Consistency

It has helped so much to have started writing about loosing weight. So much so that I can't tell you how much I... regret it. Kidding! Partially.

This past week was sort of a benchmark in itself. It's been a looooong, looooong time since I have done any sort of regular exercise. The only other time in my life that I did was when I was a junior in high school and got a YMCA membership. Since then I've very slowly and steadily put on weight, promising myself I'd start losing it soon. I'd work out for one day here, two days there, never lasting longer then, say, three days on a diet and exercise plan.

So to have worked out five times last week, and four this week, is sort of a really big deal. I feel like I've made a new routine for myself, a new normal. I work out in the little "gym" our apartment complex has. It consists of one treadmill, one elliptical, one stationary bike and some free weights and weight machines. It's a fine little set up and I love that it's free. The only problem is, it's open from 8:30 AM to 10PM. I have to be at work at 8:30, so exercising in the morning isn't an option. Instead, I've been going when I get home. I usually get home just a few minutes before 5:30, change clothes, walk to the "gym," work out, walk home, and shower. By the time I'm showered and all, it's already close to 7!

Trust me, there have been plenty of days when I didn't want to do it. I'm all hot and sweaty when I get home anyways since my car doesn't have air conditioning. But because I started writing, and telling you wonderful people about it, I feel like I HAVE to keep at it. That's why I regretted telling everyone at first. But don't feel guilty, it's a good thing! Because, since I forced myself to go at first, now I feel weird and lazy if I don't. Heck, only going four times this week makes me feel lazy!

Something new to keep me excited about working out is a program I'm trying that my friend Hadley introduced me to (through a comment on my last post). It's called Couch to 5k. Or "C25k." I downloaded the app on my phone for $3, and tried the week one, day one work out on Friday. Basically it ramps up your running ability slowly, but promises that you'll be able to run the full length of a 5k in 9 weeks. The very first work out has you do a 5 minute warm up walk, and then alternates between 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking, ending with a 5 minute cool down. What I love about the app is that it synced with my music (I had already made a work out playlist) and gently tells you to run or to walk when the time comes.

Friends, it wasn't pretty. But I did it. All 9 60 second runs. I'm really excited at the idea of being able to run 3 miles straight in just a little over two months. Today, since I don't want to go too hard, too fast, I just walked. BUT I was on an incline of 2, speed of 3.5, for FOUR MILES. It took about an hour and twenty minutes, but I felt great afterwards! I've also decided that Saturday is going to be Weigh Day. Since I already weighed myself earlier this week, I'll wait till next week to do it again.

Who else is working out these days? Any tips? Tell me all about it!