I started 2013 with new goals and looking to get back into a good routine after moving from Germany to Texas. I was getting my workouts in, but eating healthy was not happening consistently. In March, I decided to commit to completing the full two months of the Insanity program. I am happy to say that today I finished....70 days later...just one week behind. What an incredibly interesting two months this has been though and it wasn't because of Insanity. I learned a lot about myself though and hope those lessons help me in the future.
So what happened? The first week of the program went well. I knew the second week would be tough because my family was going on vacation, a Caribbean cruise. The great thing about the trip was that I got my workouts in. I took my computer and Insanity discs into the ship's gym almost every morning and got my sweat on. I enjoyed the food and some spirits, but really didn't completely overdo it. Then week 3, March 17 to be exact. My mom was admitted to the hospital the day that we got off the ship in Puerto Rico. She was critically ill and the physicians were very concerned that she would not survive. Our trip back home was delayed by weather. I immediately made arrangements to fly to Florida. I had to take my daughter out of school to go with me because my husband had to attend some training in Colorado (more on that later). I spent about a week in Florida with my step-dad and aunt. My mom pulled through the emergency, but was going to need a lot of follow up.
So weeks 3 &4 were some combination of travel between Puerto Rico, Texas, and Florida. I did get most of my workouts in, but I stress ate a lot. A whole lot! All I can say is thank goodness for the intense workouts. Week 5 was an attempt to get back on track, but I was worried about my mom and of course returned to a lot of work back at the office. Again, I managed to get the workouts in, but my nutrition was all over the place. I also took the plunge and decided to become a Certified Insanity Instructor. Beachbody was holding a class on April 6th in San Antonio. Best decision I ever made! I learned a lot about proper form and ways to protect myself and my clients from injury. I haven't taught any classes yet, but I hope to find a way to do so in the not too distant future.
Week 6 is the beginning of the really intense part of Insanity so it's only fitting that it would be an intense time personally as well. My mom was back in the hospital and the physicians decided that she needed a fairly major surgery. My step-dad was feeling quite weary after nearly a month of days and some nights in the hospital with her, constantly worrying. He asked me to come back before her surgery. Luckily I had enough leave accrued and things were somewhat light at work. I flew back out to Florida at the beginning of week 7, alone this time and spent another week there. I didn't workout at all and I pretty much ate whatever. I'm not going to lie. I enjoyed every bite of ice cream, pizza, beer, and whatever else I consumed that week. But when I flew home on April 21st, I felt TERRIBLE!!! And worse, I was craving sugar big time.
So I decided to repeat week 7 and try to finish on a high note. The good news is that my mom's surgery went very well. She has some major recovery ahead of her after two months in the hospital, but she's a strong lady and I know she can do it. Week 7 went well and I even got some great news at work...I was selected for promotion. That was a huge boost of motivation. Part of my why in being a healthier me is to set a good example for my Soldiers. That's even more important as I move into the next phase of my military career.
Onto week 8 and my daughter's sixth birthday. Have I mentioned I have a sweet tooth? Wish I could say that I succeeded in not over-indulging, but I can't. I know I ate a lot of cupcakes on May 1st and a good bit of candy that was extra after the party goodie bags were filled. And finally, week 9 arrived...the last week of the program. I can honestly say that I kicked butt this week. I ate well and really pushed myself during the workouts.
70 days later...this is what I learned/achieved. I really am an emotional eater. I cannot control myself when it comes to sweets, especially chocolate and ice cream. That's the bad news. The good news is that exercise is a permanent part of my life. A week without exercise and I was craving it just as much as those Reece's Peanut Butter Cups! My physical fitness level improved. I came within 14 seconds of a perfect score on my Army Physical Fitness Test in April and my numbers on the Insanity Fit Test vastly improved. I stuck with this program in spite of some major challenges. I did not lose weight, but my clothes are a bit looser so I know I gained some muscle.
So what's next? I'm doing this again starting tomorrow! This time I have some friends doing it with me. We are going to push each other through to the end. My focus will be on my nutrition. I am going to follow the nutrition guide that comes with the program instead of trying to wing it! Duh! It's not a restrictive diet. Lots of healthy clean recipes that are not difficult to prepare. I know my triggers and for two months, I will avoid them. I want to get to a point where they aren't triggers, but for now, I believe avoidance is best.
I won't be doing this in a vacuum. Life is still a rollercoaster. Hopefully my mom and aunt's health will move in a positive direction (my aunt just finished chemotherapy...a success according to her physician). But, there's a new challenge coming in June. Remember that training my husband attended back in March...well, that was pre-deployment training. Instead of riding out the last couple years of his 30+ year military career, he has volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan. I am extremely proud of him. Regardless of your views about what our country is doing with our military forces, when a Soldier dons the uniform, we do it to protect the Soldier to our left and right. As a member of the Army Medical Department, we serve to protect the health of those Soldiers who have no choice in where they are called upon to serve. My husband could have sat behind a desk, occasionally getting up in front of a classroom of students. Or he can put his 30+ years of experience in action and help the Medical Brigade deploying do its best job caring for our deployed troops. Like I said, I'm very proud!
So this will be a challenge, but I also have some great things happening in the next couple months. I'm attending my first Beachbody Coaches Summit in Las Vegas. Can't wait to see some friends and make some new ones! In July, Amelia and I are heading to Indiana for a big family reunion on my father's side. I haven't seen most of those people in many years. And my 20-year high school reunion is in July. Super psyched to see all those Bethel Bruins! Finally, it's summer at the Army Medical Department Center & School. That means baby Veterinary Corps Officers!! I was one of them 12 years ago and I love being able to be a part of the start of their careers. That is why I sought out this job!
Thanks for reading and I hope this motivates you to get up and get moving, but more importantly think about what you eat. It is still amazing to me how much better I feel when I eat well and move my body.
No comments:
Post a Comment