Everyone who knows me, knows I've been working diligently for 4 years to change my life in all aspects, but especially in the weight loss/fitness/lifestyle arena. And, for the most part, I've succeeded in doing so. I started at 289#, a size 26, and am now at roughly 195#, a size 12. I have tree trunks for thighs, shoulders like a rugby player, and a bum you could bounce a quarter off of. Most of that, I attribute to running and cycling. For about the past 6 months, I've been lifting weights and working on improving my upper body and core strength. Very recently, I've started lifting heavy and trying to actually gain some muscle to support my new found addiction to triathlon and my decision to train for an Ironman 70.3. Not to mention, with a fairly large and muscular lower body, I felt the need to even things out a bit. This is where the trouble starts.
Take a step back in time with me. I remember fondly the first time I could fit into an XXL at Old Navy, and I also remember fondly the first time I fit into a Large at numerous stores. Up until last night, I was still happily fitting into all things Large. Then came the moment I realized life was about to change again. I tried on the cutest dress, convinced it would be perfect for Christmas, only to realize it wouldn't come close to zipping past my waist. Some might think that's about the bust, but it didn't even make it up on my shoulders. Enter (insert melodramatic tri-tone music here), the next size up. THE NEXT SIZE UP?! NOOOO! But I've worked so hard! Eric dutifully went and got me the XL. As I put it on, it zipped happily over my shoulders and fit my upper body perfectly, only to realize it was HUGE around my hips. Sigh. Enter dress number two...I couldn't even pull it over my shoulders. After the third non-fitting dress, I gave up on dresses.
Then came the super cute fleece zip up. It fit like a glove on the body, just the way I like it, but looked like my arms were crammed in it like sausages. I bought the XL because I wanted something warm and cozy that would also be comfortable too. And we can't forget the cute trouser jeans I found....in a 14. They're slightly huge in the waist, but fit the quads and booty with no room to spare. What's a girl to to? I need pants, right? Wear a belt.
So, standing in Old Navy last night, I realized a grizzly truth. I'm destined to wear one of two things: shirts that fit my arms and nothing else, or stretchy athletic gear that makes me looks like the jock I really am on the inside. And as for pants, forget it. My legs have always been big, but they're getting harder and bigger, not to mention the ghetto booty from all the squats. I suppose asking for the best of both worlds just isn't going to happen, unless I hurry up and get my Personal trainer cert, then I can dress like a jock for work. If I really want the muscular, athletic body I have worked so hard for, clothes shopping isn't gonna be as much fun as it used to be. And, I may just have to be ok with the next size up. I mean, there are worse things....I just can't think of any right this exact moment.
Take a step back in time with me. I remember fondly the first time I could fit into an XXL at Old Navy, and I also remember fondly the first time I fit into a Large at numerous stores. Up until last night, I was still happily fitting into all things Large. Then came the moment I realized life was about to change again. I tried on the cutest dress, convinced it would be perfect for Christmas, only to realize it wouldn't come close to zipping past my waist. Some might think that's about the bust, but it didn't even make it up on my shoulders. Enter (insert melodramatic tri-tone music here), the next size up. THE NEXT SIZE UP?! NOOOO! But I've worked so hard! Eric dutifully went and got me the XL. As I put it on, it zipped happily over my shoulders and fit my upper body perfectly, only to realize it was HUGE around my hips. Sigh. Enter dress number two...I couldn't even pull it over my shoulders. After the third non-fitting dress, I gave up on dresses.
Then came the super cute fleece zip up. It fit like a glove on the body, just the way I like it, but looked like my arms were crammed in it like sausages. I bought the XL because I wanted something warm and cozy that would also be comfortable too. And we can't forget the cute trouser jeans I found....in a 14. They're slightly huge in the waist, but fit the quads and booty with no room to spare. What's a girl to to? I need pants, right? Wear a belt.
So, standing in Old Navy last night, I realized a grizzly truth. I'm destined to wear one of two things: shirts that fit my arms and nothing else, or stretchy athletic gear that makes me looks like the jock I really am on the inside. And as for pants, forget it. My legs have always been big, but they're getting harder and bigger, not to mention the ghetto booty from all the squats. I suppose asking for the best of both worlds just isn't going to happen, unless I hurry up and get my Personal trainer cert, then I can dress like a jock for work. If I really want the muscular, athletic body I have worked so hard for, clothes shopping isn't gonna be as much fun as it used to be. And, I may just have to be ok with the next size up. I mean, there are worse things....I just can't think of any right this exact moment.