A Sweaty Trot

As I mentioned in my last blog, I started exercising last week.  My daily walks with the dogs weren't helping me to lose any weight because I wasn't getting my heart rate up high enough so I finally decided that it was time to pick up the pace.

I lost well over 40 lbs a couple of years after having Savannah by exercising and watching my diet - so I know how to lose weight... - I just have to DO IT!!

Jogging is probably my least favorite kind of exercise. I honestly don't enjoy any aspect of it BUT I know that if I keep at it, the scale will start to tip in my favor (for a change!).  It sounds easy enough, even to my ears!, but when you're carrying around a good 30 lbs of extra weight pretty much nothing comes easy!

I fully admit and acknowledge that I am completely, without a doubt, out of shape in the worst way. Building up any kind of speed while out on the pavement is proving to be a slow and steady process.  I learned - years ago - to set realistic, manageable "mini" goals for myself..i.e. jog to the 2nd stop sign before speed walking to the next one, etc.

Determination and motivation are both on my side.  What's not on my side is the weather!  For over a week, pretty much since the day I started exercising, it has been incredibly hot and humid out.  The air quality outside is HORRIBLE and - when combined with my own internal air quality issues due to being so overweight!! - it's downright torturous to exercise in!  I am literally DRIPPING sweat not 5 minutes into my mile.  Working my way through the heat and humidity feels like I'm swimming against the waves.  And so..I'm really not jogging yet.  It's more of a trot.  A Sweaty Trot.

I'm dressed in Jim's old paint-stained cotton shorts paired with an ancient-looking faded oversized tank top.  My entire body - from head to toe - is glistening with sweat.  I'm breathing like I've just come up for air after holding my breath underwater for way too long!  I feel like I'm moving in slow motion, with my legs being weighted down by cement (otherwise known as pure FAT!).  I've got my new Bluetooth Headphones on, trying to focus on the music rather than the fact that I feel like I'm dying trying to get to that next stop sign.  I see people I know - watering their lawns or driving by.  I give a half of a wave, sometimes, but usually I just look down at my feet and try to pretend like I'm invisible.  I know how I look.  I look like a red faced sweaty mess.  I look like a fat girl trotting...

And I'm o.k. with that.  Gotta start somewhere, right?