It's the small victories that count

Today I was going to blog about feeling entitled, but I'll save that rant for another day. I had a great workout this morning in the fact that I have mastered my push-up technique. In fact, a Fitness Assessment Cell monitor that I don't even know said "That's REALLY good." Woohoo! All it takes is a little bit of practice each day. Seriously 2 to 5 minutes a day-- that's it. Who doesn't have 2 to 5 minutes? I just have to maintain it for the test and start pushing myself to achieve larger numbers. I also lost two pounds, so I'm thinking my TDY salad diet paid off. Now I have to not gain it back over the holiday weekend. The week is looking good and with my fitness test closing in I feel confident about the outsome. That's a good feeling.

On track... Can I stay here?

Well, I've continued instituting those 'push-ups' I told you about in my last blog. They actually seem to be working. I'm down another 2 lbs (yeah!!) and still going - at least I hope. I went TDY and ate so many cookies I thought I'd burst. However, I walked each day (no, I didn't run) and I made up for it when I returned to SJ. Lucky for me it was only a 4 day TDY! I'm trying to stay on track and stay in the losing mode. This weekend will be a real test for me. I'm going home for a few days... someone please hide the snacks!! I can do this... I've trained for this... I'm living this!!! Wish me luck!

Off the wagon

It's been awhile since my last post. Maybe because I'm ashamed at myself for allowing myself to slack. I went TDY for 2 weeks and although I ran, I neglected my strength training and ate whatever I wanted (cookies, ice cream etc). Upon my return to work here in NC I was so far behind that I honestly didn't get time to go to the gym. I did run and ride my bike but still neglected strength training. This is all of course caught up with me. Still not able to do 1 correct form pushup and I gained 2 pounds. I know that 2 pounds doesn't sound like a lot to some but it is disappointing when you know why you gained it.

It's a new week. I have a 6 miler in the morning and I WILL go to the gym at lunch and meet with Brandon to get the brow beating I deserve! I will watch what I eat and work on pushups. I'll post more often as well.

Lose weight, get full points

So I have a formal feedback session scheduled (probably my first in 20-years, but that's a post for another time) and was asked to supply my official fitness log. As I looked at my log I realized that I scored higher in 2009 then I originally thought. My ab circumference didn't change; but my weight did. In 2009 I weighed less and was under a BMI score of 25-- therefore awarding me full points for that category. During my early 2010 test I was a few pounds heavier and therefore lost nearly 8 points off my overall score.

I wondered if this had changed with the new test so I looked it up (AFI 10-248) and to my surprise and delight the rule stayed the same. So the bottom line is if your BMI IS LESS THAN 25 you will score full points in this category! Woohoo--I'm having salad tonight!

Another week down

Well, I've made it thru another week. I'm getting better with my push-ups... I push myself up from the dinner table; I push myself up from the couch to walk in the evening; and I push myself up from my desk everyday to do a hard work out. By the time I test in Oct, I should have this push-up thing down!
Last week was a good week. I lost another 2.5 lbs and can proudly wear my blues without holding my breath all day (its the little things in life that count...).
Today (beginning week 3) I met with Brandon to do my fitness assessment. It went very well. Of course he hasn't done the measurements yet (that's not until tomorrow) but we discussed where I am and where I'd like to be. He stated with what I'm currently doing, I'm well on my way!!
For the past 2 weeks, I've been decreasing my intake of food, eating healthier and sticking with it no matter what. When I feel like I want to cheat, I drink an 8oz glass of water first. If I'm still hungry or craving sweets after that, I allow myself fruit or the 100 cal pack of cookies. It's been working thus far.
I'm more focused with my work-outs also. I have set days for set work-outs with a hard run 3 days per week. I'm also working on shoulders, triceps and chest! I can barely lift my arms, but I'm getting better.
Another 7 lbs to go.... I have plenty of time before I test. I can make... I feel I can... can't I??

Derailed- travel schedule puts new routine on hold

Starting a new routine is hard; it is even harder when you are traveling. This past week has put the weight and sprint training on the backburner. The good thing about our fit test is that at least you can do the minimum when you are traveling. I can find a place to run, do situps and pushups, but I haven't built my weight trng portofolio up enough to know what exercises I can do from a hotel room. I know I need to incorporate this for long-term weight loss, but at the moment I may need to just focus on returning to my 'normal' workouts to ensure I don't fall behind. Maybe I can look at building a new routine when I'm home for a period of time and after the November test. The upside is that I have gone shopping and am fitting into a smaller size! That's definitely motivation to keep running!

It's about accountability

There were a few events this week that ruffled my feathers when it comes to personal accountability. Granted, maybe after 20 years of service I've become like one of those 'crusty chiefs' I was scared by as an Airman Basic. But I actually believe I changed during my deployment when I witnessed America's war fallen arriving at Dover in cases and leaving in caskets. Duty like that makes you question why you joined the service; it makes you question if you want to continue. I do. During this self-reflection I've begun to 're-blue' myself. I owe it to my country, my family and my Airmen to be the best I can be in all areas.

I've always done what I'm told. Military life was probably the right choice for me, because while I sometimes question decisions, I obey orders. "Do your PME. Get an advanced degree. Wear your uniform with pride. Pass your PT test." Check, check, check and check. I always knew the consequences of not doing what I was told or what was expected would land squarely on my shoulders. I never wanted to, nor do I now, want to test the system to see if the rules don't apply to me. I'm frustrated by those who think this way, or display this lack of personal accountability. Fitness isn't easy for me, but I work at it everyday. I get up ridiculously early to ensure I get a workout. I find time during the day to do an extra minute here or there. I try to stay away from the candy jar when I know I should (this one is very tough). I'm doing my best and at the end of the day I feel good knowing that I lived up to my own expectations and that those who have entrusted this sacred job to me can rest easy at night knowing that I'm accountable. They are safe because we do what is right.

"It takes the right mental attitude" -- Capt. Chris Woofter

I just sat in on an interview with a reporter from the Goldsboro News Argus and two brothers, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Woofter, 916th Intel, and Capt. Chris Woofter, 567th RED HORSE. These two have been running marathons and 'super marathons' since 2001. Chris started with just a 10K. I was so inspired by them. They finish every race together and they talked about their journey to fitness and what it takes to complete 50 miles. You can see Chris's response in my subject line, but Steve also said something that I think all of us can relate to, "Everybody's going to have a low time." The brothers help each other get through their low times.

Today was my 2nd day of weight training, and as I was in the gym I thought to myself that I needed a partner. Partners help you, they challenge you and they get you through those low times when you just don't think you can go on anymore. If you're just starting a workout routine, or you're looking for more of a challenge, try to find someone you enjoy spending time with that near the same level you are. You might be surprised at the results (and please let me know if you start running 50 miles!)

I'm behind on my blogs, so I'll use this time to catch up. I've always been a fitness guru, working out twice a day every day. However, there comes a time when 'life' happens and working out gets away from you. 'Life' for me consisted of injuries (probably overdoing it) and ... here goes... menopause! Oh how I am hating menopause! Injuries I can deal with because there's always something else you can do, i.e. in my case I'm having hip & knee problems - but there's always strength training, yoga, circuit, anything and even running (at a minimum). Menopause is not a friend. There's excess weight, though I've not changed my eating habits, there's fatigue, sleepless nights, etc. I find no matter what I do I can't seem to get rid of this excess weight.
So, my goal for my October f2f test is to lose 15 pounds so I can improve my run; maintain my 90 f2f score and max out on the push-ups! I'm currently (or was at the start of our blogging) 135 lbs and at 10 good push-ups.... Brandon Johnson - get ready!

Brandon says "Don't worry about it"- and diagnostics

I was just bummed out yesterday. I'm normally a happy, or at least even-keel, kind of gal. But again the scale wasn't my friend. After 9 mos of working out, that number didn't reflect it. Brandon, our lovable FAC trainer, said "don't worry about it." He asked "Do your clothes fit better, do you have more energy? If yes, then it's just a number." Ok Brandon. But it still has to go down. Today I started my personalized fit plan. I hope to achieve the following in 4 months:

- Lose 13 lbs
- Decrease my run by 30 secs (to an 8 min mile)
- Do 30 pushups

Here's the breakdown:

- Neck 12.5
- Chest 37.5
- Waist 32.5 (rrrr)
- Hips 40 (ACK!)
- Arm 10.5
- Calf- 15
- I burn roughly 2500 calories a day (need to only consume 1500)

I started the running program too. I only completed 1 1/2, but 3/4 of it was at a FAST PACED run. It was a challenge, but I can see how this will help by the time November rolls around!

Never weigh yourself in the morning

I'm going against conventional wisdom here, and actually I don't really believe this headline, but by doing exactly this I ruined my day! I know the number on the scale shouldn't mean much if the clothes fit and you feel good; however as a vain woman that scale number can still wreak havoc on a day. 158. There I put it in writing. I hate that number. I met with my fitness assessment cell trainer today and while my measurements look good and I burn roughly 2200 calories a day just by being my glorious self (that doesn't count the exercise I do), I've got to decrease that number on the scale. The only way to do it is by incorporating weight training. Brandon put me on a plan to incorporate 20 mins a day of weights-- arms two days a week (biceps), legs one day a week and 'uppers' (back/triceps)twice a week. A little bit of ab work everyday and of course, cardio. I start tomorrow. Twenty minutes shouldn't be so tough right?