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fitbefore40 · 09-13-2007, 02:07 PM

Having a weight loss goal without an exercise goal would never have worked for me. To me, weight loss and exercise goes hand in hand.

When I started contemplating GBS, I was over 250 and I had just started working out in martial arts again. I've been a black belt since 1987 and a certified instructor since 1989. I was young and in shape for me - maybe 30 pounds over weight. I had an accident around 1989 and tore a ligament in my knee, I overcompensated with the other leg and blew that knee a few years later. At the time, I wanted to be an FBI agent and that goal was dashed. With 2 blown knees, I began to gain weight. At the time, ACL reconstruction did not exist. I started law school about 75-80 pounds overweight and lo and behold - ACL reconstruction came to the forefront!! WHOO HOO. When I had my first knee fixed I weighed 214 pounds - I was humiliated - I weighed more than my husband. But after the 2nd knee was fixed the next year, I thought, hey, I can exercise better, I'll lose weight. I'd lose 50 pounds, gain 60 pounds. Then I had 2 kids . . . fast forward to that martial arts class.

In my 20's, I was a talented martial artist, in my 30's, I was that girl who used to be really good but blew both her knees, but I still took class. Then, I took time off to have kids - 5 years off. I joined class again in the largest uniform that they make. I couldn't wear my instructor's uniform anymore - it wouldn't close. I had glimpses of who that talented girl was, but then, I'd get winded - or I couldn't do a more because my arms weren't long enough . . . or I couldn't jump because landing hurt my joints so darn much, that and I couldn't clear 2 inches with my weight. After 2 months of classes like that, I went to visit a surgeon and 6 weeks later, I had surgery.

When I returned, my first goal was to get into my uniform. At 4 weeks post up, I had lost 33 pounds and I could wear my old 200 pound girl uniform (although it didn't close well). Then, week by week, I worked out and lo and behold, by September, I needed a new uniform b/c my old instructor uniform was too darn big. During this time I had a goal that I didn't tell anyone but myself. I wanted to compete again and be good.

My first tournament was a small club tournament with only 8 schools attending. No one in my division even knew me. I tied for first place in forms and then won a tie-breaker. That gave me enough confidence to go to another small tournament - which I bombed - I didn't place. But, I KNEW I do better. There was a HUGE class A regional scheduled for my town, and I knew that if I was the only person from Arkansas that placed in the top two, I could actually win a state title. It was a Zen moment - everything went perfect. I ended up 2nd to the girl that actually ended up winning the forms title at worlds. I was only .10 behind her. I was an awesome feeling.

So, then I had my tummy tuck/butt lift. I missed the first big tournament of the season - and I can't travel to either of the National Tournaments, so I probably can't get in the point running to be World Champ this year. But, I'm going to try just the same.

My goal is to make the World's Top Ten in my division - Women 2nd and 3rd degree black belts - If I can't get enough points - I certainly want to be State Champ again!!