challenge

40x40 Challenge

So, I’ve taken the photo, a few minutes ago, for the before and after… I am still a work in progress… No abs… still have a spare tire…. I have not looked at the photo from last year since the day I took.  I haven’t lost 40 lbs… at least I don’t think so… However, like said in a previous post… my friends say that i have lost a lot of weight.  I did at one point get down 168.  When I started I was 198 lbs.  My friends have also pointed out that they can see that I have gained some muscle.

So, I am not going to bullshit anyone.  I have lost a lot of weight and gained a little bit of muscle. What I have accomplished during this challenge; I got a job, FINALLY! I joined a gym a few months ago, I feel a whole lot better than I did last year.  I stayed clean!!!

I know that I want to continue to exercise and to continue to feel good about myself.    The challenge in the end, I guess, was not to lose the weight. Rather, it was to no give up!  I’m 40 now and I’m not giving up! 

Will post the before and after by the end of the week.  

Update 40x40 Challenge

It’s been awhile since I’ve given an update…. My goal was to lose 40 lbs by the time I turn 40 yo.  Well, next month on the 24th I will be 40 yo.  I started out at 198 lbs and, from the last time I weighed myself, at the doctor’s office, I am 171 lbs.  27 lbs lost!!! I’ve been told that it must be more than that because I have been losing fat and gaining muscle.  I did go from a 34/35 waist to a 30/31.  Friends have told me that I am getting ‘buff’.  

So, the last 13 lbs may never really show on the scale if I keep strength training.  What I am working on now is to lose my love-handles and hopefully start showing a 6-pack; this is the hardest part.  

I will post the before and after whether the goal is reached or not.  

Thank you to everyone that has supported me in this.

Have a HAART... (part II)

A lot happened over the weekend….

I started HIV-treatment… just 3 pills a day… I’m feeling just fine… no side effects

I also, went on a date… first date in a very very very long time.  Had a wonderful time… we did kiss… first kiss in over 2 years for me… He says that he would like to see me again… He is HIV negative; that kicked up a few things with me.  This would be first for me as well; I have only ever dated someone that is pozitve since my diagnosis 10 years ago.

Let’s see… what else… I started taking lessons in sign language… 1-on-1 for an hour on Sundays.  

I am still transitioning off of public assistance.  Starting next month, I will be paying about 90% of my rent… I can still receive Food Stamps for about a year and keep Medicaid because my employer doesn’t offer health insurance at this time.

In just 2 months, I will be 40 years old.  I am still working on my 40lbs by 40yo Challenge.  I need to lose 13 more pounds.  However, I am not sure how much fat I have actually lost.  I know that I have gained muscle and my waist size is getting smaller. So, there is a chance that I might hover around my current weight of 171lbs  if I continue to gain muscle mass and shed some fat.  Anyway, I feel great.

___________

Just wanted to give a quick update on what’s happening with me.

Update 40 lbs BY 40 yo Challenge

So… Yesterday was the nine months mark; I have three months until my 40th Birthday.  I have not weighed myself in a while.  I am down to a 31 waist however, I’ve been eating all the wrong things these last three weeks; making hard to shed anymore pounds.  Also, I’ve been slacking off when it comes to getting myself to the gym - the gym that is walking distance from my home.  #fail!!!

Time to get serious!!!

4 months to GO or Bust!

I will turn 40 yo on Sept 24 of this year. 

The last time I posted an update regarding my 40 lbs by 40 yo challenge I only needed 10 more pounds to lose.  Well, i have gained 4 lbs if not 6 lbs back :-( #BOooooo! OK… so roughly 16 lbs to lose in 4 months; I believe I can do this. 

I joined a gym this week (Planet Fitness) ***Actually, I join, online, last week and a few days ago was when I went in for the first time**** It was very intimidating; It’s not an expensive gym so even at 10 pm it was packed.  Packed, mostly very very HOT Latino men or various ages that don’t wear athletic supporters.  #faints

So, I’ve decided to wake up early and head to PF in hopes there are much less patrons at these hours.  Wish me luck!

Lowfat Muffin Top...

So… I haven’t really given an update on my 40 lbs by 40 yo Challenge in a while…

Yesterday, I went shopping for a casual outfit to wear for a holiday event that I will be singing in, as part of an ensemble, on Sunday.  I can still blow now and then; even though I did damage my vocal chords by doing drugs.  Nevertheless, I tried on a pair of jeans and the 32s fit great.  I haven’t be able to fit into 32s in a long time.  My old jeans stretched with me so I was fooling myself for a while that I was still had a 30/31 waist but really I was probably a 34/35. 

This made my day!!!  

Slacker!!!!!!!!!!!

So the weather is now pretty chilly…

I have totally slacked off on my 40 lbs by 40 yo challenge.  I’ve gotta get back on the ball… I still cannot afford a gym membership but I can at least do some sit-ups and push-ups, yoga and other stuff at home.  I feel like I may have gained some of the 15 lbs i have lost already back. #FAIL

It’s not to late to start again

We All Scream For...

I have a slight cold today… it’s not bad but it is enough for me to stay home and not venture out into rainy suddenly quite chilly New York City.  Basically, I don’t want this to get worse.

I haven’t gone out jogging since Monday nor have I done any calisthenics.  Anyway… I am not craving drugs… but I am craving ice cream… and I have been trying to rationalize going to the corner store to get a pint.