Let me tell you something about working out Fluffy, it isn't easy. First, finding sports bras that fit over your large boobs is like trying to find ocean front property in Saskatchewan. (Prairies for my American friends) I tried on dozens before I snapped and bought this white contraption that makes me have a large uni boob...awesome. Next is finding running shoes that don't suck the life out of your poor over burdened feet. THERE ISN'T A SHOE THAT MAKES YOU FLOAT...I looked. I'm still looking. SIGH.
My first few days on the dreaded treadmill were terrible. I could only go 2.5 and I was soaked with sweat. My ankles were packing their bags and ready to leave me, my hips and back thought that I was a cruel horrible monster that abuses poor innocent body parts After my half hour, I slithered off the treadmill and slimed my way to the change room, now I'm not sure if it is because I am fluffy and look approachable but as I was panting on the gym bench, staring at my locker and willing it to open itself,when a gym nymph sat down beside me and started talking to me about how proud she is of me, how she watched me lug it out on the treadmill and how proud I must be of myself. To be honest, I missed most of what she said because my ears were conducting a test of the emergency broadcasting system and my stomach was debating between a bag of cheese doodles or a box of Brownie cookies, as my just reward.
Suddenly it got quiet and I looked up at the Gym Nymph and she was smiling at me. I moistened my dry and pasty mouth and said the first thing that came to my mind "Do you know CPR?" Then I smiled. Even though I didn't know this woman, my natural humour kicked in and, in my own way, I thanked this kind Gym Nymph. She laughed and patted my leg and told me her name. (I can't remember it because my ears and the testing) I told her mine, and ever since, every time she sees me, she says Hi Raquel! You are amazing. I always answer with, Thanks! You too eh."
My goal is to learn her name, hers is to go as long on the treadmill as me. Hope it all works out.
I kept at it, everyday my body reacted better to the workout. I upped my speed to a 3.0 and added an incline. Next I added weights and started to see some muscle definition. I dropped 23 lbs and I was starting to feel great. I still feel great. I have to slow down a bit for now, my medications are out of wack because all these great choices have had a great impact on my health. My medications are in half now. I can climb the stairs without getting completely breathless. I can walk for a long time without getting tired. I can lift my 5 year old up and carry her up the stairs and even though I am still breathless, I can recover and tuck her into bed.
I am getting my health back. I am getting me back.
Everyday, after I work out, I sit on that same bench and bow my head and thank this body for loving me. For giving me one more chance to get it right, one more chance, to build this body into a healthy, happy and hopeful success.
This is it. My time to shine. (Probably from sweat and slime)
;)
