TuffGirl’s BodyBlog

Your your little gal turned 47 yesterday at 6:34am.

I am maintaining my weight loss and I’m keeping my goals in the forefront of my mind! {never gonna be that FAT GIRL again}

So, Saturday was my day… I arrived at Knuckle Up ready for my first class of MUAY THAI!  I had no idea what to expect.  I saw Matt (the instructor).  He was there already - teaching the 9am Kick Boxing class to a bunch of folks.  I headed to the locker room, locked my crap up and took a seat out front and waited.

Before long, a few guys started coming in… "Hey" I asked, as I walked in to the cage. "Is this where the Muay Thai class is being held?"  The guys looked at me a little strange but smiled and said "Yep, sure is."  I went back to the kick boxing area and talked to Matt and asked him what I should do about shin guards.  He had said earlier that he’d loan me his…  He told me he’d bring them to me in a few minutes and to go ahead and borrow some gloves from the front desk.

First things first… This class was an ALL LEVELS Muay Thai Class.  There were only 4 newbies in the class.  I was the only new CHICK. 

There were about 20 people in the class. The instructor is amazing.  He competes. 6′-2" 205lbs - Fights at Middle Weight (185)

The class breakdown was: 4 gals, 16 men.  Most folks were in their 20’s.  If anyone there was in their 30’s then they were only in their EARLY 30’s.  IT WAS VERY OBVIOUS THAT I WAS THE OLDEST IN THE GROUP.  The majority of the group were there because they have aspirations to compete in Muay Thai.  They practice Muay Thai more than just once or twice a week as I would do "just as part of a fitness routine" - they practice EVERYDAY.  They all fight in competitions.

Within the first 15 minutes after getting my hands wrapped and putting on my boxing gloves, I was learning how to throw a punch - the correct way.  Who ever thought I needed to know the CORRECT way to throw a punch?  I always just PUNCH.  Well, now I know!   I actually know how to throw several punches.  I learned how to throw kicks, too.  How to "check" kicks.    Where to kick/place your shin, what nerves to aim for in the legs,some serious stuff…

Matt had us practicing on the bags and pairing up with partners.  I have never had a workout like that before in my entire life.  My whole body ached over the weekend!

So, I come away from the experience with a few things in my mind that I must think about.  One small thing:  What does a gal do when she wears glasses and can’t see worth a shit without them but yet wants to fight Muay Thai?  I had to take my glasses off (obviously) and felt a bit handicapped during the whole experience.  And don’t say get contacts, do you know how long it takes to get used to wearing contacts when you’ve not worn them in 20 years?   I wonder what Anderson Silva does?

A few other things: Do I really want to train Muay Thai or just be an observer of this very cool Martial Art?  I mean am I doing this because I want to compete and I am going to train on a daily basis? Or am I going to take a class once a week and always be considered the "old timer" and probably never progress past the stage of a beginner? 

At my age, to what end will Muay Thai take me?

I will say this: Muay Thai is a fantastic workout!  I have never sweated so much in my entire life…I used every muscle in my body. 

Another adventure for TuffGirl! 

Today’s weight?  136

Very interesting week…

A betrayal of friendship has occured. That’s not happened in a very long time.

No lesson learned, just a reminder of thoughts forgotten: Defend yourself. Trust no one. Remain focused.  

Dad always told me that you only need ONE true friend and always pick your own. 

I’m sure glad I have Jan.

And so life goes on. 

I’ve had some great workouts this week in the gym.  Today was especially wonderful!  As I am leaving the gym, Jeff stops me and asks me if I’ve taken any classes.  I haven’t… I’ve just been doing my own thing.  "Well, with your athletisicm, I think you’d really be good at Muay Thai."  - DOES THIS MAN KNOW THAT’S ALL I NEEDED TO HEAR? -   Boom!  sign me up!

I am taking a class starting Saturday!  He introduced me to the instructer Matt Callahan… I spoke to him for a few minutes.  Got my instructions on when to be there… I’M IN, BABY!    First class - Saturday morning 10am.

Anderson Silva, watch out!

http://www.knuckleupfitness.com/muay-thai-2.html

I was lucky last week… My company sent me to a two day conference in downtown Atlanta to learn all about Infection Control in Construction.  Actually turned out to be some interesting stuff! 

Great thing was the conference was held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel.  ALL the UFC guys were staying there before the fights on Saturday, Sept 6th.  Really Cool! 

I met Martin Kampmann - Middle Weight -185lbs.  He was fighting Nate Marquardt.  Took pics with him.

I met Jason MacDonald - Middle Weight - 185lbs   He was fighting Jason Lambert.  Took pics with him.

I managed to get over to Philips Arena in time for the Weigh-ins and get some good pics of the guys during the weigh-ins.

I was in heaven!  It was easy finding a good seat.  I found an usher and told her I needed only One seat.  She ‘Hooked me up’ right behind the media seats.

I was one happy little gal. 

Chuck’s working out at MY gym! 11 days until his fight.

I’ve been carrying my camera in my gym bag everyday. Just hoping I get a glimpse of the Legend that is Chuck Liddell!  Wouldn’t that be great? 

Oh, hey! Chuck!  I didn’t know you were here!

Gotta look busy… Gotta look fit, gotta look like I’m in great physical condition. Ready to go a few rounds with the great one. Sure I’d let him ground and pound me! You’re damn straight!

Steve and I aren’t going to the fights at Philips Arena.  Chuck you’d better beat Rashad!  But we’re having friends over for a UFC party.  We sent out our Invitations this past weekend.  Should be a fun time.  I’m looking forward to it.

My workout yesterday consisted of Legs.  Yes, that’s what I said. LEGS.  I know, who does legs on Monday? I’m beat! Killing me.  I can hardly walk today. I knew it would happen.  But, I know it will pay off… Along with that killer Cardio. 

Remember how I used to run and imagine Rickson there with me?  Well I was in that ZONE both yesterday and today.  Yesterday, I hit it on the stair stepper.  Today, on the treadmill.  It’s unbelievable.  Like nothing in the world.  You just zone out.  Legs take over.  You feel nothing but movement, breathing is automatic. Before you know it, the time is passing and you’ve sweat so much that you feel like another person…completely.

Yesterday, while I was doing legs I wished that Marty was there.  I was kind of lost.  I figured it out, though…  Took me a minute.  Once I got in to the office I realized that I was doing a few more ass exercises than legs but still… my legs hurt like HELL.  That damn SMITH MACHINE is sick.  Those Squats were killer!  I did Lunges!  And Yes, Marty, I hopped like a fool!  and Jumped!

No weights today, All cardio.  My poor soul couldn’t take any weights.

WHAT DID THE SCALE SAY TODAY?

Shall I repeat it? 138 pounds with flip flops!  AMEN.  So There!

I made it to the gym today.  First time in about 3 weeks.  I’d been so busy in the mornings. Unable to make the time to get there. 

My poor doggie had been sick.  She came down with Bacterial Pneumonia about a month ago. She tried very hard to kick it. She spent some time in the hospital.  We brought her home where she was on the road to recovery, but then she started getting sick again. Her old body just couldn’t take it. 

Uda was 14 years old. A Golden Retriever. 

In 1999, I told my Mother - on the day that I came home from the hosptial after I had a full hysterectomy (nope, I never had any kids) - as Uda lay with her head on my lap… "This has got to be better than having a kid!"  And I meant every word. 

Uda passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:15am. Me and Steve were by her side.  She is in a happy place.  Damn, I love that dog!   Needless to say I’ve been crying like a baby when I think of her.

So, I made it back to the gym today… Jeff was shocked to see me.  "Hey, Regina. Where’ve you been?"  All I could say was I’ve had some personal issues.  How could I say, "My dog has been sick" ? and expect him to understand?

My workout was great. I still love the gym! Great place. Great Music.  GREAT EQUIPMENT!  BOXING RING, right smack in the middle of the place!  I’m able to hit my zone in that gym - no problem.

Funny thing happened a few weeks ago when I was there: a chick from our old gym long ago when Steve was training me (Waaaay Pre-Marty) walked into the locker room.  I was like, "Hey!"  Turns out she’s been working out a KnuckleUp for a while now.  Small world.

Don’t see anyone who I’d like to workout with… Not much interested in hooking up with one of their trainers at the moment.  Just want to do my own thing for a while.  I think I can focus enough to keep myself on a good schedule for a while.  Then, maybe towards the first of the year I might start a class or sign up for bootcamp or enroll with a trainer.

My diet is great.  Weight is excellent.  Me and my flip flops weighed in at 138 today.

I love my new gym!

I love it! 

This is the place that dreams are made of - seriously! 

I swear, I feel like I’m walking onto the movie set of "Million Dollar Baby".

There’s a Boxing ring in the middle of the gym.  How great is that?  There’s got to be 30 punching bags hanging from the ceiling…  I love it! 

Damn!  If I were 20 years younger and a man, I could be fighting at Wild Bill’s and making my way up the ranks to become and Ultimate Fighter.

But,,, at least I can strive to be the fittest 46 year old I know and continue to workout and keep my body in shape and keep my weight down - build muscle, look great! 

The gym sponsers fighters.  Fighters who fight at Wild Bill’s and other venues around the Southeast.  Also the gym opens the doors to fights periodically, so I can see fights for free at the gym - REALLY COOL!

There are not a bunch of twitty girls standing around talking in their spandex outfits.  Not a bunch of Model Looking guys trying to pick up chicks… These are all Hard Core folks who want to workout. DEDICATED!  That’s what I like about the place!  No IDIOTS.

None of that sweet 16 music playing over the speakers.  Real MUSIC!

I’m home!

This is just what I was looking for in a gym.

NO NONSENSE.

I am psyched!

Signed up today!

http://www.knuckleupfitness.com/

Yep!  Here I go!  This is gonna be brand new!  An all new adventure for me.  No more Marty to lean on.  Now I’ve got to be my own MOTIVATOR!

I stopped by they gym today to check it out.  This is a mans gym.  HARD CORE No more of that sissy stuff.  This is straight up WORKOUT!

Shhh!….. I heard a rumor.  A famous MMA fighter (I won’t say who - but he’s fighting in the ATL in September) might just be working out at Knuckle Up for a few weeks before the big fight!    If so, I’ll get a picture 

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes…

I’m planning to begin working out there next week.

So, last year on my birthday I was probably weighing in at about 185 pounds.  Not even half way there… Marty was screaming at me the classic line (you love this): "It’s not your Birthday in the Gym, Trolman!" … made me want to cry!  - not really, just sorta.

Things have really turned around, haven’t they?  Just yesterday I was chatting with a friend of mine about how I would help her lose weight and encourage her.  All she needs to do is make it up in her mind that she wants to do it.  I could see some hesitation in her voice and face, though… So, I don’t think she’s really ready for the challenge.  IT AIN’T EASY!  I’ll tell anybody that!  And ask me that next year.  I wonder how much I’ll weigh on my 47th birthday.  And my 48th?

I’ve at least got to keep this together long enough so that for 50th Birthday Party Celebration I look great! 

I was talking to someone today who is considering becoming an Executive Coach.  I find that very interesting.  Help people succed in business.  He is a successful business man.  Why not show others what it takes?  Kind of got me to thinking… Why can’t I get folks to think about what it takes to lose weight and get in shape?

I know, everyone has done it.  Everybody has a gimmick. Everybody has some SECRET that will make people slim instantly.  But, me and my sick little mind managed to work out a plan with Marty that worked!  A workout plan, an eating plan, a mental plan, a supplement plan… A PLAN that worked to help me lose weight.

Couldn’t I be some sort of Body Image Coach?  I think I could.  From Fat to Fabulous! That’s me!  I did it.  Others can too!

Anyway, that’s what’s on my mind today.

now, I’m gonna go have a drink - this old gal deserves it!

Now I know why I do it.

I want to keep this body.

I was in the locker room yesterday and witnessed the "Old Lady Parade to the Swimming Pool".  You guessed it.  Water Aerobics.  Out of shape, disgusting, flabby, no muscle tone,,,, My GOD! 

That is not what I want my body to look like!   

These ladies have thrown in the towel!  Some of them are not that much older than ME! Maybe they’re 50 - 55 years old GEEZ! 

I’ll be 46 in 3 days, what are they thinking????? 

Is that really what they want their husbands to look at each night before they fall asleep?

Get this… One lady was actually wearing a SPORTS BRA WITH HER SWIM SUIT.  what the hell?????  Her one piece swim suit (open in the back) was purple and her sports bra was green.  "HELLO!, We can see you! You look like a F*cking idiot!"

I heard one lady comment: "Oh, my hair is a mess."  That should have been the least of her worries.  She needed Marty to bark a few orders at her and give her a session or two of his "Tank Breaker" workouts.

I’m still biding my time a the Perimeter Wonderland LA Fitness.  Not such a happy place.  Yes, it’s bigger, easier to spread out in, more equipment.  But that also means more folks in your way, more cars in the parking lot,,,

I’ve stepped up my Cardio a bunch more.  And killing the Abs. I assume that is how I’ve been able to kick those last 2 pounds.  140 - FINALLY!  3 days in a row.  

First appearance of 140 pounds was on Father’s Day Sunday

Confirmed, yesterday and today.

03/24/1932 - 06/02/1997

Hey, Dad… Look at me!

I dedicated this silly blog to you when I first started writing it. "For my Dad - I am me because of you." 

Yep.  TuffGirl, that’s me! 

So you wanna know where TuffGirl came from?  Well, first of all, I have several references in my blogs to Lucy from the Peanuts Comic Strips… 

Lucy, the "strong" overbearing friend of Charlie Brown who screams with her mouth wide open whenever she wants to make a point?  You used to tell me I was your loud mouth Lucy - always screaming and complaining about something.  I was a know-it-all.  I still am.

Then remember, you and Mom’s old Friday night bowling team?  For 30+ years, no matter what Air Force Base we lived at, no matter who you two had on your team, some how you were able to convince the other couple to name the team "The EL TUFFOS".  I think if I was the other couple, I would have told you to go f*ck yourself and voted for another team name! 

But I think you always thought that it was such a funny name that everyone else thought so too.  (Dad, looking back on it now and just between you and me - I think the joke got kinda old!)

Anyway, TuffGirl comes from, EL TUFFO!

Hey, "TUFFO" - Dad, you with your broad knowledge of the Spanish language… "TUFFO" is not a word.  Just sayin’. 

So, I start this mission to lose this weight… Got Marty to help me out with workouts (he tried to kill me), stopped eating like a fool, seeing a shrink… doing all the stuff that I’m supposed to do everyday… 

And look at me now, 60+ pounds lighter, who would’ve thought?  I’m sure you knew I could do it.  Hell, was there anything that you thought I couldn’t do?  Shit, you thought I hung the freakin’ MOON!  (I’m beginning to believe that I did!)

One tough cookie you and Mom raised here. Kicking ass and taking names.  All grown up.  46 years old next week to be exact! Can you believe it?

This mission has been about exercising to keep the weight off which has been a challange but easier since I had Marty to help me along the way.  He as been a Great friend.

During this mission I’ve uncovered some not so nice people in my life who would much rather see me FAT (like them) rather than slim and living a healthy lifestyle.

You always said "If somebody doesn’t like you then consider it a blessing and go on and choose your own friends."  Words to live by if you ask me.  My circle of friends has always been small but they’ve been true.   I can count them on one hand.

I’ve re-trained my brain and I’ve curbed love affair with food. 

Funny, I remember sitting on your lap.  Before I was able to read.  (Steve asked me today if I remember not being able to read - This is one of my fondest memories)

I would sit on your lap and we would look though the magazines and "eat our way from front to back" of each magazine. 

Each page that had food on it we would "grab" a bite and pretend to chew it up and talk about what the food tasted like and what it was, etc…  You would make my imagination run wild with crazy sound effects of gobbling the food and you making sounds like your stomach growling!  We would have so much fun!

I miss you, Dad.

I hope you can see me now. 

I’ve lost those 2 pounds that have been nagging me for the past several weeks. 

I weighed in today at 140 pounds.

My goal has been met!

Happy Father’s Day! 

YIPPEE! 

So, I’ve been working out at the "Perimeter Wonderland" LA Fitness for the last couple of weeks now… Not really my kinda place, but I’m making the time pass.  Recieved confirmation from the corporate folks that they received my "I QUIT" form in the mail.  They called to ask me "why?"  When I tried to explain it, the little teenager on the other end of the phone basically told me to "Have a nice day! "  OH, well… NEXT!

Still working out alone.  Boy, do I miss Marty. 

Talked to John Flood the other day, he said he’d get me a 6 month pass to Knuckle up Fitness if I wanted, maybe I’ll take him up on that!  There is one in Sandy Springs that I can go to before work.  Might work just fine!  I could join a few MMA classes - start kicking some ass!

THE COMEBACK… you remember? The girl who called me ANOREXIC?  Yep, still thinking about that shit!  Way back before Christmas.  That girl ruined my holiday vacation.  Called me ANOREXIC because I was losing weight and she had no dedication to do the same.  I grumbled and grumbled about how I was going to call her out and get revenge and call her FAT in front of a group of folks and make her cry…  I was hurt. 

Well, today my opportunity came… Face to Face. I was in the Cafeteria.  I turned around and there she was. Now, mind you, I’ve not seen here since THAT day. 

"Oh, Regina, I didn’t recognize you!" 

I said: "Hello" 

She said " Look at you!" 

I said: "I Know" 

She said " You’re Done now, right?" (meaning losing weight, I guess) 

I said "Yes" 

She said "Good, cause you look like you need to gain about 15 or 20 pounds" 

I said "You know, several months ago you called me ANOREXIC and that really hurt my feelings."  Her face went BLANK.(she looked embarrassed) "I had been trying to lose weight for a long time and for you to say that to me really hurt me badly." 

She said: "Oh, Regina, I was just kidding.  I was playing" 

I said: Well, I want you to know that I weighed over 200 lbs and that comment really hurt me." 

She said: "I’m really sorry if I hurt you" 

I said: "But, that’s okay, don’t worry about it, because Bodybuilding.com wrote an article on me a couple of weeks ago and I am going to send it to you as soon as I get back to my desk.  I’ll see you later!"

She’s still just as BIG as she was when she made that comment to me at Christmas…

So, reactions from friends and family on my Over 40 Transformation Article?

Mom and Reggie - Very pleased.  Reggie’s been watching the whole time so he knew I was going to make it.  Mom now says; "Please don’t lose any more weight"

Steve - Very pleased. Still amazed that I have been able to stick with the plan.  Can’t belive that I’m able to get up and take my ass to the gym in the mornings and workout with Marty or by myself when Marty’s not around.

Jan - Very Pleased.  We’re in competition! Me = size 6 and 8, Her = size 4 and 6  BITCH! 

Paul and Iris - Kinda Pleased.  Paul thinks I’m going to beat up his son.  Iris thinks her daughter-in-laws muscles are too big!

I’ve found that a lot of people who I thought were friends really are not my friends.  They’d rather see me FAT and out of breath and falling over and eating out of control just like them…  They try to tempt me with bad stuff, and tell lies… Why just the other day this "Friend" piped up and said "No, Regina won’t eat THAT, she only eats SUPPLEMENTS"  What kind of shit is that to say?

It’s beyond me what is going through these peoples minds….

Today, me and my flip flops 142 pounds.

Can’t seem to get these 2 pounds off.

So, while I’m in Vegas I get an email from BB.com asking if I’d like to be highlighted as an Over 40 Transformation of the Week!  Of course, I can’t believe it!  I didn’t have my laptop with me… I was on VACATION.  My answer:  OBVIOUSLY, YES! I couldn’t wait to call home and tell everybody!

I called Steve and told him.  Then I sent Reggie an email and told him.  Reggie thought it was funny that I sent an email to tell him I was going to be highlighted on BB.com but didn’t tell him that I arrived in Vegas safely.     Well,,, I had to share my good news!  Mom always said: "if it’s bad news, she’d find out about it, you don’t have to call".

So, when I got back I contacted the guy at BB.com and told him I was interested… He had me fill out a profile, answer some questions, tell him about my trainer and training, my diet, send some pictures,,,, next thing i know he whipped up a wonderful article!

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/trans_o4018.htm

I have sent it to everybody I know!  Even folks I haven’t seen or heard from in years.  Damn, Right!   

I sent it to Old friends, Folks I used to work with, Folks I used to go to school with, old dead beat guys who I once held a torch for (forgive me Steve),  I sent it to anybody who may have seen me in the last 7 or 8 years since I let myself gain all this HORRIBLE  weight!

This is Proof that you can overcome WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN’T!

I sat in my Orthopeadic Doctor’s Office 2 years ago listening to him tell me that if I didn’t lose weight (I weighed about 213 then) I would need 2 knee replacements in about 10 years.  Right then I was being scheduled for Torn Meniscus Surgery (not because of injury from a sport but because my ass was too fat!) My attitiude: "Oh, Well? I’ll just have Knee replacements, because I’m not losing weight any time soon."

It took me some time to change my attitude, but I did.  And look at me now!  I am never going back!  I love exercising!

I love it!

Me and my flip flops = 142

LA Fitness at Perimeter Wonderland, better than LA Fitness at Buckhead. But I’m still looking for a new gym 30 days to go.  The saga continues…

Ok, so today I head out to another LA Fitness.  My first visit to the Perimeter Wonderland.  Might as well use up my last 30+ days. 

Ok, the folks seem friendly enough. Gym looks clean. Uh, Oh!  What’s this?  KID KLUB?  They’ve got a freaking kid babysitting studio right on the premisis!  For Heavens sake!  Romp a Room.  I am floored!  Ok, lets do the workout and get the f*ck outta here!  I miss Marty!!!!!   

I head to the locker room.  Locker room all the way in the back of the gym ( That’s stupid!) Nice lockers, bigger than the Buckhead location, that’s a plus.  Large locker room, showers look ok, restrooms look ok.  Oh, look!  A Hot Tub and an Olympic Sized Swimming Pool - SWEET!  These 30 days will ne pretty good.  But I still miss Marty!

I hit the floor.  I orient myself.  Where’s this, where’s that?  I find myself a treadmill.  #5 from the end.  Rickson is not here. Damn!  Maybe tomorrow.  I stomp out a mile.  Yep, ramp it up Trolman.  Put it at incline 2 and speed 3.5 - I hear ya, Marty.   Look for the StairMaster.  There you go. Let’s hit it.  That’s a good workout - 64 flights ouch!  I’ll feel that tonight.  Tighten the rear end - get rid of the flab!

I did a short arm workout on the cables.  No one was on the cables - can you believe that?  The bullpen was nearly empty, seems like most folks there like to use the machines to lift.

I didn’t get the warm and fuzzies there…  I saw a few trainers whom had worked at the other LA Fitness.  Should have stopped them and asked them why they were there now, but didn’t.  I’ll just ride it out till my membership ends.

My Weight today? 

Just me & my flip flops = 143 pounds

Steve and I ate breakfast at Cracker Barrell on Saturday - I couldn’t help myself! 

I am loving life.

Yep!  I made it back from Vegas in one piece.  Only gained  1 pound - liquid weight, I’m certain.  I drank so many beers that my eyes were floating.  Marty gave me hell about that.  All his hard work he said "And you go away and drink Beer!, Pfsst!"  I couldn’t help myself, it was so damn cold and refreshing!

Jan pulled a real drunk one night, had some dude buying us drinks for several rounds.  The next day we had to hide out and pretend we didn’t know him.  (Another brilliant idea)  Sunglasses worn in the coffee shop during breakfast, not just beacause of the hangover, but as a disguise to keep our eyes covered so the dude wouldn’t see us after we had talked so much shit to him about how he was a "sexy grandpa"… Yuck!  A gal will say anything for a free drink.

Got back to the gym on the next Moday and was surprised to see that I had only gained 1 pound.  Was up to 143.  I guess it was all that walking.  We walked our asses off!  We shopped the Fashion Show Mall and walked the Vegas Strip … Walked and Walked and Walked.

We had a Blast!    I played Blackjack, Roulette, watched some Craps.  I won NOTHING!  I’m pitiful!

So, this week my GYM experience…