Athlete Inside

I have been working at exercising and monitoring my calories for 2 years now. It is hard, boring, and I don't get much in the way of results. Because of this I "fell of the bandwagon" so to speak the last month or so. My 5 days a week, 45 minute workouts have dwindled down to 2-3 times a week and guiltily eating whatever I want for the last 3 or so weeks... I can feel the difference in my body because of this. I'm more tired, emotional, and lethargic. However, because I detest exercising so much I ignore all these signals and continue to make excuses to return to my unhealthy lifestyle.

Yesterday though, I went to donate blood for the first time in 2 years. Part of the standard screening is checking your pulse and blood pressure. The nurse seemed startled as she checked the monitor and did a double take at me. She tentatively asked, "Are you an athlete?" I look nothing like an athlete, I'm obese! I told her that I exercise but I'm by no means an athlete. She asked what kind of exercise I do and as I told her she wrote some notes and told me that was ok. Apparently my heart rate was so low that the Canadian Blood Service would not accept me as a donor unless I was an athlete. Anyway, I gave blood, drank my juice and ate a cookie, then left.

This morning, I woke up, drank some water and did my 45 minutes of cardio. Even if my exterior appearance is not that of a healthy, active, woman my organs are benefiting from my active lifestyle and I feel better all around. All I can hope is that the 40 pounds I want to loose will magically melt off along the way (hopefully sooner rather than later).

I still need motivation though!