Divine Intervention and the Swim Cap.

I feel like I've been working my butt off! (Ha Ha...that could be considered a good thing; I guess?)

By the time this past Sunday rolled around, my muscles ached, my brain was tired, and I really just wanted to pull the covers up over my head and go back to sleep! Instead, I rolled out of bed, threw some clothes on and set about my Sunday chores.

The whole time I was working, I was arguing with myself about whether or not to skip my weekly swim. Quite frankly, I was in a foul mood and just wanted to be left alone. While waiting for one of my cleaners to set in, I decided to hop online and read a bit. I was searching for something to set me back on the right path, and it just wasn't hitting me.

So...I turned to prayer. But not just in my head...my head was too full of my to-do list for even me to hear, let alone some divine being. So I wrote it down. I even posted it on another social network. It started getting a few funny comments and likes. My spirits also started to lift (maybe breakfast was kicking in and giving me energy?) who knows, but whatever the reason, I decided to suck it up, change, grab my new swim cap, and head out to swim.

I usually jam on my way so I can psych myself up, but nothing was working so I started flipping through random local stations. As I was doing so, I heard the first few chords to a song, and instantly knew I needed to keep it on this station. I knew I was on the right path. I even had a little cry with myself, but when it was over, I felt refreshed, awake, and positive. The song was Amazing Grace. I needed it at that moment.

A Divine Intervention at it's best. I had a great swim that day. My cap stayed on, and one of the new girls even complimented me on my kicking...that made me feel REALLY good! The morning flew by before I knew it! I think I'm going to write my prayers down more often. Maybe someone can't hear what's in my head, but has a better time hearing me when I write. Either way...it ended up being a great day.

A Busy Me = A Better Me

A thought just hit me, and I'm totally smiling right now. I've completed FOUR weeks of training! A whole MONTH! This time last month, my favorite activity was sitting around on the couch watching television! Nowadays I'm training four times a week and alternating between walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling!

I've even taken a look back and have hit a few personal milestones that I want to share:

START: Walking around the block winded me.       

NOW: I am up to FOUR miles!

START: I could barely balance my bike.                 

NOW: I can bike more then THREE miles!

START: I could barely make a full lap in the pool.   

NOW: I can do between THREE and FIVE comfortably!

There's still so much to learn and do, but I'm working on it!

Today, I leave you with this thought:

You may now return to your originally scheduled procrastination. (LOL)

My Rant to the 'Proverbial' THEM!

**WARNING - The following post may be TMI!**
Don't Say I didn't warn you!

So THEY say that exercise is good for you. THEY tell you how wonderful and beneficial it is, and how happy you'll be with the results. THEY say 'You can do it' and 'No Pain, No Gain!' Well, I'm not here to dispute any of that. I'm here to tell you about a few things that the 'proverbial' THEY neglect to tell you when starting work out regimen at my size:

CHAFING: Yep. It's gonna happen. Those body parts that rub together on a normal day are amplified when you're exercising. Imagine rug burn in some not so nice places...and you don't even have a fun story to explain it. Sexy, I know! Right? Not. I quickly learned that body glide and blister block are going to become my best friends for a while.

ACNE: You're working up a sweat. It's opening your pores and releasing toxins and oils. It's only natural that you're gonna break out...and I don't mean just your face. Just remember to keep at it, and work through it. Your body is going to get used to this. Mine is already starting to get better. The trick is keeping clean, but not overpowering your body with a lot of perfumes and lotions. Good old fashioned soap and a nice shower are working well for me.

ABNORMAL CYCLES: That's right. If you're my size, chances are you already have most of the typical 'female' problems. Starting to exercise the way I am can be shocking to your body. Especially the running. Gravity is putting a lot of stress on your abdominal area, so expect your cycles to be wonky for a while. Always call your doctor if you have questions. Mine is practically on speed dial.

HEADACHES / BODY ACHES / CRAMPS: Part of combating these little joys is learning what nutrients your body needs to compensate for all of this shockingly healthy behavior. I'm learning (and sometimes the hard way) what foods are good or not good for before and after exercise. Drinking your water definitely helps!

So...to the 'THEY' that neglected to tell me these things, I say screw you!
Y'all need to do a better job at keeping a sista informed.

Luckily these are all things that I know will even out with time!

PATIENCE. UGH.