FatGirl vs World

Whereas I used to immediately go into a panic and shut down, I find that there's an eerie sense of calm about me.  I know there is only so much I can do.  I know that shoving food in my mouth isn't going to help me. I know that trying to solve every problem all at once will result in me not being able to solve anything.  I am focused on what is in front of me, what I can actually fix, and what is a pressing need.

It's every bit as important for you to know your trainer as it is for your trainer to know you.

Pat H. was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions for my blog:

A: To me it means setting a goal and following through.  I would say start with the easy stuff first, check that off.  The longer goals should be measured by progress.  "are you closer or further from your goals?"  Does not matter how incremental.  "Go the distance!"
A: Parents could lead by example.  There is such a wealth of information and support out there.  It is up to the adult to pursue it and make the effort to find out what they need to find out for the sake of their own health as well as their kid(s).  Here's one thing parents could do; learn how to read food labels and serving sizes.  This one activity has big ramifications over a lifetime.  You do not have to know everything, gain knowledge through effort, your kids will see and learn to appreciate.
A:  Oatmeal. Such a great source of fiber and nutrition.  Highly customizable and lowers cholesterol also.
A:  Sure, Its fun!  If you like to move, dance, and punch,  boxing contains these elements.  When you feel yourself punching faster, getting stronger, or just being able to move around longer without wearing down as fast, its liberating.  Builds self confidence too and a hell of a stress reliever.
A:  Well for the most part, boxing showed me how to move.  A lot of times going to a gym to follow a  particular routine of lifting weights and doing cardio after a while can become stale.  Even when you change routines, over months and years the focus and intensity wanes.  Boxing allowed me to demonstrate my athleticism as well as condition my mind to stay focused on acting and reacting to different stimuli.  Combining both settings gave me more variety to not only become more fit, but athletic.
A: I have always had a love of sports.  I always wondered what made an athlete exceptional at his/her specific sport.  Down to the most basic levels such as how and what muscles fire in a set of patterns to give the athlete an advantage over their opponents.  I found the way the body works the most interesting aspect of sports.  Being a former amateur and collegiate athlete I developed an understanding of what it took to improve athletic performance.  Personal training allowed me to transfer that understanding to not only improve athletic performance but improve overall fitness. This has a direct impact on improving lives on so many different levels. So if I had to say what inspires me, I would have to say the human body and improving the quality of life of others.
A:  In a trainer, one good place to start is credentials. The NCCA (National Commission of Certifying Agencies) lists the most prestigious certs in terms of fitness trainers.  These agencies have a degree of competence that has to be demonstated before receiving certification. There may be others outside of the NCCA but you wouldnt trust your doctor graduating med school in Tahiti would you? No offense to Tahitian trained MD's (LOL).  Experience working with different different populations is a plus.  A biggie is personality.  If there are aspects of a potential trainer that turn you off in the beginning, its only downhill from there when you have to see that person 3x weekly no matter the weather. 

In a gym, strong management would be what I would look for.  It starts there.  Ask yourself some basic questions:  Is this place clean? Do I feel like the staff is attentive to my questions or concerns?  Do the instructors act as the professionals I envision them to be?  If you can answer "YES" to those questions without hesitating, you probably have a decent gym.  REMEMBER: You will be spending a big portion of your time there.  You have to like it, or you are not going to go.

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Recap
LA Boxing Post 1:  The Risks and Rewards of Change
LA Boxing Post 2:  Showing Up
LA Boxing Post 3:  Finding Your Fight
LA Boxing Post 4:  Belonging
LA Boxing Post 5:  Fight or Flight

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Awesome news for anyone interested in taking the FINDING YOUR FIGHT:  Introduction to Boxing!
For anyone attending the class, they're going to offer their group rates (for UNLIMITED classes, and access to all DC area locations) if 5 or more people sign up for the deal that day:

Normal Year-in-Full Rate -- $1128
Group Year-in-Full Rate -- $899

Normal 1-Year agreement -- $199 enrollment + $94/month  (works out to $1327)
Group 1-Year agreement -- $99 enrollment + $74/month (works out to $987)

So... six complete months of #GoTheDist challenges.  As a community we have grown -- we've seen each other through the struggles and been there to celebrate the successes.  Some people have been with #GoTheDist from the beginning, some people are new to it.  But we keep on growing on the inside and losing on the outside (not leprosy, mind you).  We are a force to be reckoned with.

If my previous post was any hint, the April #GoTheDist challenge is about FINDING YOUR FIGHT. 




Grab the button for yourself (copy and paste HTML into your blog)

What do I mean by Finding Your Fight?  I think at the very core, Finding Your Fight is about taking a moment to address your goals and your obstacles, then asking yourself "how badly do I want it?"  For some people the fight is a mental one -- getting over bad habits, and fears.  For some people the fight is a very physical one of breaking through plateaus.  But for all of us, I think it is a very emotional process -- to be able to address the fears or the obstacles and say "I'm not scared of you anymore." 

I mean, that's what all of this has been leading up to, right?  The more we sweat, the more capable we are about facing our own lives.  We have felt the pain and exhaustion, we have cried the tears and felt the release of each little string holding us down.  We feel the exhilaration of knowing knowing just how capable we are.  We have the bricks (knowledge, determination, support, etc.).  All that's left is showing how much we want it.

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 More literally, I'd like April #GoTheDist to be a boxing/fighting challenge.  I will be pledging boxing sessions (at the boxing gym, shadow boxing, Wii boxing) that get my heart rate up.  Consider any discipline, such as boxing, taekwondo, judo, greco-roman wrestling, MMA-style fighting, etc.  I think boxing is the most accessible and wallet-friendly out there.

Please consider a fighting discipline as your second modality.  If you do decide to do this -- send me photos of you in your fight poses! I will be posting these along with other April #GoTheDist / Finding Your Fight updates!



1.  You do NOT need any specific gear to participate in this.  You do need a bit of knowledge though (which I hope to provide).  You can go on the internet (Google, Youtube) and find lots of information about shadowboxing (non-impact; focus on form and rhythm).  Boxing is

2.  You do NOT need to join a boxing gym to participate in this.  However, do consider mentioning this to your current gym or trainer, as they might have some boxing/fighting specific knowledge (or know someone) that might be able to fine-tune your movements.  Also, you've seen me post a lot about LA Boxing.  They are my local boxing gym and where I currently train.  They also are across the US and offer a free class to non-members.  Look around at the gyms (or YMCA) in your area and see if you can take an intro class there.

3.  You do NOT need to hit any other person to participate in this.   You do not need to spar (go for it if you want to).  You can learn many fighting skills (how to throw a punch, evasive maneuvers, etc.) without hurting another person. 

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How to Join:

1. Click on the SUMMARY PAGE (bookmarking it would be a good idea as you will be using it often).  If you participated in the March #GoTheDist challenge your name and some info should already be there -- just enter your modalit(ies). If you are not participating in April, DO NOT DELETE YOUR LINE.  Please contact me and I'll remove your line in a manner that does not affect the other spreadsheets.  (And duplicating the sheet wasn't perfect -- my apologies if you need to reformat this. I need a better system -- any programmers out there??)  If you are not already listed on the spreadsheet (from the March challenge) please add your name to the bottom of the SUMMARY PAGE.

2. Fill out a line on the "Summary" spreadsheet (do not use Columns F or G, J or K -- they automatically calculate)

3. Find your correlating individual tab (it should be "@[line number where you entered your info]") -- make sure your information from the "Summary" tab has been pulled onto this sheet (and not someone else's information -- if so, contact me).

4. Rename the tab "@[twitter name]" or if you don't have Twitter "[nickname]"

5. Fill out the sheet as you wish.

6. Update your own individual page as needed (if tracking is too hard, consider printing out your page and filling it out by hand and updating it once a week). The total mileage will automatically be updated on the Summary tab as you report on your individual page.

7. Follow #GoTheDist on Twitter for support if you need it or to support others when they do, to announce achievements, and find new/old friends!

8. PLEASE DO NOT DELETE LINES OR TABS! Do not SORT. If you want to add columns, please add them to the RIGHT of the page. Please do NOT move your page around! You CAN bookmark your individual page using your browser to find it easily.

On Saturday, my friend Emily reserved us two seats at SoulCycle.  I just want to add right from the start that this was my very first spin class.  Emily is very passionate about SoulCycle (as opposed to just a spin class at a gym):

SoulCycle is indoor cycling at it's craziest.

A hybrid of yoga-mentality and an athleticism I can identify with moreso than with yoga poses, I feel as though my body, mind, and spirit get energized. Ok, and exhausted. Instructors are totally in control of the music, moves, and vibe. You feed off of their energy and the energy of the other riders. It's basically a sweaty party on a bike. This atmosphere is why I choose to ride here so much I may just need an intervention. You're encouraged to dance, sing, cry (yes, I've cried) and push past where you think you're capable of being. Every instructor finds their own special way to shove you out of your comfort zone to change your body and more importantly to show your pesky mind that it needs to shut up because you're capable of anything.

Christine’s cycling classes are a form of 'inner-Olympics'. She guides students to explore a deeper emotional connection to their physical efforts. Christine is a true believer that we create change by stepping outside our comfort zone to cross our personal finish lines.

Emily helped me adjust the seat and clip in (omg, biking shoes are so funny).  Christine chatted us up before the class and found out a little bit about our personal journeys with weight loss.  Christine reassured me that since it was my first time spinning, to really listen and respond to what my body was telling me (we found out afterwards that in one of her previous classes that day someone actually vomited while on the bike... I'm glad she told me this AFTER the class). 

I knew ahead of time that I wouldn't be able to keep up with most of the people in the class (partially as it was my first time, but also because I'm not a natural on a bicycle).  At first things were going really well.  I was able to (reasonably) keep up with not just the speed and resistance on the bike, but the movement of going off the saddle and shifting my weight forward and back.  However, once we increased the resistance to mimic going up a hill, I started to experience two uncomfortable things:  (1) my heart rate skyrocketed (I am normally at a 145-150 while on the elliptical; 160-170 while on the treadmill; this felt around 180 or so) and (2) my sinuses just let it rip and post-nasal drip galore. 

But just like Christine's bio says, we all have our own comfort zones, our own goals, our own finish lines.  I took the time to sit back on the saddle (I decreased the resistance a bit and slowed down) and let my heart find a comfortable (but engaged) rate.  I put my hand (and towel) over my heart and just whispered "Here" over and over again.  It helped me stay with what I was feeling -- the uncomfortable nature of my heart (and mucus) being in my throat, and the desire to persevere.  It was okay that I was uncomfortable.  It reminded me of the first time I was on an elliptical running a 5k, then 10k, then 10 miles, then 13.1 miles.  I wasn't perfect those times either. 

I focused on what Christine was saying.  I focused on Christine (she dismounted and asked if I was okay -- I told her that my heart was racing -- she adjusted the handlebars and then increased the resistance (with a smile and a wink)) and what she was saying about being present while on the bike.  I listened to the music.  I looked deep for the answers to Christine's questions.  Why was I there?  What was I moving toward?  And I stayed with it.  I did what I could do. 

YES, this is for every fitness level (men and women are welcome!)  You can do this!

You will need to bring your own hand wraps (though LA Boxing does have some for purchase):

• City Sports/Everlast Hand Wraps (don't worry, we'll show you how to wrap your hands):  Multicolor Multipack or in Pink 
OR

• City Sports/Everlast Evergel Gloves (faster to put on/off, a little more expensive): In Pink or in Yellow

PS:  if you sweat like me, you might want to bring a towel!

PS2:  For anyone attending the class, they're going to offer their group rates (for UNLIMITED classes, and access to all DC area locations) if 5 or more people sign up for the deal that day:

Normal Year-in-Full Rate -- $1128
Group Year-in-Full Rate -- $899

Normal 1-Year agreement -- $199 enrollment + $94/month  (works out to $1327)
Group 1-Year agreement -- $99 enrollment + $74/month (works out to $987) 

1 Multigrain Arnold Sandwich Thin (100 Calories)

4 Slices Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Honey Ham (80 calories)

1/8 cup Kraft Shredded Park-Skim Mozzarella (40 calories)

A handful of spinach (2 calories or so)
A few slices of sliced mushroom (2 calorie or so)

(Total:  224 calories)

Toast the sandwich thin.

Microwave the rest in a circular microwavable container for 30 seconds.

Carefully slide sandwich contents onto bread and enjoy!

(also tastes good with a scrambled egg instead of the ham!)

You've all probably heard about the Australian kid, Casey Heynes who stood up to his bully (although, now the bully says he was the one getting picked on).  It recalled my very own experience with bullying in middle school:  a boy who frequently teased me had finally pushed me too far after the contents of my backpack spilled out in a hallway.  He started calling me names and laughing, and in full view of my shop teacher, I pushed him against a set of lockers and said "this is the last time you will ever laugh at me."  And it was.
(Please know that I do not condone violence at all.  I do believe in protecting and standing up for yourself and that sometimes Newton's Laws (and not the doctrine of nonviolence) govern the response/reaction.)

But all of this (especially in conjunction with my boxing lessons) have made me think about fighting in general.  So many martial arts philosophies and disciplines (such as Aikido, or even taekwondo) begin with the sentiment that fighting is a last resort.  So many religious philosophies believe the same ("turn the other cheek"; even the Koran promotes exhausting all diplomatic means before engaging in violence). 

In other words, just because you possess the ability to fight doesn't mean you're walking down the street picking fights with people just because you can.  Just because I'm learning to box doesn't mean I'm a violent person or that I am looking to fight (though I do love sparring). 




Recap:

• LA Boxing Post 1:  The Risks and Rewards of Change
• LA Boxing Post 2:  Showing Up
• LA Boxing Post 3:  Finding Your Fight
• LA Boxing Post 4:  Belonging

A twist on the ABCs of me Meme:  The Jack Sh*t Really Sh*tty Meme

Achilles heel: Men with baby animals
Battle cry: I'm coming to get you!
Casket size:  None -- I plan to donate my body to science and then be cremated.
Deformity: my pinky toe curls under my foot
Embarrassing nickname:  Big Bertha (though if someone were to call me this, I'd show them a thing or two)
Fish I’d most like to be if I were somehow, for some reason, forced to be turned into a fish:  Swordfish, duh.
Getaway route:  Go-Go-Gadget Helicopter
Hillbilly name (click here):  Penny Sue Crow
Inanimate object I most resemble: A playground slide
“Jack”, Favorite blogger named:  I'm blanking on this one...
Knot I have most trouble untying:  Garlic Knots
Last lesson learned:  If the car has diplomat license plates, do yourself a favor and don't jaywalk.
Middle letter of middle name: I
Nearest Chinese restaurant: Meiwah
Oldest person I know:  My grandpa -- there might be older people, but I don't really know them
Pancakes, Favorite topping for:  fresh butter
Quality I wish I had more of:  patience
Rap artist I’d most like to chillax with:  Xhibit
Salad dressing I despise most: A tie between Ranch and Bleu Cheese
TV show I wish would disappear forever: All reality TV programs making celebrities out of idiots
Underwear, Favorite kind/color:  Victorias Secret "The Lacie" Hiphugger
Vice that I wish I could do away with: cursing like a sailor in proper company
Website that I check first every day: gmail.com
Xerox, Funniest thing I’ve copied on:  my W-2
“Yes,” Dumbest thing to which I’ve answered:  "would you help me give this foal an enema?"
Zombie, Favorite “brain” dish if I ever became a:  probably brain ceviche

Gigi, from "he's just not that into you" 

Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up:  if a boy punches you he likes you; never try to trim your own bangs; and someday you will meet a wonderful guy and get your very own happy ending. 

Every movie we see, every story we're told implores us to wait for it:  the third act twist; the unexpected declaration of love; the exception to the rule. 

But sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending we don't learn how to read the signs--how to tell the ones who want us from the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave.

And maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future.

Maybe the happy ending is just moving on. 

Or maybe the happy ending is this:  knowing after all the unreturned phone calls and broken-hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment... you never gave up hope.