It’s been six months since my last update, so I guess I owe you one. It’s hard to believe I started on this journey three years ago, but then again I’ve been in grad school for a year now. A lot has happened in that time and a few of them have tested my resolve and commitment. As the months pass, I’ve struggled with how to measure my success. Let’s see if I can’t just summarize where I’m at and let you judge for yourself.
It’s worth noting that I haven’t lost much more than 5 pounds since my last update. It’s somewhat on track with the 1 lb/month I’d figured previously but at this rate, my goal is going to take me another 2 years. I lost 5 pounds during a recent bout of food poisoning but gained it back when I got healthy again. I also gained 4 pounds during a recent week long family vacation; the only week since my last update I haven’t worked out. I’ve since lost that weight but am again going to point to pictures as my proof of progress, not the scale. (Note: This is me convincing the fat kid inside me, not you.) I have also gained a penchant for flexing my legs for myself and others, so… yeah.
The heart rate monitor I spoke of previously has turned out to be a great motivator. I’d heard mixed reviews about them, but mine has been a help instead of a hindrance. As a numbers geek, I really enjoy tracking my data and it’s pretty hard to lie about what you’re (not) doing when there’s real evidence of it. I’ve done 77 hours of purposeful exercise, burning 44,000 calories during 72 workouts over 25 weeks. That’s 3 per week, with zero the week I was on vacation.
Perhaps more importantly, I can honestly say that exercise has become an integral part of my life. I never thought I would be one of those people, but I am. I go when I dread it and if I miss one, I’m sure to make it up. I love being healthy and I hate(d) being fat, so I use that as the force to keep me going back. I’m not obsessed with health (I had Five Guys last week) but I do try to make smart choices more often than not. I have a ways to go and I’m committed to getting there. After school is over, I might move up to 5x/week to make it happen faster. We’ll see.
P.S. – In case you haven’t seen it, be sure to check out my Dirty Martini Photo blog and stick it into your favorite feed reader. All photography related posts will only appear there, so go and catch up on what you’ve been missing.