Wednesday, June 30, 2010

ROZZIE G

6/30/10 Wow! Its been a minute since I have been out here. I just read the other blogs. Dana's struggles represent what we all go thru in life when we are trying to do something. And the progress the Steph has made so far is great. Kudos to both of you for staying in this journey...

Well, here is my story...On June 1, on my way to kettle bell, I was involved in a car accident. I was coming thru the light going north on 43rd and Indiana and out of nowhere there was another car going west in front of me! It came thru the light. It happened so fast there was no time to even put on brakes. Next thing I know there is the collision ,and the airbags, and no longer being in control of the car, and when I finally did stop, an intense pain in my chest. Can I just say it was horrifying!? I was taken to the hospital and released that night. I was sore and literally black and blue. The other driver was taken to another hospital. She is 85 yrs old. I am hoping she is still okay.

So another set back. And of course this did not help the knee issues. But, above all else I am still here to talk about it.Needless to say, I couldn't work out. I realized that I really did need to heal. I needed to heal physically and mentally cause that accident scared the sh@# out of me. I still am very aware of cars around me when I'm driving.

When I started to feel better , I went back to the pool. Last Tuesday was my first day back to kettlebell. Its like starting all over again! Its kicking my a#@!

Unfortunately ,my knees is in constant pain. I feel it when I'm awake and when I am trying to sleep. I suppose the easeist thing to do is quit. But everyday, one of my first thoughts when I wake up is what types of exercise can I do that day. I go to the pool often. I almost feel like I am whole when I am in the pool. I also get to think and get a lot of self talk in while I'm there. Just trying to encourage my self to keep going. I am trying to get 30 minute walks in. Which is not easy sometimes with the knee. I will do more weight with my upper body and we will see how I do. I am also finally reading the Eat Clean diet and trying to implement it. I am testing the theory that my body is 80% what I eat, 10% genetics and 10% exercise.

So, I am still in this thing. I want to see just what I can accomplish physically even with all the set backs and handicaps...I guess we will see in November.
I keep reminding myself that this is about me. Its not about waiting for other people to work out with me or encourage me.Its all about me and a made up mind.....

Saturday, June 19, 2010

PRU ~ Weeks 17-19

WEEK 19
June 7-12th

This has been one of the best weeks of this journey thus far. I got some much needed R&R as my hubby and I were in sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!!! OMG!!! We had an absolute blast! There is something about tropical weather, the ocean, sun and being waited on that just does something for my spirits!!!

I am proud to say that I worked out three of five days while I was on vacation! The only reason we didn’t get in five, was because we were traveling. And “YES” if you must know … I did partake of some alcoholic beverages whilst I was on the vaca! And I don’t feel bad about it at all, it just means I’m going to have to work out hard to get the excess off.

I wanted to call Dre so many times to thank her! Why … can I just tell you that my first night there I put on a pair of pants I had not worn in years and they were FALLING OFF my backside!!! My hubby says, “Dang baby … you’re smaller than when I met you! How much weight have you lost?!!!! OH that made me feel so good! If that weren’t enough the swimsuits I bought without trying on – 2 sizes larger, cause you know black women & booties have issues with swimsuits – were also too big. No I didn’t break of any two-piece bikini’s that is … but I really think I should have purchased at least one!

Needless to say … it felt so great to actually SEE the fruits of my labor! It’s been a while since I’ve felt this beautiful and comfortable with my body. As always … don’t get it twisted … I’ve still got a ways to go on this journey … but I’m motivated like heaven to keep it moving …

WEEK 18
Monday, June 1, 2010

I’m not even going to lie … I had some drinks this weekend and some ribs! I did an hour and a half of Billy Blanks so hopefully that will offset some of those martinis (smile). I was afraid to drink my favorite … champagne … haven’t had any in a couple of months - I think. Surprisingly, I just wasn’t feeling it! You just don’t know … champagne was a “major” weak spot for me. This is MAJOR!

This week I have to get back on schedule and am committed to doing so. I’m headed to CABO next week, so you know I’ve got to get it poppin! I received so many compliments this weekend about my progress thus far, and I have to say I am beyond happy that I have stayed focused. The compliments give me even more motivation. Some days are harder than others, but when I commit to doing something, I do it.

Got my husband on board now and that is a GREAT feeling! I can’t wait until he starts really achieving the results he’s shooting for! Damn … somebody’s gonna have to get fixed over here (smile) … we can’t afford anymore children!!!

WEEK 17
Friday, May 28, 2010
The past few days have been rough. I’ve had little sleep as we try to make final preparations. Needless to say, I managed to squeeze in a short workout Wednesday and today. I’ve tried my best to stay on track with my eating … not eating as much this week, but trying to nourish my body every 3 hours. These are the times where the focus can get off, but I just keep telling myself to “do something” … even if it’s only 30 minutes.

Thanks Roz for reaching out! You’re the best!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

My Comeback by Dana

OK, so I know it’s been a while (a long while) since I last posted but I’m back. Let me explain my absence. I started this process eager and was going strong. But after a few weeks my body started breaking down and I incurred my first back injury.
I took some time to heal and started to get back at it again. That is until, my next injury. This time it was my foot and my groin. I was in serious pain and I wanted to give up. But I didn’t. I kept thinking of the end result. So I took a few days and decided to get back at it, again. Still, as hard as it was, I kept going determined to reach my goal. I had such focus and motivation. Then another injury!
Again, with my back but this time it was serious. I had hurt it while working out. I couldn’t bend over and the pain was excruciating. I knew it was bad. When I went to the Chiropractor, I couldn’t even get up on the table by myself. And, I was in tears as they treated me. It was going to take a while for me to get better. I was told no physical activity for 2 weeks as I went through intense therapy. This was the worst possible thing that could have happened to me when it comes to sticking to a workout regimen.
Over the next couple of weeks, even though my back was getting better, I lost complete motivation. This sucks! I was so disappointed. I have been here so many times before so why can’t I just get back to it? No, I fell in to the normal trap and came up with excuse after excuse. And as much as I hated looking and feeling the way I did, when it was time to do the work, I didn’t. No excuse, except pure laziness.
So here I am, again, starting over, again! I apologize to my partners, Roz and Stephanie because I didn’t accept your support or give you the support you so much deserved. You guys have worked hard and it shows. I apologize to “The Best Trainer,” and one of my dearest friends for not giving my all, when that is all that you have done for me. I’m sorry for not continuing my blogs but honestly, I HATE doing them and besides you know what it’s like to have ADHD. Give a Sista a break! Lol! No more excuses!!!

Monday, May 31, 2010

ROZZIE G WEEK SEVENTEEN

5/31/10 Made plans to go with my sister in law to the pool this morning. I get there before her and there is a sign on the door saying the pool is closed! WTF! I don't have my other work out clothes with me. I call her to say the pool is closed. She comes anyway and we get info on another Bally's that has a pool. Thank God for her because I was just going to go home. We found the other pool and did our workout. I am proud of both of us.


Sometimes, when I am thinking about the whole challenge, I realize that there was a shift for me. I realized that I am getting my training in for me and not for Dre. Its really not about her, even though she put the challenge out there, its about me and what I can or cannot accomplish in this time frame.

I am no where near perfect and there is certainly room for improvement in my diet. But its much better than it was. and I am aware of what i need to be doing whether or not I chose to act on it. But if I focus on what I have accomplished up to this point , I am still pretty damn proud of myself.

This thing with my knees have certainly been humbling. I guess I could quite on myself because of it of I can keep going I see what I am made of.

My personal training goal is to be able to do push ups and to build my upper body which includes fit arms.

How is everyone else out there doing? I know there are a lot of us working hard.....

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

ROZZIE G WEEK sixteen

5/24/10 behind with some reports for work....still trying to work with my knee....eating snacks some healthy some not while i try to get this work done. work till 8:20pm but decide to go to pool anyway. i get to pool at 8:45 pm and there is a big sign that the pool is closed! wtf! now what? so since i was there i stayed and did some machines for my knees. got home after 10pm.


5/25/10 Trying to stay positive. Knee hurting today. was going to pool but just stayed home to ice it. what if this knee doesnt get better? I have to keep my mind right and try to keep my eating in check especially since I haven't been to bootcamp. what the hell is that going to be like when I do go back?

Monday, May 24, 2010

PRU ~ WEEK 15-16

WEEK 16
Weekend, May 20-23, 2010
My husband and I lost one of our best friends & cousins Friday. To say that I am at a loss for words is an understatement. Our cousin Andre was a key catalyst behind the courtship of my husband and I, not to mention the presence of my son! He was such a DYNAMIC spirit/force … just lived life to the fullest! He was one that “NEVER MET A STRANGER”. Those who had the fortune of coming into contact with Andre were truly BLESSED to have known him. We will miss you TREMENDOUSLY!

I managed to get a workout in on Saturday morning.

Friday, May 21, 2010
Congrats to Dre on her Ebony appearance!!! You so deserve this and I am so happy to have been invited along for the ride on your journey to the top! You continue to inspire me on so many levels!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010
First day back this week and man … it was brutal. It’s amazing to me how you can take off a few days, and it’s as if all the work you put in the days before don’t even seem to matter. But they do … so don’t get it twisted.

I’m not going to lie though … I just about fell out today. I’m glad I got my workout in.

What’s keeping me going … honestly … the progress! Today I wore coochie cutter #2, for the second time. It dawned on me that this is the first time in 4 years that I have been able to wear this suit without a girdle! The FIRST time!!!

My husband told me I looked good and to keep doing what I’m doing! That was icing on the cake. He’s even back on his fitness program!

I know I sound like a broken record, but I do realize I have a LONG road ahead still. I have to remind myself because the real journey, the gut-check, the kick-butt, make-me-wanna-holla-n-quit workouts haven’t even started yet. I have 20lbs to go and muscles to develop and I know its going to take EVERYTHING I have to make it happen. So I gotta stay FOCUSED & HUMBLE now, because come July … OH BABY BABY!

Monday & Tuesday, May 17-18, 2010
I’m sick as all get out. Nothing moving today, except me rolling over in my bed.

WEEK 15
Saturday, May 15, 2010
This was my first Saturday back in kettle bell class for about 3 weeks. I broke a serious sweat today … my hair held up though! Well kind of!

Anyway, I want to thank Merica for her compliments today! I’ve still got a LONG way to go. Come on and do this thing with me! By the way, I want to thank the Diva crew that I worked out with today. Thanks for pushing me to go higher in the weights … you were right!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Knocked my workout out a little early today and so glad I did. As usual I was dreading getting on that treadmill, but I had to do it. I wish I could get my butt up at 5:00 or even 6:00 on a regular so I can just put it behind me … it just opens up my day so much when I workout early. Oh well … It’s over and I’m done until tomorrow (smile)!

Monday, May 10, 2010
On another note, I put on another suite today that I haven’t worn in a few years and it fit perfectly. I tried it on about a month ago and it was tight - but not as tight as it had been. This is so encouraging! I just can’t begin to even explain!

Let me again say … I can’t even BEGIN to get confident now. I have SEVEN long months to go, so this is really just the beginning. It’s not how you start … its how you finish … and I MUST FINISH THIS ON TOP!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

ROZZIE G WEEK FIFTEEN

5/20/10 So, I went back to the doctor on Monday. I didnt know what they were going to say. I kept thinking 'surgery is not an option. i have to finish this competiton/challenge'

I have arthritis and there is nothing really they can do. I am too young for a knee replacement right now. I got yet another shot, synvisc. Did you know that was derived from a rooster? It simulates the fluid that was lost in the knee.Can I say that these shots in my knee are no picnic!? AAARRGGHHH!

So my mission is to rehabilitate my own knee. You know the saying "physician heal thy self" I am praying about my knees and talking to my knees. I am working out in the pool this week to try to increase the flexibility in the knees and still get a workout in.

Want to know something crazy? I have dreamed of running. Wouldnt it be something if I actually do a marathon one day?! Stranger things have happened!!!!!.