No Pain, No Gain

Tuesday January 24, 2012; 12:10p.m.; Day 78:  I went to fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) last night.  I'm thrilled with the results; loos of 2.0 pounds, hitting the 40 pound bench mark, and I sit currently at 235.0 pounds.  In 78 days I have completely changed my physical, emotional,mental outlook and over all health!

I'm over joyed with the result because early last week I "over-did" (that's for you Stroia) the work out and spent the majority of the week with ice and Advil recover from an injury.  But by Saturday morning, cabin fever forced me back into the weight room and I was back at it.  I experienced personal bests in time and level on the treadmill, took Sunday to shovel snow, and recovered Monday to be safe and was back into a full workout in the pool this morning.  I really feel I have a couple of big numbers still ahead of me and feel great. 

I have to admit however, that I continue to be blown away by the support I'm given from bear and far from friends and family who continue to go out of their way to vocalize and/or print their support as a positive reinforcement to the effort.  Which brings me to this "Not Such a Revelation" moment.  Allow me to explain.

I have to admit in recent weeks due to my public approach to this journey, and accolades showered upon me, I have begun to feel the pressure just a little, not so much because I feel I need to lose big every week, but more so as to not fail and let so many of those down that have vocalized said support in one form or another.

With this squarely in mind and on conscience I stepped into fat camp last night with a touch of trepidation.  As I was waiting for weigh in, i pecked out a status update on Facebook from my phone saying essentially "nervous about weigh in since I haven't been able to work out.  My wall exploded with positive comments from friends and family form all over the globe, reminding me that the journey has been a total success and one weekly result does not change the path I'm on.  I was particularly touched by a post of one of my former athletes reminding me that "Positive Thoughts Equal Positive Results."  Hmm, I was hit squarely in the mug (if you carried this face around - you'd have a sense of humor about it too) with the realization that I have just been made a victim of one of my own "pep talks."  Wow, A.) this particular person DID listen when I gave such speeches, and B.) much like this entire process - I am forced to take my own advice.  I immediately mellowed out as I had to chuckle at the irony of the situation.  Just then I was called back by the dietitian to weigh in.  With the results being noted above I immediately updated the status to take my medicine for worrying too much for no rational reason.

With that post, my wall again "blew up" with positive reinforcement from all realms.  Thus reinforcing an ever growing, over-arching - "Not Such A Revelation": I REALLY DON'T know a lot about, ....much at all!  I continually write and fervently believe in staying the course.  I have absolutely stuck to the practice being instructed by my friends at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center).  And I DO have a basic knowledge of the premises presented and reinforced through this program.  But with very success, with every step taken, I'm realizing how much I continue to learn, and moreover from where I continue to learn it from.  I expect it from the experts and very qualified professionals at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), but from someone I used to teach, and friends and family that have always been there?  Wow, could I really be thick headed enough to have tuned out so many valuable lessons and profound ideas from those who have always been there? NAHHHH, I'm much too intelligent, open minded, and observant to have that happen.   ;-)  Yeah right. 

I guess the pride might have taken a much needed bruising this week along with my abdominal region.  What the heck, if I had a firm grasp on all of these things ahead of time, I wouldn't need the lessons I'm currently soaking in, and posts like this wouldn't be nearly as entertaining.  LOL  Stay Tuned, who knows where this journey will take me next.  One thing is for sure, I'm sure I'll continue to "expand" my knowledge base along the way.  Thanks to all for allowing to learn this one on my own while being genuinely supportive, I needed that.