Another Step in the Right Direction

Hello,

I took a small step today that I think will really pay off. Recently when I wanted to go to the gym, I would wait until Derek got home to take me even though it is within walking distance. I made this choice because I was afraid the illness-pain, which sometimes gets worse while I am exercising, would inhibit me from getting back home if I went myself. Also during the summer/early fall before it got cold and I got sick, when I would walk myself, I had some very scary experiences with men following me and saying disgusting things. The workers at the gym clock out at 8:00PM, and although it is still open after that, it is a low-population gym and I feel unsafe being alone or with only one or two men there. Sometimes Derek would get back later than that, like yesterday, and I wouldn't go to the gym even though I had intended to and gotten dressed for it.

Well today I decided to just go for it! The gym is less than a mile away. I stowed my ipod for the walk and stood up straight, looking alert so that I wouldn't seem like easy prey for disgusting men. I went at one o'clock in the afternoon so there would be more people walking and I was less likely to be isolated with just one other walker. I figured that if I did begin to suffer debilitating pain at the gym, I could worst case scenario take a cab back home.

But nothing bad happened at all! I did a ten minute warmup on the bike and then a very rigorous fourty minute long upper body work out. The shoulder press machine is still extremely hard for me to use even on it's lowest weight. The exercise did make the pain under my ribcage start up, but it wasn't so severe that it stopped me from kicking butt. Afterwards I walked right back up the hill and I did take one break on account of briefly stabbing pain, but afterwards I was fine.

Feeling good now! I am cooking a healthy meal for me, Derek, and my friend Laura from college. My arms and shoulders feel very sore from my muscles getting stronger.

Now I have no excuse not to hit the gym six times per week! Also, I am down to 180.5. This is a before and during shot of just my face... I feel like this is where I am seeing the most rewarding change. I have more bone structure and my features stand out more. My hair isn't really this red... I am just next to a bright lamp!