At first I wasn't sure that I wanted to join the 12th TT Contest. I was embarrassed by the weight I had gained. As I've mentioned, I'd gone through a bit of a depression and become best friends with a certain boozy pirate. When my doctor started talking about medication, I knew I had hit my low point. Rather than take antidepressants, I decided that I was going to pull myself together. Part of the plan was turning to a community that I knew would be supportive - the TT Forums. In the beginning, I thought I would "lay low" and post only in the Workout Journals; but after some thought, I decided to make the commitment and join the contest.
The first thing to go was the alcohol. I made an exception at my high school reunion, but for 83 of the 84 days I was alcohol free. In addition to a more healthy diet, this made such a huge difference. I had so much more energy and found it easier and easier to get out of bed early in the morning (around 4:45am) and complete my workouts. Also, time with my kids is more rewarding nowadays, and they feed off of that energy. My son has even renewed his interest in running, and my 5-year-old daughter likes to make up "workouts" with my lighter weights complete with DB swings, push ups, jumping jacks and the ab wheel.
After the 6-week point, I really felt like I was at a good weight and that I could work on maintenance. I am quite happy with that decision; it just felt right. I joined this contest to help get my life back on track, not to achieve a certain weight. My pants are fitting and I'm feeling more confident physically and mentally than I have in a long time. The other night my daughter said something cryptic to me. She said, "You sound more like my mom." She's only 5, so it could mean a variety of things, but I'd like to think that she's also happy with where I am in my life!
Over the 12 weeks I lost a total of 12.4 lbs, 3.8% bodyfat, and 14.75 inches, including 4 inches off my abdomen. I really enjoyed the 3 TT Workouts I used, and strove to have a PR in nearly every workout. I feel like my arm strength has improved - I gained back about 1/8 of an inch on my biceps during the last 6 weeks of the contest. And since my bodyfat went down during that same time, I'm hoping that 1/8 of an inch is muscle!
Thank you to all my TT friends and to everyone who has been so supportive during this time in my life. I am feeling great and I will see you in the Workout Journals!
Workouts used:
TT Metabolic Resistance Training
TT Hardcore Fat Loss
TT for Buff Guys and Hot Gals
Starting Stats - 09/11/11
age: under 40
height: 5' 7.75"
weight: 155.8 lbs
BF: 24.1%
chest: 35.0"
waist: 30.0"
abdomen: 33.5"
hips: 37.25"
left bicep: 11.75"
right bicep" 11.5"
left thigh: 20.5"
right thigh: 20.5"
left calf: 14.875"
right calf: 14.875"
12 Week Stats - 12/03/11
age: under 40
height: 5' 7.75"
weight: 143.4 lbs (-12.4 lbs)
BF: 20.3% (-3.8%)
chest: 33.0" (-2.0")
waist: 27.5" (-2.5")
abdomen: 29.5" (-4.0")
hips: 35.5" (-1.75")
left bicep: 11.625" (-.125")
right bicep: 11.375" (-.125")
left thigh: 19.0" (-1.5")
right thigh: 19.0" (-1.5")
left calf: 14.25" (-.625")
right calf: 14.25" (-.625")
