Finnegan Begin Again (The Cycle Strikes Back)
I have stood at this crossroad more times than I can count. I have looked longingly left at the path that ends in toned arms, strong legs and a butt you can bounce a quarter off of. I plan each step. I organize. I calendarize. I ruminate. Then it is time to exercise.
The problem with this crossroads is that it isn't a true left or right choice. If I take the left path, It won't lead me straight to glory and buns of steel. You see, all along the path are smaller interconnected paths that branch off and weave throughout the journey. Some link back to the right hand trail, some lead back to the crossroads, and some divert to destinations I didn't even know about. It is so easy to be led off the main trail by temptations and the need to stop trekking, that I have mastered the fine art of starting over.
So, here I am. Resetting my goals. Planning my way along the left hand trail, and looking for a pair of me sized blinders to keep me from diverging.
Step One. Left foot forward.
I have been a member of the Nerd Fitness Academy and various other NF related programs and groups for many years. We call this starting over period a Respawn. Taken from video games logic, this term means that when you run out of life, hearts or even just f*cks to give, you head back to the beginning of the level, assess your quests, put on your big girl greaves and start again. I think anyone who has tried to get in shape, lose weight, start a training program or develop a new skill can relate to the Respawn. For me, this usually follows a period of gluttony and giving up that makes me feel like the absolute worst and inspires this new found attitude of "Make It Happen". In fact, this whole process is a huge cycle. Respawn. Kick Ass. Burn Out. Fall off. Give up. Get Motivated. Respawn.
So, In seeing how this cycle is repeated over and over, I am going to attempt to break it. This time. Finally. No more over planning. No more all or nothing. Let's avoid the burn out and maintain the KICK ASS phase for as long as possible. Let's follow that with a rest phase or a look at my tight ass phase. It's time for slow and steady manageable progress that doesn't suck everyday,
Let's Go!
Week One: Day One
For today, I am going to assess my goals and get my measurements and photos. Knowing what the beginning looks like will hopefully help me to avoid taking the path that leads right back here, and knowing what the end stop is on this crazy train will keep me focused forward and working towards something.
But this time, I want to go a step further. Still simple. Still slow. Let's set goals along the path. Not just the end game, but the inns and campsites along the way that will give me victory and keep me feeling energetic about this trip. Driving across country would be boring and pointless if you didn't stop for photo ops and to see the World's Largest Ball of Twine, would it?
The Big Goal
or
What is at the end of the Left Trail?
I am a woman who will have more stamina, weighing Under 150 lbs with less than 25% BF. I will be stronger and able to do a pull-up. I will be more flexible and able to do a split.
The Stepping Stones
I will plan my meals to macros each week.
I will track all my meals
I will be kind to myself when I go off plan
I will workout 3x Week and follow Steve Kamb's Pull up progression plan
I will do Yoga 2x a week
I will stretch daily following a split progression
Starting Measurements:
Neck: 14.75"
Bust: 37.25"
Waist: 33.75"
Hip: 43"
L Bicep: 12.5"
R Bicep: 12.5"
L Thigh: 24.25"
R Thigh: 24"
L Calf: 15.5"
R Calf: 15"
Weight: 163.8 Body Fat%: 38.4
Credit to Orr-Malus of Deviant Art
What's Next? For the next week, I plan on focusing on journaling my meals, walking at least a mile 5 of the 7 days, and replacing sugar cravings with fruit or a small amount of dark chocolate. I have a huge sugar dependency that I will need to overcome in order to be successful. On week two, I will start adding in the other stepping stones little by little until I am able to make habits of them. Be on the lookout for my recipes, my meals plans, my workouts, my slip ups and my time spent telling myself I am awesome!
Weekly Updates to follow! Thanks for taking part and reading along!