Posted by “The only easy day was yesterday” -US Navy SEALs
Hello, Readers! Welcome back!
I’ve recently finished a 30 day prep session for the SOF Training Program I purchased. I know what you’re thinking: “WHY would I (a 27 year old obese woman) do a SOF prep training?!”
Well, because I want to be a size 8 for my best friend’s wedding next year, and results are evident in those who stick to something, and when you spend $150 on a training program, you’re 100% more likely to finish the damn thing! That’s why. 😊
So, let’s talk about the first 30 days:
1. Establish a morning and nighttime routine that works for your schedule and lifestyle. I am still trying to get used to this. I’m FAR from a morning person. I have a hateful relationship with my alarm, and I’m a terrible sleeper. I’ve tried a lot to get through these issues: melatonin syrup, drops, and gummies, a sleep noise machine, a weighted blanket, and a memory foam mattress. Guess what?! I still can’t get up to the first alarm. What I’ve noticed, requiring yourself to get our of bed on the first alarm has been the most successful method to becoming a morning person. It’s been rough, but also worth it.
2. Have a daily challenge that forces you to do something that isn’t normally on your to-do schedule. The SOF Prep training has specific challenges that are assigned, but you could create your own that would push you toward your top 3 goals in life; i.e. read 3 self help books a month to improve financial health and pay off debt; instead of take apart and reassemble handgun 10 times. If you’re doing this yourself, really take note on your intended daily challenges and make them relevant to your own lifestyle and goals.
3. Daily workouts. This has been the highlight of the training. It’s been a long, dusty road (sometimes literally) amidst this whole SARS-COVID-2 pandemic and getting relevant workout gear, but I was successful and I’ve put in the work. I bought a fitness sandbag, weight vest, and pullup bar/resistance band set. This workout series focused on fundamentals and durability. I did a lot of cardio and put a lot of miles on my new NOBULL running shoes. If you’re planning on training for a long distance run, or just want a goal when you’re trying to get the motivation to do a 30 day challenge, look into the Yes.Fit app. Its has unique virtual races that you can participate in and earn swag and medals. Maybe think of these as your “mini-goals” for your big 3 or training sessions.
As you work through a 30 day challenge, habits become clear, patterns are established, and you start focusing on more important tasks during the day. Its evident you start to see you don’t dread a workout, because it’s a habit, not a conscious decision anymore. You start opening up your thoughts to greater problems to solve, and a calmer approach to your day. It’s always a rough start, but sticking with it (even when you don’t want to) will yield results. I’m down 10 lbs, and 4 inches! I can almost do a pullup! I can run miles on end without walking! Take your challenge, 30 days at a time. 🙃
Lessons Learned:
1. Rest days are important. Follow a strict plan and take the rest days as they come. Use a foam roller or get a massage to loosen up those muscles (that I’m positive are sore).
2. STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH. Even on rest days, stretch, don’t do yoga. Yoga is a muscle workout and a breathing exercise. Rest days are designed to recuperate and regenerate cells to help heal and recover faster. Don’t forget to stretch before and AFTER each workout as well. Trust me, you’ll feel amazing.
3. Eat healthy. Maybe do intermittent fasting. Processed foods will jack up your innards (intestines, stomach, etc) and you’ll be sluggish and unmotivated. Don’t even think cheat days! The first 30 days are always hard, because you’ll see results but want to backtrack to the bad habits that you’ve perfected over the years. I have a great example: in January, I decided to be a vegetarian. After the first 23 days of this challenge, I told myself I could eat a grilled chicken breast, which lead to Chick Fil A grilled nuggets (12 piece), a sweet tea, and large fries. Because I was working out every day! I could burn all that off! WRONG. I felt terrible the next day. I was nauseous all morning, my face broke out more, and my long distance ruck turned into 3 miles instead of 7 and I was mad at the universe for letting me do such a terrible thing.
4. Have fun with it! I’m a huge proponent of To-Do lists and checking things off, so I put all of this in a notebook (even though I could’ve printed the entire program). I tracked workouts and food in myfitnesspal and mapmyrun, as well as a written copy in the notebook. It was SO helpful. I got a calendar to check off days too! Maybe pick a solid method you could stick to and keep with it. I may have overdone it. A bit. 😅
And there you have it! 30 days at a time. Once the first 30 are complete, start counting over. You’ll never eat an elephant in one bite!
Good Luck Readers,
Jessica
Geek Havok 