It's been a long time since I've updated. A lot has happened and not much has happened all at the same time. I'm at 243 pounds, so I've lost another 40 since March. I've traveled to Texas to visit my sister (I flew on the plane and didn't even ask for a seat belt extender!!!), and to California to visit my parents.
For Mother's Day this year my husband bought me and my kiddo each a kayak and we took them out on the water. I fell in love with it. It was so awesome to be out paddling around and feeling so free and unrestricted because of my size and weight. I still have 68 pounds until I reach my goal, and I've not given up yet, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was struggling more now than I have yet since this all started. I've not been out for a few weeks because things have been super busy, but I hope to get out a handful more times before the end of summer.
I've completed five 5k events, bettering my time each event. I'm able to do the 5k in under 43 minutes. My goal for 2019 is to finish a 5k in under 40 minutes. I'd also really love to be able to jog a mile straight without stopping but I don't know that I'll reach that by the end of the year. I won't be doing a 5k in August due to other obligations this month, however I'll be doing an obstacle event plus a timed 5k in September to keep me on track. I have plans to finish the year with doing ten timed 5k's. I will not give up on this goal. I've come a long way and need to keep progressing. I love jogging but my stamina is still shit. I'm TERRIBLE at training for it though. I get walks in most days at work (except for the last couple of weeks) and I did a hike with my husband that I haven't done in like 6 years. The first time I did it the hike took me 2 hours to get up the mountain and 1 hour to get down. This time it took me 45 minutes to get up the mountain and 20 to get down. I felt like a freaking champion! It's exhilarating how much easier things are with the extra 170 pounds taken off of me!
In June I went to Texas to visit my big sister. I hadn't seen her since 2011 when she came and stayed at my house for a week. It was something I was really excited to do as this was going to be my biggest solo trip of my life. I was anxious about the seat belt again. Of course. In December when I went to visit my bestie in So Cal, I needed it. This time I didn't even ask for it because I was about 50 pounds lighter than the previous trip. I did great. The flight was 4 hours but I handled it like a champ. Pretzels and Netflix to get me through for the win. I had a great time there. I shopped in regular shops like a normal size person and that was AMAZING. Next time she needs to come visit me again because I don't know if I ever want to experience that awful humidity again!
This coming Monday I'm going to try indoor rock climbing at a local rock gym. I'm dying to try something new and challenging and this is something I've wanted to do for a LONG time. They do a ladies night for all skill levels and abilities and I was shown a cool Instagram account about plus size women who do this too so I feel like I can certainly do it myself! I sure hope my friend can get some pics of this venture!
I have also been attending a free CrossFit class on Saturday's that unfortunately just ended. I'm not sure why but I'm heartbroken. It's just the right amount of challenging for me because I just don't think I can do the full class until I get a big more weight off of me (though I have seen some women who attend and they are in bigger bodies and run and lift circles around me). It's also pretty spendy and this particular box is sort of out of the way for me so I have a feeling I wouldn't attend quite as much as I think I should. I will probably be looking for another box to see what the offerings are out there. Though I must say if the indoor climbing thing is a hit, that could be this winters workout fun!
On the flip side, my emotional eating has been a struggle. I've been under stress for a few different reasons. I have noticed that my urges to binge have been coming back here and there, and that I'm not working out as much as I was. I am going to make some changes and try to get that momentum back up. I also need to have a plan for the gym when winter comes again. I'm not a huge fan of working out in my home, but want to make sure I have a place that's close by or I won't ever go. We'll see. I have some research to do there, but also waiting to see what the wellness offerings at work are for this coming year, you know? Gotta take advantage of those bennies!
Let's see...what else? Oh, my son broke his leg (both bones) the Sunday after 4th of July, so his summer has been very lame. I feel so bad for him and I've had to be his caregiver for the most part. Making sure all his snacks and meals are easily reachable or easy to carry on crutches. Make sure he's got enough to drink. He's been basically laid up or on crutches for a month now and he's itching to be able to at least get a boot so he can walk without those darn sticks! I don't blame him. I don't know how I would deal with it.
There are big changes coming my way in this last third of the year. More to come on that. Really hoping to find a way to advance at work. I feel like my position really doesn't allow me much chance to shine and that sucks. I'm stuck on the frontline and I'm anchored there. I can do a little here and there but don't get picked for big projects and I'm not considered a SME at anything as I'm basically a glorified receptionist. But its a more than decent job with super good benefits so I do my best. I just hope that someday I can find a position internally that makes me feel like I'm not at work and instead doing something I'm passionate about. Whatever is meant to be will be. Thanks for following along, whoever you are! Until next time!
