My FitWit Journey

I LOVE FITWIT!!!

2011-06-06T19:18:00.001-07:00

Tonight was my first night back in a LONG time and I managed to live to write about it. It was my favorite exercise......RUNNING the MILE....LOL!! I did not expect the mile my first night back at camp. The negative thoughts were running through my mind and I literally wanted to leave, but I didn't. My time was better than the very first timed mile which took me almost
18 mins. My time tonight was almost 16 mins. I was doing OK on the first two lap and then it started going downhill. My last 3/4 lap was done with other campers joined me and cheered me on to the finish line. They has finished and the ran back to make and offered encouraging words as I was giving out of energy and take short breaths. They encouraged me to control my breathing by taking deeper breaths and getting control. They even sang me a song!!! I don't remember the words, but I know that it was a country song. THIS IS WHAT MAKES FITWIT DIFFERENT!! Support means more than anything and during the times that I wanted to give up they were there pushing me to the end! I am glad to be back and will strive hard to make it to camp. Getting back in the routine is going to be an adjustment considering I have a work function tomorrow and will miss my 2nd night back, but I have decided that I will workout during my lunch hour. I realized that I'm an example for my daughter and I have to teach her habits that will improve her quality of life. Since the death of my father, Diamond has developed several issues and still trying to figure out some of her issues. As a mother, I hate to see her on so much medicine that don't seems to help. One thing that I know and have been told is that she needs to lose weight. I realized that I would be less of a mother is I allowed her to fall into my footsteps. I strive for her to be better than me. Lindsay is working with Diamond in helping to achieve some fitness goals and weight loss. I have set some reachable goals for the both of us as we strive together to reach them. I have removed dairy out diet by 75% ans working on the other 25%. The hardest thing for her to stop eating is cheese, but we have managed and we aer fine. We are just one step to reaching out goal.

I am just EXCITED to be back and know that if I stick to it then I will obtained my goal by the end of the year. I am going on a cruise for my birthday in a few weeks and very excited and will not let those 4 days mess up ALL my hard work prior. I am striving to lose 8-10lbs per month. I stepped on my scale tonight and it was CHEERING me ON!!!! I am headed in the RIGHT DIRECTION again and I just need to stay focused and know that anything that I want is worth HARD WORK with TEARS and SWEAT!!

Thanks 7pm Grant Park for your support in helping me strive to achieve my goals. I NEED your encouragement and for you to PUSH me!!!!

Positive thinking is a MUST!!!

Jo

I signed up for a 1/2 marathon!!!!

2011-05-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, believe it or not, after loving the high of training for and completing two 5Ks, I decided to join my running friends (all teachers) in the Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon in Savannah on November 5th.   Yes, it is quite a jump to go from 5 Ks to 13.1 miles, but my group assures me they are going to help me get there. Also, it is hard for me to deny the appeal of course lined with different bands.

Even though I have been running while not at Fitwit, I am excited to get back to my group.   I can see that just running isn't enough for me.   I need to keep improving my overall fitness.   My arms feel week! I will never have Michelle Obama arms if I just run.   A new goal for me is to be able to hold my chin above the ROTC pull up bar for at least a couple seconds.   The rubber bands helped me a lot last time and for the first time, I though it might be possible.   Even though this is my goal, you should know I HATE the sight of those bars.   They take me right back to my mean jr. high gym teacher who ALWAYS made me feel like a total failure.   I sometimes wonder how my life might have been different had I had a gym teacher/coach that was like Michelle or Stacy or JD.   I miss them!

As I mentioned in the last blog post, things have been a little rocky.   I was having a hard time committing (not just showing up) to my workouts.   I feel better about that and am ready to hit the ground running tomorrow.   However, my biggest struggle is with food.   Food and I don't have a good relationship.   I am consciously aware of this, and have a brain filled with TONS of food knowledge.   However, the application of that nutritional knowledge gets overtaken by the emotional bondage of food.   I have the pretty typical behavior of emotional eating. If I feel sad or sorry for myself, I physically feel hungrier than I should and I crave things that aren't healthy.    When I give in to these desires and eat, there is a physiological not just emotional comfort. It really (temporarily) makes me feel better.      I think I am coming out of this phase, or I wouldn't be able to write about it.

Well, that's all the time I have for food ranting.   I am off to run trails with my runner friends. Wish me luck.

Jo is COMING BACK.............

2011-05-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Wow!! It has been such a LOT time since I have blog, but FitWit has been in my thoughts. ...I am glad to start camp again. I ran out of excuses and need to finish this journey.....

The last couple of weeks have been the HARDEST for me....I lost my father and I was Daddy's Little Girl! My daughter suffers from asthma and had a BAD attack as this is the first time that she has experienced death. She is still coughing or should I say literally barking and doctors don't know the cause. We have been to the ER 3 times and over 10 dr appointments. She has been pumped with steroids and told to rest and as a result she has gained weight.....with all this going on...I have allowed FOOD to control me and started emotionally eating. Cupcakes were my friend (so I thought) until I stepped on the scale last night at Weight Watchers. I realized that when you are sick you go to the doctor, when you are hungry you eat......when you need to lose weight and get in better shape then you go to WW and FITWIT!!! I know that FitWit works and I sent Josh an email and stated that I am ready to commit. I NEED YOUR HELP FITWIT!!! My weight has been up and down and I realize that I can't do this alone and I need the "family' to push me once again. I really want to hit my goal by the end of the year.............I have to get this weight off!! I want to be here to raise my daughter and see her develop into the young lady that I am raising her to be. Diamond is doing VERY well in school. She got a scholarship to stay at her school last year. She won the Student of the Year, Most Mannered Girl, Citizenship, and Principal Honor Roll(ALL A's). Despite her missing her last 13 of 15 days of school. Her teacher came to visit and brighten up her day and she was able to return on the last 2 days of school.

My Mom "Ammi" has lost over 100lbs and doing GREAT!!!! She has joined the gym and doing water aerobics several times a week. You will see her this summer walking the track and we strive to get Diamond in better shape.

I am nervous about starting camp since it has been such a LONG time!! I know that my fitness level is at a -10 when I worked so hard ans doing well. Once you have started FitWit and compare then to others....you will realize that they are 2nd to NONE!! I hired a trainer for a short period of time and when to several small group classes.....I feel that it was more about $$ and not my goal of getting in shape.....That is ALL IN THE PAST NOW and not it time to work and get into this small dress size by my cruise in a few short weeks.

Depending on a preset dr appt for Diamond on Tuesday, I will see you guys on Thursday!!!

Jo

Easier to write when things are going well...

2011-05-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a while. I am realizing it is easier to write when things are going well. I could start listing all the things that have made my fitwit journey difficult over the last month or so, but I hate excuses. Both giving them and receiving them. Regardless of the reasons, I have not stuck to the healthiest eating plan, I haven't kept up with my running like I know I should and I have missed Fitwit sessions. Even if I have a good excuse for not being there, it messes up the flow of my progress. I am feeling very discouraged and feel like a failure. I know that these are just feelings and that as soon as I show up in the morning and work out, I will feel differently. I am hoping that we might do another foodfight challenge. Maybe this time I will be more successful.

Favorite quote from today's Fitwit

2011-03-31T18:30:00.001-07:00

"That is what failure looks like."

My first 5K

2011-03-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

I DID IT!!!!!!! I have finished my first 5K! I am so proud and I couldn't have done it without Fitwit. Fitwit has truly changed my life. Here is the best part.... Stacy was there and ran the second half with me. That meant so much to me. Every time I run on my own, I hear Stacy, Michelle, and JD's voice cheering me on and giving me advice... but to actually have Stacy run with me, was priceless. She goes above and beyond ALL THE TIME!!!

PS: My time was an honorable 34:20 (and there were hills!)

My first 5K

2011-03-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

My first 5K is Saturday- Tour Decatur. I am running with a group of fellow Clairemont Elementary folks and I didn't realize we would be combining our times for a score. The pressure is on and I am nervous. I don't want to let people down. I am glad I've been doing Fitwit. If I hadn't, there is no way I would be prepared to do this.

Paleo.... so easy, even a caveman can do it!

2011-03-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

HA! If only that were true. I have some successful days and can honestly say I feel better when I stick close to the plan. However, truth be told, I have had some slips. While in Portland at a conference, I ate two world famous donuts from the world famous "Voodoo" donut shop. I did run two times in Portland however, so that helped a bit. It helped to find a couple other people in my traveling group who were at least pseudo-paleo. When we went out for Mexican, we got fajitas with no shells or cheese. They were still delicious! I am trying out some new veggie ideas for dinners at home too. Tonight I sauteed onions and red bell pepper. Then I stir fried kale with that mixture. Then I added some seared chicken sausage. Yum! On the side, we had cauliflower. I shredded it and then fried it in a little oil that I got VERY hot. My kids ate seconds of this "fake rice!" The dinner was filling and I think paleo approved. I would love Jenn's thoughts on this dinner. The only thing I need to do differently is move from olive oil to a more paleo friendly type.

More signs of Success!!!

2011-03-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

In past entries I have shared ways that I know I am progressing in my Fitwit journey. A week and a half ago I had another HUGE successful moment. I had to go clothes shopping!!!!! I knew that my clothes were becoming too big, but I had no idea what size I would need. I am happy to report that when I began this Fitwit journey, I was in a snug 14/16 and now I am a solid 12. I haven't been a 12 since I got married. In addition to investing a chunk of change in new clothes, I went home and gave away ALL my clothes that were too big. I can't afford to turn back now. That is committment!

daylight savings time

2011-03-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am dreading getting up in the morning. I have so enjoyed watching the sun rise as I worked out. However, I will be able to handle it. I should have gotten a Redbull. I owe so much to Fitwit. Even my slight redbull addiction.

Progress!

2011-02-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

I love Fitwit! I know it is making a difference in my life. How do I know? Well, here are a couple examples: I was able to "pogo" at the Flogging Molly concert for a solid 2 hours- much more intensely than last year. I am geting faster at running- I'm not fast, but I can run/walk 5K in 37 minutes. This would have been impossible before Fitwit. However, the greatest example is that my daughter decided to do FitTeens at DHS. Had I not won the contest and my daughter not seen the changes in me, she would not be making the choice to improve her health as well. Thank you FitWit!

Fitwit tears.

2011-02-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

Today was interesting. Running... Sprinting actually, and lots of it. I have never been a great runner. However, having learned about the power of effort from the other day, I gave it my all. It was OK for a while, but every sprint got harder for me. Finally I was spent. I kept my legs running, but I just couldn't get enough oxygen in my lungs. When I got to the end zone, I leaned on the fence and tried to catch my breath, but instead of catching my breath, I started crying!!!! WHAT!?!?!? It was such a strange feeling to be trying to catch my breath and crying at the same time. Both Michelle and Stacy checked on my and gave me the good advice to keep moving and keep my muscles warm. I was able to quickly pull it together and job the rest of the runs. Once it was all over, I felt very proud that though I was tempted, I hadn't given up.

The effort is up to you

2011-02-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

The other morning as I left Fitwit to begin my day, I couldn't figure out why I didn't feel like I had really worked out. I wondered... has my fitness just improved that fast?!?!? ;) HA! I quickly came to my senses and realized that wasn't the case. Then I reflected on the workout itself... did Stacy just not make it hard enough today?!?!? HA!! I quickly came to my senses and realized that wasn't the case. Finally, it dawned on me... effort. I am the only one who has control of that effort. I could hear Michelle say, "those last few reps that are really hard is where you get strong." I can show up and move through the stations, but if I am not pushing, I will not get the results I want. I'm thankful for this realization and thankful that so far I have only had one day where my effort was below par.

It's like brushing your teeth

2011-01-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

This morning when my alarm went off at 5:15, I almost hit the snooze button. And I would have, had I let that little tiny whiny voice in my head say, "I don't wanna go!" However, I remember when my girls were very, very young and they didn't want to brush their teeth. I would say, "want has nothing to do with it. It is just something you do." That's what I had to tell myself this morning. You can't allow yourself the opportunity to form the words, "I don't want to." You just do it. Ohhhhh.... maybe that's how Nike came up with their slogan. And, just like brushing your teeth, when it's over, you never say, "I wish I hadn't done that!"

Today, like usual, I left Fitwit thinking, "I am so glad I came!" For the first time I began to feel successful. I felt a little faster when I ran! Maybe I wasn't ACTUALLY faster, but if felt different. I am also feeling a little difference in my clothes and that's always motivating! Wow, now I've totally psyched myself up for going in the morning! I love FITWIT!!!!!!!

first snowpocalypse then kidney stonemageddon...

2011-01-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

I've been battling kidney stones since March 2010 popping a few out every few months. This last Monday, I was suffering through my usual aches and pains but my left kidney was hurting more than usual... as the day progressed it got worse and by Tuesday I was unable to stand up straight or move around much without terrible pain. It persisted through the week and finally yesterday I couldn't stand it anymore and went to the hospital. Since I am still unemployed (also since March 2010) I am sans health insurance and have to go to Grady. Nothing at Grady is quick or very pleasant... so I kept putting it off until Sunday.

Well I was there from 4pm Sunday until about 3am Monday and saw 2 doctors for maybe 10 minutes each, going over my medical history with both of them only to be offered pain meds and told to come back in the morning, which I did, but apparently not early enough as the walk-in spots were all filled up. Now I have to go again tomorrow at 6am to wait in line for the doors to open at 6:30am and HOPE that they can see me sometime that afternoon....

In the meantime I have to get my Rx filled which will take 2 - 4 hours (or longer if I leave the pharmacy building).

Needless to say, this has put a dent in my FitWit time and I am disappointed, but I don't know what else to do. I hope tomorrow's hospital visit will be more productive than last night's.

I hope to see you all real soon

Zombieland fans only...

2011-01-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

How do I keep myself running when at Fitwit?
Rule #1... CARDIO

Today we just played!

2011-01-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

I loved the way Fitwit was structured this morning. We were grouped in two teams and given a menu full of exercise sets. We worked through the sets individually and as we finished a set we earned a point for our team. I loved the team aspect, but I appreciated being able to do my best and not feel embarrassed that I'm letting my team down. I was proud that I was able to finish all the exercises even though my team lost and had to do 50 jumping jacks. Oh well, that puts me 50 jumping jacks closer to my goal!

burpee goal met!!!

2011-01-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

Yes Folks, that's right... I did 20 burpees today! They were baby burpees, with no push ups. However the mere fact that I could kick both feet behind me at the same time was an accomplishment. While we were out last week, I hurt my neck keeping myself from falling on the ice. If I hadn't been in extreme pain, I would have gone to work out over the weekend. I told Stacy this morning that I was shocked at how much I actually MISSED fitwit during the recent Snowpocolypse. I have more energy and am more focused because of the work outs. In fact, today after work, I came home and took my dog for a 2 mile walk/run. I was impressed with how the trainers watched out for my neck, cautioning me at wall ball, etc. I am loving this and am so thankful for this opportunity.

Snowpacalypse 2011

2011-01-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

Ok. So I am about to enter day 4 of the Decatur Snowpacalypse. I felt like a different person after day four of FITWIT. Now... not so much. I did find myself walking downtown which really worked my whole body as I tried to keep balance on ice slicks. When a considerate neighbor had salted their walks, I walked as quickly as possible to the next ice slick. On the days leading up to FITWIT I was dreading starting it, but now I'm finding myself missing it.

Rice Substitute - Use grated Cauliflower! Who knew? You do now!

2011-01-10T22:21:00.000-08:00

I found this online while researching substitutes for rice: http://video.about.com/lowcarbdiets/Low-Carb-Cauliflower-Rice.htm

Journeys - what to bring with...and what baggage to leave behind

2011-01-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

In starting this journey I knew there would be some struggle as I am sorely out of "shape" (and by shape I mean an ideal level of physical health). I knew there would be effort required; a commitment that must be made; a determination to set in motion the things that needed doing to accomplish the purpose of the journey. Some of those things include preparing for the journey, (like packing a bag, making plans and arranging things) as well as leaving some things behind.

What I wanted to bring with me was an open mind and a willingness to endure what I knew would be difficult, but worth doing. What I wanted to leave behind was a negative attitude, years of disappointment at past failures, and most importantly, fear. Fear of pain, lack of progress or noticeable results. You know, the negative aspects of fear... the kind that keeps you from going forward into the unknown (or the into the known, especially if you know it hurts), the kind of fear that binds you to old behaviors, to hiding from progress, or testing your mettle, your integrity, your tenacity to finish what you begin.

But I also wanted to bring with me a little of the good fear. The fear of not having faith in myself, and of not trusting others who are willing to help me. The fear of not being able to push myself and endure what I need to in order to get through this journey. The fear of never achieving a more healthy body and lifestyle. I think it is okay to have that fear with you. The good fear. But that comes with knowing the difference between being afraid and running from the fear, and being afraid and running towards the fear to face it and work through it.

This comes from experience, which comes from following knowledge which leads to wisdom. By showing up at the Goal Setting breakfast, being at the Nutrition Talk, reading the blog and doing more research outside, I am learning more about what I can do, and the potential I have, to attain my health goals. Yet it is still up to me to put these into action, to get up every morning and head over to camp, and participate at the highest level I can. And it is hard. No question about it. But I can see it for what it is: an opportunity (for which I am eternally grateful) to reshape the shape i'm in.

This has only been my first week, and though I am working from modified (but structured) exercises, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, even though that light is burning through faith. For I can quench it just as easily by giving up and giving in. That is what I don't want to happen. So I want to leave the fear of agony behind and pick up that fear of giving up and carry that with me on this journey. And with the kind and continued encouragement that I have felt so far by my fellow campers and the trainers, that fear will also fade as it becomes knowledge, and that knowledge becomes experience, and that experience become wisdom which will carry me forward. And then I won't have to rely on fear to push me towards my goal. But an educated and encouraged knowing that I am on the right path, and on the right journey.

So forth I go.

A Great Beginning

2011-01-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

Monday morning was the beginning of the new me!    Having been out of school for the winter holidays and sleeping in each day, the alarm at 5:15 was shocking.   I was ready, however, because the night before I had laid out all my clothes, packed my bags, set my tea bag in my cup and filled the kettle.   I was as excited as a kid before the first day of school; a little apprehensive of course, but excited none the less.    Once I arrived and met a few people, I quickly began to feel a part of the group.

I think the most difficult part of being at FitWit is putting myself in a situation that isn't comfortable; a situation in which not only do I not excel, but I am shockingly behind the norm.   That is hard for a competitive person.   However, the trainers have developed a culture at FitWit that is both collaborative and competitive.     Campers work together and support each other, but compete with themselves.   After warming up, the newbies did some evaluative work.   Basically, it was like being in 7th grade and doing the presidential fitness test again.    I was shocked at how few sit ups, push ups and squats I could do in one minute.   20 is my number.   I am excited to think of increasing that by the end.   I wonder what is realistic.   30 in a minute?   40 in a minute? Hmmmm....

One goal I have besides increasing those fitness test numbers, is being able to do a burpee.   Yes- I will be very, very proud the first time I actually do A burpee!   Also, I would love to have arms that look half as good as my partner, Jenn's arms.    She puts Michelle Obama to shame.   Finally, another fitness goal I have is to be able to climb a rock wall.   Right now, I know that I would be stuck down at the very bottom, but one of these days, I will ring the bell.

I did meet one goal the first day of camp... I completed my session without throwing up.   At one point, I didn't think I would meet that goal.

Though I am more sore than I thought possible, I am looking forward to going back tomorrow morning!   Thanks to all who voted for my entry... giving me a chance to have a "do-over!"

Back to the Basic and Gettting things back on track!!!

2011-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! It is a GREAT feeling to be back at FitWit and with my friends that share a common goal! I was excited about the first night of camp and really enjoyed the workout. It was thoughtful of Josh to ease us back into camp. I am sore now and still feeling it when I get up and sit down, but it was not like before. I haven't had a date with Espom so far! LOL! I have recommitted myself to the program, so I need HELP in keeping me on track. PUSH ME!! I need the words of encouragement as I continue along this journey. I know that I could have been at goal if I would have stuck with the program. I left LIFE set me back and that is the wrong direction to be going. I understand that things happen. I am proud of myself and have only gained a 1 pound since my last Nov weigh in. I was surprised and thought that I had put on some pounds.

The NEW YEAR has brought me SO MANY CHANGES and NEW THINGS! I just changed jobs and today(1/5) is my 1st day. As I transition, I am hoping that the next week or so will be smooth, but I understand that things happen. My attendance should not be effected. I have recommitted myself to church on Tuesday and will miss camp for that reason. I am starting a fast with several friends, so there will be lots of new changes that I pray for. I think that it will help in many aspects of my life. I will post the details SOON!

Time was not NOT on my side on Thursday and it caused me STRESS!!! I planned to pick up Diamond from school and still work out! Marta was LATE, I picked her up about 5:30 and live about 20-25 mins from the school with traffic. I got home got dressed and it was 6pm and I had a meeting at 8pm. I just worked out at home, but I know that it was not the same workout that I would have gotten at FitWit! I realized that I have to bring my clothes with me and planning is the key! I feel that I have gotten off to a rough start and we are only one week into the new year.

I will be there are camp tonight READY to work!!! I am prepared......

Jo

Happy New Year

2011-01-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

So Monday, January 3rd 2011 was my first day at Fitwit's 6:45 am group and it was an interesting experience. For those who may have read my essay entry into the contest which won me my spot (thank you all by the way), my first session was modified to accommodate my personal weight and health issues for which I am grateful. But if I, or anyone else, thought that they were going easy on me were proven WRONG. I got home feeling like I was hit by a bus and dragged under it for a few miles. And yesterday was my second day... and even then they stepped it down a notch as I was dealing with kidney pain (I passed a few kidney stones that morning...) but was also still recuperating from Monday's work out, and moving slow as everything hurt. But pain is something I deal with everyday, but this was nearly debilitating, as all I could do was come home and sleep for 5 hours. And today, I feel like I was hit by a second bus, thrown under a train, and used by a punching bag by a group of angry boxers. I am walking and moving very slowly and begrudgingly, but I am working through it.

Breathing helps, even though that hurts as well. Slow deep breaths help calm the body as well as allows more regenerative oxygen to flow through the blood stream and help heal the soreness. I am going to be honest here and say that I will not be doing much walking today as my kidney still hurts and my knees feel like someone stuck broken glass under each knee cap, but I will be stretching and working with some 7 pound weights that I have. Hopefully I will get through this enough to accomplish more on Thursday and Friday. I will be there, but maybe none to happy about it... at least that is how I feel now. But there are some things you just have to work through, and I've already been through a lot in my life, and I know that nothing comes easy and without effort. At least it never has for me.

I turn 44 next monday and that means I have been carrying around about 200 extra pounds (i am currently at 492... yeah I know.) on and off for the last 20 - 23 years now and that takes its toll. Not only just on the body, but the spirit and the will as well. So many times I've come close to losing the weight only to plateau 100 pounds from my goal (i'd love to see 250 again) and that can be downright depressing and disheartening. And it feels as if I may never shed this weight without surgical help, but so far, I've never been able to afford it. Its a struggle for sure, but one worth it. I just hope to see results, and right now it is hard to see "pain" as a result. Sure people can say all they want about "no pain no gain" and that they work through the pain. Pain is different for different people, and so far, the trainers at FitWit seem to appreciate that and show a compassion and willingness to work with you in managing it, but still encouraging you to find a way to work through it, and I appreciate that. Yesterday I was unable to go to my artist community meeting and was disappointed about that. I didn't blame myself, mind you, but just realized that I couldn't walk or move without every inch of my body screaming in pain. I would not have been able to enjoy the meeting in that condition, so I opted to stay home and rest.

But I tried not to sit or lay in one place for too long. I made a choice to get up and move around as much as I could. I read some (Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis), killed some zombies (Left for Dead 2), watched the Rebel Alliance kick some evil Galactic Empire butt (Return of the Jedi), played with my cats (Talon and Claire) making them chase me as I drug a toy around the room, and did some job hunting (Career Builder, CL, Job Fox, etc). I desperately need a job or some form of income as I think my unemployment benefits end in 2 weeks (unless I am one of the few to be granted extensions), and that stress is also heaped on the pain from the work out, the pain from the kidney, and the other stuff I deal with on a daily basis. If it sounds like I'm whining, so be it. Whine whine whine. Its all part of the process, right?

Tonight I hope to have the strength to make it out the door to my worship and prayer night at church as I could use that right now. I didn't sleep well last night. Had lots of disturbing dreams and kept waking up feeling like crap. So I may nap today for a short while, take a hot shower and ease myself out the door. Fingers crossed.

Anyway, I think I've said enough. I'll post more towards the end of the week, but felt this would be an opportunity to be open and honest about my experience, which is something I will unapologetically do as I am far beyond worrying about my image or what others think of me. I think it best to be honest to myself and for myself. And that is why I am doing this fitness program for myself. So as much as I appreciate any and all outside encouragement and critique (again thanks to all who have been supportive so far) I will push myself the hardest. I need this. I want this.

Come on JO!!!! Don't STOP!!!! (Words from Josh)

2010-11-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I have been doing FitWit for almost a year. A year that has changed my life and helped me in more ways than one. Camp is still a challenge and each session bring me a new battle to conquer! Even though, I work HARD....I really get joy in knowing that I was able to make it through another session. The hardest part in getting there and once I am there then 1/2 of the battle is over. Diamond has been sick and I was home with her and I could NOT get MOTIVATED to get moving. I had a plan each day and that day came and went! I went back to camp on Tuesday and the workout was at Grant Park. We ran around the park in the dark and stopped and did various workouts with the bands. Josh really pushed me and would NOT take NO for an answer and he has to give me that little bit extra that I needed. I was just thinking MIND/MATTER!!!!!!! I left the workout and felt empowered! Josh is going to review my diet with me so that I can get these 50-75lbs that I want off! I am stuck and can't get below this range....UGH!! I must be there in by the summer!! So I have 7 months to get it together!!! I have a deadline.............I have started my food logs again and joined Weight Watchers, so we will see what happens. I just have to make sure that I make healthy choices, because one bad choice leads to another.

I think that blogging help, so you will see more post! I PROMISE!!!

Jo

I needed support and........

2010-10-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

I feel off again and it took me a few weeks to get back up. I stop coming to FitWit while I was dealing with my knee and foot issues(still having problem) and that was a BIG mistake! I realized that I needed to come and they would find modification for me and that still needed to get my workouts in. Easier said than done, but after a million threatening emails from Josh and Amy(just kidding). I got my butt back up and recommitted to finishing my journey. Josh sent me my winning FitWit essay and all I could do is cry!!! The people on the Marta bus thought that I was crazy or something. It it hit home and all of those emotions came back and I knew that I was the one to make the change. I came back to camp the next day(10/16) and it was ROUGH!!! We had a partner workout and Talley was a GREAT!!! I pushed hard and wanted to carry my load of the workout. I thought that I was going to die a few times, but I am still here! I left and felt EMPOWERED!!! Later that night, I wasn't able to move and still sore! I left like it was my very first week of camp.

I had my highest weight gain since I join FitWit his past week. I cried the entire way to pick up Diamond. I was mad and angry at myself for gaining and knowing that it takes a LONG time to get it back off. I am pushing hard and have developed a plan for this week and those unwanted pounds will be back off my 10/31! I had to give Ian a pep talk and told him that I need more support at home. My Sorority sister, Jennifer, joined WW with me and she lost over 6 pounds last week. She has been there to support me and gave me many kind words as we sat in WW on Sunday. We are going to push each other to make our goals and keep each other on track.

The excuses are OVER and I'm ready to WORK hard again! Sorry for letting my family down...

Jo

Its hard not to Judge!!!

2010-10-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I joined Weight Watchers back and I realize that I was doing well on the program and I needed to start back. I attended my first meeting on Sunday and felt empowered to finish this journey. This lady sat beside me and looked perfect size and introduced herself. I was thinking to myself....WHY IS SHE HERE? She is fine and doesn't need to lose any weight. I did not realize that I was judging her until, I was sitting home on Wednesday with Ian's cousin and we were talking about weight loss. I record the Biggest Loser and generally watch it a day later. He mention that he HATES the SHOW and that these people need to get over it!!! I was offended! Keep in mind that he is 6'3 and weighs about 180 and can get anything that doesn't eat him first and not gain a pound. He has NEVER dealt with a weight issue. I realized that it HARD to feel the pain of someone if you have never thought about the issue that they are facing. I have a box of tissues, because I cry during every show, because I have been in many of the situations that the contestants face and they feel like they are at the end of the road. I realize that staying healthy doesn't come overnight and its something that you have to work at everyday. I realized that I judged someone and others might to the same about me. I realize that once I get to my goal, I am going to have to work twice as hard to keep it. We all should have goals that we strive to achieve and many of us can reach those goals w/o the help of others. I realize that this journey, I need help and that is why I am here at FitWit to help me!

I have been dealing with my knee and foot issue, but after my dr appt, I am going to remain positive and keep striving. There are going to be nights that I am going to push through the PAIN b/c I WANT IT MORE THAN ANYTHING!!!!! I am closer to my goal than 6 months ago, a month ago.....even a day ago. I have an image that I want and careless about what the scale says. I am LEARNING TO LOVE ME!!!! more and more each day! I have grown a lot but still there is more to do. I am EXCITED ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!

I will be back at CAMP on MONDAY and I have to make it these last 2 weeks. I have been walking at home on the nights that I have missed camp, but dealing with my knee and foot has been a minor set back.

Jo has not given up and WILL NOT GIVE UP!!!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

JCE

FITWIT really CARES

2010-09-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

FitWit is GREAT!!! I have been dealing with issues with my knee and scheduled to see the orthopedic next week. The trainers modified the workouts so that I can still workout and not put stress on my knee. Last night was the 1 mile and then we moved from 4 or 5 stations that were sat up(like the wheel). Even though, I was not able to run, Lindsay still gave me a work with the kettle bells and I was still huffing and puffing as if I was running. It also gave me a chance to cheer on the runners and they were making it to the finish line. It really makes a difference when someone is standing there and clapping as you are pushing to cross the finish line. Jack was awesome!!!! He was first to finish and set a PR!! Way to go JACK!! Jack has encouraged me since day 1 !!!! Jack really brings a POSITIVE attitude to camp and lots of HARD WORK!!!

My knee is feeling a lot better than last week and I pray that it stays this way. I think that ice and biofreeze is helping. YEA!!!!

See ya tonight!!!!

Jo

The OLD Jo is Back at camp#5

2010-09-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

I always find the first night back to camp a challenge. Last night was a bit different. It was a DOUBLE challenge. I will admit that I have been slacking and fell of the course. I could NOT even make my warm up lap. I should have known that when I went for a walk/jog on Sunday and could not make it around the track once. OMG!!! What did I do? I feel that I have let all of that hard work GO, but I AM BACK TO WORK HARDER than EVER!!!

I generally don't like partners exercises, but lets talk about the positive and not the negative. It made me strive to work harder, b/c I did not want to let my partner, Anatol, down. I was pushing through the burning arms as I was holding in the tears from the push ups. It allows you to get to know a new campers and bond with them during the session of HARD work, sweat and sometimes tears!!!

I am excited to be here and taking my journey day by day!

I must remember mind/matter!!! I want this and I have to work for it....it is not going to fall out of the sky. If it did then I would have ran and caught it already.....That would be one time that I would enjoy running...LOL

My family is recharged to exercise several nights a week. Diamond is EXCITED!! She will be walking 2 night a week, Hip Hop dance on Tuesday then of course PE at school twice a week. I am going to maintain her diet at home and we are going take our lifestyle to the TOP!! My mom has lost over 100lbs and says that she was feeling better when she was walking and doing some exercises that I showed her at home. In fact, on Sunday she even jogged 100 meters.

Thanks to EVERYONE for your SUPPORT!!! Let the FUN BEGIN!!!!!!

Jo is BACK!!!!

Family can get you OFF COURSE......

2010-08-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

I took a detour and not I am back on course. For the past two weeks, I have had house guest from the Virgin Islands and it has been a difficult time for me to keep up with my fitness goals, entertain, work and be a mother. I have had many challenges with getting to camp! Next week, I am challenging myself to make it 100%! I had some challenges earlier in camp due to the heat, but it seems to be getting cooler. I haven't gained or lost any weight that camp and that STINKS!!! I have been more aware about what I have eaten since Ian's Aunt has cooked dinner EVERY NIGHT! I had to make sure that I monitored the quantity of certain items that she prepared. She likes to cook and bake. The one thing is I am proud that I did not splurge on candy. His Aunt has a sweet tooth and brought candy, chips, cookies ice cream......ALL of the things that I need to stay away from. I told myself from the beginning that it was a TEST and I must PASS! I will admit that I had a taste here and there, but it wasn't like my past. I would get a spoon of ice cream and not a bowl or get the smallest cookie that was baked.

I am ready to get back to work!!!! So many little things have changed for me and I realize that fitness is going to be apart of my life until the Good Lord calls me HOME!! When others don't value something that you are doing or working toward then it is easy to stray away. It was HARD trying to balance out everything, but I have learned and there are few things that I would do differently next time. The most important thing would be coming to camp. I should have made the sacrifice to come in the morning, so I would have had the entire evening open or suggest that they visit when I have a week off. My life had to revolve about fitness for me, because if not then I will go back to habits that I had before.

Jo

Jo is Struggling in Grant Park

2010-08-13T07:01:00.001-07:00

I am REALLY STRUGGLING this CAMP! The HEAT has got me BEAT!!! I have missed several 4 sessions in 3 weeks, but 2 were beyond my control. It is hard to breathe and my body just can't adjust to the heat! I was talking with Lindsay and Bwaa last night and telling them I should have taken this camp off! The sun has me drained and I fell that I can't move or do the things that I was able to do before. I can't even run my warm up lap now! I am still pushing and trying to work hard, but I'm in SLOW MOTION. It takes me twice as long to do a workout that I should be doing with a breeze. Each night when I leave camp, I SMELL the fitness and I STINK!!!

I must say that other campers are REALLY encouraging me and pushing me along the way!!

THANKS GUYS!!!!

Jo

I GOT MY LIFE BACK................

2010-07-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

I submitted an essay and won a contest that gave me 4 FREE sessions of FitWit. I posted my essay in January if you would like to read it. At that point, I know that I needed something to help me continue the journey that I was on. I am grateful to have WON the contest and feel that they have given me what I needed and I have done what was asked of me.

When making a life change it can be overwhelming. You don't know what to expect and at times anxiety sets in and makes you uncomfortable. I was there in January. I remember that I was EXCITED and NERVOUS at the SAME TIME! When I got the email stating that WON, I was like YES and then said....what in the world have I gotten myself into. Many thoughts were going though my mind and fear started to set in. I was nervous that I wasn't going to be able to do anything with others and they would make fun of me or judge me by the lack of ability due to my weight. I knew that I was going to be the heaviest person. I started to reflect about my "bring a friend to camp" with Megan a few weeks earlier. I could not even climb my steps when I got home or roll over in bed. I was SORE! I had to redirect those thoughts and put positive ones in place. When it comes to fitness then "MIND/MATTER" is IMPORTANT! I can tell you that from experience. When you line up your mind and push then you will be able to do things that you thought that could not have been done. My first week of camp was TOUGH, but as the weeks went by my body was adjusting to the workouts. Not saying that it was easy, but I was starting to WIN the BATTLE that I have been trying to FIGHT for all my life. I learned not to compare myself to the next person and just focus on what "Jo" could do. Josh and the other trainers were there to support and push me along the way. They modified things for me and encourage me when I was feeling that I wasn't going to make it to the end. I can remember a time that Josh was there through my tears and pushed me when I was close to the end or when the ENTIRE camp was cheering when I was completing my 17 touch drill or finishing my first timed mile. Words can not express the feeling that I have inside NOW and when you are doing things that you thought were impossible. The LITTLE things that no one else things of unless you have struggled with being overweight ALL of your LIFE. Now, I can walk up three flight of steps, walk to lunch with my co-workers, get on an airplane and fit into the bathroom and to know that I am striving to see my daughter grow up and be there every walk of the way and ALL without STRESS and WORRY!!

FITWIT HAS GIVEN ME MY LIFE BACK!!!!! It is my GOAL to encourage my family and friends to GET THEIR LIFE BACK! God has given you a "temple" and you need to take care of it. I just had a Sorority sister to have a heart attack and she is maybe 30 years old. I am EXCITED to say that my cousin, Trish, has changed her life and on the journey with me. She is the camper that I invited and she left during the middle of class. She sees the results that I have gotten from FitWit and says that I can't leave her and she has to joined me. My waist has changed over 12 inches!!! My body had RESHAPED and I am LOVING ME!!!!

I have lost between 60-65lbs and going to continue this journey until I reach my long term goal. I have become apart of a family(FitWit) that cares about me and knows my desires. Just remember that a lifestyle change is a two way street. I have to do my part by making healthy choices, because FitWit gives me what I need during that hour. Diet+ Exercise = Healthy life.

If you are feeling like you CAN'T then it possible that you wont. CHANGE those THOUGHT and KNOW THAT YOU CAN DO IT!!!

JOIN ME and get YOUR LIFE BACK!!!!!!

PLEASE leave me any COMMENTS and ASK me QUESTIONS!

Jo

Think FitWit is OVER.....THINK AGAIN! LOOK...

2010-07-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Do you think that I would STOP FITWIT NOW? No, I have come TOOOOO far to let it go. Just look at the pictures and SEE for yourself.

I'm Camper of the Week!

2010-07-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

OMG!!! I can't believe that I got camper of the week again. Week # 5 was tough and I put my heart and soul into the workout on last Friday. Joe was my partner and it was a TOUGH workout! All I remember is plunging down on my mat while Josh was talking and about to introduce the camper of the week and then he said my NAME! I was like Me! OMG!!! I know that I struggle a bit during the week. The heat has me moving in SLOW motion.

I am PROUD to be camper of the week and continue on the journey that I started!

Jo

I started my 31st BIRTHDAY with FitWit in Grant Park!!

2010-07-01T04:41:00.000-07:00

On Friday, June 25th, I started my 31st birthday with FitWit! I was a GREAT feeling to be able to do something that I have previous not done or thought that it was important to do. Many of my friends told me that I should have taken the day off...it was MY BIRTHDAY, but I know that I needed to get a workout in, because you know that I LOVE CAKE!!! I had dinner plans at No Mas Cantina and I knew that I was going to have chips and salsa, cheese, chips and salsa, fajitas, and maybe a drink.......I wanted all the things that I normally don't eat because it was MY BIRTHDAY! I must say in the end that I MADE SOME GREAT CHOICES and had a half of a drink. I gave up alcohol when I started my journey in January 2009, because of ALL the CALORIES!!! Well, I think that the workout from that morning made me REALLY think about my choice.........I DON'T know what the HELL Josh was thinking when he came up with that workout!!!!!!!! Chillllle, I thought that I was going to be the last birthday I would celebrate. Now, if you know me then you know that I HATE TO RUN!!!! We did our warm up as usually and then they break us up into groups based on our running levels and I was with the MIGHTY TURTLES! We had to run over to the Boys and Girls club(a bit over a mile) then complete a workout THEN RUN BACK! Well, by the time I was able to reach the Boys and Girls club, I was sweating and tired, not to mention that I had just left camp 12 hours ago since I am a normal 6pm camper. As I started running down the never ending steps, lunges across the field and back up those steps. It seemed like they were never ending ALL THE WAY BACK UP! I thought we were going to take the steps back to Maynard Jackson...WRONG!!! Guess again! We had to do the jog ALL the way back.
Of course, I was the last one to finish, but I made it! It doesn't bother me that I am the last one. I just look at the positive things and keep moving. I am there TRYING and doing what it takes to get in shape and to LIVE for my family. I beat myself up at times, and get upset when I don't hit a goal my a given time, but I realize that it takes time to get in shape and drop weight and I should be proud to have dropped over 60lbs.

On bring a friend to camp really made me realize that it doesn't matter your size to determine your fitness level. There were many friends that were half my size and could not make it through the complete workout. Josh and I had a talk and he told me that he was proud of me and brought it to my attention that I have come a LONG way! I know that the road is still long, but I am not at the starting line.

2010 has given me a NEW out look on LIFE and I am proud that my journey has not stopped!

Jo

Burpees in SLOW motion!

2010-06-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Well, Friday was the end of week 3 and I had a challenge on my hands! Burpees.......I am doing my burpees but they are in SLOW MOTION! I would rather have then in SLOW MOTION than not to be able to do one at all. The first part is faster and the last part, after I hit the "deck"(aka the ground) then my body is stuck there and I generally takes me a few moments to pop up and get my hands up in the air to clap before I'm get ready to "hit the deck" again. "Hit the deck" is a term that Josh uses often.

Just think.....in week #1 I was not even close or trying to think about doing a burpee and NOW...I can do more than 5 in a row! Trust me FitWit is taking me to NEW LEVELS and I'm enjoying the ride, but it takes HARD work! NOTHING comes w/o a PRICE!!!

Jo

It has been a while, but I'm BACK in Grant Park

2010-06-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Did you miss me? Well, I am back and ready to continue to blog about my experiences at FitWit. I must say that the past couple of weeks have been stressful and I had to roll with the punches. It was a test on many areas of my life and for once, I can say that I did not allow food to control or take over my emotions. I am true and staying focused on the path and journey that I have decided to take.

The first and second week of camp have come and gone. Where is time going?

The first week was like OMG! I think that my body was use to resting and then I put it back to work, I must stay that I needed the rest but I just had a first hard week.

Now, this past week was like OMG times 2! I was sore this week and really worked hard. On Friday, we worked out at Grant Park. I missed a night of camp and was depressed. Ian, my boyfriend, was at the ER and I was there with him. Thank God that he is fine and it was an eye opener for him. I get to Grant Park on Friday and Josh tells me that it was the timed mile. I wanted to CRY! I was not wanting to do the mile in the park and Grant Park workouts are HARD!!! It was HOT and it felt like 100 degrees and the wind was not blowing. I was sweating after 1 min of the warm up. Well, it took me 16 mins to run a mile and I think that it was HARDER the last part because it was mainly up hill. I felt like I had nothing else left in me after that. I managed to finish up doing core work with Amy and about 6 other campers.

I am trying to learn to just get negative thoughts out of my mind when I hear the word "run" or any form. I think that once those thoughts set in then it is all downhill. I am challenging myself to run a mile for homework this week and time myself. I am going to do it around my neighborhood, so that I will have some up and down hills. I will post the results in my next blog.

Thanks you all for the support that you have given me on this journey.

JCE

Walking Downtown is a BREEZE!!!

2010-05-28T05:47:00.001-07:00

I have been working downtown for 4 years. When I first started, we had some type of luncheon that we talked to about 6-8 blocks away. I remember that I was huffing and puffing and struggling to keep up with my unit. I was breathing hard and just thought that I was never going to do that again. I remember not being able to talk when they were asking me questions, without feeling shaky tone in my voice from trying to breath and talk. THAT IS HISTORY! We went to lunch on Wednesday and I was able to keep up, in fact I was leading the way. I was even able to hold a conversation while walking. I wasn't out of breath, I wasn't feeling that I needed to take a break!

THE FEELING=PRICELESS!!

FITWIT WORKS!!!!

This week was my off week and I have taken advantage of it. I have been resting my knee and getting ready for camp. See ya TUESDAY!!!

Time for a recap since day 1 at Grant Park

2010-05-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Check back. Post coming soon. Thanks for reading my blog and taking this journey with me.

JCE

Ain't No Place Like Home

2010-05-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that we just finished week 6?

On Thursday, I had the chance to work out at the Decatur camp, because I was training that afternoon in Decatur and only made sense to workout there. Decatur camp was a bit different from Grant Park. Michelle and JB were the trainers that lead the camp. The first difference was the size. Decatur was much smaller and gave an intimate setting. I think it was about 15(14 women and 1 man). The warm up of was about the same as Grant Park. We jogged 2 laps in from of the school, high knee marches, squats, jumping jacks, trunk twist, coffee grinders, over head slides(I think) and jumping jacks. JB(trainer) did most of the warm up with us as he encouraged! Generally, in Grant Park, I start my warm up lap a few mins before to end a bit before or with the group. I started at the same time and was less than 30 secs behind the group. A camper heard me talking to Michelle about starting a bit early and she said that I would be fine because they were not fast runners! She was right and I did feel a bit more comfortable with having others that were close to my fitness level. Now, of course there were a few that "Dawns' of the bunch" If you know Dawn Smith then you know who I am talking about! Smile Dawn, I LOVE YOU!!

The workout was broke up into 2 groups- Strength training (Kettle Bells) and Cardio workout.

I started with the Cardio work which consisted of 100 jump ropes, 15 squat jumps, 10 push ups with ball, 10 barrier jumps and 10 step ups each leg. I was able to get through 2 rounds in the allotted time. I think that we worked for 18 mins per group. The fitness levels varied in the camp and I was not too far behind the other campers. I was only secs compared to minutes in Grant Park. Grant Park is MORE intense. From the mouth of Josh and Bwaa, If you are able to talk during a workout then you are not working hard enough. The trainers were encouraging, but it was different Josh and Bwaa PUSHING me. I think that could have been because it was my first time meeting with them or working out with them on a regularly bases.

The kettle bell workout was good, because I need to work my "wings"(arms) as much as possible. Michelle was doing kettle bells exercise and offered valuable information as we worked out and talked. For this exercise we had partners and Tina was my partner. She was GREAT! and I must say that she pushed me several times throughout the night. Thanks TINA and you will LOOK GREAT when your wedding day comes!!!!

The stretch was GREAT! Michelle walked us through various exercises that were different than Grant Park and she was there to lend a helping hand when we were partnered on several exercises.

Overall, I must say that the workout went well and enjoyed experiencing a different camp that FitWit has to offer. I am a creature of habit so, ain't no place like home.

Decatur THANKS for the hospitality!!!!

Jo aka JCE

Grant Park Smells like FITNESS

2010-05-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

This week the HEAT is on and I SMELL the fitness in Grant Park. I was out of town in training for work on Monday and Tuesday was my first day back to working out in a few days. It wasn't as bad as I thought with me taking some days off. It was NOT in my best interest to take days off. Mother's Day weekend was GREAT and I ate TOOO much CAKE!! Yes, JO fell off the wagon for a few days and boy am I paying for it NOW. I have to work even HARDER to get those few extra pounds off. It takes a week to work off one and 2 mins to gain it! That is behind me and I am forwarding and realizing that we all make a few mistakes....I just need to learn from it and move on.

Thursday night in Grant Park was FUN(only if you see the smile on my face). I am still trying to get use to being at Grant Park and still struggle a bit to keep up with the group. I think that my problem starts when we go up hills and my pace seems to be VERY SLOW. I was pushing myself to stay somewhat close to the group but when we left the playground...I was FAR behind. I need to start jogging more and not just around the track. I need my body to get use to the going up and down hills and to keep pushing. Carla, has REALLY been a GREAT INSPIRATION to me this camp and keeps me motivated. She was my partner on Thursday and Friday and we partner well together. I fell comfortable with her and she pushes me to keep moving. I still get a bit nervous when we are paired up and don't get the chance to pick. I just think that I am going to be with a VERY COMPETITIVE person and they will get upset if we are not the WINNERS or feel that I am not pulling my share. Josh really pushed me on Friday and it feels GOOD to know that someone really CARES.

I am really enjoying FITWIT and I can't believe that this camp is almost OVER!!! Week 6 ....HERE we COME!!!

JCE

Miss ME in Grant Park?

2010-05-13T13:22:00.001-07:00

Sorry for not blogging last week....It was a busy week, but I will make it up. I was sick and then out of town for training.

I will have my weekly blog up this Saturday, so check back...............

JCE

FitWit REALLY does WORKS!!!!

2010-05-01T06:27:00.000-07:00

Let me tell ya....It really works! This month has been my best thus far. I had a short term goal to reach last month(April) and I did it. In fact, I am 3lbs below my goal. I am committed to working out and making healthier choices. FitWit is doing their part and I'm doing mine. So, if you are not getting the results that you want then take a look in the mirror and you will see the problem. A few changes that I made in April and will continue them. I started to make sure that I ate breakfast even if I was not hungry, mid morning snack(fruit), big lunch, small dinner and generally a another snack throughout the day. I tracked the food and exercise online and started to write in my journal about my feelings.

On Thursday nights, I attend a Christan weight loss class at church. I was SUPER EXCITED that I when I got on the scale. My total weight loss for April was over 12 pounds. I started my weight lost journey in January 2009 and it took me 1 yr to lose the weight that I have lost in 4 months of doing FitWit. WOW! 1 year vs 4 months..........I had an emotional moments because I can not believe my progress and all the sweat and tears to drop **lbs. I feel so much better about LIFE and MYSELF! I love to look in the mirror. I LOVE when I can fit smaller clothes or I put on something and have to use pins to hold it on me. I'm EXCITED about my trip to the Virgin Island this summer and getting new clothes. Everyday, I look in the mirror and talk to myself. It is important that I hear my goals and focus on achieving them. I started that this month and it has helped me to stay accountable. I say how grateful to have this opportunity that FitWit gave me and I must work hard to show them that I REALLY APPRECIATE it! I WON and I want them to proud to say....look what FitWit can do for YOU! Accountability is the key! Exercise is IMPORTANT to weight loss....I feel that they go hand and hand and you can't have one without the other. If I would have started FitWit last year then I would have been at my goal weight today! I would have been toning and gaining muscle through the process. FitWit is like a family! I am learning not to let food control my life and my emotions and the results from emotionally eating. Jennifer, my sorority sister, has really helped me to take the time and realized choices that I wanted to make and for me to rethink on a few things. I feel that we are encouraging each other and have many common interest on this journey. I was giving her a pep talk when she was feeling down about gain a pound and she has worked out hard for 5 days and tracked her food. I remember what Bwaa told me, Jo you are GAINING MUSCLE and forget about that #$%^ scale! I told her the same thing. I remember all the little things that the trainers had said to me and use it to encourage others. I just want to be a "light" to someone else and know that I have been there and they are able to get past ANY stumbling block.

Well, I have a CRAZY goal that I am trying to reach my June 25th, my birthday!!!!! I was talking with Bwaa and he said that I am going to have to give up something. Well, my goal is dairy products. So, after night the dairy products will be fading from my life. Can I do it? Sure I can! Check back and I will blog about my progress and let you know any ups and downs that I a facing.

Oh yea! Wanna know how much weight that I have lost? Do you know my current age? If so, then times it by 2 and you will get my total weight loss. If you have been following my blog, it will be a piece of cake! I meant fruit!!!!!!(Its a joke...LAUGH!!!!)

JCE aka Jo

Decatur: Things I have done this camp.

2010-04-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

It's only the beginning of Week Three in this camp, but I already have some pretty good accomplishments under my belt.

1. I did toe push-ups. That's right. Toe. Push-ups. No more knees for me, I'm going all the way.

2. I am no longer the 15lb kettlebell user. I'm a 30lb. That's right. 30lbs. I am a badass. I'll be ready for that 35 lbs one in no time.

3. I can hit the floor on my squats now. All the way down. It may be slow, but I can get down there and up. (And do it all over again.)

4. I can go for 45 seconds straight on sit-ups without stopping to breathe. It took me three camps, but I can finally hold my core long enough to go unbroken.

5. I'm no longer a red medicine ball user. I'm going for black, baby. That's right, 12 lbs. on the throws, and 15 lbs on the lifts.

It may not seem like much, but it's further than I ever thought I would get when I started FitWit back in January. I'll post more pictures, soon. The changes are happening fast. I'm doing my best to stick with the Paleo diet as closely as possible. I can't wait to see what the changes will be at the end of this camp. Maybe another four jean sizes, yeah?

Tough Week in Grant Park

2010-04-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

This week was a tough week for me and Friday was not a FUN FRIDAY!! I almost had a mental cleansing aka melt down to get me through the Mary Mary. I need someone to tell me about Mary! What camp did she attend? Still with FitWit? Mary, I would love to meet you since I've met Ruth and Victoria. Hopefully, at the end of camp I will be able to defeat you instead of you getting the best of me.........

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary:

50 Overhead bar lunge steps – 25 down, 25 back
50 Overhead bar squats or hands behind head squats
25 Dips
15 push-up burpees (I did a few burpees and then 15 push-ups and 15 jumping jacks for the modification)
3 rounds and then finish with an 800 m run.

I was able to complete 2 rounds and jogged about 300m and sped walk the rest of the 800m. This week has been a BUSY week for me with work, volunteering at my daughters school and preparing for a 8th Annual King and Queen program for the visually impaired. I've helped them to get various things together for the program today(Saturday) and will be the narrator for program. They have truly inspired me and I feel that I should not complain about the simple things and ALL the things that I take for granted. I have gotten my focus and drive back and know that I have to work hard despite feeling tired. I just feel burnt out! Keeping positive thoughts are the main thing that helps me to get through a workout. I think that my positive thoughts were fading my the second and Lindsey was there trying to keep me motivate. THANKS CHICA! I just felt like my fitness level from this week was lower than any other week at FitWit.

I am doing my homework this afternoon and will continue my 5 workout sessions per week. I am still striving to meet my short term goal and want to have it done my the end of the week.

Well, we are almost 1/2 way through the camp and I wonder what week 3 will bring.....I guess that we have to wait and see.

Have a Great Day and THANKS for taking the TIME to read MY BLOG!!!

JCE

My stupid @#$#%&*! ankle!

2010-04-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm trying really hard not to be disappointed in myself this week. I've been doing great moving up in the weight intervals. I'm able to endure more, and actually focus on my form. Those are good things. But this blasted ankle still will not let me jog, run, jump or walk even remotely fast. Every time I think I have enough to keep going, I get those sharp pains on the top of the ankle and I have to slow down.

It's infuriating!

During that first camp, I would've jumped at the chance to slow it down and do easier exercises. Now that I've been at it for a while, it's driving me up the wall to not go all the way! Stacy and JB are sympathetic and won't let me do a lot of the exercises that will make it flare up. I really hate having this injury! I still have the energy to keep going, but not the physical ability.

Just the other day it was the 2 mile run exercise. I was really excited to be able to do this again and compare my times. The last time I attempted this, I got around the route once for a time of around 15 minutes. I was itching to beat it this time 'round.

We all gathered at the front of the high school and off we went. I got two steps in and a sharp pain went right from the middle of my ankle straight up through my calf. DAMMIT! Nooooooo! And there went my ankle. I hobbled the entire lap around. I got to the halfway time and Jen told me my time. 8:06. There was no way to beat my old time with a huge hill coming up and limping. I was crestfallen. I gimped the whole way to the finish line. I was crying by the time I got there. Some was from pain, but mostly it was disappointment. The workout was to go twice around. I could barely get once. And my time? Well, it was a horrid 16 minutes. Gah. Not good. Stacy told me to catch my breath and get to work on some kettle bells. I wasn't even going to attempt the second lap. But, I still had the energy! I had barely broken a sweat (compared to the last time where I was soaked halfway through). I was ready to go. My ankle however, was not. Even attempting to do the kettle bell work it was yelling at me. I had to go to a lighter weight and kibosh some of the exercises that had me put all my weight on my ankle.

I'm ready to move up. I want to go go go! I don't want to be last. I'm finally getting the weight off, and I want to keep pushing. But ankle says no. Ankle is a jerk. You hear me, fix yourself or we're gonna have problems!

I know I can't bully my ankle into healing. It does make me feel better, though. I really thought I was going to kill this camp and do some amazing things. Now, it's just going to be a struggle to maintain with this injury.

Stacy's been really good about encouraging me and letting me know what subs are equal to the running/jumping exercises. But it doesn't quite make up for not being able to keep up with the rest of the camp.

So, fine. I'll sit. And be still. And keep off my ankle. I'll always wear shoes with support (okay, *most* of the time). And I'll take care of myself so I can come back full force.

Decatur: Mary, Mary; Why ya buggin?

2010-04-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

It's not often our named workouts actually have the person they are named after in our camp. It was a real treat yesterday to do the Mary, Mary while Mary was doing it right beside us. (By the way, Mary; you took all the comments with such grace. I don't know that my gestures to some of the complaints would have *just* been a hand wave. Just sayin'.)

All that being said, the Mary Mary was no pony ride. That workout was real work and it is now up there with the Victoria for me. I seem to gravitate to the workouts that have a long list of things to do. I really enjoy getting through that task list.

Here's what Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary looked like:
For time:
3 rounds of the following:
50 1-arm overhead lunge steps (25 each arm)
50 overhead squats or prisoner squats
25 dips
15 pushup burpees
After three rounds, finish w/800m run

*Newbie version = no bars

I'm sad to say, that the squats I had to do newbie style with no bars. I tried, but it just didn't feel right, even using just the 9 lbs bar. I just can't hold that kind of weight on my knees yet. I'll get there, just Tuesday was not that day. I also had to sub the weighted lunges for some supermans. But rest assured, Stacy was NOT letting me off easy. I had to do 100 of those suckers to take the place of the lunges. (Surprisingly, that took a lot of time for me to get through. I now have a new exercise to practice in front of the tv.) But here's the best part, I did pushup burpees. I was still on my knees for the pushups, and I had to do a little bunny hop to get my feet back to my hands at the end, but I did them! I was really proud of myself for those. I didn't give up and just switch to regular burpees like Stacy said we could. I wanted to keep going and I did.

I've also started to try something different when it comes to timed workouts. I set myself a goal, one I think I can hit and I go for that rather than focus on "finishing" the workout. Some of those I just know I can't do in the allotted time. I want to focus more on getting form right, increasing weight and getting a good quality workout. I'm really trying to get my mindset out of this have to finish or I failed rut. I set myself up to fail that way and it makes it hard to get happy about boot camp when I do that.

I set my goal at 2.5 rounds and let it go at that. I may have taken longer to get there, but I met my goal and managed to get keep my form for the whole workout.

I LOST 4lbs in Grant Park!

2010-04-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

I lost 4lbs and I FEEL GREAT! I am SOOOO close to at short term goal that I am taste it! Less than 4lbs and then I really will be JUMPING for JOY! It will be by the end of the month as long keep working. I think that I lost those 4 lbs at the Grant Park workout on Thursday. That hour was the LONGEST hour! Mary Tipton was my partner and a newbie. I am her mentor for this camp. I started off jump roping while Mary Tipton held the medicine ball overhead and went up the steps, lunged and then came back down the stairs. Then together we put our backs almost together and passed the medicine ball from side to side. Then to sit-ups and passed the medicine ball b/w our legs. It was my turn to go up the steps and lunge while she jumped rope. We repeated that several time. Like to run? Well, we ran UP HILL and around the corner to the pavilion. Guess what? I was not the last one! YEA!!! So we get to the pavilion and we are the show for several by standers that are watching us...There was our moment of FAME!! They watched us as we worked out butts off doing dips, abs rocks and step ups. I think that Becka was getting enjoyed as we were dipping sweat. My eyes were burning as the sweat was dripping from head. Then...... Guess what? .........Yep, you guessed right! Running again....UP a HILL then DOWN then UP then DOWN! I was breathing SO HARD.......my shirt was soak and wet and I thought that my body was just going to give out on me. I was huffing and puffing......then I notice that a newbie, Tremaine(sp) was my frat brother. OMG! I told him that I did not know that he was my frat(I'm a Zeta). We belong to the the ONLY constitutional bond brother and sister organization. OK! back to me huffing and puffing and walking in circles with sweat burning my eyes. Then squats holds...Josh was counting so that you know the 10 secs were really 30+.......guess what?.......running....again.....UP the HILL then DOWN the HILL. Mary Tipton did squats while I was running UP the HILL and back DOWN. Then she ran UP the HILL and DOWN.....I just knew that it was 6:55 and it was time to stretch when we going back to the start point. So we are running back and a camper asked Josh who came up this the workout....He said that it was me on one of those late nights with the baby. Erin, Please let him skip those late night diaper changes! I am only kidding. Think twice!..That is what I get for thinking during a FitWit workout. Amy always says to never THINK just WORK! One partner had to go back up the steps and down while the other one did push ups. Think we were done?...NO! Of course not back to sit-ups and passing the medicine ball. Mary Tipton and I ROCKED! We had a heavy ball at one point that we started to drop, so we created our own modification and gave HIGH 5's when we sat up......Then the time finally came and it was time to stretch....the moment that I was waiting for............I think that I dropped those 4lbs in that workout session since I weigh about an hour later. If that workout would bring those results then I vote to do it 3x per week for the rest of the camp....LOL!!!!

By the way, Banana relays are not for me when you are doing jumping jacks and banana is flying everywhere....banana and sisterlocks don't match.....Josh was teasing me about my sisterlocks and we could not mess them up.....See Josh knows me well. I really enjoyed the banana relay and my team was last place, but 6pm campers SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST!!! Way to go Mary Tipton, and Sue!

Off to week #2!

JCE

Decatur: End of Week 1.

2010-04-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a great first week. I thought I was taking it easy, but my body says differently. Maybe it's the switch to an all morning camp, maybe it's that I'm really trying to focus on form and weight. Either way, I am sore! I haven't been this sore since the beginning!

This camp I really wanted to focus on increasing the weights that I'm using and not focusing on the counts so much. I had that chance today with the Gimme 10 AMRAP workout. Unfortunately, it's also the very first time I've had to cut out of a FitWit session early. (Silly meetings, don't they know I have fitness to do!?)

Here's the breakdown:
“Gimme 10”
20-min AMRAP
Run 100m (50m shuttle run forward and back)
10 clapping pushups (15 if on knees) (newbies do regular pushups)
10 broad jumps
10 rows
10 KB 1-arm Thrusters (5 each arm)

3-man team game (exerciser-runner-rester)
Runner to 40 total mtn climbers
Exercises on white board for team to complete – 100 sit-ups, 100 superman, 50 burpees

Because of said cutting out early, I did not get to the 3-man team part, but I did manage to get 3.1 rounds of Gimme 10. I actually got some air on the clapping pushups, too. No clap, but I did get off the group. (By the way, those suckers are hard on your wrists if you come down too hard. I have to learn some control on those. Maybe it's time for a Wednesday practice session.)

My ankle is still giving me some serious trouble since last camp when I fell on it. It's just not strong enough to handle jumps and sometimes even power walking will trigger it. I've got to be better about taking care of it and keeping it rested. It's very frustrating to not be able to have the full range of movement on it.

So, week one is complete and now we get to move to the tough workouts. I've got an awesome crew at 7am and I'm looking forward to getting fit with them!

Decatur: Week 1, Rocking out with the Noobs.

2010-04-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

7am camp, I am ready for you! I was so excited that Decatur was able to branch out and offer this new time for the FitWitters. This will be a camp time that I can stick to no matter what the husband's schedule calls for. No more 12 hour turnarounds, or bouncing back and forth. My poor body just couldn't take night time workouts and then an early morning one.

So, I got the chance to start all over with this 7am. With so many newbies, I chose to stay in with them and re-learn some of the basics. As my body is changing, so is my form. This was the perfect opportunity to teach my body how to do some of FitWit's basics exercises.

I'm noticing a vast improvement in these exercises now. With squats, I can get all the way down to the crate below me and pop right back up with little effort. It still takes me a second to remember to point my toes, but a quick nettle in the knee sure fixes that. The pushups are still going strong, but I'd really like to be able to do at least one or two regular ones. I can get down, but not back up. I'll get there, but it's going to take some more work. Situps are slowly getting better. I can dig my heels in now and really stay rooted, where it used to take JB or a partner standing on my feet to keep me rooted. I guess after all that work, my core is actually starting to get stronger.

The second day we got to work with the weights. This was actually the newbie instruction I was looking for. I wanted to really push myself more with the weight training and increase my pound increments. I feel like I've been coasting, I haven't felt the results like I did from that first camp. That was my body signaling it's time to move up in weight.

I tried out the 25 lb kettlebell from some swings and squat high pulls. The swings felt great, I really could feel my lower back getting strong. The high pulls were definitely a little harder. My forearms were burning when I pulled it all the way up to my chin, but after one or two it got a little easier. I was feeling pretty good about my form. That trick that Jose taught me from first camp holds true. Look straight ahead and you'll keep your back straight.

We moved onto the medicine balls and body rows from here. Two of my favorite exercises. I can't tell you how therapeutic slam balls are in the morning. Really. Nothing phases you after that. All your aggression, irritation, annoyance... whatever, it's all gone after you smack that ball to the ground over and over again. I moved up a little on the weights for those balls as well. I tried it with the 12 lb and was pleasantly surprised at the ease of using it. I'd almost expected it to be more difficult, but in fact I got my wall balls higher than ever before. It did take me a little longer to find the rhythm for the slam balls though. They're a tad bigger, and I have small hands. I just couldn't get the hold of that ball to save my soul. Once I figured out where to place my hands, I got to rep them out.

Body rows. I have no idea why I even like these. They give me blisters, for goodness sake. But there's something awesome about pulling yourself up to that bar and actually hitting it. I've always gotten close, but not quite. JB let me get up there and rock 'em out like a rockstar. I hit the bar over and over again. I got ooohs and aaaaahs from the newbies. I told them if my fat butt could do it, there's no reason for they can't either. Just takes a little practice.

I'd like to think that I showed them that anyone can do it, no matter what their body type may be. All it takes is a little practice and some hard work.

BURPEES in Grant Park

2010-04-14T10:10:00.001-07:00

Camp #3 has started and the first night back was............HELL! My body did not want to move. Even though I was active during my break......but I was not ready for that..plus the heat was pounding down and the pollen was flying into my eyes....I realize that contacts and pollen are not friends..LOL

Tuesday night, I met a goal that I set at the beginning of the year...I think. I wanted to be able to do burpees. Well, the time has come and I am able to do burpees. They are a bit in slow motion, but I can do them. I did 10 of them on Tuesday night and Victoria was there to count all 10. I remember that I was afraid of "Victoria" and realize that she is not bad after all....the same way with the burpees. I can manage them and will stride to get a bit faster.

I have a NEW LEVEL of ENERGY that I am going to push HARD! My soror, Jennifer, and I are pushing each other and I don't want to let her down and know that I have to work to get to the end. I have goals that are set and have a short time to make it happen.

JCE
To get something that you never had, you have to do something you never did.

The Break is almost OVER in Grant Park

2010-04-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

Well, my week off is almost over. I have enjoyed my break, but I really miss camp. I have been active this week and doing more than I did on my last break. I know that I have not burned or even came close to the amount of calories that I would burn during a FitWit session. It is much harder to do a FitWit exercise on my own. I have been walking this week and watching what I am eating.

My sorority sister, Jennifer, and I have teamed up to give each other support as we continue our journey of weight loss and becoming healthier. I wanted to start the next camp in a different weight range of number and I have been struggling with wanting to eat sweets. I know that if I want to reach this goal then I don't need be eating cookies, cakes, ice cream.....you get the picture. So, Jenn and I are gave up sweets for 2 weeks and limiting the amount thereafter. We are holding each other accountable for decisions that we make on our eating choices. I will admit that I almost became a victim of a chocolate molten cake from Chilli's but I was STRONG with the help of Jenn! I sent Jenn a picture message and she replied back and gave me that extra push that I needed. Thanks Jenn!

Diamond went to work with me over her spring break from school. She really enjoys coming into the office to preform her job as the paper shredder and putting away the mail. Well, one day we were in my office doing some school work. A co worker came by with some homemade cookies that looked to be soft and chewy. She asked if we wanted one not knowing that we gave up sweets. Diamond was the first to say NO THANKS!!! I was going to allow her to have one, but she wanted to be like her mommy and go without having one. I gave Diamond a hug and told her that I was proud of her for making a healthier decision and then offered her some fruit. She was just fine and did not think anymore about those cookies........until the extras were sitting on the conference room table the next day and she had to pass by them when going to the bathroom. She was telling Jenn about the cookies and describing them.....just from me listening, I thought that I was taking a bite...LOL! Diamond is doing a GREAT job on her journey and HELPS me when I am about to make a decision that could be better. Thanks Moo-moo!(her nickname)

Goals for next camp
-Do my homework and that will allow me to workout 5 days instead of 4 days
-Increase my intake of water
-Perfect attendance again(I have only missed 2 day since I started in Jan and the night I missed was due to the snow and not being able to leave my house)
-Work and push hard each camp session
-Give more words of encouragement/cheer for other camper(It really helps when someone is cheering you on and pushing you when you think that you can't do something. I need to return more to other campers)
-Log EVERYTHING that I eat for 6wks and journal my personal feelings

I am ready for the next camp.........Let the FUN BEGIN!!!!

JCE

Decatur: End of Camp 2 and Week Off.

2010-04-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's time for camp 2 to be over already. What a wild ride. I made a deal with myself that I wouldn't shop again until camp 2 was over so I could see how far I'd come. But we'll get to that later.

First.... end of camp workout! I had to finish out this camp with the morning crew and let's just say the last workout was one I definitely hadn't done before. Much like the last camp, we finished out with a friendly game. This camp, oh it was a game alright. But it wasn't nearly as friendly. It was tag. Tag with flag football flags around our waists. Two flags ripped off, and you're on the sidelines doing 20 burpees before you can get back in the game.

I realized two very, very important things during our last workout/game.
1. I am NOT ready for the zombie apocalypse. Not at all. I couldn't run to save my life. (Guess what's my goal for camp number three?) I spent more time on the sidelines than anyone else. I have got to learn how to run.

2. I suck at tag. I just don't have the reflexes to grab a flag as someone runs by me. I also discovered that I played the sacrificial lamb a lot. I was sent out to get tagged early while everyone ran behind me to get the flags. (Not a bad strategy, overall.)

In the end, it was how many folks you had on the field at the end of time that won you the tag winner title. And surprise, surprise, it was my team that one. (Once I figured out how to skirt the sidelines so that anyone running at me went out of bounds. See? Slow people can be good at tag, too!) All in all, it was a great workout with lots of movement, but it was super fun, too. For a moment there, you almost forgot you were watching fully grown adults on that football field. I'm pretty sure we had just as much fun as any group of kids.

With the game of tag being over, it signaled the beginning of the wondrous week off. I was really looking forward to some down time on this break. (Last break was spent at home with a kid with pneumonia. No fun.) Unfortunately, that wasn't to be, either. It was a busy, stressful week at work, and I was never so glad to see Monday fast approaching.

But I did manage to get in some shopping before it was time to get back to the work of fitness. I didn't go down any more pant sizes. (So so close, but not quite.) However, this *was* my camp to work on my arms. And what do you know...? I went down an entire shirt size. I'm the very smallest size that plus size has in shirts. That made that whole stressful week off worth it!

So now it's time to get back to work. Decatur has a brand new 7am camp that I get to start out with on Monday. I'm so excited to get back to working out. I really hated that I couldn't find time to fit it in while I was on break. With the new time slot, I'll be able to spend time at night with my family and make us all wonderful dinners that fit into Ben's nutrition plan, too.

I have a feeling, this camp 3 is going to be magical. Just wait and see.

Decatur: The Marnggie: Redux.

2010-04-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's almost the end of the second camp already! This six weeks just flew by. Since it's that last week of camp, it's time for some Redux Exercises. We had the run just last week, which unfortunately, due to my ankle injury I didn't get to participate in. And of course, we had TABATA again. TABATA had some interesting results the second time around. I really went up at least two to three reps per exercise *except* for the push-ups. I don't know if it was a bad day, or just lack of use on my arms, but I maintained the same number as before. (A whopping 12 for those of you that may wonder.)

But this week, on the next to last day of camp, it was the Marnggie that came to visit. As I've said before, workouts with names tend to be the toughest, and this one was no exception. The first time we saw this, it was in week three. That lovely mid-point. I was gaining strong and really able to put through the most I could. I got to three rounds and was extremely pleased with myself. This time, I can't say the same.

I don't know if it was the cold that my tiny terror brought to me from daycare, or the switch the the morning camp that day, or if it wasn't in the cards for me. I just barely got through two and half rounds. And I do mean barely. That was even shortening the lap distance for me. I just couldn't get it together. I was so disappointed by the time we got down to the end. Stacy is calling out 15 minutes left, 10 minutes, 60 seconds. I swear I got slower every time I heard a number and then the word left!

As Stacy was coming around asking for rounds, she told me something valuable. She said that not every time improves. Sometimes it's just not happening and it's okay. It doesn't mean you've ran aground, it just means it was not one of the ones you had an improved time on. And I have to agree with her. I felt better when she said that. I knew I wasn't at my best, but I really wanted to slay this workout today.

Today wasn't the day I improved my time. But I got through it, and I had a great time doing it. I've always said I enjoy the heck out of my morning visits. You really have to appreciate people that make working out before the sun even rises a good time to be had by all.

And to paraphrase one of the most entertaining morning campers (Mouse, I'm talkin' to you), "I do more before 7am than you do all day."

Hanging with Dr Ruth in Grant Park

2010-03-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday was MY NIGHT!!!! It was time to hook up with Dr Ruth again. Prior to camp, I went back and read the modification were to "Ruth".
100 lunge steps
40 push-ups w/overhead claps
200 single jumps
25 mountain climbers each leg
25 jumping jacks
20 wall balls
400m run

It took me almost 38 mins to do this workout and I did not even finish a complete round. I did 10 out of 10 wallballs and 200m jog. I was determined that I was going to make it through one round and I DID! My goal was to do it in under 35 mins. The clock started and I started lunging across the field and not thinking about what I was going just counting. Then I moved to those burning push-ups and claps as my hands were getting heavier and heavier each round. Josh walked around and was pushing me HARD! IT WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED!!! Jump ropes.....no problem! When I started FitWit, I would not jump rope at all. I remember the days that Trevor taking out time to show me when we were are Dance 411. That is not the case now! I was able to do more than 20 jumps without stopping. Josh was there in my ear once again and pushing me...........Another campers, we encouraging me and told me that I was doing a GREAT! It seems like 200 jump ropes went in now time. My arms were a bit sore from the push ups but I was thinking that I just had to get finished and bet my 35 min goal. Then I moved on to wallballs. I was able to do 9 in a row with perfect form without stopping. I was on a roll and there was NO STOPPING ME! I finished up the last 11 so that I could move on to jogging. Since I only complete one lap last time, I thought that I was only doing one, but Josh wanted 2 yep 800 m. He got 2 laps and my finishing time was 32.08! DID YOU HEAR ME 32.08!!!!!!!!! I was about to cry when I heard that number. I couldn't believe that I cut more than 5 mins off. I was even able to start a 2nd round. I didn't count my lunges but I know that I did more than 30. When I got in my car, I called my mom and was crying from the joy that I was feeling. So, I can say that Dr. Ruth and I can be friend and I can hang with her anytime. I am proud of myself and will tell anyone that FitWit WORKS!!

At the beginning of the year, I could not do a fraction of the things that I am able to do now. Yes, it takes HARD WORK, but I am doing it. It is something that I have a passion to do and that I am EXCITED to do. I have my moments that I want to give up, but I'm not a failure. I have succeed in many things that others told me that I would not make it. I have worked hard to get where I am today. When others say that I couldn't do something it just makes me work harder. When I got pregnant with my daughter, many would say that I would not finish school and that I could not achieve my dreams. They would tell me how hard it would be and did not offer encouragement. My mother, Karen aka "Ammi" pushed me and would encourage me as well as listen to those tears when I wanted to give up. She helped me stay on track and made sure that I had the support that I needed. Just like FitWit is giving me on my fitness journey. Well, I am here to tell you that if you want something bad enough then you will work for it. I had many late night as a single mother, full time student and worker. I wanted to finished my degree and did what I had to do. Social life? What social life? My social life stopped for a bit, because I was focused on doing that I needed to do. Try balancing those 3 things.......I finished my BS in Criminal Justice with Honors and have a MBA. I didn't get these degrees because they were given to me. I WORKED HARD and made scarifies on things in my life. So, when it comes to fitness, I know that I can do it! When I look back and realize all the things that I have accomplished then it makes me PROUD to be ME!! I would not change me or my life for the world. Just remember that HARD WORK will pay off in the END!!!!!

There are many people are afraid to take the steps to get into shape and life a healthier lifestyle. Don't be afraid of what others say or think. Just set short term goals ans strive to reach each of them. Make times, others will not encourage you because they want you to stay just like them. Life if here for you to enjoy it and expiring new things Just remember that you have to start somewhere and if you are considering joining FitWit then know that you have the support of many campers and ME!

Thanks for reading my blog!!!

JCE

You think Jo is going to workout in the RAIN....

2010-03-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

What happens when it rains at FitWit? If you want to know, then keep reading........First, let me share this......have you ever went for a day or so without Internet or your Blackberry/iPhone. Well that was me this week. I dropped my Blackberry and it is "bootleg" and my home Internet went out until Comcast came out on Friday to fix it. I am going to start and blogs twice a week on Wednesday and Saturdays....well back to my blog........The weather was GREAT last Saturday and I got dressed up to attend a party of a friend that is visually impaired. I volunteer with a group of visually impaired adults in the Decatur chapter of the National Federation for the Visually Impaired. I was there at the social and many of the companions were telling me how I was changing and looking GREAT...Well, it was a chance to give me a reason to talk about FitWit! I was telling them how I won this contest and it has changed my life and ALL the fun times that we have each night. I told them about my homegirls Victoria and Ruth......I said that were best friends and we all laughed.........they were saying that I reminded them of the Biggest Loser show and all the crazy things that they do. Someone asked me if we inside or outside and I explained that we were inside but moving toward outside only. We joked about working out in the rain.....I was like...Me and the Rain are not friends. I will stay inside and let him stay outside.....and we laugh. Needless to say, Monday it was snowing and raining! I had in my mind that I was going to have a night off even though I need camp from eating that cake...Oh gosh! I told my secret. Yes, Jo had a piece of cake that melted in my mouth and was the best cake that I had in a long time. Now, I am thinking about that moist white cake topped with smooth icing....OK...OK....let me focus...On Monday, I got to camp at my normal time(5:30pm) and it was cold and raining...I know that we were going to be inside or cancelled. I parked in front of the gym and was waiting and waiting....I was like...OK! it is COLD and RAINING.....I know that we were not going to be outside. Well, 2mins later, I see Josh flying in the parking lot(this is normal) and I waited a bit more. I was thinking that he was going to go get the others so that we could move inside and get started...WRONG!! After, waiting and talking to myself....I was saying Josh has got to be CRAZY if he thinks that I am going to workout in this weather...It is RAINING and plus it is COLD. I have no gloves or hat. I drove down and got out of the car and was thinking....well, I will be here for a few mins and then we will leave due to the weather. A few campers came and left. I was thinking that I should just join them and take my butt home. I was standing there with my jacket and freezing. I did not prepared b/c I knew that I was going to be inside. Rain+Cold=Inside! So, I go up to Josh and said..."It is Raining..... are still gonna workout in this weather?" He was busy unpacking the equipment that we needed for that night. YES JO!!!! "We are going to do this" He was EXCITED and HAPPY!! I was thinking......Josh has lost his mind and he is sleep deprived from the baby and can't make a rational decision.....What is the hell is he thinking....He was like Jo we are about to do this!....you got your Sisterlocks and your hair is not going to mess up.........Lindsay was SURPRISED that Josh knew about Sisterlocks. Did I stay?

I did! It was NOT Burger King and I didn't have it my way.... I was a bit upset and did not want to be there. As I jogged around the track, I was dodging water puddles, and trying to stay dry from water on the track. Ugh! My hands were freezing and hurting when I was trying to do pull-ups on the bars. The ground was wet and cold and my feet kept slipping. Each round, my hands were getting stiffer and they hurt to move them at all. By the time, I ended the workout, you would have thought that I got into a fight with mud and lost the battle. I was dirty. I had my mat, but I was still wet from doing pull-ups and push ups. When doing push ups, I even got some dirt on my face from not being able to hold myself up. I guess that it is not difference as to when you go to the spa and get a mud facial.....I was getting a facial for free...the FitWit mask.....LOL!!!

I must admit that I did have a bit of a negative attitude because I just did not want to work out in the RAIN!!!............Just one of those day........

As I was driving to camp on Tuesday, Diamond was in the car and we were talking about me having my meltdown and she was laughing. She still thinks that it is funny that her mommy was crying at camp. She drifted off to sleep and I had a few moments of meditation........I thought to myself and could have been talking to myself.........FitWit really WANTS to HELP ME! They are committed to helping others to get in shape or for them to stay in shape. I felt really bad that I as negative the night before and getting mad at someone that is trying to help me. Josh has a srtong level of commitment to me and it is his job to push me and make me do things that I would have never done before....I MUST say THANKS!!! I felt bad for getting mad and upset and someone who is helping me....at the end of the day.....he is Fit and in shape...I'm NOT!! but HE CARES!!. The trainers were in the rain just like me and they were still pushing us to reach our goals. They could have said were are going to cancel and then it would have given many of us chance to go home and climb on the couch and do nothing. I have changed my level of thinking about the rain......I tell myself that there is no difference than going to the pool or taking a shower. So, Jo have a new ATTITUDE about the rain and when rainy days come....just know that JO will be one of those campers out there until the end.

Josh, Thanks for your level of dedication that you have show to FitWit and I know you have a passion to help me and other to reach our fitness goal. FitWit has become my drug....and I gotta have it.!!!!! I owe you one! THANKS!!

JCE

Decatur: My first FitWit injury.

2010-03-26T10:10:00.001-07:00

*sigh*

So, it finally happened. My very first FitWit injury. And it's not even a really good one. Somehow, I knew this was going to be the camp to do it, too. I've been stressing about it lately. There's been a lot of vets that have been sporting some good ones. Guess it was my turn this time.

It wasn't graceful. It wasn't in a burst of energy. It was doing weight lunges... on get this, the Decatur High School FIELD. Yep. Totally face-planted. Here's the best part. I had just started. I was on my second round of the card game of Friday's workout and I rolled my ankle and went down. Face full o' turf. That was me.

Stacy came over and helped me up. She asked if I could stand okay and walk. I put weight on it, and the answer was a nice hot streak of no! I had to sit down and watch my team compete in the card game. After about two minutes, I begged Stacy to get back in. I hated sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else work. She agreed if I promised to modify as I went along. Okay, okay. Just let me back in the game, coach. I gotta win!

I had to do some subs that I hadn't done in a while. No running, no jumping and definitely no lunging or burpees. Me and the kettlebell, we got to be really good friends this windy Friday morning. I decided to try out a bigger weight this morning. Since I wasn't running or jumping, I might as well try to work up to something. I picked up a nice 20 pounder and went away. I was surprised at the ease of working with it. I really thought I was going to struggle. I've been trying to work on the upper body strength more this camp and it looks like it's paying off. I might even be able to move up to a 25 pound KB next time.

We get to the end of the game, and I'm sad to say, our team lost by one card. Which, was totally not fair since they had Gimpy McGee on their team. We shoulda won. We powered through injury, man!

All joking aside, it was a great workout and I was totally bummed I had to be sidelined for even a little of it. I truly enjoy FitWit and I'm so excited to see all the changes in my body and my attitude toward exercise. It's incredible how far I've come in just 11 weeks. Week 12 starts on Monday and I can't wait for the assessments at the end. Maybe another pant size reduction is in store for me!

Decatur: Week 5, The Ruth.

2010-03-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

You know when you see a name to the workout, it's going to be a tough one. And Monday night's did not disappoint. (I'm also beginning to think the shorter the name, the more work it will be!)

Here's the breakdown:
"The Ruth"
For time:
100 lunge steps
80 push-ups w/overhead claps (daily max pushups are built into workout - so campers should try to complete their # +1 before starting overhead claps)
60 double-unders (sub 300 singles)
40 burpees
20 wall balls
800m run (6 laps)

The first time we did this, I got to do newbie reps. Which were 40 pushups, 20 burpees and 5 laps. But this time... what a sucker I am, I went for the gold. I was so excited to get this one under my belt. I'd had great results with repeating the timed workouts and shaving time off, so I thought for sure I'd at least get to finish this beast.

I'll get back to that in a moment. I do have some small triumphs for this workout. Since taking off my ankle brace I've been able to do small jumps and get some jump rope in. The first time I did this workout, I had to sub sit ups for the jump rope. (Which really added to my time considering I absolutely suck at sit ups. After about 10 I slow down to a snail's pace.) This time around with Ruth, I got in ALL 300 SINGLE JUMP ROPES. I put that in all caps because it's really quite a feat. When I got to this first camp, I couldn't jump, lunge, jog or really do just about anything well. I'm not even done with my second camp and I can jump rope. I might not be as fast as the others, but the fact that I can even do it makes me proud. The other triumph I have to tell you is the fact that I managed to also do ALL 40 BURPEES. And not the walking burpees that I used to do. I did the full on jump down, jump up, stand up jump and clap burpees. I had to do them in reps of 10, but I got them all in there! I was so happy! That is quite possibly the most I've done in a single night yet.

But those small triumphs were short lived. I tried in vain to jog those 6 laps and had to break down into a speed walk halfway through the first lap. My shins were just not letting up. I'm pretty sure that they hadn't forgiven me for last week, much less all that jump rope. I was so sure I was going to finish The Ruth and move on to the second round of it like my FitWit counterparts, but it was not to be. I struggled on those laps and only managed to get 4 whole ones in before time was called.

I trudged to the mat to stretch and I can tell you honestly, I was pretty disappointed. I almost started crying right there on the mat. I wanted to finish so badly, I just can't possibly tell you enough. I really wanted to say that by the end of the second camp I could hold water with the rest of the vets. I'm just not there yet. And while I know that it's only ourselves we compete against, and I did do MUCH better on time and volume of exercises, I am still a little sad that I didn't make it to the finish of at least one round of Ruth.

JCE thoughts about getting on the SCALE

2010-03-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have determined that the scale is not my friend and I am staying away for a while. I have gotten upset with myself when I work hard and then I don't get the numbers that I expected. So, I have solved that problem and not getting on it for a while. Simple as that! The method that I am using is called the "try on smaller clothes" method. I have several pieces of clothing in my closet that I try on from time to time. Each week they fit a bit better. A church member, Sis. Terri, gave me some CUTE dresses! I tried on one the other night and my boyfriend, Ian, had to take a few pictures and told me that I must wear it on "Date Nite". "Date Nite" is when we get together with a group of friends and we have a group date. It is scheduled in a couple of weeks. I am EXCITED!!! We are going out with some friends that I have not seen in a while and they will be seeing the "New still improving Jo".

Trust me, I have found the cure to my madness on the scale.

JCE

Bring a Friend and Tour of Grant Park

2010-03-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I invited several of my friends that they were not able to join me on Thursday. They MISSED a BLAST!!! I really enjoyed the workout and wish that we would do more. Hint! Hint!
The workout consisted of the "Wheel circuit" which included - Sandbag straight leg deadlift (one leg for vets), Wall Ball, Row/pull ups, barrier jumps, KB push press, jump rope for just 1 min each for 3 rounds. Now, if you have read any of my other blogs then you know that a 1 minute seems longer than that when you get to the 3rd round. It was non stop and I was able to move from one station to next(clockwise..LOL!). I started to struggle just a bit on my pulls ups because my arms were a bit tired, but I was able to hang in there. Then we moved on to do "Card Game". There were 3 cones that were set up and we started off my jogging to the last one, lunging to the next one, high knees to the next then high "A" skip to the last. Once we finished that we picked a card from the bucket and did what coincided with the broad, but we had to do twice the number.
Spade – burpees
Heart – push-ups
Diamond – squats
Club – sit-ups
For example, I picked a 6 of clubs, and I did 12 sit-ups, then 10 of diamond and I did 20 squats. It was a GREAT way to keep moving and to now think about what was coming next, because you didn't know until you picked a card. We did not have teams, but I was still pushing myself to do as many as I was able to do in the allowed time. I have noticed that I can't "think" when I am working out.....I just have to do it!

Friday was a GREAT day to have Tour of Grant Park! I'm not sure if physically I was ready for the tour, but I took it. It put me in a different environment and I was able to have several other challenges. There were more hills that slowed me down and a struggle to keep up with the group. The closer I got to them the farther away they were. When we started on the tour I behind, but Amy was there keeping me going. Toward the end I was dragging behind with 2 other campers and still Amy was right there with us. She gave me lots of word of encouragement and told me how good I was doing and looking. There were several dog walkers that said encouraging things as we worked out. I thought that it was nice for them to see that I was doing hard work and told me to keep it up. I am really enjoying being outside and don't look forward to being inside, especially when jogging in those hallways.

I can't believe that we are into week 5. Time is flying! I am holding on and enjoying every bit of it. I will admit that Friday was a bit harder for me to come. It was nice out and I had so many other things that I wanted to do.....but I realize that FitWit last for 1hour/60 mins and it will help me get to my goal and not going is NOT helping me to reach my goal and will keep me where I am. I am proud to say that I am 100% after 4 weeks and will be 100% this camp.......

JCE

Decatur: Bring a Friend Night.

2010-03-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

So, all my Bring a Friend friends flaked out! That's right. I'm calling you ALL out. You flaked. Not even so much as a phone call. I mean, c'mon, if I can do it. Then my goodness, so can you "fit" people. Sheesh.

Alright, enough of the public humiliation. (For now.) It was in fact, Bring A Friend night, which means Week 4 is almost complete! Based on the last bring a friend workout, I have to say this one was no picnic. Not at all.

Here's the breakdown:
1. Wheel circuit (6 stations - 1 min/station - 3 rounds - 1 min. rest after one full round) - KB Squat High Pull, Wall Ball, Rows, Barrier Jumps, Jump Rope, Shoulder Press

2. 3-man team game
One person does plank, one exercises, one does circuit. Circuit = run to cone, complete 30 jumping jacks and run back to team
As a team, get through these exercises as fast as possible:
100 pushups
100 situps
100 squats
75 burpees

If that all sounds hard, it's because it is! The wheel circuit was something else. Being ambitious, I started out with the delightful body rows. What on earth was I thinking? The callouses had finally gone down on my hands, and I want put them right back! I decided to take the wall balls with a heavier weight than I normally use. I had good luck running around the track for the Pushup/Wall Ball challenge with the 12 pounder, so I took it to the wall. Um. Ow. What was I thinking?!? I can't believe I'm about to type this, but I was so damn glad to get to the jump rope! My arms were just noodles. I have to say this, I totally rocked on the jump rope. I was going like a champ, and I was even able to speed up. I almost went totally unbroken on the whole minute until I hit my shoe at the very end. So close! But, it's miles from the first camp when I couldn't jump at all. Next were barrier jumps, and while I couldn't quite jump over the cone, I could at least get side to side behind the cone. Not my brightest and best moment, but I did okay. I had to keep stopping, though. I would lose my breath and not be able to catch it. At one point, I actually started to get a little worried. My lungs were just burning! You know it's a killer workout when the shoulder presses are the easiest exercise in the whole thing. I was overjoyed to get to that one. Not only did it mean the last exercise, but I totally wussed out and took the lighter weight. I could do more and get faster. By the end of that minute, the backs of my arms were burning. After each round, Michelle is telling us that it's a 6 minute investment on getting fit and we're getting years back on our lives. I never really thought about it, but she's right. Every hard exercise we do, every time we push ourselves, we're adding those years back to our lives. We're getting healthy. It was a good feeling. Even though by the end of those three rounds I was ready to lay down for a week!

The game was definitely a fun way to end the Bring a Friend Day. Three to a team, pairing vets and newbies together. We had a good run, and I killed on some pushups. (Why on earth are those getting so easy. I even like the inverted ones! What's wrong with me!?) We came in second in the game, which was awesome. I even ran and did the jumping jacks.

It's amazing how much four weeks can make a difference. I approached this camp a little wary. I'd seen so much change from the first one, but I felt miles behind the other returning vets. I'm trying to choose a few things to work on for each camp. The first one was survival. Seriously. I have never worked that hard in my life. But I did do it, and I survived it. That right there, is a serious badge of courage. This second one, I wanted to work on my upper body strength and jumping. I hated having to ask for subs for the jumping exercises. Now, I might be a little slower, but I can do them. No ankle or knee brace necessary. But this camp does have one spot that's bothering me, I'm still struggling on running/jogging. It can be frustrating at times. I have to do fewer laps, or cut the route short to keep up with everyone. And you know what's silly, I'm just flat out scared of running. I have no idea how to conquer that. It's not so much a physical limitation as it is straight fear. Maybe that's what I work on for the next camp...

One LAP in the WIND at GRANT PARK!!!

2010-03-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

I jogged my first lap tonight non stop!!!! I started off and made it to the 2oo meters and then I was thinking that I could push a little bit more then I was at the 300 and I was thinking that I made it this far....then I might as well take it to the END and I DID!!!! I jogged 400 meters and did not stop!!!!!!!!

I can check this goal off my list that I was able to accomplish and I will add another 100 meters to work on until the end of camp. I generally start jogging my warm up lap a few mins before the other campers. It allows me to set my pace and finish with the right before or along with the other campers.

If you are reading this blog and NOT apart of FitWit then I want you to know that you have to start someone........there are various levels of fitness and if you are scared to take the first step then you NEVER make it to the next level............Everyone has to start someone and I encourage you to join me on my journey or better yet.......start your own.......I have bad days and I have days that I crave things that I should have but I take one step at a time. For example, a co-worker brought in cookies to share. The more I passed by those cookies the more, I wanted them....they looked soft and chewy and I just wanted to take a bite. I had to realize.......should I eat just one..... they are not that big and one wont hurt........Thinking that one was not going to hurt got me to where I am today. I am working to change that and make better choices. I decided not to eat one.......if I was going to waste a cookie or two then I should waste it on some Girl Scout cookies.....LOL!!! My daughter sold GS cookies this year and the I was surrounded with cookies and I must say that I only ate 2 boxes in the course of a month or so and I shared those boxes with others.........I gave my EXTRA boxes to ________ and _______.......I am going to keep the secret and tell that I gave you "vitamins"....LMBO!!! This was a BIG step considering last year, I may eaten a box a day..............

I am GLAD to be apart of FitWit and it really is making a difference in my life........my daughter is still teasing me about me "mental cleansing" on Friday night....she can't believe that HER MOMMY had a meltdown....LOL!! I love my Moo-Moo(Diamond)!!! Hats off to her for being Student of the Week!!!! She is loving dance and enjoying each class....HATS off to Dance 411!!!

I plan to bring 3 friends with me to camp on Thursday. One is from my church, my Soror from the best Sorority that was founded, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ZzzzzzzzPhi!!! SoooooSweet!!! and my boyfriend, Ian, that ditched me on the last bring a friend day. Diamond and my mother, Karen, will be walking around the track to get a peek of the WONDROUS time that I have at FitWit!!!

I will be posting more pictures soon, so make sure that you stay tuned.

The BEST is YET to COME!!!!

JCE

Decatur: Fitwit Night One and FitWit, 10 weeks later.

2010-03-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Some folks have asked if I had some before and after photos. I do! I'll let you all be the judge. The second photo is the very first night of FitWit. The first, is about halfway through the second camp, or 10 weeks later.

As you can see, FitWit doesn't lie. There's some serious differences.

Decatur: The FitWit Sandwich. (Or Lettuce Wrap)

2010-03-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

So we meet again, Sandwich. So we meet again. I have to say, I really love when I get the chance to repeat a workout. It really is satisfying to see where I've been and where I'm going to go. Tonight, it was the Sandwich. Or Wrap, if you go on newbie rep numbers. (Which, I did. Bless your soul, Michelle!)

Here's the breakdown:
FitWit Sandwich
Run 3 football field laps
150 squats
75 situps
50 pushups
25 wall burpees
50 pushups
75 situps
150 squats
Run 3 football field laps

FitWit Sandwich Light (newbies)
Run 2 football field laps
100 squats
50 situps
30 pushups
15 burpees
30 pushups
50 situps
100 squats
Run 2 football field laps

There was a slight modification, since we were inside. 5 laps around the track for the newbies, and 7 for the vets. I took the five and went for it. The last time I faced this workout, it took me damn near forever. I struggled through those squats. I even remember having to use the bar around the track to help with the squats. I struggled something awful. This time, I was bound and determined to get farther than I'd before. I was going to get as close to the end as possible.

I did end up going a little slower on the laps than I'd originally intended. After walking the zoo this weekend in bad shoes, I had the worst shin splint cramps than I'd had this whole camp. I felt like I was walking through molasses at the end. I was so darn happy to get to the squats I thought I was going to cry right then and there.

100 squats is nothing to laugh at, but I was going to make it through them. Once I had a couple of reps of 10 under my belt, my legs and knees loosened up and I was good to go to 20 in a set. I knocked them out as best as I could. (Using the wonderful trick Jose taught me. Look at a spot on the ceiling and don't take your eyes off of it. It keeps your back straight the whole time. Love it!) Squats, done! Off to the sit ups. Thanks to another wonderful trick, this time from Vanessa, I stuck my feet under the bar around the track and went to town. I never thought I'd see the day where I got all 50 situps and and not struggle at the end. I was even able to go fast once my feet were firmly under the bar. Pushups? No problem. I got this! (It's sad when pushups are the easiest part of the workout.) Here we go getting to that upper body strength I am so determined to improve. 30 of 'em, done.

Crap. Burpees. Damn burpees. There's no way for me not to look ridiculous doing burpees. There's just not. If my shirt isn't flipping up my back, the front is well, flopping around. But we don't come to FitWit to be modest. So, for all of you that happened to see the flab, I'm sorry, but I can't say it won't happen again. I decided that 2 sets of 10 and a set of 5 reps was doable. And I got down to it. Those last five were a bit of a struggle and my arms were starting to show the wear and tear from all the pushups. (We do a daily pushup number ever day, and add at least one more to our rep. I've gotten up to 36 unbroken.)

I'd gotten to the middle of the sandwich. It was downhill from here. Back to the pushups. 30 of 'em again. Now for the situps. Damn. Now my stomach muscles were starting to really hurt. I slowed down considerably from the first one. Sweat is pouring down into my eyes, but dammit, I have to keep going! The last ten were a struggle, but I'm almost there. I'm chanting to myself, five more. I can do five more.

Squats. 100 more squats. I can do this. Squats are my friend. They were my sub for just about everything jumping related my first camp. I can do them without thinking now. I have GOT to get these last 100 in before time is called. I'm okay with not getting to the laps. I want to get as much done as I can. I start out with sets of 20. One set, done. Two sets, done. I can do this. One more set and I'm up to 60. It's downhill from here. I can hear Michelle calling out time and we're getting down to the wire. Two more sets of 20 and I'm one whole sandwich part closer than I ever had been before. I slam out 20 more and I'm struggling so much. I almost fall over. Okay, too far down. I'll have to dial it back a little and really keep my toes up. I can do this. I get ten more in. Michelle yells out that there's thirty seconds left. I have to get out these last ten. I have to finish this part of the sandwich. My legs are screaming, my face is burning and dripping, but I'm going to finish. I get my last ten out and two seconds later Michelle says time's up! I did it! I got to everything but the last 5 laps! I went a whole exercise more than the last sandwich!

I was grinning ear to ear. I was so happy with myself. Exhausted, but happy. And to top it all off, I heard one of the best sentences as I was walking to my car. Michelle said, "Good work out there tonight, Anda."

Melt down in week 3 in Grant Park.....

2010-03-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I had my first melt down. I completed the "Sandwich" on Thursday and I was still sore. Friday was my day to do wall balls and push ups. I got there at my normal time and it was raining.......and Josh was in a GREAT mood and RAIN or SHINE we were having camp OUTSIDE. The rain stopped about 5 mins before camp started which was GREAT. Thank God for my Sisterlocks and I was not worried about my hair...LOL!! We started our warm up lap around the parking lot and warmed up as usual. Then to the wall ball and push up challenge. Josh explained what we were doing and said that it will be INTENSE, but just think it will be over in about 15 mins or so. He encouraged us to work hard and get it over with and then we would be finished for the day......I was thinking COOL!! This is what I need 20 mins of HARD work and then I'll call it a day. Since I am doing push ups on my knees, I had to do 40 each round. The first round of wall balls were a breeze compared to later rounds. The sweat started to flow down my face and when I started doing the push ups it seemed like someone dumped a bucket of water on me. Sweat was running into my eyes and I wiped it away and kept working on getting them done. My arms were shaking and burning as I went down and tried to push myself back up. I was able to do about 100 push ups on my knees and then the last 50 or so were on the wall. A few times I even landed on my face and thought that I was not going to be able to move another inch. I even saw a worm that was inches away from me and all I could do was look at it.....any other time I would have jumped up and got away from it. I must admit that I am a scary cat.........back to the push ups. I was on the next to last set of push ups and I was doing them on the wall. Josh was right there cheering me on and keeping me motivated................
All of a sudden, I burst out in tears........I started to cry and cry and cry......Josh was there to keep me going.....He told me about another camper who cried that morning.........I asked him if I could stop and he told me that I come to far and that I was almost done and I needed to hang in there.............as tears were running down my face, I started to continue to do my push ups...one by one....until I reached 40 then another 10 on the wall ball and back to my last 40 push ups....I was doing them in sets of 5 and it was HURTING!! Those seconds were everlasting. All of a sudden it started rain. I finished my exercise and then I went over and cried more........... I think that I was in competition with the weather.....I was having my own thunderstorm.......I just can't believe that I had a MELT DOWN!!! I had a date with one of my Sorority Sisters and I planned to have dessert, but after that melt down and hard work....I decided to pass.

FitWit has turned on the HEAT this camp. This camp has been different and my body is showing me signs that I did not get last camp. I have stopped focusing on the weight and measuring my success by other things. I am fitting into smaller size clothing and using a belt to hold certain pants up. I want to see a lost at the end, but I am focused on an image and not a number.

JCE

Decatur: Week 3, The Marnggie.

2010-03-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

Oh my. The Marnggie. When the description on the FitWit blog is short, you know it's going to be a doozy. And boy, did the Marnggie deliver.

The Marnggie
2, 3, or 4 rounds
30 Rows
20 Slam Balls
Run 400m (5 laps around basketball court; 3 laps around indoor track)
50 pushups
20 burpees

Michelle points to me and says, let's go for three rounds. Okay. Three. I can do three. After our jump rope warm up (which I'm getting better at, thankyouverymuch), I was ready for this workout.

I'd done 30 rows before, and I knew the secret to them was breaking them down into reps that are manageable. After blisters from the last workout with body rows, I was ready to hit them hard. I really wanted to work on upper body strength with this camp, and I was not finding it as hard as it was previously. I was even able to start going for ten in a row before having to rest. (Although, as the workout wore on, that moved more to six, or so.) I got my first 30 in and moved on to the slam balls. Now, I have to say, there is NOTHING better than slam balls when you've had a crap day at work. Just being able to smack that ball down as hard as you can towards the ground, just makes it so satisfying. I even figured out my own little trick for not rounding my back. Don't look down. I tend to keep my torso straight up when I look at a spot on the ceiling when I squat down to get the medicine ball. (Thanks to Jose, for the tip!)

Sad to say, but the laps were the easiest part of this workout. Michelle told me I could do two laps around, instead of the three since I was still walking them. I have to say I was pretty grateful for that. Ever since that mile jaunt we did, my ankle has been a little on the sensitive side.

The first round of pushups and burpees were easy for me. The second round, I was definitely lagging. Joy helped me with the pushups and counted out some with me (even though she was already finished). The burpees I had to break down into reps to get through. Doing reps of five got me through it.

The last round of everything was just brutal. I was huffing and puffing, but I was going to finish all three rounds. I kept asking Michelle for time, I just knew I was going to end up being so close and miss that goal of three rounds. It was getting down the wire, I saw a lot vets finishing. I was going to do this. I was going to hit this awesome goal and feel great. It was down to the burpees and I'm breaking them down into sets of five. I just couldn't spring up from the floor worth a damn. I felt like I was getting slower. I got through the first 10. Just 10 more. I got up to six in the count, and I just about fell over. I had to push through and get the last four. I had to do it. It was going to kill me NOT to do it. Pretty soon, I was on eight. Just two more. Two more I could do. I was struggling to hold form, but I got to nine. I just couldn't make my arms bend to get down on the floor. They just stopped working. I pleaded with my body, please please work. I need to finish this. I need to kick ass and go home feeling like I really accomplished something this week. Finally, my arms bent and I was doing the last burpee.

TIME! I screamed it. I was so happy. I did all three rounds with a time of 34:47. I was sweating like a pig and I'm pretty sure my face was a nice shade of fuchsia, but I finished. I finished with time to spare.

This week, I wanted to push myself and see how far I could go. I feel like I accomplished that. I can't wait to see what next week holds.

Decatur: Week 3, Day 1 OUTSIDE!

2010-03-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

Boy, how excited was I when it was announced the weather was nice enough to have our camp outside! The first time since last camp and we were going to be in the open air. (No offense, Decatur High, but your gym... well, it smells like a gym.) Then Michelle announced what the workout was the dreaded 1.7 mile. Okay, it wasn't so dreaded to me since I'd never done it before. But I do have to admit, that it sounded a tad daunting. Around the track is one thing, but outside. Up a hill? Say what now?

At first, I almost had an easy out. Michelle needed a time keeper since she couldn't be in two places at once. I volunteered since I wasn't sure I was ready for a 1.7 mile jaunt up two huge ass hills. I'm sure my selfless sacrifice didn't go unnoticed, and for a little while I was the timekeeper. Then, Tina showed up and since she was going to do it in the am camp the next day, I was off the hook and on for the run. (Damn!)

Michelle laid out route, and it didn't seem too bad at first. Up a smidge of a hill, turn left, go mostly down hill for two turns and then up another hill and down to the finish. HA! LIES! Okay, so the beginning wasn't that bad. I even started to jog a little. That soon stopped on the cold, hard and unforgiving cement sidewalk. Ouch! So, I moved onto a brisk pace that had me at the back of the pack. Since I was given the grace of only going around and cutting through the parking lot, I figured I could go hard and get there without being lapped. ('Cause some of those people– Nan, I'm talking to you– they run FAST!) So, there I was huffing and puffing along. I get around the corner, and sure enough, it is downhill a little. I'm okay. People are looking at me funny, but I keep my head up and keep on going. Down the next hill towards the parking lot. I get to the parking lot, and I'm thinking, I feel okay. Why don't I keep going? I'm using the barometer of being lapped as my guideline. I haven't seen anyone, so I know that I've got some time before they catch up to me and I straggle in last. I'm about halfway up this massive hill, and I hear faintly behind me, "Go Anda go!" It's Michelle cheering me on, and I swear that gives me my little boost. I can see the traffic light at Howard where I'm supposed to turn left. I'm trucking as fast as I can. And talking to myself. I'm pretty sure I looked insane. But I was gonna make it up that damn hill.

The traffic light is there! I made it! Now it's just straight through on flat ground until the next left. Then, downhill. I truck by the Decatur High School parking lot.
(And the nice raised flowerbeds!) I keep checking behind me. No one's lapped me yet. I might not be the last person through the finish on this one! Then, I hear footsteps behind me. Fast footsteps. I've come to the turn where it's all downhill. I threw a look over my shoulder, it's Nan! Nan the fastest runner we have! She's gaining on me. God help me, I'm breaking into a run. I'm gonna finish close, dammit! So, I'm jogging as fast as the concrete will let me go (downhill, mind you) and Nan passes me. (Of course.) But I'm going to keep going. Michelle runs up to greet me and helps me jog the rest of the way in. I did it! I made it ALL the way around! One whole lap, and I'M NOT LAST! I did it in 15 minutes and 16 seconds. .85 of a mile in 15 minutes. Uphill two ways, too!

I was seriously proud of myself. I remember a time just in November where it took me half an hour to walk a whole mile. Now, I did almost a whole mile in half the time. Even Michelle was impressed at my performance tonight. I walked away under a beautiful night sky proud of myself.

FitWit has turned up the HEAT in Grant Park!

2010-03-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

Is it just me? FitWit has turned the HEAT on and they are kicking my butt. Week 3 is off to a intense start. Monday we did my favorite.......RUNNING!! LOL!! My group ran the entire camp and by the time we finished I was ready to go home. I can see the progress that I have made from the very beginning of camp until now. I am able to jog 1/2 lap and then walk for a bit then jog the rest. I have a goal that I am working on and I want to be able to jog the entire lap by the end of this camp. When jogging around the track, I try to set goals for myself to reach before I stop. Setting these landmarks help me to push until I reach that spot. I have met several non-FitWit members that encouraged me and asked me questions about the program. One lady made the comment that she could NEVER jog the entire time. My answer was that you have to Make an Effort and Not an Excuse and that you have to start somewhere. I told her about my blog and encourage her to check out how FitWit has HELPED ME! I don't think that that I was able to jog 100 meters before I started FitWit, but I am challenging myself and setting those goals and know that I will be able to jog the entire lap soon.

I am really enjoying the outside weather. I feel free and hearing nature between my huffing and puffing is GREAT!!! I feel GOOD when I know that I am striving to do my BEST and not making an excuse.

JCE

Bring on the Ice in Grant Park

2010-03-06T06:19:00.000-08:00

Well, we are done with week 2 and my body is sore. Ice has become my best friend. I think that my body has been put into shock again.

On Thursday we did the Tour of Jackson High School. They set up shop in the gym and then we moved through the school for 40 minutes. We stopped in cafeteria for table dips and bench squats. We ran the stairs and did jumps against the wall. We moved upstairs hallway for running/slides and band work. We had partners and while one of us was running the never ending lap the other was doing band work. This was the part that I thought that they left me upstairs alone when I was jogging the never ending lap. I think that I turned about 8 corners and there was still more hallway to go down. I got nervous for a moment and thought that I was left up there alone. I did not realize that Jackson High was that BIG. It is certainly bigger than the high school I attended(Shiloh High School). I missed a few mins with the group because I was still jogging upstairs. We were almost done and Josh had us to hold up the wall. I thought that it was doing fine on its own, but I guess it needed the help of FitWit! We were in a squat position with out backs against the wall for 30 secs...I think and round 2 was for 45 seconds. If you read my blogs before then those seconds seems like a lifetime when your legs are burning. Thought we were done....think again....it was time for 50 jumping jacks(I think)......still not done....we finished it off with a lap. During this workout, I was able to meet another vet, Carla, and we had a few things in common. We both recently got sisterlocks and her knees were hurting. It was great to meet someone new and realized that you share a few things.........I think that she is a regular 9:30am campers. That is the GREAT part about FitWit is that you are able to bond with others and it feels like family. We ALL have one GOAL in COMMON...We want be healthy and part of being healthy is regular exercise. I want to live as long as GOD allows me and I need to make sure that I do things that I have control over to keep me here. I feel that if I continue to eat and not exercise then I am cutting days off of my life. My life is changed and I see the importance of doing what it takes to be healthy. It is sad that many activities that we do revolve around food. Parties, socials, meetings........we have have food at them. I am having a Home Interior decorating party and Scentsy(check out my website at www.sensualillusion.scentsy.us) at my house next week and the menu is a salad bar. I am going to make a BIG SALAD and allow my guest to pick and choose things that they want to add to their salad. I think that it is a new start and I must not compromise what I am doing for others to join me at my home. If I brought all those other things then at the end they would be left there....and I would end up eating them later.............It is a way for my friends to see the journey that I am taking and invite them to join me. I have several members at my church that have started working out and making better choices. We encourage each other on the new path that we are taking.

TGIF!!!!! Friday we were outside and is cold. I have started my warm up lap a few minutes before so that I can keep up with the group. I started my warm of lap and made it back by the time the class started. I jogged in place to keep warm until the group came back. Bwaa worked us around the track and then we started the Tabata. Working for 20 seconds and resting for 10 seconds for 8 rounds of pushups, situps, squats and runs. We had to record of lowest score. My highest number of push-ups was 3 and I fell on my face several times. For sits-ups was 4, and 5 for squats. My knee started to really bother me by the time that we got to the squats. Working for 20 seconds seems like a short period of time, but try it and it seems like an hour when your muscles are burning and you are doing all it takes to keep moving. Bwaa was motivating us as we increase the number of rounds. Trying to let is take our minds off the physical pain and focus on your goal. When I was doing those sit-ups, I was waking up muscles that I did not know that I even had. My pastor said in a message on Sunday that we all abs/6-packs, but some just have EXTRA covering.........LOL!!! Well, even though I am not able to see mine, I can sure tell you that they exist. We ended Friday with a game and my team (Team C) tied with Team B. I really like doing games and I have been thankful to have wonderful team mates. I feel that I am working my best so that I don't let my team down.

I can't believe that we are headed to week 3. A newbie asked me if I felt that the workouts were easier since this is my 2nd camp. NO, I feel that some exercises are easier, but overall I am still challenged each day. I can see the progress that I have made over the past 8 wks. In fact, I was able to do a burpee in slow motion on Friday. I have moved from doing push-ups on the wall to on my knees. I am going at a slower pace, but I am doing them. I feel that if it is easy then I am not working hard enough and should push a bit harder.

I am excited about week 3 and all the new things that we are doing.

JCE
"A man that falls down gets up faster than a man who lies down" -Unknown

Decatur: End of Week 2.

2010-03-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Strangely enough, after a miserable start, Week 2 ended up on a pretty high note. Although, Monday's workout was tough, I managed to have a bit of a breakthrough. During our week break between camps, I sought out One Step At A Time. I finally got myself fitting for some real running/walking shoes. They felt so great, I decided to take a chance. I took off the ankle braces. And lo and behold... I could jump rope. Not easily, but I did it! And I could go fast!

So, I was psyched when our warm up on Tuesday was jump rope. I could do it! Finally! I almost got a double-under in there, too. I was on fire! No really, my legs... they were on fire! But I did it and no horrible shooting pain coming from my arch and heel going up my calf. It was the TKO workout, remixed. (No sprints this time. Thank goodness for small favors.) We kept score overall, and while I wasn't happy with my number, I was thrilled with my jump rope.

The week kept moving on and by Thursday, it was time for a new routine I have now dubbed, the jailhouse workout. You think I'm kidding, but I'm pretty sure I saw these moves back when Oz was still on HBO. The warm up was a bit of a shakeup, but it was fun. I even managed to get some mountain climbers in there without too much pain. Then onto the main workout, it was a beast.

30 - 25 – 20 – 15 – 10 – 5 reps of the following for time:
incline pushups – prisoner squats – rows

It looks so benign all typed out. Yeah, those pushups, squats and rows, those are 30 of them, followed by 25, followed by 20. Not of each, of ALL the exercises. I thought for sure my arms were going to collapse on the incline pushups. I was just envisioning landing straight on my face from the bench we were using and breaking my damn nose. I just knew it was going to happen. Surprisingly it didn't, but I did ask Michelle to stand on the other end to make sure I wasn't going to faceplant. It was one tough workout, but I made it to the end before time was called. (A rarity for me, really.) Managed to wrap the whole thing up: Anda 25:08. (Yay me!)

Friday brought out the fun workout day. I got to moonlight in the morning camp and had a great time. Stacy's always so enthusiastic in the morning, it's hard not to catch it. It was early in the day, so I decided I was going to take a chance on Friday. During the workout, I managed to not only do 100 jumping jacks, I did 50 mountain climbers and I didn't cry once! Or have to stop because of pain in my calves! For the first time in my FitWit history, I only had to have ONE SUB! One! (No squat jumps for me, yet, but I'm getting there!)

Even though I felt like I'd failed at FitWit after Monday's workout, I really felt as if I'd made some serious strides by the end of the week. I'd seen that FitWit could reduce my size in jeans, but I really feel as if I'm improving my overall fitness level with each week. Maybe setting that goal of jogging all the way through warm up by week 6 isn't so far off as I'd thought.

Ruth at Grant Park

2010-03-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Well, after the mile on Monday with those heel climbs....I thought that I was never going to get out of my car when I got home. I was HURTING from head to toe. Then on Tuesday we had the Ruth. Ruth made me think of my grandmother that lost the battle to cancer in 1998. RIP Granny. I just knew that she was going to be with me for the workout....and she was......PAIN and ALL. I was joking with another campers and staying that she was haunting me for all those times that I did not come to visit. The modified Ruth for me consisted of
For time:
100 lunge steps
40 push-ups w/overhead claps
200 single jumps
25 mountain climbers each leg
25 jumping jacks
20 wall balls
400m run

I was able to do one round at 37.36 . My knees started to hurt so bad that Trevor modified the wall balls to 10 instead of 20. THEY WERE ON FIRE!!!!! I only did 2 laps b/c of time.

That night was the first time that I wanted to give up. The lunges were getting harder and harder by second. I am now doing push ups the regular way and they are much harder than the ones on the wall. My shoulders were burning and shaking as I was pushing up. I was able to do 4 push-ups in a row. After doing about 20, it seems like my hands weighed a 100 pounds when I was lifting them up to clap. I try to stay focused when I am working out and not think too much, but this workout I did not have to think... I was feeling the PAIN! Sweat was dripping off me like someone poured a keg of water on me after a victory game. I got upset with myself and feel that at times I need to push a little bit harder and that I need this more than anything. I am still working on my motivation at home and my nights off. I have to make this work for me. I have a goal that I am trying to reach and I got to kick it into gear.

I was seeing my chiropractor on a weekly until last week. I can tell the difference. In fact, I called him and told him that I was going to see him starting back on next week. My body did not feel the way that it is feeling now. I had pain but not at this intense. I am somewhat ready for tonight (Thursday) my knee feels a bit better. I have been icing it when I get home and tried to rest it on yesterday. It did not bother me this morning when I went down the stairs. We will see what happens.

I bet that this will be one that we will do again to see if our time changed.....I thought that Victoria was rough until I meet Ruth....LOL!!

JCE

Decatur: 4 rounds of what now?

2010-03-04T05:24:00.001-08:00

Monday was the first time I have ever left a FitWit workout with my head hung in shame. I was so disappointed in myself that I seriously thought about quitting. It sounds totally melodramatic, but it was the first time I saw a workout and felt that there was nothing in it I could do.

It's Worth the Weight- 3 or 4 rounds for time:
3 laps (400 m run)
30 weighted squats w/KB(s) or bar(s) (only 20 reps for w = 25lb+ and m = 40lb+)
50 weighted walking lunges
200 jump rope singles
10 burpees

All I kept thinking was, I worked so hard to take this weight off my poor body and now you want me to put it back on AND work out with it? But the worst of it was, the jump rope. It's been the only thing to elude me completely (other than being able to do jumping jacks). I just can't do jump rope fast. I lose my count, my coordination, and the shooting pain that goes down the back of my heels when I land. It all adds up to a trying time with the ropes. I finally had to call out for a sub. I know Michelle wanted me to do something with jumping it, but I didn't have the will to finish it. I had to sub out with just plain squats.

I got through the laps, walking, but I got through them. The weighted squats I did okay with, but my knee was screaming by the end of them. The walking lunges, those were a special torture for me. My knees just wanted me to stop. I felt all that extra weight from the bars just pulling me down. I saw exactly how much damage the weight has done to my body with those lunges. My knees, my ankles, me feet... everything hurt. I made it through the 50, but I have to say, I was really slow with them. My form was definitely less than perfect and I had to be stopped more than once by Michelle to correct my stance and how I was holding the weighted bar. It was a struggle. And the jump rope, well, you can imagine how that went. Jam stayed with me and was a good cheerleader, but my knees and feet were just not listening.

By the end of all those exercises, I had to do the beginner burpees. I just had no energy left and I felt so down by then. I was "hitting the wall" at full force. Everything I did just got slower and slower. By the time I got to the beginning of round two I felt like I was walking through molasses. I had no energy and my feet felt like two blocks of cement. Every time Michelle called out the time, I just got slower and slower. I made it through the three laps and got all of two weighted squats in before time was called. I made it exactly 1.1 rounds out of 4.

I felt horrible. I felt like I failed at FitWit for the very first time.

It wasn't until I talked to my fellow FitWitt-ers the next night did I realize how had that workout was. Tena even compared it to Victoria, saying it was her new most disliked workout. And my ever-enthusiastic morning camper buddy, Michelle said it was a tough one for her, too. I still am not terribly proud of how I did on that workout, but I'm no longer desolate about it.

Thank GOD for FitWit

2010-03-01T04:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I am going to make a LONG story short about my experience yesterday. I traveled to Birmingham, AL with my church (Salt and Light Truth Center, Decatur, GA) on yesterday. We went to see the Civil Rights Museum to celebrate Black History month with our youth. It was a great museum and I would recommend it to others. If you tour on Sunday then it is free otherwise there is a fee. After we left the museum we were going to Golden Corral to eat dinner before traveling back to Georgia. We had an issue with the bus and was somewhat stuck for 30mins. The bus driver passed the restaurant and we saw it about a min or so up the road. Well, we had to get off the bus in order the it to be fixed and we decided to walk to the restaurant. I am PROUD to say that I was with the first group to get the restaurant. I was with ALL the teenagers and 2 mail carriers. I walked up the hills and down the hills, but at the end I was NOT tired. It took the others a while to catch up with us. Remember my cousin, Trish, that I brought to bring a friend day. She was there and was huffing and puffing and about to die. I told her that if I was not in FitWit then I would be in the same boat that she was in. Trust me, 8 weeks ago I would have been huffing and puffing and about to pass out, but I WASN'T. On top of that I made a good choices at the buffet. Just because it is all you can eat doesn't mean that I had to stuff myself until I couldn't move. I ate one plate and was content. I ate mainly veggies and had a taste of peach cobbler. I am proud of myself that I am moving in the right direction. I am HAPPY to be apart of the FitWit family and know that what is done in my 4 hours a week helps me when I am not there. I could NEVER say in a MILLION WORDS how grateful I am to be in here FitWit and I want to work HARD so that I have not taken this experience for granted.

I read the workout for today and ready for the mile. I have put a plan together and hopefully, I can stick to it.

I LOVE FITWIT!!!!!!

JCE

Newbie Status is Over in Grant Park

2010-02-27T06:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we finished with week 1. Well, the newbie status is over and I'm running with the Big Dogs(Vets)! The first night of camp for me was hard, because I was not as active as I wanted to be on my week off. I was trying to caught up on some many things and did not workout like I planned. I was still tracking what I ate and was proud of myself. I did have a few things on my weekend getaway that I could have lived without.....but I am only human and ate several pieces of cake over the weekend in Gatlinburg, TN. I am still struggling with seeing process that I made and can only tell by looking back at old pictures. Since I started my journey, I have lost about 45 pounds. I really don't have a goal weight that I want to achieve, but I have an image. Once, I reach that image then I will work hard to maintain it.

Friday night was HARD! My workout was modified from the 100 burpees, but I did 25 mountain climbers per leg and 25 step ups per leg. I had to work for 10 minutes straight......toward the end I was really getting slow and it felt like I could not hold up my body. The floor exercise was a bit intense after the first part. My leg felt like it was on FIRE!!! All I remember is the Bwaa and Lindsay saying that we are working on our "Summer bootays"......LOL!!! The team exercise was FUN!!! I really had FUN and was able to connect with several vets and newbies. Jodi, my co-worker, was on my team. She attended bring a friend to camp with me several weeks ago and I am EXCITED that she will be working out with me this camp. I LOVE JACK!!! He is always there to encourage me even when he is across the room. I was worried that he was not coming back when I didn't see him the first couple of camps. I was EXCITED when he came back on Thursday. I feel like FitWit is my family and we have a common goal of getting in shape/staying in shape so that we can live longer.

I am excited about week 2. Here are a few pictures that I wanted to post. I did my measurements on Friday and I will let you know all of my results at the end of this 6 weeks camp.

Remember to "Make an Effort and NOT an EXCUSE"

JCE

Decatur: Week 1, Day 1.

2010-02-23T05:04:00.001-08:00

Newbie status is over, now it's time to play with the big kids. And the big kids play hard. After a week off tending to the munchkin with pneumonia, the workout felt like a vacation and a punishment all at once. I was disappointed not to really get to work out during the break, but I still managed to come back strong. I did better than I thought I would. I got lower with my squats, I was able to do unbroken sets with my pushups, but still my situps need some work. I'm really wanting to concentrate on my arms and tummy this camp. I feel like they should be shrinking at the rate the rest of me is, but I'm not seeing it yet.

Here's what we did.
5 min jump rope - # is best set of consecutive jumps in a row
4 min. of squats - to crate or doesn't count
3 min. of situps
2 min. of pushups
1 min. touch drill - counting # of touches
1 min. of burpees

Then, partner band ladder to 10 (w/shakeups of 30 jumping jacks & 30 sec. squat holds)
Bicep curls
Shoulder press

5 minutes of jump rope doesn't sound so bad, does it? Talk to me when you're halfway in. It's a long time. A very long time. Although, I did manage to jog a bit on the touch drill and did real burpees for the whole one minute. And those shakeups, I held that squat so low I was damn proud of myself. I felt the burn. So, I managed to retain a bit of the conditioning from the previous camp.

I'm pretty excited to see where the next six weeks takes me. I'm a little nervous about losing that newbie status, but I know FitWit isn't going to make me do anything I can't handle. And really, after ending the last camp with a pair of jeans FOUR SIZES SMALLER, I can only imagine what vet status is going to do for me this time.

That D*** SNOW!!!......I MISSED my LAST NIGHT @ Grant Park

2010-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

I could not make my last night of camp and was upset because I was not 100% for the six week. I left my house and they were closing roads and my car was sliding a little bit too much for me and I felt unsafe. I took these pictures of all the snow when I was driving back to home. I was upset and in a bad mood b/c I could not get there. It was my goal to be there every night and this was the only night that I missed. I was looking forward to redoing the exercises from night one so that I can see the progress that I made during the six week. I am going to see if I can redo them the first night of the next camp, so that I can see my improvements.

Mid way through the camp, I decided that I was not going to read the workouts prior to going. Sometimes the knowledge was too much for me and I would think about it too much. It was better for me to find out at camp and work it out!!! On Thursday night, I got to camp and Bwaa let me in and we were chatting about camp and the workout. He said are you ready for tonight? I was like.......ummmmm......are we doing a lot of running?....he smile and I knew that we were doing the Victoria. Running is just something that I am getting use to and it is not my favorite. Many campers said that they thought about not coming because of "Victoria", but at the end we ALL MADE it through. I even did some of my push-ups not on the wall. My arms were on FIRE!!!! I was able to knock her out (Victoria) and I didn't have to crawl out of my car or up the steps when I got home. That was proof that I have changed since the first time we did the Victoria. It wasn't that bad the second time around.

I really enjoyed my first camp at FitWit and excited about the next one. I feel that I have grown so much and that I have progressed throughout the past 6 wks. I was able to met several goals that I set for myself. I was able to jog one lap. I was able to run the entire 17 touch drill. The entire camp was cheering me on and I made it in 2.21! Just to think that I was able to keep jogging non stop for 2.21. GO ME!!!! GO ME!!! GO GE!!!!!

I just want to THANK all of the vets and newbies that gave me support during my first camp at FitWit. I came in with some doubt in myself and yall helped me to get through it. It was truly a blessing to be in camp with a GREAT group of people that would keep me going and encourage me as they would pass by. All my partners and groups that I was in for allowing me to feel like a member and pushing me and not being upset with me if we did not win. Special thanks to the trainers for all the encouragement and taking the time to show me things at a slower pace and not allowing me to say that I couldn't do. I can even jump rope now!!! Lastly to Josh, for having this contest and putting in all of your handwork and time into FitWit. I can tell that you are passionate about what you do. This experience has changed my life in just 6 wks.....I can only image.....what it is going to be like at the end of 6 months. THANKS A MILLION!!!!

JCE

Make an Effort and Not an Excuse

Decatur: End of Camp Workout!

2010-02-13T07:42:00.000-08:00

Wow. I can't believe six weeks went by this fast. I can't believe how far I've come from the first workout. I came to FitWit scared and excited. I was terrified that I wasn't going to be able to do it. Kicked out on account of fat. After that first day, I saw how silly I was to be scared. It was such a supportive and encouraging environment. The trainers worked with me, I got modifications on the spot before the injuries happened or got worse. I kept apologizing for not being able to do the exercises properly. I was promptly told, no apologies. Do what you can. You'll get better. Even though, at the time I didn't quite believe them.

Boy, I sure do now! Not only did I get OUT of some of the modifications, (regular burpees, anyone? Heck yeah, me!) I got better. I got faster. I got to heavier weights. I got to more reps. And really, through most of the camp, I didn't quite believe I'd get better. When we started repeating workouts and comparing times, I saw it. I saw that I was getting better, faster. That first workout where I really saw an improvement was Kristie. I never felt so accomplished than I did that day. I shaved a whole seven minutes off my previous time. I WAS getting stronger. (And I am now thoroughly convinced that I can kick my husband's butt in just about any exercise.)

It was last workout of the camp, which means assessment time again. Now I was going to be able to see exactly how much change there was from that very first day. Newbies only had to go for 60 seconds on each exercise (thank goodness!).

Here's the breakdown from the first camp. January 4th. Pushups/Sit-ups/Squats

Anda T 16/18/15

And here's the proof that FitWit is awesome. Here's the breakdown for the camp on Feb 12th.

Anda T 35/26/35

That's right. I darn near doubled my counts after 6 weeks. I'm still going to have to work on sit-ups, but hey, it's still nothing to sneeze at. And not that it's an excuse, Emily was making me laugh during the exercise. It's REALLY hard to sit-up and laugh at the same time. Really. Try it. I dare you.

I decided to go ahead and get my measurements done after camp, just to see what else was different. (I love that instant gratification!) I lost 8 pounds over the six weeks, lost nearly 6 inches off my waist and at least 1 inch everywhere else. I was shrinking! SHRINKING! I could've floated home after seeing those numbers.

Not only did I get better, stronger and faster after six weeks of FitWit; I got smaller. Small enough to shrink a couple of jean sizes, as I later confirmed that day.

Camp #2, here I come!

Decatur: Victoria, Victoria. The remix.

2010-02-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well. We meet again, Victoria. And this time... I ROCKED you! HA!

All bragging aside, the Victoria was no nicer the second time around. It was a struggle to the end, but I pushed myself as hard as I could go throughout the whole thing. I still had to sub some things, no squat jumps, those were regular squats and the 1-leg squats were subbed with lunges.

I was huffing and puffing by the end of the first round. And sweating like nobody's business, but I still had energy. Those dips, though. They kill me every time. My upper body seriously needs some work. I'm really going to try to concentrate on that next camp. Maybe bigger weights will help me support some of this weight I'm lugging around.

Here's the breakdown of the mysterious and difficult Victoria:
Round 1 -
Run 9 laps (1200 meters)
20 dips
20 1-leg squats
20 pushups
20 squat jumps
20 shoulder press (seated w/kb)

Round 2 -
Run 6 laps (800 meters)
30 dips
30 1-leg squats
30 pushups
30 squat jumps
30 shoulder press (seated w/kb)

Round 3 -
Run 3 laps (400 meters)
40 dips
40 1-leg squats
40 pushups
40 squat jumps
40 shoulder press (seated w/kb)

See? It's no joke. My laps were a little shorter based on the fact that I'm still not up to jogging yet. I did a 5/3/1 on my laps. That's my next goal for the upcoming camp, jogging and upper body strength.

The last time I did the Victoria, was Jan. 11th. My time was 37 minutes for a whopping two rounds. Two. That's it. And I can tell you, it was a struggle to get to the end of those two rounds.

This time, the new and improved Victoria time was ALL THREE ROUNDS in 38:40. I went a little past the 37 minute time limit, but I finished. I finished and for the first two rounds, I used a heavier weight on my shoulder presses.

Victoria, Victoria. You will always be a challenge, but I can't wait to meet you again.

Bowling Social and Start of Week #6 @ Grant Park

2010-02-08T17:55:00.001-08:00

I had so much fun at the bowling social on Saturday. I can say that we ALL clean up very nice...LOL!!! Diamond and I had SOOO much FUN! Oh yea...... I must brag a bit.....I BEAT BWAA!!!! That was my highlight that I was able to beat my trainer. He motivates me more and more each week. I can honestly see why campers start and never stop. The 6pm trainers @ GRANT PARK are the BEST...HAND DOWN!!!!! It was a GREAT way to spend time on Saturday with my FitWit family away from camp. I am so GRATEFUL to have so many supporters that are encouraging me along this journey.

Diamond REALLY enjoyed herself! She wanted to come with me to camp tonight(Monday) when my mom was running late to get her. She talked in the car about how she had fun and that everyone was nice. See even my 6 yrs old can tell that I work out with a GREAT group!!! THANKS FITWIT! She was asking 500 questions about what we do each night. When we move outside, my mother will be walking the track with Diamond and she will be able to see all the fun that we have. We should have a family workout session.

At church on Sunday we had Women's fellowship after service for about an hour. We discussed making visual boards. I am excited about making one and placing it where I can see it each day. It will help me to stay on track and see what I am striving for each day. I was able to share with them some of my milestone that I have made so far. I was proud to tell them about the "Kristie" and how my time decreased. I also shared with them my quote that keeps me going. "Make and Effort and Not an Excuse".

We are in week #6 and we all have made progress. I was able to jog the entire lap tonight. I realize that I just have to fine a pace and stick to it. I had FUN tonight and I was able to do ALL 17 touch drill for the first time. I have done the drill in the past but never 17. I think that the highest was 10. It took me 2.21 but I WAS ABLE TO DO IT! I was the last person, but it felt good to be able to do it. The whole class cheered me on and I was on my last few touches. Just a few short weeks, I could barely do a sit-ups and tonight, I was able to do all 20 non stop. I only made it through one round. My right knee is starting to bother me just a bit, but I am still pushing myself and not making an excuse. I was afraid of team exercises/partner, because I felt that my members/partner would get upset for me moving a bit slower than them, but that is out of my mind. My team members/partners are supportive and have never been rude or got upset with me. I look forward to coming each night. I haven't missed a night and strive to be 100% until the end. When you are passionate about something you will do what it takes.........I am so passionate about getting in better shape and living a healthy life that I will do what it takes........I am grateful that Josh had a contest and the voters that voted for me that allowed me to have this opportunity. I strive HARD to make sure that I am doing my part....This is a life changing experience for me and I LOVIN' IT!!!

JCE

Decatur: Kristie, we meet again.

2010-02-08T05:19:00.001-08:00

I was wondering when we'd get around to repeating some of the timed workouts. Kristie was the first to come around, and I'm happy to say, I didn't mind it.

It's not an easy workout, I tell you. The breakdown is below.
4 rounds – “Kristie”
400m run (3 laps)
50 Lunges (total)
30 Wall Ball
20 KB Squat High Pull
15 Rows
10 Push-up Burpees

Newbies do 2 laps around track, 30 lunges, 20 wall ball, 15 SHP, 10 rows and 5 burpees

Of course, I did the newbies rounds. (Which was nothing to sneeze at, either.) This time it was different for me. I could really feel the difference in my body. I could feel the ease of some of the exercises and on others, I could notice the difference in how far down I could go, or move up on the weight being pulled. It's amazing how after just 5 weeks I can feel my body responding and changing. I'll be honest, I thought I wouldn't feel comfortable at some of these exercises until the end of this journey. I really did. The KB Squat High Pulls, I thought those would elude me forever. Zipping up the front with a weight when you've got boobs in the way, it just doesn't flow well. But this time, I was going like a champ. It got easier to do them. I even managed to get all 15 in a row without stopping. At the beginning of camp, there's no way I could have done it. Even my lunges have gotten better. Barely, but they've gotten better. I still go slow, but I can get further down and I can feel less tension in my knee. And wall ball. Oh, wall ball. You're one of my favorite. Don't tell the others. There is nothing like taking that shoving it up the wall as hard as you can. Yours arms are quaking by the end of the reps, but it feels so good. You can let your anger and irritation with whatever just go with that ball right up the wall.

The rows are still tough for me. It's gotten a little easier, but my upper body strength is still in the garbage. My legs are nice and strong now, but my arms just can't hold my weight. Which is strange since I had an easier time of it before I starting to lose weight with FitWit. I know what I want to work on for next camp though, ARMS!

All in all, it was a great workout. As the time ticked down, I begged Stacy to let me go to 40 minutes. I knew what my time was before and I wanted to beat it so badly. I wanted to say I got better. I wanted to be better! I'm down to the last two exercises and I'm hearing some folks finish, but there's more that have time to go. I'll be able to finish. I'm gonna beat that time. Stacy told me she'd let me finish, I'd just skip the cool-down if I needed to. I took it and ran. I got down the lunges and I'm going slow, but I'm keeping form. That's when you want to keep good form. It's when it counts, when you're exhausted and you want nothing more to do but to rush through and finish. I managed to finish and run over to the rows. These are still so hard. I have to break them up. 5 and 5, and the last five always are so hard to get through. Jose gets next to me, and ever the awesome cheerleader tells me to go when I'm ready. So, I go and we're counting them off. I got through the first five, but I'm pouring sweat and I want to lay down and stop. 5 more. That's it, just 5 more. I managed to get them out, I felt my hands slipping at the end, but I got five more and I slam myself back to the floor. Last exercise, the very last... burpees. Mine are still modified, but I'm going to do them and I'm going to finish. The next to last burpee my hand slips but I held on, and soon enough, I jump up after 5 and yell time! I did it!

Stacy gives me my time: 35:47. I did it! I finished. I didn't need the 40 minutes. Not only that. My old time? 42:07. That's right, I shaved almost 7 minutes off my time.

Now I feel like a true FitWit-er. We always say we're competing against ourselves. This time, I truly felt that. I came, I conquered and I beat my old time.

Weigh In (JCE)

2010-02-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

I went to my weigh in this morning at Weight Watchers and was a bit disappointed that I only lost 1.4 lbs this week. I guess that I should be happy that I am in the negative and it was not a gain. I am still on track and will continue to work hard this week and make the right choices. We will see what will happen next week.

JCE

OMG week 5 is over @ Grant Park

2010-02-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures that Trevor took that I would like to share. He took the first picture and it looks like I was about to die....LOL!!! I was doing dips on that photo......Trevor loves to take pictures when we are looking our best and it shows that we REALLY work at FitWit!

Can you believe that week 5 is over? I can't! It seems like me just started.......I guess that what happens when you are having fun. I have made it to all classes and plan to make the last 4 of this session.

This week I made some progress that I am proud of it and wanna share. Well, we repeated "The Kristie" from week 2. For those of you who can't remember "The Kristie"is

4 rounds –

400m run

50 Lunges (total) – hands interlocking

30 Wall Ball

20 Kettle bell swing

15 Rows

10 Push-up Burpees

In week 2, I was able to complete 2 rounds with modifications. I know that I did only 25 squats per round and I sub push-up burpees for 25 jumping jacks. It took me 34.35. This week we did the same workout and I was able to do it w/o modification just sub the burpees for the 25 jumping jacks and it only took me 34.12. YEAH!! I did it in less time and 50 more lunges. For the rows this week, Trevor had me to do 10 since I held them for 5 secs each. I have made progress..............

Today(Friday) was 80's night, I had on my wig with pony tail to the side, big shirt tied on the side, my socks over my legging. I had on my wig for about 10 mins and then it was getting toooo HOT! I had to take it off to get my workout on. I am going to post a few pictures tomorrow of me in my wig with the high teased bangs........they would not stay b/c I did not have any hairspray. The 80's workout was a bit of a challenge. It seems that once we got on the floor it was time to stand back up. A camper dressed as Richard Simmons and I feel like I was 'Sweatin' in the Oldies'. I learned how to jump rope and next camp....Jo will be ready!! It was great to listen to music that I jammed to when I was a little girl. I think that I need to make me a playlist of some of those songs. Who remembers New Kids on the Block? I do! MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, Guns and Roses, New Edition........I think that my list could go on and on.

On another note, just wanted to share with you some things going on in my family. Diamond had a dr appt today and it went GREAT!!! Her dr was proud of her for ALL the work that we have put in over the past 3 1/2 months. I am proud to say that she gained only a pound and grew 1 1/2 taller. On her previous visit she gained about 7-8lbs. Some of it was due to medication that she was taken but we did a 180 turn. She is excited about her dance classes and the progress that she has made. I am proud of my BABY!! My boyfriend, Ian, has jumped aboard and decided that he needs to get in better shape and lose weight as well. He is diabetic and fell off the wagon for a while. He started to workout some with me but he was not motivated. I think that he was joining me b/c she was tired of hearing me nag....and wanted to do it to shut my mouth. He was supportive but just did not want to workout with me all the time. It is hard since he works nights...We are like night and day. Well, the light bulb finally came on and he decided that he is going to do what it takes. He weighed in tonight and lost 9lbs this week. It took me a month to lose 10lbs. He decided to detox and he still have 2 more days. WAY TO GO!!! I will weigh in tomorrow. According to my scale, I have lost but I like to report my weight from Weight Watchers. I am planning to attend the 6:45am meeting, so I will have to post my success.

I purchased an outfit several months ago b/c it was on clearance for $10, but one thing......it was too little....they did not have my size and I knew that it was too good of a deal to pass by, so I bought it. Now, I know that I am not the only person that has purchased something and made a pack that they would get into it by a certain date......sometimes it might get lost in the closet......... but this one didn't. Lets be honest....... I was able to wear to work on Wednesday and got some many compliments. I had a dental appt and my dentist even told me that my outfit looked good on me. To be honest, I can't see the weight loss and I can only tell it if I put on something that is a smaller size or when others tell me. I often look at old pictures and I can see the difference in my face, but looking in the mirror....I just can't tell

Well, I hope to see all of you at the bowling social tomorrow......I took bowling in college and thought that it was an easy "A"..........I guess that is what I get for thinking........

JCE

FitWit 250......Not FitWit 500 @ Grant Park

2010-02-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

FitWit 250 (2010 remix)
1 rounds = 250reps
50 Sit-up and double shoulder press - bars
50 Broad Jumps
50 1-arm KB Thrusters
50 Windshield Wipers (over and back is one)
50 Slam Balls

I know that you are thinking...FitWit 250...Yes, I was able to complete the FitWit 250 last night without any modification. It took me 40.05 to complete one round. I am excited and proud that I was able to do it. I think that I could have pushed myself a bit hard, but I caught myself starring out into space with I was doing my sit ups and double press. Josh quickly got me back to FitWit world and was able to push through into the end. During the workout, I talked to myself more last night than before. I had to keep telling myself that I could do it and counted the numbers down. Generally, I will count backwards and it helps me push to get to "0". I am glad that it was not raining outside b/c my windshield wipers(legs) were struggling to make it from one side to another. Stacy was next to me and her wipers were on high speed! She was rocking those windshield wipers out. She was like the Energizer bunny...she was going...and going and going! It seems at one point I had turned my body upside down from where I started.....not sure if anyone noticed or not...but HEY!...I was able to get them done. Slam balls are the way to take out any anger and frustration that you have going on. I was having a moment and was able to release it as I slammed that ball to the floor. The kettlebell thrusters had me moaning and grunting and I even found myself praying..... I realized that it is IMPORTANT to have a positive attitude when you are working out, because negative energy is hard to get rid of. I realize that this is a journey for me and I will have bad days and some good, but I MUST give it 100% even when I don't feel like it. It is only going to help me get to the next level and reach my goals that I am striving for. I have not missed a day and striving for perfect attendance.

I have changed a lot in the past 4 weeks. I notice that I am able to do things that I could not do before. I just gotta hang in there. My motto for the week is still " Make an EFFORT and NOT an EXCUSE". I got it from one of the poster that is posted in the hallway. I seem to look at it when I am jogging. Thanks to Justine for pointing it out to me. It helps me to stay focused on that I need to be doing.

See ya tonight!

JCE

Decatur: The FitWit 500.

2010-02-02T05:13:00.000-08:00

It's the beginning of week 5 and boy, did it start with a bang. I should've known something called the FitWit 500 wasn't going to be easy. (But, I can dream right?)

For those of you that won't know what the heck I'm talking about, here's how it breaks down:

FitWit 500 (2010 remix)
2 rounds = 500 reps
50 Sit-up and shoulder press - bars
50 Broad Jumps (PM ground subbed Squat Jumps for these since we were in restricted pace)
50 1-arm KB Thrusters
50 Windshield Wipers (over and back is one)
50 Slam Balls

The first round, you're like, yeah! Let's go! By the middle of the first round, you're like, Ok! I can make it! By the middle of the second round, you're like, what? There's more? How can there be time left?

Okay, maybe not everyone. Some hardcore campers actually made it to three or four rounds. (I would NOT be in that category of camper.) My goal was a simple one. Make it all the way through two rounds, as requested. I trucked through that first round. I got to sub lunges for the squat jumps since I'm still a little unsteady on my knee. I got through the situps just fine. For some reason, that bar makes it a little easier. Maybe the momentum of carrying it through to overhead helps. Moved onto the lunges. Easy peasy. The Kettle Bell arm Thrusters. Oh sweet lord. Guess who needs to work on her arm strength. I had the smallest damn kettle bell, and still I was crying trying to lift that bad boy up over my head. Michelle took pity on me and said to just do 30 total, 15 each arm. I got through it, but my momentum took a plunge. I felt like I was on slow motion for everything else. The windshield wipers were easy for the first half, but the second half was really tough. My core muscles were just screaming at me. I was grunting like a vet just to get through that first set of 50. The slam balls are my favorite. There is nothing like slamming a medicine ball down on the ground at the end of a long day at work. Take that, cubicle life! SLAM! Take that, stupid traffic jam. SLAM! I love it.

I was energized once again, so I decided to go backwards for the second round to change it up a little. Back to the windshield wipers. I thought that last set of 25 was hard to do, by the time I was on 15 of the first set this time, I thought someone had lit my stomach on fire. They sound all cute, but man, they will work you over. All around me people are screaming out their end of round 2 and moving onto round 3. Ahhhh! Time was running out, this sucks! I want to finish! No no no! So, I keep trucking. I get to the sit-ups, the kettle bell thrusts, I get to the slam balls, and sure enough, I am running out of time. Nooooo! I want to finish. I get to the last of the slam balls and Michelle calls time. She tells everyone to take a nice slow walk, but I beg her to let me finish while everyone walks. I HAVE to get the lunges in! I HAVE to finish! I was so close. Thankfully, she says yes and off I go with the wonderful Jamila counting me down. People are starting to trickle back in, but I'm still going. I'm totally bathed in sweat, but dammit, I will FINISH! This is FITWIT! I'm down to the last 10 and Jamila is coaching me through, and I MADE IT! I didn't do it in the time allotted, but I finished TWO WHOLE ROUNDS!

I have never felt so accomplished. I know next time this one comes around, I'll be able to finish it just fine. I only went over by about two minutes when it was all said and done. I may not have made it withe the rest of the class, but I still did it and I hit my personal goal.

So, to that, I say... bring on day 2, week 5 and let's see what I can do!

Pain, pain go away...come again another day.....(JCE)

2010-01-31T19:01:00.000-08:00

I am still moving in slow motion. It hurts to stand up, sit down or climb steps. I think that this is the longest time that I have had pain. I am thinking that it is related to me sitting for 3 days and not moving for 8+ hours while getting my hair done. Hopefully, the pain will go away and I will be back to normal in a few days.

Well, my journey with Sisterlocks have started and I'm EXCITED!!! After almost 24 hours of sitting, Now, I just have to wait for them to grow. I am in the short phase now, but you will see the changes as they come. I am going to post pictures monthly so you that you can follow my Sisterlock journey as well. It feels great to be natural and not have to worry about the daily stresses of hair. I am excited about the freedom that I am about to experience for the rest of my life.

Today, I got so many compliments at church that it made me feel GREAT and know that my hard work is paying off. My church is starting a health and wellness ministry and I am going to be apart. I think that it will allow me to stay focused on my journey. One issue that I have is stepping out of the box when it comes to trying new foods. It seems that I am hesitant when it comes to new things. For example, my Sisterlock consultant eats a only raw food. She made a dish and I was SCARED to try it. I didn't want to try it because I did not know what it was. After a few minutes, I tried it and it was OK and she then told me what is was. I was eating something like tuna/chicken salad, but it was made out of carrot pulp, veggie mayo and some pickles(or similar). I don't think that it would be my choice for a sandwich but it was OK. I am going to challenge myself to start trying new things more often.

We made it 31 days without Soda!!!! Diamond even made several GREAT choices this weekend and I am PROUD of her. While at her Girl Scout meeting they were having soda and she drank water instead. Her dad took her out for the afternoon on Saturday and they had Subway instead of McDonald's My work at home is paying off and she can make better choices when I'm not around. Her dad, Stephan, told me that she gives him advice on his food and tries to get him to make better choices. WAY TO GO DIAMOND!!!

Well, I better get into bed.....5:45 comes fast....I will write more tomorrow and let you know if some of this pain has went away.

JCE

I made a GOOD choice and wanted to share (JCE)

2010-01-27T11:49:00.001-08:00

I went to the courthouse for work and prior to going I was a bit hungry. My coworker told me about this restaurant at underground that has REALLY GOOD food. On my way back to the car, I decided to go and check it out and get something,because I was hungry. That mac-n-cheese looked SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD.....my mouth was watering......as I stood there in line, because everyone wanted to eat at this place....I started to think....JoQuita what are you doing...you are able to have a meal that is way over 2,000 calories....and not a choice that you should make....I WALKED AWAY...then I was headed to another restaurant and started to really think.....you made lunch last night that took you a while to make and you are going to blow it all for lunch at Underground. I WALKED AWAY and now eating the salad that I prepared from home. I am EXCITED that I made the right choice.........I just had to share it with my FitWit family and anyone else reading this.

I was walking in slow motion and one of the clerks from Fulton County asked me was I OK...I told him yes that FitWit has put my body into shocked and we joked. He said that I would never be able to do any type of camp. My reply was, think POSITIVE and get POSITIVE RESULTS!! Make an EFFORT and NOT an EXCUSE!!!( I think that is my new saying for the month)

JCE

Decatur: Hello Monday, Meet the March of Death.

2010-01-27T04:52:00.000-08:00

Wow, that weekend off sure went by fast. Two days off and here I am back for more on a Monday. Week four. I can't believe it. I can't believe I made it this far.

So, Monday - week four. March of Death. You know it's bad when they give it a somber name. Everything else is named after campers and after some of those, I thought I was going to curl into a ball and just cease to exist. So, when something has the moniker March of Death, you know it's going to be hardcore.

(By the way, during warm-up I jogged two thirds of the track. Yay me! Not very fast, but it was a jog nonetheless. I'm hoping by the end of this six weeks I can jog once all the way around without being sidelined by the shin splints.)

Here's what I read on the blog that morning.
Partner ladders (1-5) of pushup, situp, squat, pushup burpees
March of death – 30 min.
Lunge half of track
Bear crawl or crab walk 1/4 of track
Then, run the rest of the way
Repeat.

Alright, let's go! Partner ladders, I got this. I got an awesome partner in Vanessa who cheered me on all the way. (Who also got major brownie points when she pointed out I looked like I lost some major inches. But more on that later.) Partner ladders are our time to really practice form and a great way to stretch out. I found that my pushups are coming along nicely and much easier than when I first started. My situps could still use some work, but I'm able to do much more of them each session. My squats are getting nice and low and I'm starting to really feel the pull in my legs. I can feel the strength when I push upwards. It's a truly rewarding feelings. I still cant' do a regular pushup burpee, but I do my step back ones and I still feel a great stretch in my arms and the back of my legs. I think my little goal by the end of this session is to be able to do one real pushup burpee. And maybe a regular pushup, no knees down.

Now, it's time for the March of Death. Michelle grins evilly as she explains our path and why the cones looks so far away. She tells me instead of bear/crab walk, I'll do high knee marches. I'm a little disappointed until one of the campers so ably demonstrates both. Yeah, high knee marches, I'll take 'em!

So, we begin. First lap of lunges, and I'm ok. A little tired and I have to stop to stretch that stinking shin splint I discovered, but I make it to the cones okay. High knee marching, I go. Nice and high, I get though it. Now, I jog. That's right. I JOG. Those of you that know me, know I only run if someone's chasing me or there's a zombie attack. Well, there was neither and I jogged. Back to the beginning.

Here comes the lunges again. Wow. Okay, those are kind of starting to hurt. Halfway through the lunges again, I'm hurting again. That shin splint has me on the side stretching and almost crying. Back to the lunges. Michelle is starting to see me struggle and she comes over to talk me through. And she says the one sentence that keeps me going all through the night. "Look at where you were four weeks ago, and look at where you are now. Just getting off the couch and coming here, you've made a huge difference. Everything else is just icing on the cake." Four weeks ago, you'd have never seen me do lunges. Much less jog. So she's right. In four weeks, everything has changed. I'm out DOING something for my body, my brain... for me. And it's making a huge difference in everything I do. That alone keeps me pushing through the rest of the track. I get through the high knee march and I jog AGAIN.

Back to the lunges. Right there I say, I'm going to get through at least three laps if it kills me. Three. I can do three. So, I keep going. I'm faltering left and right on my lunges, I'm so tired and my legs are screaming audibly at me. But I keep going. I slow down to get the form right. Michelle always tells us that this is the most important time to do it right, when you're tired always keep your form. It's not about speed, it's about doing it correctly. I'm thinking if I go any slower, I'm going to be a damn statue. But I keep going. I get to high knee march and I start to go and almost fall over. Okay, baby steps. I'm going to go until the pillar and then rest, then go again. Michele's shouting out time and I see my goal of three just slipping away. I'm not ready to give up. I have to GO. I tell my legs, we have go to go, just get it together. So, I go to each pillar and rest. And I'm THROUGH! Yay! I start to jog and can only get halfway before I break into speed walking. So. Very. Close.

And I made it! There's still time left! Vanessa is by my side. "C'mon, you can do it, I'll do it with you. We'll go until Michelle calls time," she says. Alright, I can do it. I can keep going. But it's slow. I just follow the line on the floor. Just follow that and keep going. So, I do. And I get halfway down the lunge part of the track. And I almost don't hear the sweetest sound I've heard all night. "Aaaaand time, people!" shouts Michelle.

I made it. I did it. I did three laps and a little extra. I competed against myself and I did it. I set my goal and I went further than my goal. Four weeks ago, I would've given up halfway and said I couldn't do it. Today, I KNOW I can do it.

Next time, let's try for five.

I feel the PAIN!

2010-01-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

I feel the pain and boy do I feel the pain! The March of Death from Monday and to the workout from tonight(I think it was called Lisa)....got a sista sore! I feel like I just started camp. I must say that I am getting better at pushing myself and I was able to do 15 sit-ups without stopping. I stopped for about 15 seconds and then did the other 10. Josh modified the workout for me. The first round I did 120 jump rope jumps, 25 sits-ups, and 10 push ups and the 2nd and 3rd rounds, I did the same except 75 jump rope jumps. My speed has increased, but my warm up lap has was a bit slower tonight. I think that it is from the March of Death on Monday. I have been moving in SLOW motion all day and moving slower than a turtle. It hurts to sit, to walk or even to lay down..lets not talk about walking up and down steps...what am I am going to do. It seems that when I was packing my lunch I was dropping things and it took me forever to bend down and pick it up. At least tomorrow I will have a night off from FitWit, but I am considering taking Salsa Fit at Dance 411. I think that will keep me moving for an hour! My daughter, Diamond, had a jazz/hip hop class tonight and she said she had FUN!!!! She is ready for her next class and I am excited that she is having fun and exercising at the same time. She has been able to maintain her weight and we must keep it there. I lost 2 pounds last week, so I am excited to be down almost 10 pounds in 3 weeks of FitWit. My goal is to lose 10 pounds a month. My family and friends are seeing my results and it is boosting my self esteem. My cousin, Trish, is joining me on bring a friend day and I really want her to make some changes in her life and join FitWit. I realize that she has to want it and when she wants it bad enough she will do it....I will be here to help her along the way and any way possible. Many times my friends want to know what I am doing. I always tell them FitWit and all about portion control and making the right decision when it comes to eating. Joining Weight Watchers made me aware of portion sizes and making better choices. This weekend was bad for me. I had a date with my daughter on Friday and a party on Sat. and Sun. I ate things that I would not normally eat, but I had smaller portions. At one party I chose to eat cake and ice cream instead of pizza and wings. I had a salad before I went and didn't need anything else to eat.............Well, I am in pain from sitting and typing....so I will chat later.

Thanks for all the feed back that I get during class..................

Oh yea, I know some of you are saying....what in world has she done to her hair.....Well, I wanted to lock my hair several years ago and I got negative feedback from friends and my boyfriend at the time. As you can see.....I listen to them and did not do something that I really wanted to do...Well, I decided that 2010 is ALL ABOUT ME!!!...I am doing things that I would not normally do and locking my hair is one of many.......it is going to take 30 hours to lock my hair and I am starting Thursday morning at 6:45-4:45pm....I will still be at camp, but may look a bit funnier...it is OK come and look b/c only part of hair will be done. I will go on Friday and Saturday and should be finished up then. I am excited about getting Sisterlocks and it will be just another stop that I made along my journey. I am excited....I am going to post lots of picture....2010 has been a GREAT YEAR for me sooooooo far and I am LOVING it!!!

Make an EFFORT and NOT an EXCUSE!!!!

JCE

Camper of the Week (Grant Park)

2010-01-24T17:35:00.001-08:00

I am CAMPER OF THE WEEK!!!!! I did not expect to get camper of the week at all. I feel that being able to do FitWit was enough for me. I must admit that I was 99% not going to attend Friday. My grandmother(85 yrs old) was admitted into the hospital the night before with serious things going on. I was not feeling well and left work early. My co workers were telling me that I did not like I felt well and a few told me to take the night off and get in bed. I was torn with myself for a while and didn't know what to do. I saw my mother at the Dr office and she felt me and said that it felt like I had a fever. I went to CVS and got a thermometer and I did have a temp. I took some medicine and wondered how long it would take to clear my headache. I sat in my car and decided that I was going to head home. I received the email from Josh about camp news and I started sending him a msg to let him know that I was not going to be there. I tried to send the msg but I couldn't. I just kept thinking to myself, I am going to go home and get in the bed or I could make it 60 mins.......I decided that I would just get dress and make the best of it. I didn't go home to ready b/c I feared that I would not make it back out. I changed clothes at Wendy's and headed to camp. I know that Friday was going to be tough since we were running and I was just going to walk instead of even trying, but the more I thought about it the more I knew that I needed to be there. Josh asked me, Jo are you ready? I said NO! Can you run a lap? I said NO! .................but I was able to do the whole workout and only missed one 300 meter when Josh told me to sit that one out, but I DID IT!!! I was able to RUN!!.........Yes, I was tired at the end, Yes, I wanted to give up, but at the end I was able to do it!!........I realize that your mind is important on your outlook on life. If you are ALWAYS thinking that you can't do something then you will not be able to do it..............THINK POSITIVE to get POSITIVE RESULTS!!! No PAIN no GAIN!!!

I am excited about bringing a friend to camp with me and my cousin is considered joining FitWit. She will be there on Thursday!!! I am pushing and challenging her to join me on my journey.

JCE

Wanna sandwich? Foot long or 6inch?

2010-01-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

OMG 6am is NOT FOR ME!!! I attended 6am class on Thursday and "energy" was a bit different. I think because it is 6am! I was still tried from the night before and had a hard time getting up at 4:45am to get ready for camp. Our workout was the "sandwich". Josh modified my sandwich and I will call it at 6in instead of the footlong. I jogged/walked 4 laps, 100 squats, 50 sit-ups, 30 push-ups, 25 sits-up, 50 squats, and 4 laps. I wasn't able to make my whole sandwich, but I did it all but the ending 3 laps. When I looked at the board, I was thinking that I was not going to be able to do those squats.....but I DID!! I was in slow motion the whole day, but I got satisfaction that I was able to do this workout. There were times when the sweat was burning my eyes and I wanted to just lay there from one sit up to another then I would hear Josh say.......Jo WAY TO GO and YOU CAN DO IT!!! Josh always knows when to give me words that keep me going.

Would I do 6am again? Yea, but only if I had a conflict for the evening. Working out in the morning makes you think about the choices that you make during the day vs. night time workouts allows to make up (somewhat) from choices that you made during the day. I did feel weird that night when I wasn't working out at my normal time and often those about my peers as they were pushing to make it through the workout.

Week 3 is almost over and time is flying.......................

JCE

Already?...Week 3 @ Grant Park

2010-01-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

It is true when you hear someone says, "Time flies when you are having FUN". I am having fun and enjoying every minute of it(except when Josh is counting...LOL!!) (Josh it is a JOKE!). I am starting to hate long weekends. I must admit that I was loving the time at home and relaxing, but when you are laying around like a bump on the log then it shows the next day you return to camp. I feel like I had to wake up my body up all over again. My legs did not want to move or lift. I had to give myself a mental pep talk and push a bit harder. Trevor (trainer) really helped me out tonight. He modified the abs portion of the workout and challenging me to get my legs up about 6 inches and act as if I was riding at bike. He challenged me for 5 secs at time. I was able to do it for 4 seconds, but I know that is something that I need to work on and will start trying each night for a minute or two. We finished our workout with a floor exercise and at this point I was drenched with sweat, tried, out of breath, and trying to count down the secs until we were finished. I thought that I was hallucinating when I was hearing someone chanting...Jo...Jo....Jo...Jo....Jo.... then I realized it was Stacy. Just to look over there and see her working hard was motivation enough to get me through the last couple of minutes. Stacy is one of the reasons that I am HERE at FitWit. She is my co worker and told me about the contest and encouraged me to enter. I must admit that it helps when others believe in you and encourage you to strive for goal that you have expressed that you want to achieve. As I sit here with tears running down my face, I know that I can finish this journey that I have started. Some days are harder than others and I doubt myself at times, but having a strong support team helps. My co workers at Atlanta Legal Aid (DR unit) are the BEST!!!! They listen to me countless hours during the week as I tell them about FitWit and my experiences on the journey. Megan(6am camper and the other reason that I am HERE) always gives me words of wisdom and encouraging words. We share about our aches and pains from camp and she always listens. Thanks Megan!!! I have gotten several co workers to join me on this journey and I'm encouraging them to come out and take the FitWit challenge. We will see if I get them to come to bring a friend to camp day!

Well.....it is 2:51 am and I need to go back to bed! I am planning on attending 6 am camp on Thursday morning, so check back and I will tell you about my experience.

JCE

Decatur: Week 3, here I come!

2010-01-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's really time to get my head into the game here. It's the beginning of week 3. The midway point and I feel like I'm slugging behind everyone else. In FitWit, you're only competing against yourself. I know that, but it's hard not to feel badly when you're the last one at everything, even warm-up. It makes me feel awkward, like I'm sticking out like a sore thumb (or hamstring).

So, I joke. A lot. I'm so accustomed to using self-deprecating humor to make myself (and anyone within earshot) feel better. My old habit of laughing at yourself first, so no one can laugh at you. I got admonished a tad by a fellow camper when I apologized ahead of time for sucking to the team. No self-sabotage allowed, she told me. She's right. That's exactly what it is: self-sabotage. I'm limiting myself to what I think I can do, not what I can do. It's as simple as that. But I can't help but feel slrightly terrified every time a FitWit session starts. Can I do this? Am I going to need modification again? Am I going to be last?

I can't even explain what has me so scared. Hard work never killed anyone. No one is laughing at me. In fact, they are so supportive I almost feel like I'm taking advantage of all the encouragement. (If I had any breath left, I'd give it right back.) No one is going to call me to the head of the class and make fun of me, make me an "example" or anything else embarrassing.

There's nothing to be scared of at all. It's time I realized that and do the best I can. As long as I try, no one can say I didn't. And who knows, maybe all that trying will fall right into succeeding.

Week 2 @ Grant Park

2010-01-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

Week 2 was a BLAST!!!! Each day offered something NEW and EXCITING! I learned another form of counting. This form is used byJosh and when he says you have 15 more seconds then it really means 60 seconds, or one more round really means 2 or 3. LOL!!!! I thought that I was the only one that thought seconds seemed like minutes until the vets talked about being on "Josh central timing". Thursday was workout with a "buddy". My "buddy" was a bar that I could not put down for the entire session and held it throughout my workout. On Thursday, I reached a personal goal that I set for myself, I was able to jog the entire warm up lap! I am excited about my progress in a short period of time. I had SOOO much fun on Friday. We did a team race and my team, team #1, WON!!!! I was a bit nervous about doing a team exercise, because I am not the fastest and did not want anyone on my team to get upset with me for moving a bit slower or us not winning. OMG!!! It was FUN and my fear went out the window. My team was VERY encouraging and we motivated each other. I worked hard to help my team and we WON!! I can't say it enough......FitWit feels like family and I look forward to each night.

On Tuesday, I attend a nutritional class that was full of valuable information. I learned lots of information and it was different from my current Weight Watchers plan. I talked to Josh a bit b/c I was feeling overwhelmed with continuing with WW or changing. We decided that I would continue with WW. I have been tracking my points and staying within my allowed points. This week I lost 5 lbs(total 6.8). I will admit that I was getting upset because I did not see a big number on the scale last week, I felt that I was eating right and working out hard. I had to remind myself that it is not all about the scale and that some weeks are better than others. I am able to jog a lap or do 15 sit-ups........that is something that was a challenge for me just a week ago. Just think......what is going to happen next month?............I maybe able to do the Victoria without wanting to cry.....LOL!

My daughter, Diamond, will be taking classes at Dance 411! She took a Hip Hop class this morning and had fun! It was a great way to get her moving for an hour without her thinking about exercise. My mom is even going to take a class on Tuesday night. I am thankful for Dance 411 for sponsoring FitWit and for FitWit being able to use Dance 411 on the snow day which allowed me to go into the studio. I was able to find out all the classes that they offered for children and adults. Now, they have 2 new students.

Today, I had an appointment to get my test locks put in for my Sisterlocks. I will have them installed in just a few weeks. I will be cutting several inches off my hair and will have a baby Afro. The process takes 3 days to complete and I have expressed to my consultant that she has to have me out on time to attend FitWit. I will be sitting for 10 hours for 3 days and on the last day could be a bit longer. I should have about 400-450 locks when she is done!

We will have camp next week on Tuesday-Friday. I am planning to attend the 6am class on Wednesday. I will share about that experience.

JCE

Victoria.... oh, Victoria.

2010-01-13T06:29:00.001-08:00

Victoria, I'm sure you're a very nice person. If you're reading this, I'm sorry... but, your workout was punishing.

I have never been so tired, or pushed so far until the Victoria. Newbies started off with 5 laps around the gym. Most ran, I did the power walk. I'm still scared of running long distances, but I'm going to work up to it slowly. Really, I am. I swung my arms like a champ, though! After those five rounds, it was onto the dips.

Dips, they sound cute, yeah? Not so much. I was using everything I had to keep pulling my body up with my arms straight and tight. "Like a suitcase!" cheered Michelle, our trainer. Well, I have a heavy suitcase, folks, so it wasn't easy. But I did my 20. Then, onto squats. I'm getting better on my form, but I'm still feeling that twinge in my knee. So, I'm either going down too far, or I'm not using my heels to push up right. I'm working on it, but it's not an easy form to master when you're heavy. It was time for pushups, next. 20 of those, but just getting over a stomach bug, I opted for some more squats. Better to work on my form, than push my stomach past its limit. Then came what I thought was going to be the easy part... the shoulder press. I sat down, all comfy, knees bent and I got ready to go. I pushed that bar right over my head, snapping my arms by my ears and I felt every. single. core. muscle. I mean, I felt every one of them. And they were angry. Boy were they angry. I kept going, but soon, I was grunting like a vet.

And then... (yes, there's an "and then"), it was off for more laps around the track. 5 more for the fitter folks, and three for the speed walker extraordinaire. By the last leg of that third one, I was a little wobbly, but I made it back. All I concentrated on was making it one more lap. I did it. I did all three!

Back to more squats, shoulder presses and dips. What!? Oh, for the love of... Alright. Off I go again. Got to haul that heavy suitcase up. 20 more dips. It took me forever, but I got 'em in there. This time I was resting every five. My arms and my lats are just screaming at me. My shoulders are begging me to put down the damn suitcase. But no, I'm going to finish my 20. And I did. Onto to more squats, resting every five squats and then more. I got all the way to the shoulder press with the bar. I sat down, and let me tell you, that felt incredible. Just to plain sit down. Wow. Then, I raised the bar over my head and my shoulders were on fire. That bar couldn't have been but 3 pounds but you could have had an elephant sitting on that thing as far as I was concerned. I snapped my arms up, elbows to my ears and I swear I think I heard screaming. I'm pretty sure my shoulders were about to go on strike. First the suitcase, now this!? But I kept going. My core was tight. So tight in fact, I almost couldn't relax when it was time for more squats.

That's right, I said more squats. I got out 10 more before I heard the best words in the English language from Michelle. "Annnnnnnd time!"

So Victoria, I'll say it again. I'm sure you're a perfectly nice person, but your workout, was in fact, not nice. It was brutal.

But I survived it. I daresay, if I had to do it again, I would. I walked away and I felt like I accomplished something huge. And I think, maybe I did.

Week 2 @ Grant Park

2010-01-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

Who is Victoria? Last night, I out workout was called "Victoria". OMG! My leather coat was heavy for me to put on and walk to my car. I wanted to cry when I got in the car, but I was too tired. I am thinking that Victoria loved to run and a challenge. The workout was a CHALLENGE!. I was able to complete one round in about 21 mins which consisted of 5 laps around the cafeteria, 20 of the following: dips, incline push ups, shoulder press, and 40 squats. Josh modified the workout a bit for me. I was able to start on round #2, 3 laps, I started my squats and was able to do about 10 squats and then Josh had to me finish it up with shoulder press. My legs were trembling while I was doing my squats. I guess I had all those muscles working that are normally not use to be used. At the end of the workout, I was still breathing and got through it. I am still moving in slow motion today and about to head to camp. Prior to camp, I generally go on and read the workout, but I realize that know is POWER and I need it to come as a SURPRISE! I am going to wait and see what is happens today.

Let get going.....I don't want to me late......

JCE

Homework w/ family time workout

2010-01-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Josh gave us our first homework assignment.

Workout: 5 rounds for time of the following:

10 push-ups

10 sit-ups

10 squats

We had to record out time and I completed mine in about 7 1/2 mins. I am still doing my push-ups against the wall, but I am working on doing them on the floor. My family was there cheering me on and they joined in with me. It seems that I am able to do my sits-up faster and working on my format for my squat. I am going to check with Josh to make sure that I am getting low enough. I took pictures of us having fun! My daughter was having fun doing sit-ups and then danced to several up beats songs. My mother has lost about 70 pounds was doing push-ups against the wall and really started to feel it burn in her arms. She is limited with exercise due to a back injury several years ago. I was able to show her several things that I learned and we had FUN doing them together. I just realized that exercise doesn't have to be boring and you can make it fun. My daughter, Diamond, was excited about dancing and did not realize that she was exercising and the more that I cheered her on the more she wanted to dance. My boyfriend, Ian, challenged me with several exercises that he wanted me to do. He works in a federal prison and showing me things that the inmates do often.

I ended up doing my homework several times today. My mom was recording my time and I think that she made a mistake, b/c my time was a bit lower than others. I did again and it was about 1 1/2 mins off. I also did the assignment doing my push-ups on the floor and was able to do it in about 9 1/2 mins. I am going to check with one of the trainers to make sure that my format it correct with my push ups. I want to make sure that they are correct.

The pictures were taken from my BB so they are a bit fuzzy b/c of the motion......Enjoy!....I have prepare for tomorrow, but will post a blog after camp tomorrow night.

JCE

"Me Time"

2010-01-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well, part of the day was all about me. I started off at my weekly Weight Watchers meeting. I was a bit upset with my weigh in, but I did lose 1.8 pounds. I was hoping for a larger number. I did stay on track this week and wrote down everything that I ate and planned my meals. For the past week months, I have been at a plateau on losing and gained 2 pounds from November to December. I am realizing that I am back on track and in the right direction with my weight loss.

I took my braids out and got my hair done. It has been a while since I've got my hair done, because it was braided. My stylist and several others gave me complaints on my weight loss and I have the pleasure of telling them about FitWit. I am in the process of going from permed hair to natural hair. Several other clients were doing other local boot camps and I was able to tell why FitWit was different. I have a consultation to get my hair locked next week. I am excited! My hair is straight now, but that will change as I sweat....it may be a different story after Monday night....LOL! I am not worried about how my hair will look, but working hard!

I took the day off and planning to do my homework after church. I am no longer sore and I guess that is a good thing.

JCE

Day 4 @ Grant Park

2010-01-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

We had day #4 at Dance 411 since the school was closed. It was an intense workout, but I enjoyed it. I was able to do 12 sit ups in 20 seconds! I was proud of myself for jogging the entire time when we did touches. This is a start for me jogging the entire warm up lap. After we did several rounds, I was out of breathe and did not feel that I could do another one and thought it was over until.......Josh yelled lets do it again.....I was thinking.......Again?.....I can't do this.....I quickly changed that thought(remember I am taking CAN'T out of my vocabulary). I was ready when she said GO and make it!!! I just had to give myself a quick pep talk. My fellow campers were supportive and cheered me to the finish line. Bwaa has us jumping rope. Trevor was taking the time to help me get on track. I have not jumped rope in years, but I can tell you that I am going to buy a jump rope so that I can get the hang of it.

I am EXCITED that I have finished my first week and look forward to the next one.

JCE

Day 3 @ Decatur.

2010-01-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

No more newbie special treatment. It was time to go and go hard. Lots of running, footwork and some serious ab work.

Day 3 and I managed to SPRINT! I haven't sprinted since I was in high school. Every day it gets easier. This time I didn't have to modify the lunges to just one leg. I got to do both, and I got down lower than ever before. I was panting like a crazy woman, but I loved hearing my heartbeat race in my ears. The soreness is starting to fade a little more each day. I don't wake up every time I have to turn over. But I have a feeling that it's not going to be long before that feeling returns. I almost look forward to it. I means I'm working. It means I'm doing something good for me and for my body. It's only day 3 and I've lost 5.4 pounds already.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the week take me!

Day 3 @ Grant Park

2010-01-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

OMG!!!! Can you say SORE! I am moving in slow motion. It seems like the warm up has gotten intense as the week as went on. I challenged myself and worked hard tonight. Special thanks to Tina, a vet, that was by my side and kept me going. We even jogged together and she did not let me slow up for a moment. THANKS TINA!!! Trevor made the superman look EASY as he did about 10 of them to show us newbies how they were done. Think again, it was a bit harder especially when you are using muscles that you normally don't use, but when I got into my grove it was on and popping! :-) Rebecca (trainer)was very encouraging as I was doing my spidermans and superman. She even made a modifications for me as when I needed it. I did a lot of jogging in the first session and I'm challenging myself to jog a complete lap and I am pushing a bit further each time. Hopefully, I will be there in the next couple of weeks, but at the end I still able to complete each workout. Josh and Amy had us set up in 5 stations for 1 min for a total of 15 mins. Doesn't sound like much huh?! Think again.....remember I told you that those seconds seems like minutes. I can still hear Josh say, "Way to go Jo" and challenging me those last few seconds and pushing it the end.

Overall, I had FUN!! I feel apart of the family and I know that I have to work for the next 6 months and nothing is going to come without pain..No Pain! No Gain!

If you are reading this blog and not apart of FitWit then you are really missing out. If you want to get healthy and be in an environment with positive trainers that are going to push you and encourage you to do your best then FitWit is the place for you. Getting in shape is something that doesn't happen overnight. It take HARD work and dedication. It took we a while to get on this path and I looking forward and not backwards. I can sit here and think of million reason why I am overweight and didn't do it before now. On the other hand, I can think of a million reasons why I desire to change all those old habits and make getting in shape and living a healthy and happy life. I have made short and long term goals for myself and encourage you to do the same.

My quote of the day is "A man that falls down gets up faster than a man who lies down"
-Unknown

Please feel free to ask me any questions or make comments to my postings.

JCE