Last Saturday was my Final Testing at Farrell's and I just have to say, I've NEVER felt stronger in my life. Stronger and PROUD. That's kind-of a big deal for me.
The past 10 weeks have been a challenge in the best possible way. I'm coming away from this with a renewed sense of self-worth and the knowledge that I really CAN reach my goals if I commit myself to seeing things through.
One of the biggest surprises for me has been realizing that the more I push myself, and the more I just DO the work...the more I CAN do. Does that make sense? It might seem like such an obvious thing. But in the past I've let the mere THOUGHT that I probably couldn't do something hold me back from even trying. It really is amazing what you can achieve when you just TRY.
Here are some of the things I've accomplished over the past 10 weeks that I'm especially proud of:
1. I ran an entire MILE without stopping. Now let me say that my version of running is really a slow, slow jog...but still...I set a pace I could manage and maintained it the entire time. This was major. Even when I started I thought, I'll try to jog the first half and then if I have to walk, I will...but I didn't...I just pushed myself past what I thought I could do and no one was more surprised than me!
2. I had PERFECT attendance for my entire 10 week Bootcamp. Other than a few snowstorms and minor illnesses, I didn't have much preventing me from reaching this goal that wasn't MENTAL. Making the commitment to be at EVERY class and do the work was a big thing for me. Getting over myself when I just didn't want to go. Plus, my husband has his 10-wk perfect attendance card on display in our bathroom...as a little reminder (or challenge as I saw it). Silly as it sounds, it really did motivate me to get there...I couldn't have him holding THAT over my head for the rest of my life - lol!
3. Cranking out PUSH-UPS...even a few from my toes! Seriously NEVER thought I'd be able to do that.
4. Dedicating myself to continuing down this path to better health. I signed-up for an entire YEAR of Farrell's. So really, even though my 10wks are over, this is just the beginning for me.
5. I met my goal of listening to Eye of the Tiger...every...single...day. If you think I'm joking...just ask my kids what our theme song is and they'll tell you! It sounds silly (because it is) but it was one of those fun little things I could do to get myself pumped-up...and even the kiddos got in on the fun...so I guess sometimes silly is just what you need :)
Reaching these goals and milestones and making new commitments led to a LOT of self evaluation. I planned on blogging about it, but to be honest sometimes it was just easier to DO the work and not THINK about it too much. Besides the fact that I was so physically exhausted that I'd just fall into bed at night...emotionally I was dealing with a lot too. The battles we fight inside our head can make or break the resolve we have to change. In the end, I've learned a lot about myself and I like to think that I've changed a bit too.
One of the toughest obstacles for me has been shifting my focus from "weight-loss" to really getting healthy. I've weighed a lot less than I do right now, but I can honestly say I don't think I've ever been healthier. I feel STRONG. That being said, this will continue to be a tough area for me. Just like anyone else, I want to SEE results...not just feel the difference. I went into my 10 wks knowing that this would just be the start of a longer journey for me to get where I want to be. Retraining myself, teaching myself to stop focusing on the scale and the numbers and really listen to my body...that's hard after a lifetime of doing the opposite. Hard, but totally worth it.
Now for the nitty-gritty! Here are my Final Testing Results...and NO...I'm not posting pictures - lol!
- Increased my push-ups (knees) from 20 to 50.
-Increased my sit-ups from 12 to 26.
- Took almost 3 and a half minutes off my mile-run time.
-Lost 10.2 pounds.
-Lost 15.25" (combined) from my chest, arm, hips and waist (over 7 inches in my waist alone!)
-Decreased my body fat percentage by 4.5%.
So those are the numbers, but it's only a small part of what I really accomplished. My new motto: I'M JUST GETTING STARTED! Now...I have to set some NEW goals!
Thanks so much to those of you who have followed along and offered your support and encouragement. It really does mean so much :)
~Audrey
