As it turns out, the only thing I needed to start loving my body again was a pair of jeans that fit. Now, I’m actually kind of proud of my body and what I’ve accomplished. Which is good, because it keeps me on the plan and away from ice cream. However, I was promised “a shelf-like booty” and this program has dissolved my tush. It’s flat, and even my new jeans are baggy there.
At a costume party last night, I went as a cheerleader since I fit into my old uniform from freshman year in college. A lot of friends were there who I haven’t seen since the end of the summer, and they were all impressed with how I looked. Maybe it was the uniform, maybe it was the general level of drunkenness, or maybe it actually was my hot body. One nice thing about Jersey, though: nearly every single guy here works out like crazy, so I can always get advice on lifting and weight training. (They can also lift me right up to stand on the bar and dance, should I so desire. Sometimes even when I don’t desire.)
For those keeping track, I’ve lost a total of 8lbs, and 3″ off my waist. Interestingly, due to injuring my right knee, my left thigh is now 1/2″ larger than my right. It’s all muscle, too.
Today, I went for a 4 mile run along the boardwalk, and it was fabulous. I’m so much faster than I was at the beginning of the summer, or even at the beginning of the fall. I really think I may go back to distance running after this program is over. At the very least, I’m going to kick serious butt at my family’s annual Thanksgiving Day race.
Most surprisingly though, and quite against my will, this program is changing my life. I started out just doing this for fun, and I still am doing it for fun and enjoying it greatly. Before, I loved my life even if I was rather laissez faire about it, but something about the discipline and the challenge is getting inside me. Slowly, “pretty good” and “no complaints” aren’t cutting it for me. It has become yet another nudge to get me to search for a way to leave my field and find an occupation I love when the year is out. I want to live in a place with soft running trails and bike paths. I want to have friends that go mountain climbing or skiing or surfing every weekend. I want to cook healthy meals for the people I love.
I’m hesitant to admit how much this program is changing me, not just how I look, but who I am and the values I hold. I’m even more hesitant about how much I love and admire the woman I’m becoming.
At Least It's Not Raining 