Mission Accomplished!!!

Remember my mission from earlier this week? I was challenged to do something new at least 3 times this week, and I chose the elliptical machine. The goal was 10 minutes on this piece of equipment that kicks my butt everytime I try to do it. Because of that, I've always stopped after only a minute or so on it. It always felt like that machine had my number...it was as if every time I looked over at it from the treadmill, it was taunting me and laughing, because I kept giving up on it. I tried not to look at it when I wasn't working out on the other equipment, so I wouldn't constantly think about how I spent good money on that thing but was afraid to use it.

This week I was determined that even if it did kick my butt, I was going to put up a good fight. The first day was Monday, and I went for 5 minutes, took a minute break, and then got back on to do the other 5 minutes. On Wednesday I went the entire 10 minutes without stopping. I was so sore all over, but it felt great...and it was SO worth it! I began to feel stronger, not just in my body, but stronger in mind and spirit as well.

Last night was the third time on the machine, and I definitely felt more confident when I approached it. As I got closer to the 10 minute mark, I started thinking that I needed to better my time, even if only by a small amount. I kept going and made it to a little over 12 minutes. That may not seem like a lot...but it is absolutely a victory for me!

I'm so thankful that I had this challenge...it made me face that old "I can't" mentality that has kept me overweight for years. What an awesome feeling to conquer that elliptical! I don't imagine it teasing me anymore, because I know now that I can do it!

Operation Fat Blaster - Mission #2!

This week, those of us at Operation Fat Blaster have a new mission. We are doing something new that we have not done before, like a new workout, healthy food, or exercise class. Whatever we try, we have to do it at least three times this week.

I have an elliptical machine at home, which is basically like brand new. I've had it for a couple of years, but never did more than a minute on it every now and then because I wimped out and felt like it was too hard for me. I kept saying that I would start using it more once I lost some of the weight and my body could handle it better.

Well, I decided that the elliptical would be my challenge for this week. I'm going to do at least ten minutes on it, three days this week. No chickening out allowed! I did the first day yesterday, and my legs were killing me. I did five minutes, stopped for a minute, and then did the other five...so I completed the entire ten minutes. Tomorrow is the next elliptical day for me, and the goal is to go the whole ten minutes without any break.

Now, I am also still doing the treadmill or exercise DVD that I would normally do, just adding this new challenge to it. I've been doing really well with my water intake, and eating more fruits and veggies. I am determined that this is going to be a great week!!!