Sweet Victory!

Alright...it's a small victory, but a victory for me nonetheless.  I survived day two with my personal trainer.  Remember what I said yesterday about the stationary bikes?  Same holds true for lifting weights.  If you aren't breaking a sweat at it, you're doing it wrong.  Apparently I've been doing it wrong for years, as I always considered weights "great for toning" but not for really breaking out in a full-on sweat.  By the end of my first round of leg squats today, I had sweat literally dripping from my elbows!  I pushed my muscles past the point of exhaustion.  In fact, I could barely lift my arms to comb my hair or turn on the shower when we were finished!  I weaved around as I walked on campus, as my legs could not effectively keep me balanced.  I'm sure I received several funny looks as I walked in the library and "fell" into the elevator since my legs would surely have betrayed me had I attempted to climb the stairs with a loaded backpack!  I have to say that that kind of exhaustion feels....well...GREAT!  I know without a doubt I will be one sore puppy tomorrow, but I will wear my soreness like a badge of honor.  I am determined to celebrate everything, including the fact that I made it through another day.  Now, on to tomorrow, which will take me to new and more glorious heights of torture.  :-)

Back in the Saddle....Again!

A wise group of women once told me that the journey of a lifetime starts with a single step.  I think it's safe to say that I have probably taken at least 200 "first steps" in my lifetime towards losing weight.  Anyone else know the feeling?  I know I am not alone.  Many of us struggle up and down the scale. Today, though, is a new and different step for me.  I started working with a personal trainer.

If you've ever ridden an exercise bike and thought it was easy, you're doing it wrong.  I rode an incumbent bike and an aerodyne (the one with a fan) today, each one for 20 minutes.  I thought my head would explode as I was gasping for air.  The trick is intervals, not resistance.  I did survive, though, and even did some abdominal work after that.  All in all, a good day, even though I can barely lift my arms to the keyboard to type this message.  I feel good about surviving my first day back and am looking forward to taking step two tomorrow.