Last 2 days of Challenge: Lessons Learned

My Challenge raps up this weekend. Boy,  this has been some journey. An emotional one at that. I don't know the end of the week tally, but last looked I was 12-15lbs down and 3+% bodyfat down. For then 7 weeks, I'm happy with my progress. My skills increased dramatically as I got competitive to be faster and now run a sprint at 7-7.3mph and do other sprints, like on the arc, that are well tolerated. I am also stronger. Loads stronger.  Seem my post about being a freak New trainer is great. She doesn't take umbrage that I'm this strong (stronger than her she's told me), but has FUN with it. But the journey hasn't been without it's hurts. The team I gathered...well it was like living the movie Mean Girls? I never thought women 35-53 could be such biatches. Their issue with me (if you haven't followed... You're so serious. No fun. Obsessed with weights. Things came to a head this week as I was sure I was being excluded from future plans and they confirmed it. I was hurt but stuck the session out and realized that the reason I was no fun is that I strive to do all the reps set before me. The reason I'm obsessed with weights is that I try to find a weight that is a challenge for me. I do what I learned this last year--my best and what's best for me. II watched them today quit when the going got tough and my former 1-1 trainer who always pushed me didn't push them the same way. The worst part of course was that my training relationship deteriorated with him beyond repair. But I chalk it up to I had him when I needed him and he was up to the challenge and I'm now going to the person right for me at this stage. So, what are my lessons learned? -muscle and a high enough intake is key to bodyfat loss -challenge is necessary -perseverence will take you far -dignity is everything -only do what you can be proud of -trust your gut about people -some people find hard work, focus, and a work ethic intimidating, not to mention ability -you need a trainer right for where you are and that can change -gyms have their own drama and some can suck you into it -don't buy into the gossip -group train only with those at the same level and whom you have established a relationship -if people aren't your friends, they're not worth your hurt -challenges are promotional by nature -be careful how close you get to a trainer -surround yourself with only those who support you, not drag you down -rely on yourself first and foremost -I'm wicked fast for a big girl -I'm freakishly strong (and need to learn to not be weirded it out by it but instead proud) -And lastly, my first trainer was right, I am capable of more than I ever thought You can read on my blog about the drama if you're so inclined, but you get the gist, I'm sure. I won't have won a big prize, I don't think. Add to the list that a body new to working out has what I call "shock and drop". 2 others lost 15 and 17lbs as of last week. But they also restricted themselves and overworked (gym 2x a day) and created an unsustainable lifestyle which...well yo-yo is on the way I'm sure as lately all they talk about is beer and pizza and cutting back on working out to just 3x/week. So, unless my body has a sudden b/f drop, I might get a day at the spa as a prize. If you pray, pray for a miracle win of at least 2nd place? Would hate to have gone through so much loss and hurt for nothing. Ah, but I know, it's not nothing--I learned a lot and am a better me in so many ways. Soon to a fresh start with my new trainer and free of "dead weight".

Happy to hear the new trainer is great.

Remember, your #1 trainer in his process is YOU!

Em

So true.  And just relieved to have teh drama folks over and out!