A Different Kind of Fitness Journey

Last week a couple of co-workers and I decided to embark on a new journey. A journey not too typical of the average woman looking to incorporate a little exercise into her everyday routine.  We have decided to seriously train for an upcoming fitness competition here in Texas (fitness, not bodybuilding).  This idea did not just come on a whim. We were trying to set a goal bigger than just toning our biceps or losing 5 pounds, which, by the way, I cannot afford to lose! We wanted to work toward something different, something challenging, and something that meant cheating or cutting corners was not an option.

This new journey means that I now have to stick to a very strict high-protein diet and rigorous weight lifting routine. I now have a “high carb” day twice a week. When I said that out loud the other day when the hubby asked what I was having for lunch, I felt like a professional when saying, “Well, you know today is my high carb day.”  Ha! That’s insane!

The great thing is that the six meal-a-day diet means that I actually eat when I’m supposed to eat, whereas before I was only eating about two or three times per day. My mom will be happy about that! And I get to eat things that I like anyway without getting made fun of because now I have an excuse.  Eating five boiled eggs in the morning, a cup of blueberries, a handful of almonds, tilapia, or protein shakes made with honey and peanut butter now have a purpose in my life.  When someone glares at me while I stuff that last boiled egg in my mouth, I can confidently say, “Hey, I have a competition coming up man!” Instead saying hanging my head in shame wishing I had finished my bowl of eggs at home.

That not so great thing is getting all of my meals prepared ahead of time and knowing that when I go to work I must carry a huge bag packed with all of meals, protein powder, one gallon water bottle, mini blender, and whatever else I will need for the eight to ten hours I will be away from home.  This weekend I plan to get more plastic food containers, prepare my food for the week and pack them away in the freezer.  Man, there is a lot of work, planning, and organization that goes into this…geez!

Fortunately, I am getting a little help from the hubs through this journey.  He has become my official spotter in the weight room.  Although I’m not lifting 300 pounds barbells, that little sixty pounds I have to push up is brutal! I would surely drop the bar on my face or possible crush what little chest I have.  He has been great encouragement in the weight room helping me to keep going when my arms start feeling like noodles.

I cannot wait to see the results from all of the weight lifting and protein shakes! Maybe I will actually place in the competition. If not, I will move on to the  next one and see how far I can take this thing.

Here I am at the beginning of WEEK TWO! Ten more weeks to go…

(Click here to see part two of this journey)