I decided to take a quick peek at my previous blog, wanting to see how long it had been since I last updated; since I last checked where I stood with my goals. It was February 15, 2015 and it was a weekend that I was happy to see come and go. For some reasons that may not be so obvious, but more so for reasons that involve my fitness achievements!
That weekend was a turning point for me, mainly because it was a chance for me to truly recognize just how far I have come. It is far too difficult to truly conceive the strides one has made through simple scale measurements alone. No, one must also take measurements.
That is the One True Yardstick of success… Pun slightly intended.
Anyways, back then, I had made noticeable improvements to my physique. Those whom I exercise with daily began to make comments; compliments and kind words; words of encouragement. Although what they said was not very direct, the impact pushed me in the right direction. I have not slowed this train down at all.
I have moments where a relapse seems inevitable, but I remind myself why I am doing this. I look myself in the eyes, through the mirror… I motivate myself, saying, “Don’t you dare fucking quit…”
I can’t. I won’t. There is so much at stake, and it has everything to do with myself.
One does not simply jump off of a cliff. No… they need motivation; they need a reason; they need… a push. Granted, what I had received was a blind-sided shove off the side of a mountain which I had no idea I was on to begin with, but it was the kind of push I needed ^,^
As I progress towards my next big goal, some passageways have thrown up obstacles, while others have shed light on a dimly lit trail. My weight has not changed as drastically as I had hoped. However, my size continues to go in the negative, which is a positive, absolutely ^,^ My clothes are slowly becoming a nuisance, albeit a challenge that I do not mind enduring.
If I keep up this pace, it is quite possible I could see a 48, or even a 46 inch waist by the summer’s end. I have reaped the benefits in a myriad of ways, especially at the CrossFit gym. Today was quite an achievement: regularly, I use the thickest resistance band (purple) when I do pull-ups. I place it under my foot to lessen the burden. I had noticed over the past few weeks that I had progressed from the time I had first used it (maybe the end of January), only being able to perform 2-3 pull-ups, to now being able to do 13-15!
Wow!
Today, though, I decided it was time to step-up my game. I moved to the next level, a weaker resistance, meaning I would be pulling more of my own weight. It is the thick green band and it marked me overcoming a huge challenge! I managed to get 5 chin-over-bar pull-ups!… TWICE!
Adding to this, I also managed to get through two sets of burpees, while also completing various other exercises, with zero pause. That was two sets of 15 burpees!!! I was elated and damn near overtaken by emotion! Turn the clock back to October and I would be lucky to hit three without gasping for air, needing a good 20-30 second break.
I have come a long way, baby!
My measurements (as of Monday, March 9th, 2015)
Neck – 18.0 (18.25)
L. Arm – 16.25 (16.25)
R. Arm – 16.25 (16.25)
Chest – 53.5 (53.5)
Waist – 50.0 (50.5)
Hips – 48.0 (48.5)
L. Thigh – 28.75 (29.5)
R. Thigh – 28.75 (29.25)
L. Calf – 18.5 (19.0)
R. Calf – 19.0 (19.5)
Denotes a change of: -3.5 inches
Just you ask, I’ll come back
Though we’re miles apart
Whatever I do, I’ll come to where you are