So, I'm doing this to be accountable. In April 2016, I decided I had to do something. I was 271.5 pounds at 5'3" and miserable. I had my VSG done in August 2016. In May 2016, I started working with a personal trainer. I continued to do my work outs and watch my food.

Here's the kicker - in my teens, I was a nationally ranked athlete. But developed knee problems due to my sport and now, at 56 have bone on bone knees. But I was a competitor - I guess I always have been.

Fast forward to March 2017 - younger daughter decides to quit fencing and has five private lessons still available. (For which I had paid $150.) Having seen what her coach did over the last 2 years, I grabbed her gear, tried it on and it fit. I figured if nothing else, it was a good 30 minute High intensity workout.

But I fell in love with the sport. I now spend 5 hours a week fencing, including one private lesson a week for myself. I'm with an adult class and have started competing in tournaments.

Now, fencing is a sport that is age aligned. So I compete as a veteran (anyone older than 40). There aren't a lot of over 40 events. But, technically, I can fence in any event which is "open" meaning I can fence against any other fencer born after 2004. Now, let's think about this - my kids were born in 1999 and 2003. I could be fencing my own kids.

Yet, I have decided I'm going to enter any tournament within 100 miles of my zip code this year open to fencers in my rating (unrated) that I can get to time wise.

So, January 13 - I have a veteran (over 40) tournament. February 4, Div. 2 where I will get my ass kicked by 15 other fencers who are younger, faster and have been fencing longer. But I don't care. The only way I'm going to get better is to get my ass kicked.

So 2018 is my year of getting my ass kicked as many times as I can and learning as much as I can from fencing all different kinds of fencers.

So, pray for me. Encourage me when I whine here about getting my ass kicked and remind me that I'm doing this to get better.

Because my long-term goal is to be eligible to fence as a member of the US Women's Veteran Foil Squad at the World Championships in 4 years when I turn 60. I need to get my ass kicked now so I'm better then.

Thanks for letting me vent.

anyone is welcome to post or start the thread. it does help to post good luck with losing the last 20

7 weeks until Black Canyon 100k. ugh.

Monday-rested and went bowling

Tuesday-10 mile run

Wednesday-11 mile run

Thursday-5 mile run and hopefully the gym

Friday-6 mile run

Saturday-28 mile trail run

Sunday-15 mile trail run

You will have to let us know about the zenga class. sounds interesting

I am finally recovered enough to get back to exercising. It'll be a slow process, but something is better than nothing and I've got to start sometime.

Mon - yoga
Tues - walk
Wed - pilates class, yoga class
Thurs - walk
Fri - zenga class (whatever the hell that is), tai chi class, pilates class
Saturday - yoga
Sunday - walk

I've got a goal of 15 minutes of exercise or 5000 steps every day, so I need to work on that!