Death and The Sixty-Pound Challenge

I've blogged about my current mini-goal (see the ticker at the top of my blog page), and of course the ticker at the very bottom of my page shows my long-term goal. But, I needed a mid-range goal too. Kathy provided that for me in the form of a challenge about a week ago.

The blue one-year countdown clock is ticking, and Kathy and I are working to lose 60 lbs by the time that clock ticks down to zero.

This is the end of our first week of the challenge. Kathy has lost 3 lbs to my 2.5 lbs - we're both doing well, but I think her exercising routine is far superior to my meager efforts to date, and it shows! That extra half pound a week would come to an extra 26 lbs lost, by the time the countdown clock zeroes out! (Way to go, Kathy!!)

This has motivated me to move a little more. I'm using my Pilates Ring, but need to start increasing the length of time I use it. And I need to change up what I'm doing more. To that end, I did my very first 30 minute cardio workout.

I won't lie - I thought I was going to die.

My poor heart had no idea WHAT was going on. My arms and legs couldn't keep up. My brain kept saying, "REALLY? You volunteered to do this? REALLY?" I think my feet wanted to kick my own a**, if only the knees could bend that far.

Autumn weather can't come soon enough. When it cools to less-than-oven-temperatures outside, I'm switching to walking. If I'm going to die, I don't want to be surrounded by size 2 people wearing sweat bands and leotards, unless they are MDs or at least certified in CPR.

So, while Kathy blazes trails with her awesome exercising regimen, I'm still finding a path to what will work for me - and that I'll maintain, without death lurking in the background. The eating side of the equation is so much easier for me (not easy, just easier).

So, Day 37 and doing well ... sore, but doing well.