ChefChiTown
New member
Ok, so as much as I like the feeling of going to the gym, the feeling of having an entirely sore body in the morning? Not so much.
ChefChiTown's Rebirth: I'm Back, BABY!!! (In More Ways Than One)...
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Quercus
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That's what you get for picking on me Chef. Push through it buddy. Maybe do something like stretching and elliptical today to help work some soreness out. Also drink a shit ton of water.
Something about "I'm going to the gym to unleash all of this pent up rage." doesn't sound like easing into things.
What's the plan for March? Of course for it to be the cheapest membership you'd need to go every day.
Something about "I'm going to the gym to unleash all of this pent up rage." doesn't sound like easing into things.
What's the plan for March? Of course for it to be the cheapest membership you'd need to go every day.
ChefChiTown
New member
That's what you get for picking on me Chef. Push through it buddy. Maybe do something like stretching and elliptical today to help work some soreness out. Also drink a shit ton of water.
Something about "I'm going to the gym to unleash all of this pent up rage." doesn't sound like easing into things.
What's the plan for March? Of course for it to be the cheapest membership you'd need to go every day.
The plan for March? Well, I plan on going to the gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (with a few exceptions of course - something may pop up that requires me to go on a different day, who knows?). I also plan on doing my best to avoid unnecessary calories and carbohydrates. I'm not going to cut out carbs completely or even limit them to an almost non-existent amount, but I'm not going to be wasteful with my calories and consume things like bread, pasta and other carb-heavy items when I don't necessary NEED them. For instance, I had a cheeseburger the other night but I didn't have the bun. The delicious, warm, toasty bun. I didn't eat it. Nope. Because, SIGH...because I don't...because I don't "need" it...
Anyway, I just plan on being consistent with my workouts and watching what I eat. I also want to start doing pilates again. It really helped when I was doing it but, ever since I started going to the gym, I quit doing pilates. I guess I just figured, "Hey, I'm going to the gym...no need for pilates anymore!!!" But, it helped, so I want to get back into it.
Jen and I just got back from the gym. She finally got to wear her new shoes, so I'm sure she was happy to strut around, showing them off to the entire sum of 3 people in the gym today...it's insanely cold outside, so hardly anybody was out. However, a dude wearing blue jeans came in to workout for a quick bit. And, by a quick bit, I mean literally maaaaaybe 10 minutes. He came in, sportin' some nice "dad jeans," pumped out a few reps on the bench press, picked up some free weights and did some sort of exercise thingy with them for a minute, checked himself out in the mirror really quick and then left. It was...interesting. Very interesting.
Anywho, that's all for today, world.
ChefChiTown
New member
First of all, let me just start off by saying that I am SUPER proud of my awesome, inspirational girlfriend, Jen. She has had a very long battle with her weight and, ever since I met her, even though she's had her ups and downs, she has managed to fight hard. Well, she recently met yet another one of her "mini goals" and got back down below 200 lbs again. She did it once before, then we both got waaaaay off track, but now she's back down in the 100's. AWE-SOME.
If it wasn't for her, I'd still be a couch potato. It's not that I don't do ANYTHING (I AM on my feet all day at work), but I never put in much effort to do much of anything. That is, until she started going to the gym...which is something I never thought I'd see her do. I sat here like, "Who in the HELL...is...this...woman? And, what did she do with my Jen?" But, I realized something - that was her all along. She was just trapped in a cell of negativity and overwhelming bullshit. It took her a while to break through, but she finally did...and her true self is certainly starting to show. And, I fucking love every bit of it.
She's a very big reason I'm back on track. Do I have my "off" days? Yeah. But, I have more good days than bad. And, ever since she got me going to the gym, I feel much better and more confident about myself, my body and my ability to reach my ultimate goal - to have a huge peni...to get healthy.
I'm loving this new phase of our relationship. It's not only giving me a healthier girlfriend, but a healthier relationship as well. And, that's something you can't get at the gym.
But, what CAN you get at the gym? Oh, a good point of view of a dude who works out in OVERALLS, that's what. Best thing I've seen all day.
If it wasn't for her, I'd still be a couch potato. It's not that I don't do ANYTHING (I AM on my feet all day at work), but I never put in much effort to do much of anything. That is, until she started going to the gym...which is something I never thought I'd see her do. I sat here like, "Who in the HELL...is...this...woman? And, what did she do with my Jen?" But, I realized something - that was her all along. She was just trapped in a cell of negativity and overwhelming bullshit. It took her a while to break through, but she finally did...and her true self is certainly starting to show. And, I fucking love every bit of it.
She's a very big reason I'm back on track. Do I have my "off" days? Yeah. But, I have more good days than bad. And, ever since she got me going to the gym, I feel much better and more confident about myself, my body and my ability to reach my ultimate goal - to have a huge peni...to get healthy.
I'm loving this new phase of our relationship. It's not only giving me a healthier girlfriend, but a healthier relationship as well. And, that's something you can't get at the gym.
But, what CAN you get at the gym? Oh, a good point of view of a dude who works out in OVERALLS, that's what. Best thing I've seen all day.
ChefChiTown
New member
Jen and I ordered gym bags and they were supposed to be delivered today, buuuuut nobody was home when the deliveryman came. So, we have to wait until tomorrow to get them
I got this one...
View attachment 21828
And, Jen got this one...
View attachment 21829
Yeah, we're awesome.
I got this one...
View attachment 21828
And, Jen got this one...
View attachment 21829
Yeah, we're awesome.
ChefChiTown
New member
Got my new gym bag today. Not gonna lie - I look good with it. DAMN good. It makes me look beautiful, yet tough. Like a freshly blossomed petunia with an angry wasp nesting on top of it. HAHAHA, what? The hell am I talking about?
ANYWAY, just got back from the gym. There was some younger girl/woman there with her brother (I assume) and he was obviously showing her how to do certain exercises to workout different muscle groups. Well, she looked kind of timid at first - sort of nervous, probably due to the fear of having a gym full of dudes gawking at her - which is exactly what happened. She couldn't have been there for more than 5 minutes before the gym was full of dudes, most of which were clearly eye-fucking her. I always feel bad for women who go to the gym and have to deal with that. I mean, you're there to get a workout and better yourself, whether it be for sport, career, health or other reasons, and you have to deal with some horny clowns staring at your ass the whole time, sharing looks with the other dudes that quietly say, "Yeah, dude...I'd hit that." I can't even imagine how uncomfortable that has to be. I mean, dudes stare at my ass all the time...but I'm asking for it - assless chaps while doing squats just demands the attention. But, for women who are just wearing normal workout clothes, trying to get fit...that just fucking sucks.
Aside from that, I think my body is finally starting to begin its transformation from "out of shape fatty" to "not so out of shape fatty." Not a big improvement, I know, but an improvement none-the-less. And, at this stage of the game, I'll take it. I mean, it's not like I have muscles yet or anything, but I can definitely feel a more tone underlayer beneath the gooey flabula that is my body. I'm like the Pillsbury Dough Boy after a sit ups - doughy, yet a little over-kneaded and firm. That doesn't even make sense, HAHAHA. Oh well, I don't care. I just want to get through the next two days and enjoy my weekend. I'm stressed and just need to let loose and have a little fun. So, that's exactly what I'm going to do. Some tension can't be relieved at the gym, you know? Yeah, you know.
Bye for now.
[video=youtube;5T75MhFcKM4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T75MhFcKM4[/video]
ANYWAY, just got back from the gym. There was some younger girl/woman there with her brother (I assume) and he was obviously showing her how to do certain exercises to workout different muscle groups. Well, she looked kind of timid at first - sort of nervous, probably due to the fear of having a gym full of dudes gawking at her - which is exactly what happened. She couldn't have been there for more than 5 minutes before the gym was full of dudes, most of which were clearly eye-fucking her. I always feel bad for women who go to the gym and have to deal with that. I mean, you're there to get a workout and better yourself, whether it be for sport, career, health or other reasons, and you have to deal with some horny clowns staring at your ass the whole time, sharing looks with the other dudes that quietly say, "Yeah, dude...I'd hit that." I can't even imagine how uncomfortable that has to be. I mean, dudes stare at my ass all the time...but I'm asking for it - assless chaps while doing squats just demands the attention. But, for women who are just wearing normal workout clothes, trying to get fit...that just fucking sucks.
Aside from that, I think my body is finally starting to begin its transformation from "out of shape fatty" to "not so out of shape fatty." Not a big improvement, I know, but an improvement none-the-less. And, at this stage of the game, I'll take it. I mean, it's not like I have muscles yet or anything, but I can definitely feel a more tone underlayer beneath the gooey flabula that is my body. I'm like the Pillsbury Dough Boy after a sit ups - doughy, yet a little over-kneaded and firm. That doesn't even make sense, HAHAHA. Oh well, I don't care. I just want to get through the next two days and enjoy my weekend. I'm stressed and just need to let loose and have a little fun. So, that's exactly what I'm going to do. Some tension can't be relieved at the gym, you know? Yeah, you know.
Bye for now.
[video=youtube;5T75MhFcKM4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T75MhFcKM4[/video]
ChefChiTown
New member
Ok, Pilates? Go to hell. Go. To. HELL.
Seriously, you have to sit on your butt, stretch your legs out straight, keep your back and chest perfectly straight (so your body is at a 90-degree angle), spread your arms out to your sides so they are parallel to the ground, then rotate your body to the left and right, hold each position for like 10 seconds, all while keeping your torso in perfect alignment? HEEEEEELL no. Ain't happenin'. Nuh uh. No way. Can't do it.
I will see you in hell, random woman instructor lady on our Pilates DVD. I will see you in hell.
Seriously, you have to sit on your butt, stretch your legs out straight, keep your back and chest perfectly straight (so your body is at a 90-degree angle), spread your arms out to your sides so they are parallel to the ground, then rotate your body to the left and right, hold each position for like 10 seconds, all while keeping your torso in perfect alignment? HEEEEEELL no. Ain't happenin'. Nuh uh. No way. Can't do it.
I will see you in hell, random woman instructor lady on our Pilates DVD. I will see you in hell.
ChefChiTown
New member
I'm not lacking any motivation at the moment, but I figured one way to help keep myself motivated was by publicizing my progress as it pertains to going to the gym. So, as of today (March 10th, 2014), my workout is as follows...
Concentration Curls (Free Weights): 4 sets, 8 reps - 25 lbs, 25 lbs, 25 lbs, 25 lbs
Hammer Curls (Free Weights): 4 sets, 8 reps - 25 lbs, 25 lbs, 25 lbs, 25 lbs
Seated Overhead Tricep Extensions (Free Weights): 3 sets, 8 reps - 45 lbs, 45 lbs, 45 lbs
Lat Pull Down, Front (Machine): 4 sets, 8 reps - 120 lbs, 120 lbs, 130 lbs, 140 lbs
Lat Pull Down, Back (Machine): 3 sets, 6 reps - 120 lbs, 120 lbs, 120 lbs
Chest Press (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 150 lbs, 160 lbs, 170 lbs
Lateral Raises (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 100 lbs, 100 lbs, 100 lbs
Overhead Chest Pullover (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 100 lbs, 100 lbs, 100 lbs
Ab Crunches (Machine): 3 sets, 10 reps - 150 lbs, 150 lbs, 150 lbs
Lower Back Extensions (Machine): 3 sets, 10 reps - 150 lbs, 150 lbs, 150 lbs
Knee Raises (Parallel Bars): 4 sets, 10 reps - just my body weight
Outer Thigh Abductor (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 120 lbs, 140 lbs, 140 lbs
Inner Thigh Abductor (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 140 lbs, 140 lbs, 140 lbs
Hamstring Curls (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 90 lbs, 90 lbs, 100 lbs
Quad Extensions (Machine): 4 sets, 8 reps - 140 lbs, 150 lbs, 160 lbs, 170 lbs
Calf Press (Machine): 3 sets, 10 reps - 450 lbs, 450 lbs, 450 lbs
Leg Press (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 450 lbs, 450 lbs, 450 lbs
Alternate Heel Touches: 4 sets, 20 reps - just my body weight
Leg Pull-Ins: 4 sets, 10 reps - just my body weight
So, there you have it. That's what my current workout is as of today. As time progresses, I plan on increasing the amount of weight I lift (obviously) and, in all honesty, I'd be embarrassed if I had to report my progression publicly and didn't improve myself at all. So, even though I don't have to, I'm choosing to do so. As more time goes by, I will report my progress...even if it's embarrassing.
Oh, I've also been running on the treadmill. I'm logging that info in Quercus' running challenge thread, not here. Let's just all assume I'm in REALLY good shape and I can run for like...ever. Mmmkay? Mmmkay
Concentration Curls (Free Weights): 4 sets, 8 reps - 25 lbs, 25 lbs, 25 lbs, 25 lbs
Hammer Curls (Free Weights): 4 sets, 8 reps - 25 lbs, 25 lbs, 25 lbs, 25 lbs
Seated Overhead Tricep Extensions (Free Weights): 3 sets, 8 reps - 45 lbs, 45 lbs, 45 lbs
Lat Pull Down, Front (Machine): 4 sets, 8 reps - 120 lbs, 120 lbs, 130 lbs, 140 lbs
Lat Pull Down, Back (Machine): 3 sets, 6 reps - 120 lbs, 120 lbs, 120 lbs
Chest Press (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 150 lbs, 160 lbs, 170 lbs
Lateral Raises (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 100 lbs, 100 lbs, 100 lbs
Overhead Chest Pullover (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 100 lbs, 100 lbs, 100 lbs
Ab Crunches (Machine): 3 sets, 10 reps - 150 lbs, 150 lbs, 150 lbs
Lower Back Extensions (Machine): 3 sets, 10 reps - 150 lbs, 150 lbs, 150 lbs
Knee Raises (Parallel Bars): 4 sets, 10 reps - just my body weight
Outer Thigh Abductor (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 120 lbs, 140 lbs, 140 lbs
Inner Thigh Abductor (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 140 lbs, 140 lbs, 140 lbs
Hamstring Curls (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 90 lbs, 90 lbs, 100 lbs
Quad Extensions (Machine): 4 sets, 8 reps - 140 lbs, 150 lbs, 160 lbs, 170 lbs
Calf Press (Machine): 3 sets, 10 reps - 450 lbs, 450 lbs, 450 lbs
Leg Press (Machine): 3 sets, 8 reps - 450 lbs, 450 lbs, 450 lbs
Alternate Heel Touches: 4 sets, 20 reps - just my body weight
Leg Pull-Ins: 4 sets, 10 reps - just my body weight
So, there you have it. That's what my current workout is as of today. As time progresses, I plan on increasing the amount of weight I lift (obviously) and, in all honesty, I'd be embarrassed if I had to report my progression publicly and didn't improve myself at all. So, even though I don't have to, I'm choosing to do so. As more time goes by, I will report my progress...even if it's embarrassing.
Oh, I've also been running on the treadmill. I'm logging that info in Quercus' running challenge thread, not here. Let's just all assume I'm in REALLY good shape and I can run for like...ever. Mmmkay? Mmmkay
ChefChiTown
New member
So, Pilates is great and all, but damn...it makes me aware of muscles of which I wasn't aware before. How does it do that, you ask? Oh, because...Pilates is the torture child of Satan and it's designed to use every muscle in your body that is completely unnatural to use. Seriously, it can't be simple and work out muscles in your lower back or your thighs or something, NO...it has to work the muscle group juuuuust above your lower back and juuuust to the inside of your thighs. You know muscles you hardly ever exercise.
I could hardly move this morning when I woke up. Ok, maybe that's a big of an exaggeration, but muscles in my back I never even knew existed were sooooore. Sore and tight. I know that's a good thing, but damn.
I could hardly move this morning when I woke up. Ok, maybe that's a big of an exaggeration, but muscles in my back I never even knew existed were sooooore. Sore and tight. I know that's a good thing, but damn.
ChefChiTown
New member
Jen and I went to the gym this morning after we dropped the kids off at school. I haven't been this early in the morning yet and I have to say, in all honesty, I didn't like it. First of all, the room with the treadmills was pretty full (partly because of a couple who brings their baby with them???) so I couldn't hop on the treadmill first like I always do. So, that changed up my routine...which I didn't like. I like to get my running done first because it's the hardest for me to do, so I like to get that done and over with while I have maximum energy - I lift weights once I'm done running. But, with the treadmills all taken, I had to switch things around and I just didn't like it. Secondly, I'm used to going to the gym after work, AKA - after being on my feet all day. After work, my legs and the rest of my body are all warmed up and ready to go, so I can just hop on the treadmill and get going for a nice run. But, getting on the treadmill in the morning left me feeling really tired, especially in my legs. They were really tight and just felt exhausted very quickly. And, I think it had a lot to do with changing up the time at which I went to the gym and not having a whole day on my feet to warm up my muscles.
So, I don't think I'll be doing that again. I mean, I liked being able to go with Jen (it's nice to do that together), but my body just wasn't up to it this morning. Maybe I'll try it a few more times and just try and find a routine I can do in the morning that doesn't make my body hate the gym.
Other than that, things are going well. I've been losing weight again (which is nice) and I'm fiiiiinally beginning to see a difference in my body, so that makes me happy.
So, I don't think I'll be doing that again. I mean, I liked being able to go with Jen (it's nice to do that together), but my body just wasn't up to it this morning. Maybe I'll try it a few more times and just try and find a routine I can do in the morning that doesn't make my body hate the gym.
Other than that, things are going well. I've been losing weight again (which is nice) and I'm fiiiiinally beginning to see a difference in my body, so that makes me happy.
jen_renee
New member
ChefChiTown
New member
There's just something about running in the morning that sucks. You would think it would be easier, not having been on your feet all day yet, but...it's not. I don't know what it is, but it just suuuucks.
ChefChiTown
New member
I weighed myself this morning and I'm currently at 239 lbs. When I rejoined the forum back on January 14th, I weighed 249 lbs. So, since then, I've lost 10 lbs. For some reason, that doesn't seem like a lot to me, but when you look at the reality of the situation that's a 10 lb loss in 9 weeks time, or a 1.111 lb loss per week. And, when I look at it that way, especially when you consider the ups and downs I've had during that time, I have to say...I'm pretty happy.
My parents are coming to visit us in June and, by that time, I'd like to be down a few more lbs. In Fantasyland, I'd like to be down below 210 lbs by that time. In reality, I'd be happy if I was below 220 lbs by that time. I have 13 weeks to make that happen, which means I'd need to lose just under 1.5 lbs per week (1.46154 to be exact - that's for you Quercus)). Can I do that? YES. I mean, I've managed to lose over a lb per week and that's with having A LOT of "off days" during that span. So, I KNOW that I can get my weight below 220 lbs in the next 13 weeks.
Will I have my cheat days? Yes. But, I think I've finally figured out how to balance my cheat days and...umm...my NOT cheat days? HAHAHA, I don't know what you'd call them, but you know what I mean. ANYWAY, I think if I stay on track for the week and use Saturday as my cheat day, I'll be ok - as long as I don't consume calories that go above and beyond my BMR. For instance, if my current BMR is 3,500 calories, I won't consume more calories than that on Saturday. And, I can help to avoid that for sure by not eating a shitty breakfast and not eating a shitty lunch - I'll eat a sensible breakfast and lunch, and save my calories for dinner, drinks and any snacks I might have that night. That way, I don't throw away the entire day and reeeeeally overdo it.
So...let's do this.
My parents are coming to visit us in June and, by that time, I'd like to be down a few more lbs. In Fantasyland, I'd like to be down below 210 lbs by that time. In reality, I'd be happy if I was below 220 lbs by that time. I have 13 weeks to make that happen, which means I'd need to lose just under 1.5 lbs per week (1.46154 to be exact - that's for you Quercus)). Can I do that? YES. I mean, I've managed to lose over a lb per week and that's with having A LOT of "off days" during that span. So, I KNOW that I can get my weight below 220 lbs in the next 13 weeks.
Will I have my cheat days? Yes. But, I think I've finally figured out how to balance my cheat days and...umm...my NOT cheat days? HAHAHA, I don't know what you'd call them, but you know what I mean. ANYWAY, I think if I stay on track for the week and use Saturday as my cheat day, I'll be ok - as long as I don't consume calories that go above and beyond my BMR. For instance, if my current BMR is 3,500 calories, I won't consume more calories than that on Saturday. And, I can help to avoid that for sure by not eating a shitty breakfast and not eating a shitty lunch - I'll eat a sensible breakfast and lunch, and save my calories for dinner, drinks and any snacks I might have that night. That way, I don't throw away the entire day and reeeeeally overdo it.
So...let's do this.
Quercus
New member
Sick maths bro! That's certainly attainable. Don't eat too little at breakfast and lunch or you'll wind up eating too much at night. This was a mistake I made for a long time. I still leave more for dinner just not a ridiculous majority. I like the idea of checking your cheat days to your BMR. That way you can dismiss the gains you'll see the next day or two after a cheat. Keep up the running and keep down the cheats and you'll get there. Just keep in mind that it's just a number. Even if you don't make x pounds by y date, if you are eating less and exercising more then you are still achieving your ultimate goals.
MandyH
0
Awww... you're doing a great job! It may not sound like a lot, but realistically it's a very rate of weight loss and something to be proud of. I hope you reach your low goal for when your parents come to visit. Have they seen you since you started your journey? I hope they're pleasantly surprised at your progress.
ChefChiTown
New member
As you may have noticed, I have been gone for about three months now. What's that? You...you DIDN'T notice? Oh. I see. Well, guess I'm not as cool as I thought I was
Anyway, I was doing good for a while but then I just completely got off track. There is no excuse, nor was there any reason for it, but I just completely stopped going to the gym for a while and started eating like a chubbs again. That lasted for a few weeks and then Jen and I both decided we would get back on track. That was the weekend of May 17th-18th; the weekend before Jen's 35th birthday. That Monday, on May 19th (the day before her birthday), I got back on track. Mentally and physically, I was ready to fully commit to being healthy again. But, then everything changed in one breath - or lack there of...
I had to work on Tuesday morning (Jen's birthday). I have to wake up at 6AM when I work the morning shift so I always follow pretty much the same routine the night before - I go and lay down in bed at 10PM, watch a little TV and eventually fall asleep. We sleep with the fan on, so the fan was making noise. The TV was on, so that makes noise as well. On top of that, I decided to close the door so the cat wouldn't bother me (oh yeah, we got a kitten...but more on that some other time).
I fell asleep that night at some point and drifted into a dream. Now, you know when you hear a noise while you're sleeping and, instead of waking up, you subconsciously incorporate that sound into your dream without really knowing it? Well, that's what happened to me. I heard a loud crash but I didn't wake up. It just worked its way into my dream. At some point following the loud crash, I heard a knock on our bedroom door. When I first awoke, I was a little startled and it didn't hit me yet. Then, after about a second, it hit me - why would someone be knocking on our bedroom door? ...unless it was one of the kids? And, why would one of the kids be...OH NO, SOMETHING'S WRONG.
I went to the door and our daughter was standing there. I said, "What's wrong?" and all she did was say, "Mommy wants you" and pointed toward our kitchen. And, that's when I saw her - lying face down on the floor.
Jen had a pulmonary embolism which, for those who don't know, is the fancy of way of saying she had blood clots release into her lungs that interfered with her ability to breathe. I checked on her very quickly and then called 9-1-1. She was taken to the emergency room here in town (we live in a small, SMALL town) where they guessed that she had clots in her lungs. She was then rushed to the larger hospital in the area which is about 40 minutes away. After a quick diagnosis and fast treatment, the doctors had her stabilized and on her way to recovery.
That was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. Seeing her lying on the ground like that was something I never want to see again. It was horrifying. That's an image I'm never going to have erased from my mind - ever. Now, she is doing much better (although she still has pretty big physical limitations) but the reality is this - people who suffer a pulmonary embolism have a one-in-three chance of dying. So, that night, Jen had a one-in-three chance of dying. And, THAT scares the living shit out of me. Yes, she's much better now, but she could've realistically died that night. Awesome, right? The night before her birthday THAT shit decides to happen.
I'm glad she's alive (HAHAH, I would HOPE so, right). I wouldn't know what to do if I would've lost her that night. I honestly don't. But, I guess I don't need to worry about that now - she made it through. And, she's doing good. We're not completely back to normal yet (that's going to take a while), but we're getting there.
Anyway, I'm getting back on track today. I actually already started. I got up this morning and went for a nice little jog. I'd like to get back to the gym, but I'm still uncomfortable leaving Jen by herself for more than I have to - going to work all day is stressful enough for me (constantly worrying, "Is she ok? I texted her 5 minutes ago and she hasn't responded. Is something wrong? Did she fall again? OH MY GOD, SHE'S DEAD!!!"). So, I'm going to stick with the morning jog for a while. I know I have to eventually move on with my life and realize that I can't be by her side 24/7, but I'm not ready for that yet. So, until then, I'm going to stick with the morning jog.
Well, that's all I got for now. Off to work I go.
Anyway, I was doing good for a while but then I just completely got off track. There is no excuse, nor was there any reason for it, but I just completely stopped going to the gym for a while and started eating like a chubbs again. That lasted for a few weeks and then Jen and I both decided we would get back on track. That was the weekend of May 17th-18th; the weekend before Jen's 35th birthday. That Monday, on May 19th (the day before her birthday), I got back on track. Mentally and physically, I was ready to fully commit to being healthy again. But, then everything changed in one breath - or lack there of...
I had to work on Tuesday morning (Jen's birthday). I have to wake up at 6AM when I work the morning shift so I always follow pretty much the same routine the night before - I go and lay down in bed at 10PM, watch a little TV and eventually fall asleep. We sleep with the fan on, so the fan was making noise. The TV was on, so that makes noise as well. On top of that, I decided to close the door so the cat wouldn't bother me (oh yeah, we got a kitten...but more on that some other time).
I fell asleep that night at some point and drifted into a dream. Now, you know when you hear a noise while you're sleeping and, instead of waking up, you subconsciously incorporate that sound into your dream without really knowing it? Well, that's what happened to me. I heard a loud crash but I didn't wake up. It just worked its way into my dream. At some point following the loud crash, I heard a knock on our bedroom door. When I first awoke, I was a little startled and it didn't hit me yet. Then, after about a second, it hit me - why would someone be knocking on our bedroom door? ...unless it was one of the kids? And, why would one of the kids be...OH NO, SOMETHING'S WRONG.
I went to the door and our daughter was standing there. I said, "What's wrong?" and all she did was say, "Mommy wants you" and pointed toward our kitchen. And, that's when I saw her - lying face down on the floor.
Jen had a pulmonary embolism which, for those who don't know, is the fancy of way of saying she had blood clots release into her lungs that interfered with her ability to breathe. I checked on her very quickly and then called 9-1-1. She was taken to the emergency room here in town (we live in a small, SMALL town) where they guessed that she had clots in her lungs. She was then rushed to the larger hospital in the area which is about 40 minutes away. After a quick diagnosis and fast treatment, the doctors had her stabilized and on her way to recovery.
That was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. Seeing her lying on the ground like that was something I never want to see again. It was horrifying. That's an image I'm never going to have erased from my mind - ever. Now, she is doing much better (although she still has pretty big physical limitations) but the reality is this - people who suffer a pulmonary embolism have a one-in-three chance of dying. So, that night, Jen had a one-in-three chance of dying. And, THAT scares the living shit out of me. Yes, she's much better now, but she could've realistically died that night. Awesome, right? The night before her birthday THAT shit decides to happen.
I'm glad she's alive (HAHAH, I would HOPE so, right). I wouldn't know what to do if I would've lost her that night. I honestly don't. But, I guess I don't need to worry about that now - she made it through. And, she's doing good. We're not completely back to normal yet (that's going to take a while), but we're getting there.
Anyway, I'm getting back on track today. I actually already started. I got up this morning and went for a nice little jog. I'd like to get back to the gym, but I'm still uncomfortable leaving Jen by herself for more than I have to - going to work all day is stressful enough for me (constantly worrying, "Is she ok? I texted her 5 minutes ago and she hasn't responded. Is something wrong? Did she fall again? OH MY GOD, SHE'S DEAD!!!"). So, I'm going to stick with the morning jog for a while. I know I have to eventually move on with my life and realize that I can't be by her side 24/7, but I'm not ready for that yet. So, until then, I'm going to stick with the morning jog.
Well, that's all I got for now. Off to work I go.
Omega
Moderator
OMG I'm so pleased that she is ok. What a horrible experience for you both... No wonder you want to watch her 24/7... Its good that things have moved forward so you can put some effort into getting back on track.
I guess it only goes to prove how important it is for us all to reclaim healthier bodies like we keep trying to do... We want all the odds in our favour when it is our turn for something nasty to catch up with us...
I guess it only goes to prove how important it is for us all to reclaim healthier bodies like we keep trying to do... We want all the odds in our favour when it is our turn for something nasty to catch up with us...
ChefChiTown
New member
Well, I am certainly an uncommitted piece of garbage, now aren't I?
I don't have any excuses. I have literally just been way off track the past few months. Yes, Jen collapsed and could've died, and that put a huuuuuge dent in my motivation to get healthy (my mind was focused on HER and HER health more than my own), but that was four months ago. Jen has had her ups and down, and I'm extremely happy that she is pretty much back to normal, but it's time I start focusing on ME and MY health. So, here I am - giving this yet another go.
Jen and I are starting a 30-day challenge where we both choose things to give up for an entire month and, if we are successful in making changes, not only will we be rewarded with healthier bodies, but we will reward ourselves as well. What will our reward be? We're not really sure yet, but I'm going to spend some significant time during the next month lobbying for something extremely sexual in nature, preferably something involving some skimpy lingerie or some knee-high socks.
So, what am I giving up? For the next 30 days, I am giving up...
- Drinking alcohol
- Drinking pop (or "soda" as some of you may call it)
- Unnecessary carbohydrates, sweets and snacks
I am also going to do the following every day...
- 30 minutes (at least) on the treadmill
- 50 sit-ups and 50 push-ups
- 30 minutes (at least) of reading (more for the mind than the body)
So, that's my focus for the next month (other than convincing Jen that wearing a revealing outfit and dancing for me IS TO a legitimate way to reward ourselves).
I don't have any excuses. I have literally just been way off track the past few months. Yes, Jen collapsed and could've died, and that put a huuuuuge dent in my motivation to get healthy (my mind was focused on HER and HER health more than my own), but that was four months ago. Jen has had her ups and down, and I'm extremely happy that she is pretty much back to normal, but it's time I start focusing on ME and MY health. So, here I am - giving this yet another go.
Jen and I are starting a 30-day challenge where we both choose things to give up for an entire month and, if we are successful in making changes, not only will we be rewarded with healthier bodies, but we will reward ourselves as well. What will our reward be? We're not really sure yet, but I'm going to spend some significant time during the next month lobbying for something extremely sexual in nature, preferably something involving some skimpy lingerie or some knee-high socks.
So, what am I giving up? For the next 30 days, I am giving up...
- Drinking alcohol
- Drinking pop (or "soda" as some of you may call it)
- Unnecessary carbohydrates, sweets and snacks
I am also going to do the following every day...
- 30 minutes (at least) on the treadmill
- 50 sit-ups and 50 push-ups
- 30 minutes (at least) of reading (more for the mind than the body)
So, that's my focus for the next month (other than convincing Jen that wearing a revealing outfit and dancing for me IS TO a legitimate way to reward ourselves).
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