payload, I had to step back and analyze how this purchase related to the countless others I've made over the years. I found the equipment for a fair price, and they would "pay for themselves" in only two months. (I've never been a huge fan of that phrase, especially when I'm not deriving any direct income from the purchase.) However, by curbing my gym attendance for two months and using the home equipment instead, the cost and savings of each will be balanced. Here's hoping that they don't end up like the cornucopia of other weight sets and machines purchased around the world on an hourly basis, doomed to collect dust or become encased in a laundry-lined tomb.

Secondly, my intake has been completely revamped by the Weight Watchers plan (to be referred to as "WW" hereafter). My initial weigh-in was a whopping 262, and I'm now down to 250 after a 4 week span. Surprisingly (to myself but not to many others), I wasn't eating as much I should have been. Not by a long shot. Being so grossly under my body's daily requirements caused it to think I was starving myself, and it stored every stitch of energy whenever it could. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it for myself, but eating less does not translate into losing weight or gaining muscle, at least not for me. So now I'm eating more, and dropping weight, go figure.

Lastly, now that hockey is done for the season, I've once again charged myself with completing a half marathon on June 21st. Having been through the process a few times, I know what to expect, but it's still no easy task. I figure it's a very good inspiration to keep active for the coming months, lest I find myself crumpled in a heap 100 meters from the starting line. I'll also be bringing a phone with me this time (as well as my cousin-in-law!), to help prevent a repeat performance of last summer's post-event disaster. Training is underway, and I expect to finish under the 2:30 mark this year. Not blazing speeds by any stretch of the imagination, I'm still just pleased to finish.

Now that my eating situation is taking care of itself at the point, all I need is that daily desire for activity! It's all about routine, self-motivation and just knowing that it needs to be done. I've said it before, but all I have to do is take that first step, and the rest will follow.

Tune in next month to find out how I manage to stay on plan while away on holidays! Not an easy undertaking, but I'm up for the challenge.

Thanks for reading, and stay lean!

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