Monday, January 30, 2017

Metamorphosis - January 30, 2017


It had reached the point where our walk-in closet was not so easy to walk into anymore, so Dave and I decided to tackle the project.  We started on my side tossing shoes that hadn't been worn for years, sifting through pictures we took down when we painted, but had not put back up again.  Then it was time to go through the clothes.  I literally filled three trash bags with clothes that no longer fit me.  In actuality they hadn't fit since summer but I had been putting off getting rid of them.  And not because I thought my weight would go back up and I would need them.  Just simply because.

These clothes (some of them) had been in my closet for years.  There was the dress I wore to Matthew and Angie's wedding in 2009, the jacket I bought in San Francisco in 2006, the swim suit I wore on the cruise in 2000.  16 years of being heavy.  16 years of 2x or larger clothes.  It was just weird.  I can't really explain how I felt.

Before
After
I feel like my mind is struggling to "catch up" to what my body has accomplished.  I feel a little bit like the caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly.    On the floor in my closet was a bag of clothes from my sister, Lisa.   I had brought those home in November and I just put them on the floor in my closet.  Lisa and I were never even in the same league.  She was always prettier, skinnier, always had the boys chasing after her.  How would I ever fit in Lisa's clothes?  I also had a bag of Jenna's clothes.  Jenna is a workout partner young enough to be my daughter.  She's lost a ton of weight and handed down her workout clothes to me last fall.  Again I kept them on the floor in my closet.  After I emptied my closet of the clothes that were too big, I hung up the Lisa and Jenna clothes.

Then I said to myself, I'm going to try one item from each of them on.  That was actually fun.  It's funny.  They fit and it made me feel great but even sitting here writing this, I'm thinking I can't wear those yet.  I'm not that size yet.

Jenna's workout shirt/ Lisa's dressy shirt
I find it much easier these days to write about those who inspire me, rather than write about me and the changes I'm facing.  It's been difficult to put into words the way I feel right now.

I've had a great two weeks.  I've lost weight.  My ankles don't hurt anymore.  My elbows don't ache at night.  My legs are getting stronger.  My thumb is slowly healing.  The reduced lifting schedule is working.  It's difficult because I want to do more!  But obeying doctor and trainer orders is more important.   And even better, I wasn't even tempted to take that scale out of "its hiding place" in the closet and weigh myself.  I am much more than a number on the scale.  (That said, I do weigh in once a week so we can monitor progress.  But that's it!)

You all have a great week!  I'll try to update on this blog at least weekly, but I will be definitely posting from Those Who Inspire Patty on Her Fitness Journey.  Thank you for faithfully following my progress and for your encouragement along the way.

My friend, Hillary, with her 3 bags of clothes from me!

Saturday, January 21, 2017

2017 Goals

Today, January 18, 2017 is exactly one year from when I began on this crazy fitness journey of mine with Ryan Teal.   I asked Ryan today if he would take my measurements.   So starting weight 276, weight today 216 - progress 60 pounds lost.   Waist then - 52", Waist today - 40" - progress 12" or 1 foot.  Hips 52" then,  43" today - progress 9".  Thigh then 29", today 23 3/4" - progress 5 1/4".

(This is almost a repeat of my previous post which was denied by Facebook because they said it was unrealistic.  So I had to edit it and take out my progress.)

There were so many days that I felt discouraged with my progress, yet now looking at the sum total of one year, there is absolutely nothing to be discouraged about.  So goals?  How about keeping my discouragement in check.  Look at what I have accomplished vs. what my mind tries to trick me into thinking.

There were also times when I would be benched because of a particular injury (knee).  I would get mad that I was benched because I thought I could handle working out still (but in reality I needed the rest.)  But I didn't rest, I went and walked 4 miles a night for that week.  I ended up with a pretty messed up ankle because of it and that ankle still flares up.

I recently went to the rheumatologist for a scheduled check up and I asked her if the pain in my ankles, knees, elbows and hands were from the arthritis.  She did a physical exam and then she did a blood test to confirm her diagnosis of "This is not arthritis.  This is OVER USE."  She restricted me to twice a week lifting and 6 days of cardio.   So GOAL?

 Oh yeah and while we are on the subject, I thought the following would be a good Christmas present for Ryan from me.


I didn't think he would accept it. But alas he did.

I am not planning on setting a weight loss goal.  What I am doing, lifting weights twice a week, doing cardio six times a week, and following the nutrition plan that Ryan sets for me is working.  I am losing 1 to 2 pounds a week.  I get too caught up on the number if I have a number goal, and then I get angry if I don't hit the goal.  So no "number."  I also know I am never getting the scale back in my house and I'm coming to terms with that.  Especially when I talk to women in the locker room and they say yesterday morning I was down 1 pound and then last night I was up three and today I was up two.  And I think to myself, I have no idea what I am because I can only weigh in once a week.  It's quite freeing actually.


A big goal of mine is to learn as much as I can from Ryan about everything.  So much of what he said and taught me last year just overwhelmed me.  I could follow a plan, but I didn't always understand it.  This year I want to understand it so I can be successful on my own if need be.

Other goals for the year are to have ankles strong enough to ski Crested Butte with my son Ben next winter; swim a Master's swim meet with my friend Cheryl sometime this year; Rest when I am told to rest, and believe in myself more.

I carry cards with me every day and I also have it posted in my locker of all that I have accomplished this past year.  This was especially helpful on days I was discouraged over a number.

60 pounds lost; blood pressure was 149/104 is now 120/88.  Rheumatoid arthritis was in a close to high state of inflammation, is now in a low or even remission state of inflammation; the airplane seatbelt fits now, I can bend down and tie my shoe now, I don't need afternoon naps. I can do an assisted pullup.  I can do a pushup. I can squat and I can lunge. (I couldn't do any of those things when I started one year ago.)  I was in 3x clothing and am now in Size XL (teetering on Large).

I have consistently lost weight all year.  There was no backsliding.  I am in it to win it.  I will achieve my goals.

I could not end this blog without thanking all the friends/supporters I have met this year.  I am beginning a separate blog entitled People Who Inspire Patty on Her Fitness Journey.  I am interviewing my first friend on Tuesday.  So you can look forward to that.  So often you tell me that I inspire you.  Well I want you to know that you inspire me.  So this is a way for me to give back.  My first post should be out at the end of next week.

Here's to another great year!

Thursday, January 19, 2017

One Year Mark - New Goals?!?

Today, January 18, 2017 is exactly one year from when I began on this crazy fitness journey of mine with Ryan Teal.  I asked Ryan today if he would take my measurements.   So starting weight 276, weight today 216 - progress 60 pounds lost.   Waist then - 52", Waist today - 40" - progress 12" or 1 foot.  Hips 52" then,  43" today - progress 9".  Thigh then 29", today 23 3/4" - progress 5 1/4".

There were so many days that I felt discouraged with my progress, yet now looking at the sum total of one year, there is absolutely nothing to be discouraged about.  So goals?  How about keeping my discouragement in check.  Look at what I have accomplished vs. what my mind tries to trick me into thinking.

There were also times when I would be benched because of a particular injury (knee).  I would get mad that I was benched because I thought I could handle working out still (but in reality I needed the rest.)  But I didn't rest, I went and walked 4 miles a night for that week.  I ended up with a pretty messed up ankle because of it and that ankle still flares up.

I recently went to the rheumatologist for a scheduled check up and I asked her if the pain in my ankles, knees, elbows and hands were from the arthritis.  She did a physical exam and then she did a blood test to confirm her diagnosis of "This is not arthritis.  This is OVER USE."  She restricted me to twice a week lifting and 6 days of cardio.   So GOAL?

 Oh yeah and while we are on the subject, I thought the following would be a good Christmas present for Ryan from me.


I didn't think he would accept it. But alas he did.

I am not planning on setting a weight loss goal.  What I am doing, lifting weights twice a week, doing cardio six times a week, and following the nutrition plan that Ryan sets for me is working.  I am losing 1 to 2 pounds a week.  I get too caught up on the number if I have a number goal, and then I get angry if I don't hit the goal.  So no "number."  I also know I am never getting the scale back in my house and I'm coming to terms with that.  Especially when I talk to women in the locker room and they say yesterday morning I was down 1 pound and then last night I was up three and today I was up two.  And I think to myself, I have no idea what I am because I can only weigh in once a week.  It's quite freeing actually.


A big goal of mine is to learn as much as I can from Ryan about everything.  So much of what he said and taught me last year just overwhelmed me.  I could follow a plan, but I didn't always understand it.  This year I want to understand it so I can be successful on my own if need be.

Other goals for the year are to have ankles strong enough to ski Crested Butte with my son Ben next winter; swim a Master's swim meet with my friend Cheryl sometime this year; Rest when I am told to rest, and believe in myself more.

I carry cards with me every day and I also have it posted in my locker of all that I have accomplished this past year.  This was especially helpful on days I was discouraged over a number.  Some of those accomplishments are:

60 pounds lost; blood pressure was 149/104 is now 120/88.  Rheumatoid arthritis was in a close to high state of inflammation, is now in a low or even remission state of inflammation; the airplane seatbelt fits now, I can bend down and tie my shoe now, I don't need afternoon naps. I can do an assisted pullup.  I can do a pushup. I can squat and I can lunge. (I couldn't do any of those things when I started one year ago.)  I was in 3x clothing and am now in Size XL (teetering on Large).

I have consistently lost weight all year.  There was no backsliding.  I am in it to win it.  I will achieve my goals.

I could not end this blog without thanking all the friends/supporters I have met this year.  I am beginning a separate blog entitled People Who Inspire Patty on Her Fitness Journey.  I am interviewing my first friend on Tuesday.  So you can look forward to that.  So often you tell me that I inspire you.  Well I want you to know that you inspire me.  So this is a way for me to give back.  My first post should be out at the end of next week.

Here's to another great year!

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Note to Trainers (from Patty and Tori) - humorous post

So my friend Tori and I have been members at Gold's Gym Clifton since the pre-sale phase (basically before the doors were open.)  We're actually kind of proud of that fact.  So if we told you, (the trainer) that, you might think we know what we are doing.  WRONG!  Here are three ways that we've been schooled!

Recently our employee joined Gold's Gym.  I remember him coming in to work and telling me how he and his girlfriend used the rowing machine and played the games on it.  I was like, "What?"  There are no games on the rower.  He assured me there were.  Guess what?  There are.

Uh, it says so right here, Patty.  "Games."

Because of injuries, I am doing a lot more cardio and less lifting.  So the other day Tori and I were on the elliptical.  I've done the elliptical for months because it's the easiest on my knees.  Semaj tells us to enter our weight, so we begin using the up arrow, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156...... (I weigh above 200 - so you can imagine the time this takes.)  Tori does the same thing, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155.  Try to imagine Semaj's face as we do this.  He's like - Use the keyboard and punch in your weight.  We were both like, WHAT?  We've been using the up arrow for years!  (This is also why I would never win Survivor.)

Yesterday, Sonya and I had the joy of climbing Jacob's Ladder.  SO MUCH FUN.  If you haven't done it, you have GOT to try it.  Anyways, again Semaj says make sure you adjust it to your height.  Both Sonya and I- WHAT?    What are you talking about?

Well, would you look at that?
Sonya - Well look at that.  It's right there in the directions!
It still makes me laugh! Sonya and me.

So - trainers!  Please feel free to teach and re-teach and re-teach until we "get" it.  I know when I first started training seriously one year ago, A LOT of things went way over my head.  That's actually going to be a goal of mine this year to actually "grasp" what is being said this year.   I know that I have met people brand new to working out.  Their trainer has told them to go warm up on the machines.  They come over to the machine and introduce themselves to me and they ask me to help them, because they don't know how it works.  Are you sure you want me helping them?  :)

We need instruction (obviously).  Learning never stops, does it Tori?

Tori and me!



Monday, January 16, 2017

Accomplished a Challenge from One Year Ago!


Mana and Ryan are no longer at Gold's Gym.  Before they left I asked them if they would take this picture with me so that I could post it when I lost 60 pounds.  The day is here.  They are each holding 30 pound kettlebells equaling 60 pounds.

I loved training with these two because they communicated so well with each other with no ego involved.  They both loved helping each and every one of us and they talked about us and our goals to each other.  I had no idea that was happening in the beginning.  It took everything I had just to do what Ryan was asking me to do.

January 18,2016 - almost one year ago - is the date I started the 12 week challenge.  January 25, 2016 at a 8:00 a.m. workout that Ryan was running, he had us do this:

"On Monday  my 8:00 a.m. semi with Ryan was to walk with two 30 pound kettle bells back and forth until I couldn't do it anymore.  Then I did 100 step ups and 4 minutes of bear crawls.  Then we did it again and again.  It was quite the work out.   Tonight's semi with Mana was similar.  "

Quite honestly this workout back then at 276 pounds just about killed me.  I was kind of mad actually at the end and I was like, "Why did we do that?!?!"   I remember Ryan saying, "Because I want you to see how it feels to carry around 60 extra pounds of weight!  And what it will feel like when you drop 60 pounds!"  Well let me tell you, it did not feel good AT ALL.   (Found out much later - like 10 months later - Mana suggested that workout to Ryan.  That's what I mean about loving how they worked together so well.)

So ladies and gentlemen, the day has come that I now know how it feels to walk around 60 pounds lighter and it feels AMAZING.  

If you are reading this and you are participating in a challenge or if you are simply making this your year to drop weight, keep track of these small victories.  It's super fun to look back at them and realize how much you have accomplished.


Blog Post from 1 year ago

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Moving Forward in 2017

When our daughter Jessica was born, Dave and I lived in Ohio.  For the first 18 months-2 years of her life, she was sick about every 6 weeks.  We went to multiple doctors and no one knew what was up.  It was always respiratory and she was given antibiotics just about every 8-10 weeks.  It was maddening.

One day the doctor finally said, I think you should go to Children’s Hospital in Dayton.  We made an appointment there.  The doctor talked to us, listened to Jessica’s chest, checked her ear, nose, and throat and said, “She has asthma.”  No question whatsoever, no months of trying to figure it out.  The specialist knew exactly what was up.  She started doing daily breathing treatments and we were able to get off of the constant antibiotics.   I have never forgotten how the “specialist” knew exactly what was wrong with her.

Jessica could play "doctor" perfectly when she
was this little.

 When Joe was having the constant back pain and the xrays were done to confirm scoliosis, once again we saw a specialist at Children’s Hospital (in Denver this time).  This man had been doing two surgeries a day for years and we felt at ease (or as at ease as one can feel when their child is being operated on) with this surgeon.  Again, success was realized in Joe’s life.

Joe's before and after x-rays.
Well for years, I have been to all the weight loss programs out there.  Over and over and over again with no success whatsoever.  Weight Watchers, Curves, Jenny Craig, The Metabolic Center, Atkins, Juicing, Vegetarian, Protein Power, Body for Life, and many more.  One day last year, a recent college graduate stepped into my life and began helping me with my nutrition and fitness and BAM results followed!  As sure as Jessica’s asthma diagnosis and treatment and as sure as Joe’s surgeons’ detailed work, I was following direction and seeing results.

We eventually moved from Ohio to Colorado and the dry air aided Jessica’s full recovery from asthma.  We still visit Joe’s specialist once a year in Denver for follow up visits.  AND since Ryan is still in Grand Junction and so am I, that is who I will be moving forward with in 2017.  When you find the combination that works and it gets you results, you stay with that combination (if both parties are able.)

Year 1 (-60 pounds), Year 2 (tbd)


His head is so big, it won't fit in the picture!   Ha Ha!!!!

Monday, January 9, 2017

Challenge the status quo - Go get em 12 Week Challenge Participants


The 12 Week Challenge posts on Facebook and pictures at the gym bring up all kinds of thoughts for me.  I participated in the Gold’s Gym 12-week challenge last year and it was without a doubt the catalyst for a tremendous year for me.  It was also one of the lowest points in the year for me when I found out I had been voted in 1st place by the local gym, but not by corporate.  Corporate’s decision overruled all of those at our local gym and I was given 2nd place. 




This steered me towards being a huge advocate of the body positive movement going on.  I came across it on Instagram.  It’s the hashtag #bopo.  There are some wonderful ladies speaking out on this subject on Instagram,  @omgkenzieee, @nourishandeat, and @selfloveclubb.  While staying in shape, eating a well-balanced diet and being healthy are important, they shouldn’t define us.  Nor should that extra slice of pizza be the end of the world.  Be willing to flaunt your outer beauty as well as your inner beauty.  Don’t allow a corporation to make you feel less than you really are.

Many of the images we see in women’s magazines and on the Internet have been doctored; just like I was able to do with my image.  “However fake or real the image, take a step back and realize you don’t need to look or act like anybody else.  You don’t need muscle tone, restriction or unrealistically hard abs to feel worth.  Don’t waste your life chasing an image.  Don’t wake up one day at 70 and think “I never did look like those women and I wish I’d have made memories and smiles with the time I spent comparing.”” @selfloveclubb      I am working on this with myself and getting stronger in this area.

What “gets to me” about the 12-week challenge is that Corporate decides which images are used to “promote” the challenge.  They are looking for the most “marketable” winners when selecting the final 15.  Your numbers (weight loss, inches lost, fat lost could be higher than the winner, but if your picture is not as marketable – you lose.)    How could a fitness giant be so shallow? (is the question I ask.)  Do you know how many women are over 200 pounds and “not marketable” and want to make a change?  Are we excluding them in our unrealistic posters (pictures) of women?  It’s just a question.  You need to answer that for yourself. 

I know that I offered to our local Gold’s gym to do a side by side picture of me – day 1 of the 12 week challenge versus almost a year later.  I said I’d be willing for them to post that and promote the 12-week challenge for our local gym.  The answer I received back was they would love to do the side-by-side but it could NOT be used to promote the 12-week challenge.  ONLY corporate photos could be used.  (Again a Corporate decision.)  Are you catching on to my displeasure?     We did come up with the following and it is posted in the NLP room, but it is not promoting the 12 week challenge.  It is promoting the NLP program.

Thankfully you can find trainers at the local gym that truly want to help you no matter your size.  The 12-week challenge can be a GREAT starting point for your future success.  So if that’s what you want to do to motivate yourself to get started and be accountable, I say absolutely GO FOR IT!  Go for it for yourself!  Do it for you!  Hopefully your trainer will encourage and inspire you every step of the way as mine did for me.  But just know if you do not win or place, YOU ARE ENOUGH!  You are a winner.  And don’t stop at 12 weeks!  Keep it going.  Don’t diet – find a nutrition plan that works for you.

If you are on Instagram, check out the hashtag bopo (#bopo).  I think you’ll really enjoy seeing that the young women of today are trying to change the narrative of what a “real” woman looks like.  I wish I had believed this when I was their age – then I wouldn’t be 55 years old still wondering why anyone would want to train me.  I AM ENOUGH.  (There’s another one of my 2017 goals- believe I am enough.)