Thursday, July 30, 2009
Trainer Notes:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Free Stuff
Hello Everyone.
I apologize for the delay in providing an update. There will be a video coming regarding the successful completion of the first 5K I ran. I've received so many inquiries so I will tell you that I completed it in 35 min 52 sec (YAY!!!) and I walked less than 30 seconds the entire race. I needed to get my breathing under control, so I power walked for 2 stints of about 10 seconds and tried to do a third but was encouraged to push through because I was close to the finish line. I was (and still am) very proud of myself. I was really nervous and doubted that I would be able to run the entire race because prior to that, I had only run a max of 2 miles and only once outside for that distance. I had everything on my side though....the weather was absolutely perfect, I was well rested, and I had two great supporters running with me the entire time. So of course, people are asking me what's next????, a 10K, a half marathon, a triathalon??......uhhhhh, NO! I have no desire to do any of those.
Ok, I may do some more 5Ks and who knows what I will be inspired to do after that. People are also asking me if I enjoy running now......uhhhhh, NO AGAIN! hehehe, but I enjoy the benefits of it, so I will continue running in my quest to achieve my weight loss. I've also been asked if it's easier to complete my workouts. NOPE, you know why? Because as I complete one set of exercises with ease, my trainers increase the intensity, the weights, the reps, etc. So it doesn't get easier but I'm able to endure longer because I'm in better shape and my heart is in better shape. I've noticed that I can jump right into another exercise after I've completed one.......whereas when the competition started, I needed some time to recoup before beginning something else. Things like that really excite me and keep me motivated.
Oh, something else I've observed about myself. It's difficult for me to pass up free stuff. Ex. At the beginning of the UNCF walk/run, a radio station was handing out a bar of some sort. I didn't even know what it was but I HAD to stop and get one. I had no where to put it but after all, it was free. Of course, all those running with me yelled at me to put it back. So Mary said "Just because it's free...doesn't mean you need it!" I asked her to please type that statement & print it out for me. She typed it on nice sturdy paper, printed it and put it up in my cube at work. I so needed that. I'm serious. Another ex. On the plane ride to & from New Orleans, I accepted a beverage (although I wasn't thirsty) and a cookie treat of some sort (although it was not tasty) but I didn't say no when asked. At the hotel, I accepted water and an apple "for later" although my bag was already super heavy and I didn't need to add another pound of anything to it. I don't really understand why I do it but it's something I'm working on.
My quote for this week: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...you must do the thing you think you cannot do - Eleanor Roosevelt
Marina's thoughts: Congratulations on successfully completing your 5K, Alicia! Now you know what you are already capable of and now the sky is the limit!
As always, I appreciate everyone's continued support.
Until next time.........
Alicia
I apologize for the delay in providing an update. There will be a video coming regarding the successful completion of the first 5K I ran. I've received so many inquiries so I will tell you that I completed it in 35 min 52 sec (YAY!!!) and I walked less than 30 seconds the entire race. I needed to get my breathing under control, so I power walked for 2 stints of about 10 seconds and tried to do a third but was encouraged to push through because I was close to the finish line. I was (and still am) very proud of myself. I was really nervous and doubted that I would be able to run the entire race because prior to that, I had only run a max of 2 miles and only once outside for that distance. I had everything on my side though....the weather was absolutely perfect, I was well rested, and I had two great supporters running with me the entire time. So of course, people are asking me what's next????, a 10K, a half marathon, a triathalon??......uhhhhh, NO! I have no desire to do any of those.
Ok, I may do some more 5Ks and who knows what I will be inspired to do after that. People are also asking me if I enjoy running now......uhhhhh, NO AGAIN! hehehe, but I enjoy the benefits of it, so I will continue running in my quest to achieve my weight loss. I've also been asked if it's easier to complete my workouts. NOPE, you know why? Because as I complete one set of exercises with ease, my trainers increase the intensity, the weights, the reps, etc. So it doesn't get easier but I'm able to endure longer because I'm in better shape and my heart is in better shape. I've noticed that I can jump right into another exercise after I've completed one.......whereas when the competition started, I needed some time to recoup before beginning something else. Things like that really excite me and keep me motivated.
Oh, something else I've observed about myself. It's difficult for me to pass up free stuff. Ex. At the beginning of the UNCF walk/run, a radio station was handing out a bar of some sort. I didn't even know what it was but I HAD to stop and get one. I had no where to put it but after all, it was free. Of course, all those running with me yelled at me to put it back. So Mary said "Just because it's free...doesn't mean you need it!" I asked her to please type that statement & print it out for me. She typed it on nice sturdy paper, printed it and put it up in my cube at work. I so needed that. I'm serious. Another ex. On the plane ride to & from New Orleans, I accepted a beverage (although I wasn't thirsty) and a cookie treat of some sort (although it was not tasty) but I didn't say no when asked. At the hotel, I accepted water and an apple "for later" although my bag was already super heavy and I didn't need to add another pound of anything to it. I don't really understand why I do it but it's something I'm working on.
My quote for this week: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...you must do the thing you think you cannot do - Eleanor Roosevelt
Marina's thoughts: Congratulations on successfully completing your 5K, Alicia! Now you know what you are already capable of and now the sky is the limit!
As always, I appreciate everyone's continued support.
Until next time.........
Alicia
Friday, July 17, 2009
Excited
Hello everyone.
My quote for this week is "Victory belongs to the most persevering" - Napoleon Bonaparte
The quote contained a photo of a very fit runner. (hehe) Yeah, that's me! So tomorrow's the big day and I actually woke up this morning very excited. A stark contrast from my nervousness for the past few weeks. It's funny because I'm sure "real" runners are thinking, "what's the big deal? It's only a 5K." But for those that do not run (uhhhhh, ME), it IS a big deal. I am so proud of my fellow contestants that have set a goal to complete an event they've never done before and completed it. They have all given me a huge boost of confidence. I will provide results next week. Unless of course, I pass out and you read about it in the paper. J/K
Until next time.......
Alicia
My quote for this week is "Victory belongs to the most persevering" - Napoleon Bonaparte
The quote contained a photo of a very fit runner. (hehe) Yeah, that's me! So tomorrow's the big day and I actually woke up this morning very excited. A stark contrast from my nervousness for the past few weeks. It's funny because I'm sure "real" runners are thinking, "what's the big deal? It's only a 5K." But for those that do not run (uhhhhh, ME), it IS a big deal. I am so proud of my fellow contestants that have set a goal to complete an event they've never done before and completed it. They have all given me a huge boost of confidence. I will provide results next week. Unless of course, I pass out and you read about it in the paper. J/K
Until next time.......
Alicia
Monday, July 13, 2009
Running Outside
| Hello Everyone. Today at work, I was threatened (for lack of a better word) to get it together and run outside in preparation for the 5K I'm running on Saturday. So I ran 2 miles outside today (Monday). I've been preparing by running on the treadmill for quite some time now but never outside. I did not run 2 miles straight but I ran 4 sets of a half mile with a rest in between. My intention was to have started practicing running outside several weeks ago. I ran the first half mile in less than 5 minutes. One word: Mistake! I've never run that fast before and I felt it. I had to take a break of several minutes before I started running again. I was told it's very different running outside and I have to agree. The scenery is definitely better and kept me pre-occupied so I didn't notice the distance. But I have to learn to pace myself and I did so for the next three sets. I felt much better and only rested for about 1 minute. Oh, by the way, the person who threatened me was Andy, who just became certified as a trainer. Imagine that! He told me I have to listen to everything he tells me now. There must be something in the Become A Trainer Manual that stresses being firm with your clients. LOL Congrats Andy!! I'm very happy for you. You motivated me enough to get out and run today.....especially since I did not have a session today at FT. Now, leave me alone. J/K Until next time............ Alicia  |
Verdict
Hello All.
Following are my quotes for the past two weeks:
"Good habits result from resisting temptation" - Ancient proverb
"There's no easy way out. There's no short cuts home." - Song-No Easy Way Out by Robert Tepper
"The world meets nobody halfway. When you want something, you gotta take it." - Sylvester Stallone from the movie Over The Top
That first quote was sent to me while in New Orleans to encourage me to stay "good" while there. If you've seen my video, you know I was just ok, not good, not bad, but ok. The verdict: I gained a half pound while there while my goal was to lose at least a pound. Another verdict, I gained another half pound when I got on the scale on my normal weigh in day the following Tuesday. To say the least, I was upset and very frustrated.
So, we're nearing the end of the competition and I'm getting really nervous. Why, you ask? Because the true test of my transformation will be when I don't have anyone to report to (in a manner of speaking). I'm confident that I will continue my transformation and eventually reach my goal but let's keep it real. What do we do when no one is around? Here's an example: I tell my son all the time not to ride my computer chair like it's a car. I'm sure you can guess what he does when I leave the room. He's rolling all over the hardwood floors! It's easy to stay on task when someone is "watching" and you're accountable to them. But again, the true test will be when no one is "watching". I personally feel that my weight loss should have been significantly higher at this stage in the competition. Since it began in March, I've trained at Fitness Together 5-6 days per week consistently (with the exception of vacations). Seriously, the fat should be melting off of me! So I started thinking about things and how they're going for me. I've made tremendous changes in my eating habits but I'm coming to realize that some things I've eaten in the past and enjoyed, I simply cannot partake of. Not at all….especially if I can't do it in moderation. ALSO, everyone that knows me can tell you that I'm not shy, timid, quiet or anything along those lines. But I've noticed something. Since I've begun losing weight, I've received lots of compliments. I mean lots! And I tell you, I became a little too confident, but at the same time, I was (and still is sometimes) embarrassed by all the attention. It puts a tremendous amount of pressure on me. Every week, someone asks me how much I've lost. If I didn't have a huge number to report, I notice the expression on some of their faces. Silent disappointment. I understand. I'm disappointed in myself. I've become the role model for others and I need big numbers to continue to motivate them. Enough of the sappy stuff!! This isn't me! I'm strong Alicia and I'm going to meet my goal.
Random thoughts:
- I took the elevator in New Orleans. I had to. My room was on the 23rd floor and I was not going to take the stairs. I contemplated trying to do it once but quickly changed my mind. I didn't want to be found on the 16th floor stairwell passed out. I'm back on the stairs now!
-Based on Maya Angelou's quote last week, at work, a group of 7 phenomenal women are participating in a weight loss competition that begun last August called the "Drop It Like It's Hot" weight loss competition and as of the end of June have collectively lost 136 lbs (9.85%) & 59 inches. Congrats Ladies!
-I absolutely LOVE my trainers! I love when they give me disapproving looks and talks when I eat something I shouldn't have or when I don't work out on vacation like I should have. They equally encourage me and say "great job" after I've completed a set of something during my workouts. It's very encouraging to hear a "good job" or "well done" after I've done a bear walk, plank, mountain climbers, etc. I often don't feel I've done a good job on a new difficult exercise; however, it's my own feelings. My trainers always motivate me with their encouraging words. Thanks: Julie, Kyle, Holly, Kalla, Joe, John, Sabrina & Ross.
Until next time……….
Alicia
Following are my quotes for the past two weeks:
"Good habits result from resisting temptation" - Ancient proverb
"There's no easy way out. There's no short cuts home." - Song-No Easy Way Out by Robert Tepper
"The world meets nobody halfway. When you want something, you gotta take it." - Sylvester Stallone from the movie Over The Top
That first quote was sent to me while in New Orleans to encourage me to stay "good" while there. If you've seen my video, you know I was just ok, not good, not bad, but ok. The verdict: I gained a half pound while there while my goal was to lose at least a pound. Another verdict, I gained another half pound when I got on the scale on my normal weigh in day the following Tuesday. To say the least, I was upset and very frustrated.
So, we're nearing the end of the competition and I'm getting really nervous. Why, you ask? Because the true test of my transformation will be when I don't have anyone to report to (in a manner of speaking). I'm confident that I will continue my transformation and eventually reach my goal but let's keep it real. What do we do when no one is around? Here's an example: I tell my son all the time not to ride my computer chair like it's a car. I'm sure you can guess what he does when I leave the room. He's rolling all over the hardwood floors! It's easy to stay on task when someone is "watching" and you're accountable to them. But again, the true test will be when no one is "watching". I personally feel that my weight loss should have been significantly higher at this stage in the competition. Since it began in March, I've trained at Fitness Together 5-6 days per week consistently (with the exception of vacations). Seriously, the fat should be melting off of me! So I started thinking about things and how they're going for me. I've made tremendous changes in my eating habits but I'm coming to realize that some things I've eaten in the past and enjoyed, I simply cannot partake of. Not at all….especially if I can't do it in moderation. ALSO, everyone that knows me can tell you that I'm not shy, timid, quiet or anything along those lines. But I've noticed something. Since I've begun losing weight, I've received lots of compliments. I mean lots! And I tell you, I became a little too confident, but at the same time, I was (and still is sometimes) embarrassed by all the attention. It puts a tremendous amount of pressure on me. Every week, someone asks me how much I've lost. If I didn't have a huge number to report, I notice the expression on some of their faces. Silent disappointment. I understand. I'm disappointed in myself. I've become the role model for others and I need big numbers to continue to motivate them. Enough of the sappy stuff!! This isn't me! I'm strong Alicia and I'm going to meet my goal.
Random thoughts:
- I took the elevator in New Orleans. I had to. My room was on the 23rd floor and I was not going to take the stairs. I contemplated trying to do it once but quickly changed my mind. I didn't want to be found on the 16th floor stairwell passed out. I'm back on the stairs now!
-Based on Maya Angelou's quote last week, at work, a group of 7 phenomenal women are participating in a weight loss competition that begun last August called the "Drop It Like It's Hot" weight loss competition and as of the end of June have collectively lost 136 lbs (9.85%) & 59 inches. Congrats Ladies!
-I absolutely LOVE my trainers! I love when they give me disapproving looks and talks when I eat something I shouldn't have or when I don't work out on vacation like I should have. They equally encourage me and say "great job" after I've completed a set of something during my workouts. It's very encouraging to hear a "good job" or "well done" after I've done a bear walk, plank, mountain climbers, etc. I often don't feel I've done a good job on a new difficult exercise; however, it's my own feelings. My trainers always motivate me with their encouraging words. Thanks: Julie, Kyle, Holly, Kalla, Joe, John, Sabrina & Ross.
Until next time……….
Alicia
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Trainer Notes
Now that she's back, we're back to business! Her 5k run is less than 2 weeks away, so we want to make sure she's ready for that. Today we did a full 2 miles on the treadmill without stopping -- her longest run so far! She completed it with no problem (although she might not agree with the no problem part!), and I definitely think she could have done more. I have no doubt that with her training, the adrenaline of race day and the help from her supporters, she will successfully complete the 5k distance on July 18th.
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