Success!

Today was my last HIIT workout of a 30 Day Challenge that I participated in this month... why is it a big deal?? I'll be happy to tell you... it's a big deal because I completed it. You see, "Pre-fitness journey Lori" MIGHT have started it but she would not have finished it. She may have had the desire to start but when it got hard (and this one was hard from the get-go) she would have quit. She would have lacked the drive and motivation that I have now. She would have come up with an excuse.... she would not have finished! This past 30 days has been a real challenge and I'm not gonna lie, the moves were hard (some harder than others, some of them I had to modify). There were days that I got out of bed and just didn't want to do it. There were days that I curled up in a ball, into the fetal position right there on the gym floor after I finished my workout for the day because that's just how I felt.... but the key word here is that I FINISHED it. I was successful and each workout, no matter how challenging it was for me, I felt GREAT afterwards! What a feeling that is!!

It's so important to not get caught up in the small stuff. Make a goal and reach for it. Actually, make small goals so you don't become overwhelmed! Last year, I set a goal for myself that may or may not have been realistic. I wanted to weigh "X Amount" by now (in time for my wedding in 2 weeks)... I wanted to look amazing in my wedding dress.... I read lots of success stories about how people lost 100 lbs in a year or less so why couldn't I do that too??! I didn't count on having knee surgery. I didn't count on being out of commission for longer than I had anticipated (another goal that I set that was a bit unrealistic). I didn't count on hitting a plateau that lasted months and months and months and becoming so frustrated that I gave in to more temptations that I normally allowed myself. I was jealous of those that were successful and I felt like I was failing.....

What I didn't realize was that I was losing body fat.... it's been a SLOW process but it's coming off. I didn't realize that I was gaining a little bit of muscle (which is another goal). What I didn't realize was how difficult it would be to build muscle and lose fat at the same time.... but I'm doing it!! I am strong and I am determined (and I'm a little hard-headed and stubborn).... that makes for a good combination :) I can do SO MUCH MORE than I give myself credit for and I'm ready to celebrate what I have accomplished and NOT what I have not accomplished yet!!! I have seriously kicked some major ass and I should be proud of myself!! No more saying "I've ONLY lost 65 lbs"..... instead, "I've lost 65 freaking pounds.... how awesome is that??" How many people can say that they have made a plan, set up goals and are actually working towards them? I can say that! No more saying "I need to lose weight" or "I need to get off my butt and go to the gym".... I'm doing it!!! I've got a plan and it is in motion! What happens when I reach a goal?? EASY.... I set another one! I just finished a kick ass 30 Day HIIT Challenge.... next week, I start a kick ass 90 Day HIIT Challenge!

I may not be where I want to be right now, I may still have a LOT of fat that I'm desperately trying to lose but I'm working my ass off. I have stuck to the meal plan that I set up for myself this week (by no means am I depriving myself either.... just trying to make healthier choices and plan ahead) and for the first time in a long time, I am really pleased with how I have stuck to it. :)

Not everyone will want to do a similar challenge I'm doing.... not everyone will want to do HIIT.... not everyone will want to get up and lift weights at 4:30 every morning like I do.... and ya know what??? That's ok. There are so many different activities out there and everyone should find the thing that they are passionate about and do it! Just move! It may not happen over night but it will happen as long as you don't give up!!!