Push ups, Races and Flashbacks...Oh My!

My dear friend Molly reminded me just now that I haven't updated my blog in awhile...oops! Thanks for the reminder Boo, and just because I love you here is a fabulous picture of us from forever and ages ago =) 

FLASHBACK! ------------->

So what have I been up to? 

In March I participated in St. Jude Children's Hospital push-up challenge. I asked friends and family to donate 50 cents or $1 for every push up that I could complete in 90 seconds. I ended up with a grand total of 36 push ups! I raised over $600 towards Punch Gym's grand total of $4,000. A huge THANK YOU to all my friends and family who supported me for this event!!!

(push ups) 

On April 1st I ran my very first 5k race! I finished in about 43 minutes which I think is a pretty good starting place. I certainly have room for improvement...but I am extremely proud of myself that I even finished! I jog/walked it, maybe one of these days I'll be able to run the entire time.

(5k race)

This is the Punch Gym crew "Team Punch" that ran the 5k....2 other people ran but didn't make the picture because they were too busy running a half marathon *eek!* 

Here is Jay and I at the finish line...I think it would make a GREAT engagement picture....poster size....in Dad's office. HA! Just kidding!!!

In other news the school year is almost over! With the final stretch comes last minute reports, stressful meetings, and lots of paperwork. I've been trying very hard to stay diligent to my Primal/Paleo lifestyle...but life just gets in the way sometimes. I'm not making excuses! I'm just being honest. My biggest temptations are pizza and ice cream *sigh* I am also lazy, so I have to be very careful to keep healthy food in the house at all times, or I am much more likely to cheat.  I look forward to the summer when I only work half days and can put more time into planning meals and go to the gym every day. That being said I continue to steadily lose weight (not nearly as much as I did last summer) but that gives me even more reason to be excited about this summer! I feel stronger than ever...even though I whine and roll my eyes a lot in class...I really enjoy using heavier and heavier weights. I even think being physically stronger has made me mentally stronger and more assertive in my professional life. 


Oh p.s and by the way......I am officially a size 14 pant size, bordering on a size 12. That in and of itself is AWESOME! =D 
(oh my!)


Hope everyone is doing well and thanks for reading! 

Love Always,
Kerry & Bear (my 4-legged editor)

How far will you go?

     I don't really have a bucket list - but if I did hiking the Phoneline Trail in Tuscon, AZ would be near the top. Let me explain. My cousins (on Dad's side) live in Tuscon, AZ. For as long as I can remember we have been going to AZ to visit family. The last time I went was in 2008. The one and only hike I did,  I remember being miserable. Looking back it probably was because I was incredibly overweight and completely out of shape. Anyway - my brother and Dad did the 9 mile  Phoneline Trail, which is a hike into and out of Sabino Canyon in Tuscon, AZ....I stayed "with the girls" and went shopping instead. At the time it didn't think it bothered me, but looking back it bothered me immensely. I just wouldn't (maybe couldn't?) admit it to myself. 

     After seeing my weight loss success, Bob & Vicki invited me to AZ specifically to hike the Phoneline Trail. I immediately started making plans, that's when I started realizing how much starting and finishing that hike would mean to me. It was something that wasn't even an option a few years ago because of my health. Completing this hike through the desert has been my goal ever since.

     I have to admit that I was nervous I wouldn't be able to finish it. First of all I am not a quiet person, I've told EVERYONE my goal, and what if I let everyone down? Most importantly I was scared I would let myself down. However, *dramatic drum roll please* I DID IT!! We finished the 9 mile hike in about 6 hours. I proved so much to myself, I don't know if it has even all sunk in yet. 

     So here we go, things I have learned by hiking 6 hours through the desert...

1. I am in no way shape or form the same girl I used to be...and that's ok.

2. All those hours at Punch Gym have really paid off!!!

3. I can do anything I set my mind to.

4. As long as you keep putting one step in front of the other you will eventually reach your goal.

5. Band-aids are super important to remember on long hikes!

6. Nature is beautiful. 

7. Drink water, and then drink more water.

8. Nothing is as humbling as having a 70s-ish year old couple blow by you on the trail.

9. I need to really work on my cardio endurance.

10. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength.

     One amazing unexpected gift was a disc of pictures that Bob has taken over the years (THANKS BOB!!).  Looking back to the last time I was in AZ I literally started crying. I don't remember ever looking like I do in the pictures. I went through such a broad range of emotions from shock, anger and disbelief eventually to happiness and pride at how far I've come.

     I've come such a long way, but I will be the first to admit I have a long way to go. I think this vacation has given me the inspiration and breath of fresh air that I needed to re-charge and remind myself to keep pluggin along. Reflecting on the past has always been the best motivation for me. 

     Hope everyone has been enjoying the mild winter, and I'm personally praying that spring/summer/sunshine comes sooner rather than later =)

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." 
-- T.S. Eliot

20 seconds of insane courage

Happy New Year!

     It is now 2012, my wedding is still more than a year away.....17 months and 12 days to be exact (Thanks Jay, my hunky human calculator!) The resolution I made last year was the same as every other year: lose weight. I joined a gym but slowly stopped going (as usual) and kind of gave up (as usual). Then I joined Punch Gym in May...not because of a resolution, but because I finally became so disgusted with myself I needed to take drastic measures. I am an excellent procrastinator and an even better excuse maker.  Finding Punch Gym in Norwalk, CT was the best discovery I have ever made. Punch Gym has really given me the support I need to make the changes I desperately needed to make in my life. The trainers are the most amazing people I've ever met. They should hate me for all the whining and complaining I do in class, but instead they push me hard, and stay positive 24/7... I am so lucky and blessed to have found them. 

     Since joining (May, 2010) I became a "Rockstar" of the month in October, competed in a Strongwomen competition later that month, won the gym's Body Balance Challenge in November, and an essay contest about what Art of Strength (the type and theory of exercises we do at Punch) over Thanksgiving. I feel overwhelmed looking back at it all. I don't know what I thought was going to happen....but I did not for-see any events of the last few months.  My latest discovery is that since May I have lost 50 pounds. Here is my very first "before and after" picture.

     I can't talk about my success without mentioning my new Primal lifestyle. The key to my success has been nutritional counseling from Stef Tropea and following the "Primal Blueprint". It's not a diet, it's eating in a nutritious and natural way that your body craves. By eating more meat, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats and cutting out processed foods, grains, starchy foods and sugar I have seen HUGE results compared to just exercising. When I do eat  processed foods (like I did over the holidays) I feel sluggish and crappy. The past week I've gone back to purely primal and I feel amazing. I have enough energy to work 10 hours and throw in a 45 minute workout at Punch before heading home to cook dinner, take care of the dog and  finish writing reports (and updating this blog LOL). When I'm not eating primal I simply can't do it. When you stuff yourself full of chemicals and fake processed food your body naturally rebels and shuts down. Optimally fueling your body turns losing 10-20 pounds into 50 pounds.

     So it's a new year, meaning new resolutions correct? I never made a goal of how much weight I wanted to lose because in the past when I've reached that certain I think "Yeah! I can cheat now!" and I don't want to give myself that temptation. I think the most important resolution for me is to keep showing up for workouts. If I show up I have all the faith in the world that my trainers will push me for results...there is no slacking off at my gym, you show up and you are guaranteed an intense workout. You just have to take a deep breath and walk through the doors. I just saw "We Bought a Zoo" and my new favorite quote is...


" Yου know, sometimes аll уου need іѕ twenty seconds οf insane courage. Jυѕt literally twenty seconds οf јυѕt embarrassing bravery. And I promise уου, something grеаt wіll come οf іt."


Enough said.

Reflections

I find myself staring at my reflection. It's not hard to do because there are mirrors everywhere!  You know when you dye your hair a different color, or if you shave your beard? The first time you catch a glimpse at yourself it scares you because it's not what you're used to seeing. I am so excited to be getting healthy and losing weight, but it's unsettling to not recognize yourself. Of course all change takes time to cope with, and I'm thrilled with how I look...it's just weird.

I hope Lauren doesn't mind, but I'm using our pictures to illustrate my point. I spent this weekend in Philly at my friend Lauren's new apartment (which is awesome p.s and by the way). Once I got home and was looking through our pictures I realized that the last time we had our picture taken together was in May of 2010, a year and a half ago a few nights before college graduation. Lauren looks as beautiful as she's always been....but I LOOK LIKE A DIFFERENT PERSON. I'm not kidding (see picture below).

A year and a half later... Nov. 5, 2011

I know it's a different camera angle...I think this picture says a thousand words...

So while reflecting about my reflection I think I've determined my problem. My body is changing, my face looks different, my clothes don't fit right anymore. I'm not comfortable in smaller size clothes yet because I'm just not mentally there yet. I'm changing so much, but am I still the same person? Of course I am right? I know the answer is yes. I think....

In other news I successfully competed in the Battle of the Belles II at my gym! I had so much fun and really surprised myself. I finished all of the events. I didn't really know if I was going to be able to pull off any of it! I really proved to myself that I am strong, and I can do anything I set my mind to. 

I hope you enjoy some of the pictures from the competition!!!

 Part of a clean and press medley...89lb log

Farmer's Walk 105lbs per hand

 Pushing the jeep 

 Deadlifts...I maxed at 275lbs! eeek! super exciting =)

 300lb tire flips (check out my calf muscle..it's so pretty!)

 Atlas stones....not my favorite...120 lbs

This picture of all us girls is my favorite...look at all the men taking our pictures =) HA! I love it.

The Life of a Rockstar

If you have not been diligently keeping up with my facebook posts, you may have missed my latest accomplishment! Punch Gym in Norwalk, CT named me "Rockstar of the Month"! Feel free to click HERE to read the article! Pretty impressive if I do say so myself! I don't mean to gloat....well really I do, but I've been working so hard, it's nice to be acknowledged. Actually it's AWESOME to be acknowledged =D

That being said, it's really hard not to slack off when you're feeling good about yourself. Right after Stef (gym owner/nutritionist) told me I was to be the ROCKSTAR, I totally took a nose dive. Not a complete failure but definitely problematic. I quickly learned that a cookie here, a missed workout there, it all adds up. I haven't gained any weight back, but not losing is kind of upsetting too.

So in order to not slack off you have to force yourself to take an active role, no one is going to do it for you. And when I say you of course I mean me.

To combat my latest plateau, I signed up for Battle of the Belles. This is an all women strength competition on Sunday Oct. 23 at Punch Gym. I feel like I am blissfully unaware of what I'm getting myself into...but oh well, as is life. The event is also a fundraiser for a local hospital's cancer center (Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center at the Stamford Hospital). What I am most excited for is the fact that my favorite (and only) little brother Andrew will be visiting that weekend, and I hope to impress him with my new found muscles =)

I'm also still in the midst of the Body Balance Challenge, a competition at Punch between members to see who can lose the most percentage of weight loss in 8 weeks. I get points every time I work out, turn in my food journal, lose a percentage of weight loss, and all sorts of healthy lifestyle type challenges... kept track by a good old fashioned sticker chart =) It's amazing how much people will do for a sticker! Oh and did I mention the $1,000 grand prize?

I hope to have lots more results to report by Christmas. I don't want to set a weight loss goal, because it's depressing if you don't reach it. What I do want to do is promise myself not to become complacent and lazy. I need to keep on keepin' on.

p.s - If you would like to make a donation for the cancer center let me know! My email is kchomas87@gmail.com

Walking the Walk

4 months....holy moly....So what started as a random thought has completely taken over my life. Not in a bad way...in a totally "wicked" awesome way. Can you tell I just got back from Boston? Words can't even describe....Fenway Park is truly amazing. I digress...

So I have been doing bootcamp for 4 months. Most people do it for one month, then join the gym. Bootcamp is kind of a jump start especially good for beginners like me. I felt like I needed the extra time, and the time of day worked perfect for me. So what has happened in the past 4 months? A lot...

4 months ago I couldn't imagine understand this crazy lingo these trainers kept using...now I know all about cleans, snatches, squats, Russian twists, bicycles, presses, Turkish get-ups, swings, planks, and all sorts of other cool things.

4 months ago I was out of breath after climbing one set of stairs in my school...this morning I climbed to the top grandstand of Fenway Park without any shortness of breath, discomfort, aches or pains.

4 months ago I couldn't go to the store and buy clothes without being upset because nothing fit right and I refused to go up a size. Now I've dropped a size and everything fits great!

4 months ago my hands were pretty - now they are rough and callused....but in a really fantastic way =)

4 months ago I was weak, and now I'm strong. Seriously - I flipped a 300 pound tire. I have a video on facebook to prove it ha ha.

4 months ago I wore extra clothes to help me feel more comfortable...like undershirts under EVERY shirt and pants all day every day...maybe the occasional capri pants. Now I own shorts, and I wear them in public....it took a lot of courage in the beginning (just ask Jay) but now i don't even flinch =)

These are just a few examples...there are so many more. The most amazing thing to me is all the everyday functional activities (can you tell I'm an OT?) that I see an improvement on. Not just walking up stairs, but carrying grocery bags, more energy throughout the day, actually sleeping throughout the night, and doing jumping jacks with the kids at school instead of just telling them to "show me". I also feel 100% more confident. I mean I've never been shy - but this is a completely new level of confidence for me. I literally strut my stuff, which I've NEVER done before.

One thing that I didn't foresee in all of this was how successful I would be. I've never been good at anything involving fitness. My poor parents made me try every different sport; soccer, swimming, softball you name it. Me and fitness just didn't get along. But kettelbells are different, or maybe it's me who is different. All I know is that I like it. I'm hooked.

I also started really taking a look at nutrition as well. I learned pretty quick that it doesn't matter how much you exercise if your still eating crap all day every day. Today I met with Stef (punch gym co-owner/nutritionist/strongwoman champ/pretty awesome person to have in your corner) and she is helping me get on the right track with my eating habits. That being said go to Marks Daily Apple to see the "primal" way of eating that is helping me shed the pounds.

Speaking of pounds I've lost 20 since starting. I've NEVER done that before either.

Today Louis (another completely fabulous Punch Gym trainer) told me he was so proud of the progress I've made and that I was really walking the walk. At the time I was gasping for breath (class had just ended LOL) but thinking back on it makes me want to cry. That is the nicest compliment a person could ever ask for. I am 24 years old and I'm changing my life. That makes me pretty happy.

So, my plan is to continue working on nutrition, and next week I will start the 45 minutes long classes. I'm not scared as much as excited (maybe a little scared). I never thought anything would come of all this...just another crazy Kerry idea. So I guess we'll just wait and see.

~Kerry~

=)

visuals =)

Here is the link to the gym...below are some pictures of stuff I've been doing =)

http://punchgym.com/norwalk/

These are kettlebells....




These are the ropes....



This is the gym in Norwalk.....



And here are some people in action....thanks google images!!!!