Back on the bike

I go back and forth about posting about my weight loss goals and stuff on here. In a way, it could be kind of embarassing, but I am going from the angle of that it helps with my accountability. So, from time to time, you will continue to see me post on the subject. I keep my fingers crossed that they will remain encouraging and I will be blogging about good results.

Yesterday, I finally went to spin class again. I was motivated by writing about my new diet, that I figured it's time to also get back to the cardio. If you are a loyal reader, you will remember that I suffered a back muscle strain earlier in the year and had to go through physical therapy. Since then, I've been intimidated to go back. I've slowly worked some weight training and running into my routine, but nothing hard core like I was. So, yesterday I sucked it up and went for it. I got in the class and let me tell you, it was hard. I'm not going to lie. Flat out, I know that I am going to have to work at getting back to the level I was, but the good news is that I wasn't discouraged. In fact, that is what I love about spin class. It's an excellent work out and I feel like I really accomplished something when I get off the bike. It's not that I am obsessed about taking the class to lose the weight, but it really is the satisfaction/buzz of finishing 45 min. of hard work. Don't get me wrong, I want to get back into shape and possibly try street biking when it gets warmer. My brother is a huge biker and always asks "When you going to get a real bike?" Maybe soon, 'lil bro, maybe soon.

Double knot those laces

I've never claimed to be a runner, but it is my new goal. For 6 months I was on the right track at the gym. I was making it there every single day, combining strength training and cardio...and I fell in love with spin class. Every time I walked out of there, I knew that I had accomplished something and that made me feel great. Well, over the Christmas holidays I somehow got a muscle strain in my back, most likely due to bending over incorrectly on the spin bike. So, after some physical therapy and a lot of inflammatories, I feel I am getting back on track. Yet, I am a little intimidated to get back on the bike, so, I decided that my new goal is to learn how to run (not on a treadmill). Today started DAY ONE of my new training and realized that this is going to be a lot of work and that is alright. I went to the park where the milage is clearly marked, and let me tell you it was hard. I kept imagining myself slowly taking charge of the whole track....but I didn't. I've never been good at running outside. It makes my lungs hurt and I have weird knees, but that isn't going to stop me for now. I've decided that the only way to accomplish this is to set small goals each day, so I don't get hurt or feel defeated. My goal is to make it around the whole track without walking by next week and we will take it from there, so wish me luck.

The bike will not defeat me

Oh my goodness. I really needed a break today, but did I get it? Um, no. I started the day off fighting with my husband. (Indeed, the worst part it all and sorry details will not be disclosed.) All I can say is that there are certain added pressures I feel now that I have lost my job. A pressure of adding extra income, pressure of being optimistic and in a good mood, and still the pressure of getting healthy again and losing weight. 

After reconciling with him, I was off to the mall. Why? Because I have an informal interview this afternoon. Yes, informal, but still encouraging. I knew that my old work attire consisting of jeans and a hoodie sweatshirt would not seal the deal. I NEED TO GO SHOPPING. Geez, I hadn't done this a long time. Mainly because I have not liked my current body type and "I refuse to invest in this weight!" (My trainer loves it that I use this line.) I actually find a decent outfit and meet a former co-worker for lunch today. Yum, Baja Fresh. Things could be looking up. Wrong.

Next stop, the bank. Nobody really tells you how much work it is when you lose your job. There are many things that keep reminding you that YOU ARE NOW UNEMPLOYED! It's like a little kid making a squishy face and screaming "nanny nanny boo boo!" You go through the first step of cleaning out your office. Second step, applying for unemployment. Now, the third step has two parts. The first part is hearing from old co-workers that feel confused and sad your are gone. The second part is wondering why you haven't heard from other certain co-workers. Try figuring that one out. The fourth step is finally determining what your 401k was all about and rolling it over to a new IRA, which was todays bank adventure... and I might add still isn't complete. Now, the fifth step is tricky. It is actually figuring out where to send out your fancy, updated resume. Do you aim for something completely different or do you feel confident in your skill set and go with something safe? Today, I had an interview with something I felt could be a good mix of both worlds. 

So, time crunch. The bank took longer than expected and I need to get home. I need to get dressed in my new duds and print out my resume to take with me. #1 piece of advice, never show up to an interview without a copy. They may not have printed if off or might have misplaced it and you always want to be prepared. So, along with the theme of today's events, I have 10 minutes before I have to go "sell myself." But WHAT? the printer doesn't work? YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Okay, it's set up again. Thank goodness my husband does this for a job. WHAT? NO PRINTER INK? (cuss words have been edited at this point) Luckily, I make a mad dash to a friend's house down the street, printed it off and raced to the interview. (Insert "Night Rider" theme song here. I know you can hear it.) I made it in time, hopefully scored some points and got invited back to the next round, maybe in January.

 I get home, but what do I need now? I need the bike. This day has built up some frustrations that seriously needed to be let out. I put on my exercise gear and head out the door. It was a good class and I got the release I needed, not to mention, burned a lot of calories. As the teacher pumped out tunes like "Ayo Technology" and "Ridin' Dirty" I kept finding my focal point in the room and saying to myself "I am not going to let this job situation defeat me. I will not let my new diabetes diagnosis defeat me. My mom had it a lot tougher... and she may have not defeated it, but for now her cancer will not defeat me. Meaning, if she could go through all that she did, I can get through 45 minutes of intense cardio. Tomorrow is a new day and lets see what it will bring. Say hello to my new best friend, pictured below.