Do, or Do Not; There is No Try


I just celebrated my seven year Cancerversary, this month; I was elated, once I'd realized what day it was (July 3rd), after helping my daughter get the kids ready to go to daycare. I'm still here...I'm still alive!! But, I'm not where I want to be, in my journey.

 I have, unfortunately, lived my life giving up on myself; everything I do (including most hobbies), I simply dabble at, rather than making a commitment to something that will enrich my life. I always try...but never do. Like Luke, I must unlearn what I have learned.

 Even during the last seven years, while fighting Metastatic Breast Cancer; if you've been following me, for that long, you've seen me slide back into old, unhealthy habits. Habitual dabbling is a habit I formed, early in childhood; and one that I need to break. I don't want to die, any time soon!

As a result of a lifetime of giving up on myself, I've developed (or I'm on the verge of developing) a number of fatal diseases; In addition to terminal breast cancer, I have high cholesterol, which could lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. My A1C is also too high; which means, I'm very close to becoming diabetic. I have to stop giving up, and stay committed to saving my life!

The only thing I'm able to do, as far as cardio, is ride the recumbent bike; I'm going to work on not only increasing my time spent on the bike, but also speed and resistance, as well; eventually working up to the elliptical machine and the treadmill. The strength training machines I starting out with, at Planet Fitness, are the seated row, the leg extension, and the seated crunch; arms, legs, and core. I added more, after my body got the idea that it was ok to move.

I haven't been to the gym in two weeks; life, and sick grand kids, have become priority, for a minute. Juggling life, grand kids, and my health is not easy; I'll need to get back to the gym, next week, so I don't undo the progress I've made. But, that is one of the factors that always stopped me, before; if I felt anything getting too difficult for me, I would just stop doing it. I can't do that to myself, anymore! I need to find a way to push past the urge to give up, and just keep going.

It was only 10 lbs, but that was heavy!

My major fitness goal is to lose at least 120 lbs; my current BMI is 48.5, which is considered obese. My ideal weight would be 130 lbs, which would put my BMI at 23.8; however, I'd settle for weighing 145 lbs. (BMI of 26.5 - overweight, not obese) if I knew that would save my life! As of this blog, I weigh 265 lbs.

I need to be able to stand, if I'm going to work on any other machines. I don't know how long it will take me to be able to work the entire gym, but that's another goal, for me! The only exercises I won't be able to do, regardless of how fit I become, are the ones that require the body to twist, or bend side to side; thanks to the metal in my back.

My body doesn't move like this, anymore

There's a lady by the name of Ernestine Shepherd, who I've come to admire. She's currently 83 years old, and a record-holding body builder! She also competes in 10k races; I so want to be like her, when I grow up! You should check her out; she's such an inspiration!

By the way, if you have been following me for any length of time, I want to thank you; I appreciate you more than I will ever be able to put into words! And I hope you continue to follow me on my journey! Have a great day!


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