To compete, or not to compete, has been my biggest question since I hacked off almost all my weight. For the sake of making a story out of my accomplishment, I feel as though I have to compete in some way. Through fitness competitions or marathons. The problem with marathons is this: my knee. While, yes, it feels very strong... any kind of longer term running on concrete (which, lets be honest... most marathons are run on city streets) would have negative long-term side effects to my knee. The impact would be too much. When I first started exercising again, I was set on doing an IronMan (the tri sort of ironman). The idea of doing that was shortly squashed thereafter when I learned of the imminent need of a knee replacement at the age of 45 if I were to compete in such a way. This (with however appealing an ironman is) is not so appealing to me.
Last night, I finally had the right mindset about competing at the physique level on stage... I told myself "If I can get my body to look like that, nothing else on that stage matters". And that is the god honest truth. Everyone who competes (while, yes, they do want to be aesthetically pleasing) competes for the sheer idea of enduring and triumphing on their journey. The journey that took them from where they started to where they wound up on that stage. Getting that lean is crazy. But people do it. Anyone can do it, if they have the right mentality. So, where does all of this dosi-doing get me? More towards the idea that I awnt to try to lean out now, and see where I can land. The major factor affecting all of this is the mere idea that this sport is actually pretty expensive if you are actually going to go through with a show. From the suit to the nutrition and training to the tan, everything you have to do.... To be stressed about how to pay for it if I were to actually go all the way would be something undesirable in my mind. Oh! and the supplementation! I would go for physique. I can gain muscle naturally pretty well, but creatine and the other muscle growing supps (all OTC and purchased at super supplements...) would add up too.
The best thing I can say as of now: I finally no longer care about the idea of doing a routine. As I said, if i can get that lean, nothing would matter on stage. I just need a good paying job now! Anyone? haha
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Still. Learning. To Live.
the mathematical equation,
the one that will solve my problem,
is missing a step.
this step will determine
how I live from this minute forward.
the missing step is simply,
a thought in my mind.
Sounds so simple.
so, so simple.
and in reality, and to anyone else, it is.
you can change your thought from one to another in an instant,
if you allow it to be.
so, what is my hold up?
what is stopping me?
I was at location a,
I am now at location e.
I had to go through b, c and d to get there though.
And even if no one I meet now knows that,
I know that.
And the knowledge that I went from A to E,
well,
it should be the most empowering knowledge I have.
And it is.
You hold the power within,
to be who you want to be.
You're light is not on a dimmer,
its a switch: off? or on?
Shine? or Shadow?
I choose shine.
I do shine.
I'm not the person I was at the beginning of my travels.
Through traveling you grow, and learn.
I am doing myself a disservice to not be who Ive become.
Its time to be her.
And to love.
And to learn.
And to LIVE.
the one that will solve my problem,
is missing a step.
this step will determine
how I live from this minute forward.
the missing step is simply,
a thought in my mind.
Sounds so simple.
so, so simple.
and in reality, and to anyone else, it is.
you can change your thought from one to another in an instant,
if you allow it to be.
so, what is my hold up?
what is stopping me?
I was at location a,
I am now at location e.
I had to go through b, c and d to get there though.
And even if no one I meet now knows that,
I know that.
And the knowledge that I went from A to E,
well,
it should be the most empowering knowledge I have.
And it is.
You hold the power within,
to be who you want to be.
You're light is not on a dimmer,
its a switch: off? or on?
Shine? or Shadow?
I choose shine.
I do shine.
I'm not the person I was at the beginning of my travels.
Through traveling you grow, and learn.
I am doing myself a disservice to not be who Ive become.
Its time to be her.
And to love.
And to learn.
And to LIVE.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Time to remember.
Its been about 8ish months since my last post. And while I dont have a reasonable explanation for this, it got to the point where everything I started to write, i couldnt figure out where I was going with it, or what I wanted to say. To simplify, I lost the course, the path, I was on. My goal in beginning to write again is to get back on track, figure out where I'm going from here. Here being the point in which, yeah, I've lost all my weight, but what am I going to do to continue to inspire people?? For a long time, I couldnt answer that question. And I'm not sure the "path" is any more clear than it was for the last 8 months. But, I am dedicating to myself to getting back into inspiration mode!!! Dum dum dummmmm
I think one of the leading factors is that I feel I'm being pulled in many directions and fitness is not necessarily on the back burner, but its on a middle burner. Life, does indeed, happen. I'm currenting enrolled in the Nurses Aid Certification (NAC) program at Seattle Central CC, working on websites, working at my trainers studio as a cafe attendant and maintenance/cleaning awesome person, and still doing catering, which is picking up as wedding season comes back into season. I also need to start volunteering anywhere I can that will take a nursing student. You can only imagine how my schedule is. And any chance i get downtime, I dont want to do much but sleep when I really need to study. I may be getting burnt out so to speak. But the very fact that I can say that I'm becoming burnt out is igniting my passion for fitness even more. I'm almost annoyed that I have so much other stuff going on. And that is fueling me back onto my original fitness path!
I have told my trainer she is going to start getting weekly photos from me as an extra accountability measure. Just to ensure I'm staying the same if not lowering my body fat. I'm currently fluxuating from 19-20%, back and forth, back and forth. My near future goal is to start virtual training. I havent locked in a monthly price yet, but it will be affordable for the average person. I understand training is a luxury. But I saw too many people come in for fitness orientations while I was working at 24hr fitness who cant afford it but are more driven than the people who can. My goal is to help those people. In any way I can. I'm not a sales person. I'm just a person who wants to help people live the dream i did. The dream of dropping their weight, of gaining their muscle, of reaching their true potential and of waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and FINALLY being happy with what they see. That is what I want.
More posts to come..... !!!
:)
I think one of the leading factors is that I feel I'm being pulled in many directions and fitness is not necessarily on the back burner, but its on a middle burner. Life, does indeed, happen. I'm currenting enrolled in the Nurses Aid Certification (NAC) program at Seattle Central CC, working on websites, working at my trainers studio as a cafe attendant and maintenance/cleaning awesome person, and still doing catering, which is picking up as wedding season comes back into season. I also need to start volunteering anywhere I can that will take a nursing student. You can only imagine how my schedule is. And any chance i get downtime, I dont want to do much but sleep when I really need to study. I may be getting burnt out so to speak. But the very fact that I can say that I'm becoming burnt out is igniting my passion for fitness even more. I'm almost annoyed that I have so much other stuff going on. And that is fueling me back onto my original fitness path!
I have told my trainer she is going to start getting weekly photos from me as an extra accountability measure. Just to ensure I'm staying the same if not lowering my body fat. I'm currently fluxuating from 19-20%, back and forth, back and forth. My near future goal is to start virtual training. I havent locked in a monthly price yet, but it will be affordable for the average person. I understand training is a luxury. But I saw too many people come in for fitness orientations while I was working at 24hr fitness who cant afford it but are more driven than the people who can. My goal is to help those people. In any way I can. I'm not a sales person. I'm just a person who wants to help people live the dream i did. The dream of dropping their weight, of gaining their muscle, of reaching their true potential and of waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and FINALLY being happy with what they see. That is what I want.
More posts to come..... !!!
:)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Still chugging along!
So, I know my posts are coming less and less. But that does not mean that my fitness journey has seen its better day! I decided it was high time to tell you guys what I have been working on in the last couple months!
First of all, an update on me! Unfortunately, 6 days after I posted my last blog, I lost my day job to the economy. While it has been tough to keep my spirits high, I have succeeded on all fronts in doing so and am simmering on a low boil until something comes up to fill my days again. I did get a job with Tom Douglass Catering, and for those of you who know restaurants, or well known chefs, this is actually pretty cool! Fun Fact: He beat the chef on "American Iron Chef". Lucky for him though, the secret ingredient was king salmon. Lol. Anyway, With the time on my hands though, I'm definitely getting in my workouts! And in July, I gave my trainer enough for a very nice buffer, knowing I would be making less money. Little did I know the reality of that statement at the time, but, training is my sanity. I'm not that upset about it!
As far as my fitness goes: i've been getting 5 strength workouts in a week. One chest day, shoulder day, back, legs, and some rehabilitative work (ok, you're right, so not so 'strength' after all on that last day, but still!) and for fun,I'll throw in arms on any of the mentioned days to make sure they are the primary rather then the secondary targeted muscle. My cardio is not as amazing as it used to be. I do decide from time to time, "I feel like doing 8 miles today!" and I'll break it up into 4mile segments. Or, I'll go do some erg sprints. But, I will say, I really have been working on my strength. Working to get stronger. My knee was causing some issues for awhile, and while that doesnt affect my upper body, It did affect my workouts for a bit. For about a month and a half, I didnt work out much (maybe once, twice a week), but my diet was clean (errrr... enough) and I was still training my clients. My strength declined, I went from an incline chest press of 45 for 8 (spotted) to 37.5/40-ish. While my legs still need work, my last chest work out I warmed up with 40 for 12, and then did 45 for 10 and 8! Ready to hit 50! Woot!
I'm also quietly, and slowly, working on a side project that I hope to be fabricating sometime in the near future! More details on that soon!
ALSO! My trainer finally got her site up! If you want to check it out, visit:
www.amandajarstad.com
and give her some love! She is definitely one of the leading reasons I am where I am today! She has been one of the most inspirational, motivational people I've known!
I know, quick short update! But, I just realized, you have yet to see who came out to play!!
My top two! YAY! haha
Signing off, for now! Will be back hopefully sooner rather than later!
Cheers!
First of all, an update on me! Unfortunately, 6 days after I posted my last blog, I lost my day job to the economy. While it has been tough to keep my spirits high, I have succeeded on all fronts in doing so and am simmering on a low boil until something comes up to fill my days again. I did get a job with Tom Douglass Catering, and for those of you who know restaurants, or well known chefs, this is actually pretty cool! Fun Fact: He beat the chef on "American Iron Chef". Lucky for him though, the secret ingredient was king salmon. Lol. Anyway, With the time on my hands though, I'm definitely getting in my workouts! And in July, I gave my trainer enough for a very nice buffer, knowing I would be making less money. Little did I know the reality of that statement at the time, but, training is my sanity. I'm not that upset about it!
As far as my fitness goes: i've been getting 5 strength workouts in a week. One chest day, shoulder day, back, legs, and some rehabilitative work (ok, you're right, so not so 'strength' after all on that last day, but still!) and for fun,I'll throw in arms on any of the mentioned days to make sure they are the primary rather then the secondary targeted muscle. My cardio is not as amazing as it used to be. I do decide from time to time, "I feel like doing 8 miles today!" and I'll break it up into 4mile segments. Or, I'll go do some erg sprints. But, I will say, I really have been working on my strength. Working to get stronger. My knee was causing some issues for awhile, and while that doesnt affect my upper body, It did affect my workouts for a bit. For about a month and a half, I didnt work out much (maybe once, twice a week), but my diet was clean (errrr... enough) and I was still training my clients. My strength declined, I went from an incline chest press of 45 for 8 (spotted) to 37.5/40-ish. While my legs still need work, my last chest work out I warmed up with 40 for 12, and then did 45 for 10 and 8! Ready to hit 50! Woot!
I'm also quietly, and slowly, working on a side project that I hope to be fabricating sometime in the near future! More details on that soon!
ALSO! My trainer finally got her site up! If you want to check it out, visit:
www.amandajarstad.com
and give her some love! She is definitely one of the leading reasons I am where I am today! She has been one of the most inspirational, motivational people I've known!
I know, quick short update! But, I just realized, you have yet to see who came out to play!!
Signing off, for now! Will be back hopefully sooner rather than later!
Cheers!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Something worth showing :D
So, I felt that the weekly posts were becoming a bit redundant, as my rate of change is continuing to slow. But, I woke up this morning and decided that today, I had something worth showing. We can call this the 1 year, 1 month mark. And Id say, that yes, I am actually pleased with this!
Another reason for not posting much is that I have taken a job at 24Hr Fitness, where I started my own journey and have been slowly building up a client base. It is a nice feeling knowing that I am finally doing something that is honorable, and noteworthy, and to the benefit of someone else. WHICH, in turn, benefits me. The way my heart wrenches over the need to help people. And now that I am? My heart constantly has a smile! My workouts have been a lil slow lately. To be honest. I have been working 70hrs, and getting my place all packed up and ready to move. Takes a toll after awhile! But,I have been doing at least something outside of work and moving daily.
Anyway, here is my update!
Another reason for not posting much is that I have taken a job at 24Hr Fitness, where I started my own journey and have been slowly building up a client base. It is a nice feeling knowing that I am finally doing something that is honorable, and noteworthy, and to the benefit of someone else. WHICH, in turn, benefits me. The way my heart wrenches over the need to help people. And now that I am? My heart constantly has a smile! My workouts have been a lil slow lately. To be honest. I have been working 70hrs, and getting my place all packed up and ready to move. Takes a toll after awhile! But,I have been doing at least something outside of work and moving daily.
Anyway, here is my update!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
11 Months (Do over!) and WEEK 49! - April 26
WOW! I have no idea where the time has gone! OR went! But, all of a sudden, I've missed my first week of blogging since I started blogging, and I forgot photos for this past weekend. Funny thing is I took photos last week, but not this, and I'm blogging this week, but not last. Yes, life has been slightly crazy. My brother has been in town, I've been working out more, I've been working more, I've been doing more, it was Easter. All these are a bunch of excuses as to why I forgot to write my blog last week. And I'm sorry for that.
This has been a blog in process. I start, then go away for a day, then pick back up. Alright, So. Short and sweet, so I can get something posted.
I went almost two weeks without doing much of anything. Was so busy, and tired. And then, I decided, I had no more excuses. I have to get back on the train. My trainer is getting ready for nationals in Vegas in July, and I've decided to give her the support team she had for Emerald Cup. So, I'm dieting and working out, just as much as she. We actually did stairs tonight! And it was awesome! So, we are going to start doing that frequently, I believe! I'm excited! Ew! You guys should see this photo! I love it :D
I still find myself openning up this photo and just thinking "wow, I have definition!" It's crazy! Hard work does indeed pay off! Anyway. Will post again, on Monday. With photos! For sure! :D
This has been a blog in process. I start, then go away for a day, then pick back up. Alright, So. Short and sweet, so I can get something posted.
I went almost two weeks without doing much of anything. Was so busy, and tired. And then, I decided, I had no more excuses. I have to get back on the train. My trainer is getting ready for nationals in Vegas in July, and I've decided to give her the support team she had for Emerald Cup. So, I'm dieting and working out, just as much as she. We actually did stairs tonight! And it was awesome! So, we are going to start doing that frequently, I believe! I'm excited! Ew! You guys should see this photo! I love it :D
I still find myself openning up this photo and just thinking "wow, I have definition!" It's crazy! Hard work does indeed pay off! Anyway. Will post again, on Monday. With photos! For sure! :D
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Off the Hook
This is going to be short. I just realized. I'm letting myself off the hook. I'm not sticking to my diet 100%, even tho I do follow it pretty well. And on top of it, I'm stretched for time, constantly, and if I have time, I relax into it so much cause sometimes I feel my life is just way to chaotic that the second I get a chance to breath, instead of run out and do something else with that time I just hang out. Relax, actually allow myself to unload for a moment. But, I realized. The reason I dont stay strict to my diet is part of me wonders "whats the point??" No matter what I do right now, my stomach will not change much. It has lost all it can lose and while it still may lose some, I was overweight for ohhh..... 7years? Maxing out at 195lbs and, well, I would say that I averaged around..... 185 for the entire 7 years. I got to 175 like 4 summers ago, and then went back up to 185. 190 ish. And i guess its slightly discouraging. I wonder how much of me is lose skin. the fact that I can lift my arm up now and there are stretch marks in my armpit, or the fact that I feel like when I sit down, there is oh... a good pinch (no not mm pinch/skinfold pinch but thumb to middle finger pinch) of what seems to be lose skin. It's all around my body. My legs never carried a lot of fat, so they I think will be just fine.
So, back to why I let myself off the hook. I guess you can say its discouraging. To know, I could be at the gym, doing various cardio routines, switching from distance to HIIT and just constantly requiring my body to perform differently, keeping it on its toes, but my stomach wont change. So, why even diet...right? WRONG. Given, and this is hilarious to me, my craving, my "cheat" is no longer a bacon burger, its no longer ben and jerrys, or cold stone or a milk shake, or a slice of pizza from the amazing hot mamas.... you want to know what I crave now? Trail Mix. that's right, I said it. Trail mix. Not cake, not doughnuts, nothing like that. They must throw some coke, or some addictive additive into their mix because I want it, all the time. I am healthier, but that doesnt mean that I slack on my goals, and what I want for myself.
My goals dont change. Wont change. It doesnt matter, my stomach will get taken care of eventually. And when it does, I wont have these thoughts. But, for now, accept the frustration. Live it. BUT, keep myself accountable!!!
So, back to why I let myself off the hook. I guess you can say its discouraging. To know, I could be at the gym, doing various cardio routines, switching from distance to HIIT and just constantly requiring my body to perform differently, keeping it on its toes, but my stomach wont change. So, why even diet...right? WRONG. Given, and this is hilarious to me, my craving, my "cheat" is no longer a bacon burger, its no longer ben and jerrys, or cold stone or a milk shake, or a slice of pizza from the amazing hot mamas.... you want to know what I crave now? Trail Mix. that's right, I said it. Trail mix. Not cake, not doughnuts, nothing like that. They must throw some coke, or some addictive additive into their mix because I want it, all the time. I am healthier, but that doesnt mean that I slack on my goals, and what I want for myself.
My goals dont change. Wont change. It doesnt matter, my stomach will get taken care of eventually. And when it does, I wont have these thoughts. But, for now, accept the frustration. Live it. BUT, keep myself accountable!!!
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