Day 11: Summertime

I'm happy to announce that so far this month physical fitness has been a success!

I ended the work week with 61,475 steps (an average of 12,000 steps per day)!

This weekend, rather than perform traditional exercise activities, Marcus and I went to visit some friends who were camping on the Michigan-Indiana border.  We agreed to go on a "lazy river ride" along with about 30 other people.  Let me tell you.... there was nothing "lazy" about it.  

We rented inner tubes for $5 and were driven to an area on the St. Joseph River where we were told we could jump in.  I stepped into the water with my tube and it was freezing!!  Once I finally worked up the courage to sit down in the tube, it was all over.  The current was taking me down the river and there wasn't a lot I could do to stop it.  

Initially I thought we would just be relaxing in our tubes and floating down the river.  Little did I know that on this river ride there would be a slew of obstacles (logs, boulders, tree branches, etc.) to avoid.  Obviously I had no paddles with which to steer, so my only option was to paddle frantically with my arms.  2 hours later my shoulders were burning.  What I initially thought would be a relaxing activity turned into an opportunity for exercise.  

Upon returning to the campsite, we spent time hanging out with friends and relaxing by the lake.  However, when dinnertime came I felt a sense of panic rising within me.  I hadn't planned on staying at the campsite this long and had planned on being home for dinner.  I guess it should be said that I have been doing Weight Watchers for several weeks now.  Well, really this is my third or fourth time around so I suppose I should say I've been doing Weight Watchers for several years.  But, I just got back on the wagon a few weeks ago.  

For those who don't know how Weight Watchers works, you are given a set number of points per day to use on whatever food you would like.  The goal, however, is to stay within your point target.  Ideally, you would spend a small number of points on lots of different items that will fill you up (lean protein, fruits, veggies, etc.) but if you opt to splurge on a high point item you can.  Just realize that you have sacrificed points that you could have used on more nutritious and filling items.  

So.... back to camping...

We were invited to stay with our friends for dinner.  Panic ensued.  I wasn't able to control what I was eating.  I didn't know how many points anything was worth.  I wasn't sure how any of the food was prepared (hidden calories with oils, sauces, etc.).  However, this scenario is real life.  

So I calmed myself down and thought about how many points I had left for the day... 17 unused points.  I looked at the spread of incredibly appetizing food: taco salad, corn on the cob, sausages, steak, noodle salad... and found a few items I could eat without overshooting my point target.  I ended up opting for half of a piece of steak, a baked potato dry, and a small portion of Asian noodles.  It was delicious and surprisingly I didn't feel deprived what I was finished eating.  

I was so proud that I had survived a social gathering with a buffet full of mouth-watering food and had the willpower not to overeat and indulge!  And today, the food is gone, the scale is here, and I'm so happy I stuck with the program.  Until next time...

The best is yet to come.

Ashley

Day 5: Walking on Sunshine

The month of exercise continues!

At my current weight, exercise isn't as easy as it used to be.  Where I used to run, I now find myself walking.  But exercise in any form is always better than sitting stagnant on the couch.  

Today, for the first time ever, I found myself embracing walking as a legitimate form of exercise, a feeling which to me was very foreign.  In the past I've always seen the act of walking as a personal failure, associating it with weakness and the inability to run rather than a justifiable fitness activity.  However, today I made the decision to get on the treadmill and walk for one hour at a steady pace.  

Wow!  I was sweating the entire time!  I could not believe that an hour of walking could feel so good!

I must admit that part of this walking exploration was sparked by the use of my FitBit.  With a daily goal of 10,000 steps to meet, I was determined to make the most of my day off.  Typically on days that I am working, I am able to get most of my steps in just from walking around the pharmacy.  However, on the contrary, my days off have typically been spent vegging on the couch watching Netflix while Marcus (my boyfriend) is at work.  So in the spirit of August: The Month of Physical Fitness I awoke early on my work-free Monday and took off to the Bronson Athletic Club.  

One hour, 3.75 miles, and 350 calories later I was proud of the work I had put in.  In fact, I was feeling so good that I decided to stay and do some weight lifting as well (more to come on this topic as August continues).  

Not bad for a day's workout.  My 10,000 step goal was toast before noon.  

As the day continued, I continued to accrue more and more steps (as I write this my step count is at 13,000).  

On a completely different, yet still related, note... yesterday I decided to upgrade my FitBit to the new Charge HR!  

It has some additional features that my current FitBit Flex doesn't offer and I'm eagerly anticipating its arrival!  I'm hoping with its digital display and additional monitoring, it will motivate and encourage me to do even more walking (and eventually running).

The best is yet to come!

Ashley

Day 1: Worth It

Although August is almost halfway over, I don't want to delay beginning my happiness project.  After much thought and consideration, I think the month of August will be the month of physical fitness.  As a former half marathoner I am ashamed to say I have been leading a sedentary lifestyle with very little activity.  A typical day consists of going to work, coming home, sitting on the couch and watching TV.  

Hi, my name is Couch Potato.

As I've slowly watched the number on the scale creep higher and higher, I've been coming to terms with the fact that I need to make a change.  A change in attitude, a change in lifestyle, a change in me.

The first stop on my journey toward physical fitness?  The Bronson Athletic Club.  

I'm lucky enough to work for a hospital that is dedicated to the health of its employees.  The hospital has opened two different state-of-the-art gym locations in the Kalamazoo area.  They offer updated cardio equipment, free weights, group classes, beautiful locker rooms with saunas, a hot tub, and a lap pool.  

As an employee of the hospital for the last three years I have foregone my gym membership... until today.  After work I drove myself to the Bronson Athletic Club (or BAC for short), walked into the building, and answered the front desk's questioning stares with one sentence, "I'd like to join the gym."

After signing a series of forms and documents, getting my picture taken, and paying my initiation fee, I was officially a member!

I returned home briefly to change into my workout clothes, turned around, and drove myself back to the BAC for my first workout.  An hour, a run, and a bike ride later I am feeling fierce and focused.  I can't wait to explore the breadth of equipment and classes the BAC has to offer in the upcoming days and months on this journey of physical fitness.  And one thing is for sure...

The best is yet to come.

Ashley

Day 0: Happy

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As I stare at this blank page I ponder what to write.  What do people want to read?  What do people like to hear?  

Then I realize, this isn't about "people."  This is about me. 

So who am I?

Well, I'm a pharmacist.  I'm an animal lover.  I'm a woman.  I'm a girlfriend.  I'm a reality TV junkie.  I'm a daughter.  I'm a friend.  And as of this moment, I'm a blogger. 

So where to begin?

I've recently began a journey of self-improvement.  After pouring myself into books like "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" and "The Happiness Project" it became clear that I'm not being the best version of myself.  As hard as that is for the over achiever in me to admit, it is the truth.  

So over the next year I would like to attempt my own version of the happiness project.  For those of you who aren't familiar, a woman named Gretchen Rubin set out on a journey of self discovery with one goal in mind, elevating her personal happiness.  Her method was simple.  

1. Pick one area of your life every month that could use improvement (finances, relationships, hobbies, etc.).

2. Identify action that can be taken within the specific area

3. Take action

4. Repeat

For the next 12 months I will be a girl on a mission.  

Mission: Possible

Objective: Increase Happiness

The best is yet to come.

Ashley

P.S. For those interested in Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project".... http://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-happiness-project/about-the-book/