Hey! Wow. Has it been almost half a year since I started this thread? I've finally emerged from my cave. Sorry I've been MIA. Life has been busy for the past few years due my return to school (first night school, then full-time, plus work and a lot of time spent with my ex and family friends, then dealing with a break-up), and particularly insane over the past few months as I've been completing my most hellish semester and internship. Thank you so much for all of the feedback and support! I'm definitely down with avoiding processed foods, and I'm averse to overconsumption of meats (especially red meats), sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. "If God didn't make it, don't eat it." I love that.
I really like --> love cardio--dancing, aerobics, spin cycling, running. A few years ago, I was doing pretty well on-track for a half-marathon, then fell off the wagon once school began since coursework became my first priority. I wish I could find a way to balance fitness and work or school, or fitness, work, and school. It's more of a possibility this semester, which should be a bit more chill than the previous one. It's been a dream of mine to run the WDW Marathon or Half-Marathon (not sure I actually want to put my joints/body through 26+ miles non-stop).
I'm so thrilled that you pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone (inspired by Disney!) and beyond the negative voices of your ex to become a marathoner and clean eater within a year! More importantly, I'm glad you recognized that shedding her energy was essential to your health and well-being. I hope she is somewhere learning to adopt a better attitude.
I can deal with the gym but am somewhat gym-averse, plus don't want to pay for a gym (although I do like a few of the classes). I have heard of P90X but felt it wasn't for me. I tried it a few times with my ex, but just didn't enjoy it as much as I did aerobics classes, Zumba, spin cycling, and running outside. I know I need to do anaerobic activity, but I usually like to do it slowly, at my own pace, so boot camps and videos don't usually work for me when it comes to muscle workouts.
I did get into a couple of body workout routines for a while and was able to jog at least once or twice a month, squeezing in some walks and dances, but I would never feel like I had the time to get the exercise as frequently as I would have liked. And finals weeks were bad...I subsisted on McDonald's for that period of time for the sake of comfort, dealing with a lot of persistent stress, and convenience (Sure, exercise would have been a better option, but I just don't feel like I have as much time for it when I'm swimming in due dates! LOL.).
I think my biggest issue was trying to decide on a routine. I wanted it to be just right for my schedule; generally, I'm good at following a program that's laid out for me, and I finally feel ready. I think this is the perfect time to really focus on my body. Usually, I tend to get overwhelmed by over-researching on the internet. Planning is so much work. Fortunately, for Christmas, I was able to get my sister to put together a simple, sustainable diet and workout routine for me and my schedule. She's really into fitness and wellness, and it was easy to have a conversation with her about my preferences, which can get particular over certain elements. I'm planning on cooking in batches, consuming lots of nutrients, and tightening my core while still fulfilling my love of cardio.
So bottom line is that 2016 looks like it will hopefully be my year! I just turned 30. Hopefully there's still time to look and feel fabulous. I actually found an old WISH journal that I started when I planned to train for the marathon, linked in my signature. I'm going to resurrect it somehow and keep a fitness journal this semester. Happy holidays to all! Here we go!