6 Lbs Down!

Dear loyal readers,
I am proud to announce that I am 6 lbs down! I started the diet and exercise on the 16th of January and as of the 22nd of January (a whole 6 days later...) I am already down 6 lbs! I know that when an individual begins to lose weight that the first (I'm assuming) 10 lbs is generally "water weight"; however, I am feeling good and holding strong on the commitment!

I called Richard and told him the good news! I couldn't wait to see Brent and give him the good news! And I couldn't stand another minute without telling my mommy! I know at this point it is a small accomplishment and I have a LONG way to go; however, it feels good to know that my body is sore for a reason, my diet has changed for a good reason, and people already notice a difference!

I am consumed! Good day my friendly readers......
Monica

Brent Bearup you BEAR!

Oh Mr. Bearup you are a BEAR! Here I am a week into my adventure and I am SORE as all get out! I know that it must not have anything to do with me not being active for the last hundred and ten years! How could it be? The first week I was in the gym W, TH, & F for an hour each day. That was quite an accomplishment...

Brent has spent quality time on putting together workouts that are designed for me specifically. You see, I don't know if any of you are familiar with CrossFit or not, however, if you are you would understand just how intense this exercise is. The greatest part of working with Brent, is he takes the time to allow my body to speak to him. He knows if I am exerting too hard too fast, and he knows when he needs to make modifications to my routine. I have the pleasure of completing the Therapy and Warm up portion as the rest of the members do, then I am whisked away to another part of the gym where Brent has put together my own little circuit of things to complete.So far he hasn't given me anything that I can't do. I struggle that's for sure; however, I push my way through it and make things happen!

Week two I was in the gym M,W,TH, & F! I am still completely enjoying my experience as well as the camaraderie that comes with the atmosphere, the trainers, and the other members! I can honestly say..... I LOVE CrossFit and.... I am truly addicted! Every person I speak to, I tell them about my adventure thus far, I speak extremely high of Brent and Tom as well as try to get everyone I know to join the CrossFit gym!

Who's with me? Let's make this happen!
Monica

The First Week of My New Beginning

Wednesday January 16th 2013 is the day that marks the first day of my new beginning! Oh what a week that started out to be! I thought I was ready to see the damage knowing it was all about to go away, then when reality slapped me in the face..... Well, I quickly rethought how the next 100 years of my life was going to be like. The challenges that are placed before me are not unconquerable, they are merely just dedication away.

The food is pre-cooked, pre-packaged, and ready to roll! Oh but wait!!!! I don't have a lunch box! Good thing I have a 6 year old son that LOVES Spider Man! I will just have to borrow his until I have one of my own! It has been such a long time since I would take the time to pack myself a lunch that I wasn't even prepared to do so!  Next step.... Going to work and preparing myself for a serious workout that evening with Brent Bearup @ PowerSeeker CrossFit! I don't know quite what to think of that, however, it is definitely something I know that I need to do... My work day seemed to fly right by and before I knew it.... It was time to look Brent in the face and begin the exercise.

That evening upon arrival to the gym, Brent looked me in the face with his caring eyes and said... Don't you worry! Everything is going to be alright! The numbers we have... They are nothing but a starting point. Let's begin! And boy did we ever begin! It was an amazing workout. He explained to me the different techniques that are used in the gym, the importance of the techniques, and how to properly hold myself. The session was a HUGE success! When I left there, all I could think about was what would happen tomorrow!

For the next few days, life was sure different. I was sleeping better, eating clean, feeling great, and already having a sense of peace within myself. This adventure is just beginning and I am already becoming addicted. I have arranged my schedule so that I am able to go to CrossFit on Monday's, Wednesday's, Thursday's, and Friday's! The trainers Brent and Tom are AMAZING! They treat me as if they have known me my whole life! I feel extremely comfortable there, like I belong. Generally when I have gone to the gym before, I have felt HuGe, ridiculous, like I don't belong, scared, and the whole time I was there I spent the time watching the clock as to when I could just go home! But NOT now! I love being in the CrossFit gym! Not only are the trainers AMAZING, one of the other patrons had seen me working out with Brent the first couple of days and sent me a message on Facebook encouraging me as well as congratulating me on my current successes. I do belong there!

Friends...... My prayers for a successful weight loss are being answered! Thank you to all who have supported me this far and who continue to show your support.

Stay tuned, this is just the tip of my adventure. It's all down hill from here!
Monica

The next six hours

The weight has been obtained, the most important phone calls have been made to the people that were about to embark on this weight loss journey side by side with me as they are guiding me into this transformation. What was I going to do now? All I could think of was, where do I start? What should be the first thing to do? Was I going to feel comfortable in public anymore? Why is this reality so much harder than I thought it was going to be? How am I going to face myself in the mirror? The emotional strain was already wearing on me. I could not stop crying. I felt like I couldn't breath.

When I got off work that evening, I took myself and my son to the grocery store. I wanted to buy all of the groceries that I have been told to start phase one with. I did not care that I was beginning a week and a half early. I could not continue to live as I have or to go on with a fear that I would gain anymore weight and eventually see a bigger number than I already had. I spent two and a half hours at the store going through the list over and over and over hoping that I would not miss anything. I knew that I was going to get home without something that I was going to need and I did not want that. I wanted to start this transformation right now and not a minute later.

When arriving home I noticed that I had forgot four very important items! I needed a food scale, egg whites,  cottage cheese, and some baggies. I called my true and dear friend to see if she had a food scale I could borrow. When speaking to her, I told her that I had weighed myself and just how devastated I was. She told me to hang tight and she would be over to help me. When she arrived, she had went to the store and purchased the missing items that I needed to begin this journey.

She and I spent the next three hours pre-cooking a selection of proteins, measured and pre-packaged the foods that I would need for the rest of the week. This was helpful as I would have the ability to just grab and go with such a busy schedule I lead. During all the cooking and packaging, her and I had a really nice talk. She too comforted me as I was still a huge baby over my self induced reality. I was never more excited to see that day come to an end knowing that tomorrow was a new day.

Stay well my friends,
Muffins

It has been awhile....

Hello there strangers! Or am I the stranger? I know it has been over a week since I have updated this blog. So many things have happened I am not sure where to start. After receiving the AMAZING early morning call from Richard, I contacted Brent at PowerSeeker CrossFit! I met with him on the 14th of January, and what a meeting that was! I knew by speaking with him and taking the tour of the gym as well as being introduced to some of the exercises that I would be completing.... I knew that I was in for a body transformation!

In conclusion to the meeting with Brent, he stated that I would need to get an accurate weight so he knew where to start with my transformation. I have known for a long time that I was going to have to face the music sooner or later; however, I was not ready to see those mean numbers staring back at me until the 26th of January when there was no more "hiding".

On Tuesday the 15th of January, I pulled into a Primary Health Clinic and prepared myself for what I was about to see. I tried to be funny about it.... I tried to be cute about it.... I tried to pretend that it did not matter.... I even tried to tell myself that I was being absurd for worrying about what it was going to say because I was about to change those numbers! When in all actuality, I was horrified and the last place I wanted to be was about to step on a scale to see the damage placed before me. I know that I got myself into this mess and I also know that I am the only one that can get myself out!

I stepped on the scale three times before I about fainted, stepped on the scale again, started to cry, stepped on the scale again, and I even said out loud "this can't be right!", I then stepped on the scale again, OMG this is real! This is my reality! I felt so lost, so ashamed of myself, scared, sad, worried, just about every emotion a person can go through was happening to me all at one time. All I could do was put my shoes and jacket back on, wipe my tears, and walk out of that building as fast as I could!

I got into my car and the only thing I could think of doing was to call Richard. For the first time in my life I was going to have to tell my actual weight to the one person I never wanted to know! I knew it was not hard for him to speculate what the number would be; however, I was not ready to share that information with myself let alone another person! He answered and I was crying. I told him that I had just weighed myself. His response was "what it the number we are beginning with?" I felt a HUGE piece of me crush when I spoke those horrible numbers. (Sorry friends.... I am certainly not ready to share that information with any of you at this time.) 

Richard spoke to me in the most gentle voice and explained to me that the numbers meant nothing, all the numbers gave us was a starting point. With everything in me..... I wish that it could be that simple; however, this situation is so much more that I originally thought it was. I then had to call Brent at PowerSeeker CrossFit and tell him my mean numbers. Again, I cried and cried as I had to tell another person. Brent also spoke to me gently and explained it was just a starting number. I still did not feel as if it was just a number! This is my reality.

Till the next time,

Monica

Early Morning Text Message....

Friday night was a LONG night! Playing games with friends, laughing, drinking, having a good time when the night finally draws to an end around 230am! I feel asleep with the phone right next to my head. When in a deep deep sleep...... I hear the most annoying sound of the text message chime ringing in my head at 6am! Who was mean enough to text message me at 6am on a Saturday?!

As I raise my head to figure out the phone in the dark, the light blinds me as I am trying to read the message that states.... "Get your A** out of bed!" This message was coming from none other than "Eddie." Also known as my sponsor, dietitian, workout guru, big brother Richard! He thought it was time for me to rise and get up and begin the day with a brisk 45 minute walk. (He failed to remember the time difference between us!) This is something that I was told that I am going to have to do everyday no matter the weather!

I sent a text message back saying.... "Oh NO you didn't! Wake me at 6am on a Saturday!" He stated, "I already completed 45 minutes on the treadmill set at 4% incline and 3.8 mph. I also rode the bike for just over 10 minutes so that I could complete 3 miles." Please keep in mind that Richard has had multiple surgeries (9) this past year, with the last knee surgery only a few weeks old. He is building himself back up to his "normal" routine.  So... Due to his successes of the morning, I decided that I too must get up and at the day! I had to have Claysen to the dentist by nine and I needed a 45 minute walk and breakfast first.

I set out in the cold snowy morning for this brisk walk. Richard called while I was in the middle of the walk and asked if I was getting it done! He also stated that he wanted to give me an early birthday present! He wanted me to call him back when I had finished my walk. I hurried through the walk with anticipation as to what the surprise was going to be! Upon finishing the walk, we conversed again. You see... One of the current wishes and dreams I have for myself is to join in a PowerSeeker CrossFit gym! I had asked Richard if this is something that I should look into. He stated that it would be VERY beneficial for me and my future successes in getting this weight off and making these life changes. With that being said, I previously told him that I was not going to be able to join until around my birthday (which is in March).

Richard's early birthday present is getting me started with the PowerSeeker CrossFit Gym! I am sooooooooooooo excited I can hardly breathe! I called and got all of the information, set up an appointment to meet with Brent at the gym 11am Monday morning! I can taste my dreams coming true! 2013 is going to be one of the best years of my life!!! I am extremely fortunate to have such a great support system as I am moving into this transformation. I have all of my family, friends, and co-workers right next to me to encourage me through this entire challenge as well as through the rest of my successes with weight loss and keeping the weight off for the rest of my life!

Thank you "Eddie" for the AMAZING birthday gift! This birthday gift is just as much a gift of life as the day I was born. I look at my transformation as a "New beginning", "New life", "New chance at living life right and to the fullest", just like being "reborn". So thank you for assisting me with gaining my "new" life! I am so blessed to have you right there watching me, assisting me, pushing me when I need you to, and making these challenges possible for me. I will NEVER be able to express to you how much I appreciate you. I know I would not be able to do this without you. Please don't ever again wonder why I have always thought of you as "my hero". Ever since that day.... You know, that day back in the late 80's when you caught me in your underwear.... I was wearing them because I wanted to be just like you! It's sad that it has taken me this long to try to follow your footsteps.... I love you Richard. Thank you.....

Love,
Monica

The Transforming Email!

The following is the email that will change my life forever! on November 13, 2012 Kim Rose wrote:

"If I didn't get the chance to chat with you, then here is the good news: YOU MADE THE 2013 NAMPA FIT WEIGHT LOSS TEAM!

There were 29 applicants that made it in by the deadline (plus a few more that were to late:( and after my phone interviews it was clear to me who was serious and ready, and who was well...not so much. So you are the lucky 20 and I honestly believe that there is not a quitter among you- and I know that because I wouldn't have chosen you if thought you were."

Knowing the challenge was a grip of time away (Challenge starts on January, 26, 2013)... I knew I needed to take the time to figure out just how I was going to change my life forever. I contacted my family and spoke of the good news, I shared the good news with my co-workers, I called my close friends, and I sat alone in quiet knowing I was about to begin a transformation of a lifetime! There was SO MUCH to do and so little time to get it done. I had to "say goodbye" to my life as I knew it, plan for a future, be excited, cry, smile, be happy, cry again, worry, get motivated, keep planning, and well..... "say goodbye" to everything I have grown to love over the years. SO MUCH to do in such a little amount of time.

For the next month and a half all I could do was dream of the day this challenge was going to start, wishing it would start NOW! I am more than motivated to get this going! I want to change! I want to be healthy! I want to look good! I want to feel good! And most of all...... I WANT TO LIVE!

Dreaming of a brighter, healthier, and leaner new me....

Monica

Here's to hoping this is going to happen for me!

As I was wishing to embark on a "new life" my favorite fellow co-worker introduced me to an upcoming weight loss challenge in the area. I read the headlines, I read the previous years successes, I even looked into what the challenge would consist of as well as how I go about signing up. I read information on the winning contestants, the trainers, the fitness classes, and the gym when I decided that I would take the first challenge. The first step in the "right" direction was writing an essay answering specific questions about myself and why I believed I was ready to enter such a transformation. Below is the actual essay I emailed to Kim Rose @ Nampa Fit Studio.

Hello, my name is Monica Torres and I am a 34 year old single mother of a wonderful 6 year old son, Claysen. I work full-time in home health and hospice services and am also a full-time student. I will earn my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in April of 2013. Upon the completion of my Bachelor’s degree, I plan to enter a Master’s program immediately. My ultimate goal is to become a Psychologist and work with oncology patients.

Being overweight has been a constant struggle in my life. I have tried every diet around! Before I had my son, I hired a personal trainer to assist me with losing weight and maintaining what I lost. Unfortunately, I had a terrible pregnancy and gained all of my weight back and more. I believe that I am honestly ready and willing to complete a weight loss challenge as I desire to be thinner, healthier, more energetic, and happier.

How will being on this team impact your life and who do you hope to inspire?

My main inspiration hits really close to home… My true love, my son, Claysen who depends on me to be here for him for many of years to come. I want to live to see him grow up to be a man and have a family of his own. If I continue to live the way I have been, I am not sure that I would make it to see my legacy grow. My son inspires me to be a better person on a daily basis as he continues to learn and grow into a young man. Outside of his inspiration I too have to think of my own wellbeing.

I believe that being a part of a team and having someone who will hold me accountable is motivation in itself. However, one of the constant motivational factors; would be seeing and feeling the results of all the positive changes I would be making for myself. Another big motivator would be seeing the looks of shock and hearing the comments from friends, family, and co-workers on my new, healthy self.

What motivational factors will keep you from quitting this 6 month challenge?

Due to the fast-paced life that I have, my health often gets pushed aside. I have been overweight for my entire life and this has been a constant struggle for me. I have tried dieting and exercising on my own but was only truly successful once, when I worked directly with a personal trainer. Due to my previous success, I know that being a part of the Nampa Fit Studio will impact my life positively and assist me with being successful with the weight loss challenge. Knowing that I have a support system as well as a team, when I am committed I am there 100%. I am not a quitter, I am a LOSER (a weight loss loser that is)!

Are you Medically Obese (BMI greater than 30)?

While I haven’t weighed myself recently, I can say that I’m over 300 lbs and since I’m only 5’3”, that does give me a BMI higher than 30. My ultimate goal weight is 170 lbs or a size 14-16. The smallest size that I have been in my adult life was before I had my son and I was 180 lbs. I also have been diagnosed with high blood pressure which I am being medicated for as well as hypertension of the brain. Both of these diagnoses can be controlled with diet and exercise as well as the high blood pressure will resolve itself when I am able to take the weight off and keep it off. 

 What is one thing you would like to do when you are physically able?

There are a few things that I would really love to do when I am physically able. First, I would love to be able to play, run and go on long bike rides with my son. Second, I would really like to dance and join a hip-hop dance class or team. And I would also like to join a co-ed softball team next summer.

 What is one thing you would like to buy if you won some of the $10,000 prize money?

If I were to win some of the prize money, there are a few things that I would like to do. For starters, I would buy a yearlong gym membership to Nampa Fit Studio so that I could continue with my weight loss goals and maintain my success. I would like to spend some of the money to travel and speak to people who are struggling with weight issues in hopes of becoming an inspiration to them. I would like to motivationally speak and assist people with the same struggles to see that there is more to life than food. If I can overcome my issues as well as diet and exercise with the busy lifestyle I lead, then I know that anyone can do it. If there was to be any money left after my travels, I would like to buy plants and materials to build my own garden so that I could grow my own fruits and vegetables in the summer. I would also like to take Claysen on a trip to an amusement park where I could finally go on the rides with him and enjoy being able to walk everywhere. Lastly, I would love to be able to finally buy clothes and shoes in a smaller sizes and cuter styles to complement my new body.

Conclusion

In conclusion one amazing quote comes to mind…..“To dream of the person you most want to be is to waste the person that you are.” ~ Unknown. This quote inspires me to stop dreaming and achieve my goal to live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. I hope and pray of having the opportunity to join this team and face this challenge! Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sincerely,

Monica Torres

 

This is when my transformation began...