It doesn't have to cost THAT much, does it?

Went to Gold's Gym yesterday, like I said I would.... Well, I didn't quite pass out, my reaction was more like "you've got to be kidding me!". To have a chance of reaching my 'aggressive' goal of 35lbs by end of summer, I would have to commit to 3 training sessions per week, for 12 weeks. Even at the bulk price (when buying 36 sessions), it was going to be well over $2K, PLUS the gym membership, which is not astronomical, but I could get a family YMCA membership for about the same.

So, with that idea out the door, I decided to inquire at the local Herbal Magic outlet.  Their program is pricey too, but I think there's more flexibility with products. The base fees include 3 weekly 'check-in's with a personal coach and nutritionist - a BIG plus for me as they will work with me to create a meal plan - something not included with the personal trainer at Gold's.  The 3 weekly check-ins, from what I understand, are to help stay accountable and to have the opportunity to 'get it off your chest', whatever 'IT' may be, to help reduce stress, etc and improve your success.  I haven't signed up for my initial consultation yet. I would be very interested to hear if any of you have had any experience with Herbal Magic? And/or Weight Watchers? I might check them out next, but their outlet is not as convenient.

Something I just thought of - I should check out what the local YMCA has to offer for training - they have child care available too, which was yet another cost with Gold's! Their location is not as convenient as Gold's, but if it costs hundreds less, would be worth the extra 10min drive.

You know I'm serious when...

... I'm willing to spend money to make my goal happen! Today I decided I will go to my local gym (happens to be a new Gold's Gym) and talk to them about hiring a personal trainer and nutritionist for 30 days. I want to see what that would cost me and if they can support me in reaching my goal of losing 20lbs in 30 days. I figure this way is best because they can incorporate the activities and schedules that I already have in my life, as well as account for my food preferences when working out the diet. Sure, I expect it will cost more than the generic Running Room clinic or online weight loss program, but the closer it fits my lifestyle, the more likely I will be able to stick to it and have the results I want. The added bonus is IF they help me get the results, then I'll continue with them to get to my ultimate, final goal of an additional 15lbs off by the end of the summer.

The way I see it, I'd rather spend money on getting my body back - this is just a temporary state for me, which is why I believe I'll be able to shed the first 15lbs fairly easily with the right direction - than spending my money on a new wardrobe!  First thing Monday morning I'm heading to the gym - if I don't pass out from the cost, expect to read about an exciting new adventure I'm about to embark on.

Did I mention I did a 5km race?

That's me on the right

Last weekend (May 28th) I ran my second 5km race of the season. This one was in Ottawa, my old stomping grounds for about 3 years and home to many of my friends and some family. We went to my Aunt's for lunch, and for convenience since she lives walking distance from the start line (nothing like using your family - LOL!). The drive up had been cool and overcast, so I decided to wear my long-sleeve shirt to run. By the time I walked to the race area, the sun was out and it was hot!  I couldn't believe I was sweating from walking and BEFORE trying to jam my way into the 9,000+ crowd of runners filling the street! For once in my life I was early and had to stand there, in the blazing sun, no sunglasses, long-sleeve dark shirt, squeezed like I was in the middle of the dance floor at a popular club on a Saturday night. At least in the club you can assume most are at least drinking age and around my average height - but out here, there were children and teens and couples and super short people and tall people - pretty much every age, shape and height could be found in this crowd, all huddled together on Elgin St.

I'm happy to report that I completed the 5km, in this crowd, with long-sleeves, in the blazing sun, in 32:05 min! When there are so many people around, it's hard to find and keep your pace, so I'm happy to have improved on my previous 5km from May 1st of 32:45. I crossed the line 97th/513 in my category (age/sex) and my chip time put me in the top 26% (133/513)! :-) I had hoped to finish under 30min, but improvement is good.

I think my next race challenge will be in Toronto in the fall. I'm debating between the 1/2 marathon distance (21km) or going for a personal best in the 5km event. There isn't a 10km event, which is too bad because that would have been my first choice.

It doesn't take much...

...to throw me off track!!  It has been 3 weeks, 3 WEEKS!, since my last update.  Would you believe what kept me from publishing my day 8 weigh in and diet diary was a glitch with Blogger!?  Every night after I posted the day's diet diary, I would open a new post to start filling in first thing the next day. It was my system and seemed to be working for me, for the first week anyway...  Then day 8 came and Blogger had crashed, lost my day 7 entry and I couldn't even log in to start over for day 8. That was it - that's all it took - and I've been eating poorly and not keeping track ever since!  yikes!

Well, not completely, I did still manage to do my weekly BMI and weigh in on the Wii (at least that didn't crash on me!)

Here are the stats for the past four weeks (including the starting point for comparison):

week 0 - the starting point:
BMI: 28.86  Weight: 83.4kg

week 1 - after one week of logging my food intake:
BMI: 29.00 Weight: 83.8kg  (UGH)

week 2 - no more food diary:
BMI: 28.82  Weight: 83.3kg (went down a bit!)

week 3 - still no food diary, but more activity:
BMI: 28.72  Weight: 83.0kg (went down a bit more)

week 4 - no food diary, lots of activity, no control:
BMI: 28.82  Weight: 83.3kg  (just shy of where I started...)

So, I may as well begin again...  I came across a program that I'm debating on whether I should purchase it or not. It's called Xtreme Fat Loss Diet - Rapid Fat Loss System and there's a full money-back guarantee if you follow the plan and don't lose 25lbs in 25 days. It costs about the same as the Running Room clinics, but it includes a full meal plan for the 25 days, as well as exercises and log book, etc.  Sounds like a pretty good system. I know what you're thinking, I hate falling for those online 'sales letters' that make you read for 10 screens before they show you the 'BUY NOW' button...  I'm going to do a search and see if anyone has blogged/commented about it online.  I'm pretty serious about shedding this weight and I feel ready to make that 25 day commitment!


I'll let you know what I decide. If you've heard about, read about or even tried this system yourself, PLEASE let me know what you think!  If I get started in the next couple days, I could be looking fab by Canada Day.  :-)