4.05.2010

One hundred watch...and tattoos

Hey guys,
I wasn't able to go for my 5.6 mile hike cause the wind was blowing like you wouldn't believe....I would have been sanded out in the prairie...probably knocked dead by a tumbleweed...they'd be looking for my rotting corpse right about now.

Instead, I went to the gym and did three miles on the track and then a twenty minute intense intervals session on a stationary bike with intervals of two minutes slow, one fast....IT kicked my rear.
Total burn...somewhere around 450 calories.
Tomorrow is my elliptical and toning day.
I am at thresh hold for my calories today. 1450.

The hungriness has subsided somewhat.

So, on to the main part of my post.
As you know...or don't know...or will now know..
I started this whole thing at 262.4 lbs.
As of this morning, I am sitting at or just below 166.
I am 3.6 lbs from 100 lbs lost.
Not far now...
On May 4th...which will be one year since I had my epiphany..
I will be going back to build a bear and buying an exercise bear...(and taking a photo).
On may 18th, my big plan is to walk the 8.2 mile trek around the three subdivisions sitting out here in the middle of the cow pastures.
I remember walking my first 2 mile trek thinking...someday I am going to walk the whole flippin' thing.
So I am going to...It's kind of like my own 10K.
But just for me.

Then I will be getting a tattoo...
It will say..
"Because I chose to live deliberately'
(Do you know how long it took me to come up with what I wanted? A while.. lol)
Now where to put it, all ideas welcome...

I will post my starting picture and an updated picture...(If blogger cooperates..perhaps I should start writing that sucker now...it could take days...lol.)
If I hold square with my eating and exercise, I will be at 162 at around 11 months into my weight loss journey. (April 18th)
I never expected to lose all this weight this fast.
I really expected it to take me years..
I think I had brainwashed myself into believing that weight loss and healthy living were just code words for agony and deprivation.

I do more...I live more than I ever thought possible 11 months ago.
You know, Karen said to me in a comment...She wrote, "Write a list of 100 things you can do now, that you couldn't do a 100 lbs ago."
I think I will...I will list both physical and psychological things.
I will also list 'fun things"...things I do because the world seems so much bigger.
Things seem more touchable and achievable than they used to.
I wish I could forward wind for some of you just starting.
I wish I could get you to feel this the way that I do.
All I can really tell you is to keep going and you will know what it is I am feeling.
You will know what I am talking about.
You always hear people say "If I can do it, anyone can..."
Well, If I can do it anyone can...If you could see the 'health journals" and the diary entries and the dream books and the 'this time I'm going to do it list of calories and weight loss books....
I am just like you.
It just took this time.
The main difference.
I wanted to live.
It hit me that I was too good of a person to feel that way. I was too smart, too capable.
It came to me suddenly, from a place I didn't know I had.
It didn't come from a feeling of self loathing.
It came from that inner core I used to know when I used to listen to my own inner voice...instead of the voices around me.
The voice that said, "You are capable of so much more than this."
Don't WASTE IT!
So, Don't waste it.
Don't waste your time, your life, your potential because you are willing to settle for half a life instead of what you want.
You are capable.

So, one hundred watch...
Talk to you all later..
Hugs,
Chris

31 comments:

Laura said...

You seriously have me in tears. Tears of hope. You give me hope. Thanks for the hope, I need it:) By the way, LOVE your tattoo! Have no suggestion of where to put it, but love what it will say!

Christine Jeske said...

I. LOVE. YOU.

That voice, the one that told you how capable you are. I love that you share it with the world.

And make each of us readers feel that we too are capable.

You rock it hard, Chris. Keep pushing.

I want a 100 lb loss celebration tattoo too, sometime next year prolly at this rate. Maybe a smoking gun that says "100lb Mafia" under it. Bwah haha. ;)

I have a rhino on my right upper arm so now I am going for left thigh. Maybe. But if I were to get an inscription, like yours, I would put it on my inner left wrist. That's my vote. Inner wrist. ♥

Amber said...

You have done awsome, it's been inspiring to watch you go from fumpy house mom to spunky sexy Chris. This new you fits you very well, and I know your not done yet.
I vote you put the tattoo somewhere you can see it daily. This one is not really for others it's for you to see daily what you have accomplished, to help you keep yourself in a good and healthy place. The inner wrist is a good idea. I have my faith tattoo there and that is why, so I can see it everyday and remeber what it is to have faith.

Awsome job and I like the tattoo idea.

Linda Pressman said...

Congratulations, Chris. Huge milestone. An epiphany can be a powerful thing. Too bad I can't just send you one of my daughter's Build-A-Bears - those things are expensive!

As for a tattoo - I get the idea, but I'd probably go for a necklace instead... :) That's a lot of words to have written on your thin body!

Alexia said...

You are amazing, Chris - do you know that?

Kim said...

Yeah, I'd say get it across your lower back but it wouldn't fit b/c you're skinny now!! hehe. I also agree w/ the person above me...you are quite amazing. I love coming over to your blog, it's like water. I'd love to see your 100 things...I know it will be awesome and will help me dream. :) Thanks for coming over to say hey to me and I agree...oy! So over all the crap I've gone through lately...I hope it's over soon. Take care!

Julie, The Accidental Fat Chick said...

Can't wait to see you reach the 100lb. milestone! You're so close... must be very exciting. I agree the ink should go somewhere that you can see it frequently. How large do you plan for it be?

Reva said...

good going and good encouragement for others. Keep it up.

Retta said...

This was a very meaningful post to me, thank you, Chris.

The tattoo: if it's just words with no graphics, how about an "anklet"... making the words decoratively circle your ankle... maybe a little extra scrolly bits here and there, decorative. That way you will see it often, yet it's public only when YOU choose.

If you just want to see it in a mirror, like on your back... make the words go around in a circle, with a picture in the center that is meaningful to you.

Or, a meaningful graphic with the words in a ribbon-like banner.

I kinda think that's too many words for the inner wrist??

Okay, I fess up... I love watching L.A. Ink, about Kat Von D's tattoo shop!! She does stunning body art!!!

Loretta
=^..^=

Miz said...

echoing everyone else at how freakin inspiring and amazing you are.

NOT SAYING A WORD about the tattooage :)as I fear my comment would be excitedandpostlength.

Miz.

Hallie said...

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

I thought of YOU when my plans for Day One of easter candy boot camp almost were thwarted. I thought, if I mess up day one I'm gonna have to answer to The Badger. Hah! You seriously are with me more than you know or are probably comfortable with.

I would love to inscribe my own motto on the inside of my wrist. So any time I was tempted to head for the chips, I'd see it coming at me. And I'd be reminded of how much I loved myself. Or I suppose you could tattoo it across your forehead. That works, too.

South Beach Steve said...

Chris, this is pretty darn exciting! The progress you have made in a year is nothing short of amazing. Of course, that is not by chance, but by hard work on your part. Congrats!

karen@fitnessjourney said...

Thanks for the mention Chris. I'm looking forward to your list of 100-that might take a little time, sorry I got you into that!

Even though I don't have 100 pounds to lose, I still am motivated by your posts to stay on the right path. It's amazing to me how quickly a person can drop pounds and gain a better lifestyle when they have their head in the game. I hope that you will continue to motivate us all with your thoughts and experiences once those last couple of pounds are off.

Helen said...

So, so, so exciting. I feel all tingley for you!

That many words - probably right across the base of your back.

Seth said...

I am like Karen that I do not have 100 pounds to lose --- but this post made me want to lose a 100 pounds. ha! I would say that I probably have about 30-35 pounds left which would put me at 170-175. Altogether that would be about 80-90 lbs loss when I hit that weight.

This post has made me contemplate hitting 155-160 --- wait....no. I wouldn't look healthy at that weight...I'm not even sure about the 170's...but what has changed is that I can picture myself as if I were in the 170's.

Keep up the good work Badger!

Also - I am thinking about getting another one too -- not sure where though. Mind would be something like "set your mind". I don't know..still working on it.

Tammy said...

Another excellent post Chris....you gvie wonderful, motivational, inspiring advice. Thanks for believing in the rest of us! :)

Leslie said...

Great stuff as always. I gave you a shout out today in my post - because you said something to me one day that really grabbed me - it was "what voice inside of you is telling you it's okay to eat that way?"

I'm accessing the real voice - my truth. And maybe a touch of your voice too - I think I'm back for real now.

Melissa said...

I am so proud of you!! :)
You are doing AWESOME! I vote that you get the tattoo around your foot.

Dutch said...

Your post really touched my heart. I think, if you don't mind that I will copy and paste some of it because it was very inspirational to me. I have a lost about 25 lbs so far and I need to lose another 100. It seems like a long way off. I know I can do it.
I love the idea of a tattoo. I have been wanting to get one for years. I think when I get to weight I would like to be I will get one.
I want to thank you for this wonderful post.

Unknown said...

wow Chris- you have come SO Far!! :) 100 GONE here you come! :) So exciting!!!

Anonymous said...

just started reading your blog, it's very inspiring; I think all your plans are great but don't get that tattoo! You have no idea how ugly it will look in not that many years in the future. Your unadorned body is testament enough to what you have accomplished, why graffiti it?

PaulaM

paulawannacracker said...

I cannot wait to read your 100 things list. What an amazing accomplishment to have lost nearly 100 pounds in less than a year. I know it was through hard work and determination. You're "everywoman" and this is why I come here--because you remind me of what its gonna take live life deliberately. I love that by the way. Your blog title is what got me to your blog nearly 7 months ago.

You're awesome... but of course, you know that already.

Unknown said...

YOU ROCK Chris - this is SO exciting. I've enjoyed sharing your journey and all the excellent, insightful posts you have shared. You have helped so many people along your journey.
I so proud and happy for you.

Katie J ♥ said...

You have done all the proper prep work and I think you will be successful with the maintenance because of it.

You inspire so many and I am grateful to have witnessed your transformation.

As for the tat, I suggest a subtle place. I have two and one is on my hip and on is on my ankle. I prefer being able to hide them if necessary so putting them on my arms, back or lower back were not an option for me. What if you did the words and wrapped them around your ankle and incorporated some artwork with it?

Robin said...

I have no ideas for the tat and I like some of the ideas people posted for having a piece of jewelry handmade for you. That would be gorgeous. It's whatever will make you feel beautiful and inspired.

I'm always amazed (in a wonderful way) by the power of one. One voice. I read your comments and I can see how many people have followed your journey, and it motivates and encourages them on their own path. So, keep on writing!

Shae said...

You have come so far! Reading your blog is such an inspiration. You have helped me believe that I can do this! I can get healthy. Thank you for being real. I can't wait to read your list.

Juli said...

I just found your blog and must say, you are quite the inspiration. I am just starting my journey and it is a struggle. I haven't fully convinced myself, yet, that I can do it. I have a LONG way to go. I am going to follow you as I am sure you will inspire me to keep at it no matter how long it takes.

thanks and I can't wait to see the before and after pics.

Rusti said...

Thank you so much for writing this post today. I needed to hear that i am capable. Yesterday was supposed to be my starting day, and now its in the past. Tomorrow is a new day, a new opportunity to achieve new things. Thank you so much.
~RustiAnn
rustiann.blogspot.com

Morgan said...

Wow - you are amazing. I hope to find that place in me, where I feel like I am capable of more than this. You are an inspiration.

BEE said...

yea
so close to 100 pounds im so proud of you