The First Class

Today I finally was able to carve time into my insane schedule for a class at the Y.
It was not easy.  I worked 3rd shift this weekend,. I had not slept much this weekend due to other obligations and I will admit that I did not feel like working out.
But, I put on my shorts, t-shirt and workout shoes, and drove myself up to Edinboro.  I did not let myself think too much about what the class would be like.  I just drove and forced myself to walk in.
I did the 12:15 class, which was a boot camp class.
I'm not going to lie.  It was hard.  The class may have been a little above my ability level, but how am I supposed to get better if I do not push myself, right?  So, I followed along the best I could, and when I couldn't keep up I did this weird march thing that I just made up to keep my heart rate up.
Now, seeing as I am over 300 pounds, and I'm used to working out all by my lonesome in my living room, this was definitely a new experience.  The class only had the instructor and one other participant in the room.  Normally, I'm all chatty and would have introduced myself to the other person, but I am tired, and I was the new girl, and wasn't quite up to it.  I trust the social aspect will be a little more encouraging when there are more people there (I heard that many of the class participants were all at the same graduation party.)
I had tears in my eyes by the time I left.  I was embarrassed.  Sore.  Self conscience.  All those emotions that sometimes rear their ugly heads during tough times. especially when you are exhausted.  But, I decided before I left I wasn't going to give up.  I'll try again tomorrow.  At 5:15pm to be exact.
Tomorrow would be a GREAT day for you to show up too, since you know that there will most definitely be someone less coordinated (both in the physical and fashion sense! hahah!) there.  We can cheer each other on.
I think that is the one main thing I hope to gain from this Y membership: friendships.  I had a small glimmer as I was exiting my class.  I saw a girl from high school.  She encouraged me to try her Zumba class.  Maybe I will?  Because she smiled at me.  And because she asked.  How about you?  Will you come work out with me?

Too Hot to Trot

Well, under normal circumstances I would say that 90 degree weather is just a tad warm, and definitely too warm for a brisk evening walk.  However, Kathy, who is an exciting ball of energy, no matter what the weather, didn't think it was, so off I followed her for a quick trek around Edinboro's Campus loop today.
This week has been hard.  My son who is six has had swimming lessons all week long from 6 to 7.  I work until about 4:30 every night, and I have not made it to the YMCA one time this week.  I was feeling pretty disappointed, like I was going to let Kathy down and she would never think I'm a rockstar....but, she emailed me with this opportunity and I couldn't pass it up! :)
I think my schedule is going to be the biggest challenge with the Y.  The child care is only provided at select times, and thankfully one of those times coincides with a time I'm not at work, there is a class I feel comfortable participating in, and Kathy is free.  I'm grateful for that.
So, next week, I hope that my "routine" will finally fall into place.  I encourage all of you who are crazy busy to share your thoughts on making the YMCA fall into your routine.  I am determined to find a way, but pointers are always appreciated!

My Initial Meeting

Hi there!  I'm Sarah Rose.  

Some things you should know about me.  I currently weigh in around 320 pounds.  I started at 360 pounds.  I've lost that missing forty pounds in the last 5 months.  I'm excited about my progress.

The number one thing I have found that has helped me be successful is accountability.  This is the main reason I'm so excited to try my "Great Y Experiment."  I have at my side a six month membership, a trainer/accountability partner/new friend named Kathy, and a deep desire to get to a healthy weight for the first time ever in my life.

I met with Kathy a few days ago.  She was amazing.  She gave me a tour of the Y, a schedule of all the classes, and helped me feel hopeful that this was a place I would "fit" and "belong."  I observed a class going on and was optimistic that the class would not be too crowded for me to feel comfortable, but still had enough people that I would not feel singled out.  I have a lot to learn about using the machines, but I'm feel confident that I will get the hang of them as time goes on.

I plan on writing about the classes I attend, the people I meet, the things I learn, and my progress over the next six months.  Please join me!  Come to the classes!  Set goals with me!  I can even interview you for my blog!  And we can achieve our goals together!