The Challenge.......

So, I've been keeping a secret for the past two months: In a few months, I will be participating in a 5k marathon. My mother's friend asked me to participate and without much thought I said yeah sure. Boy what was I thinking????? I HATE running with a freakin' passion!!!!!! But I'm trying to be a man of my word, so I'm gonna do it. I've been trying my hardest to get my endurance up and just running and running. It's hard work lemme tell ya. My legs usually feel like rubber after a few miles, every part of me is sore, and yeah I just hate running. But this is the challenge that I'm ready to face. I mean how many people who used to be 331 pounds can say that they ran in a marathon? This can be one of those defining moments in my life, and I'm ready to push myself and bust my ass to reach that finish line. So, wish me luck because I could use all of the support I can get. *George Lopez voice* I GOT THIS!!!!

The Horrors of Jeans Shopping

So, my body is weird. When I say weird, I mean that certain clothes fit me differently. My biggest problem at the moment is buying jeans. They're either way too big, or they're cutting off my circulation. There's just no happy medium. The size that I need, you're not gonna find at Old Navy or Macy's. But in all honesty, I kinda have this phobia of going to the big & tall stores. Back in my fluffy days, I went there one time with my mom to pick up some pants for my high school graduation. I had to try on about four sizes before I could find a pair that fit: A size 46. The process was traumatizing and I haven't looked back since. Nowadays, I just may have to. Now that I'm working out regularly, my legs are becoming increasingly muscular. So now I have to find pants that are loose enough to accomodate this change, which is a task and a half. I'm 6'3, so I'm gonna need a big pair, but I prefer fitted jeans. Once I put them on, they become a pair of tight highwaters (that's not sexy). But then if they're too big, I'm called foldy butt by a select few friends of mine. I may sound like a female but this stuff is important to me. You want to be able to be comfortable in what you're wearing, not being afraid that at any given moment your thighs are ready to burst out. I'm gonna find that perfect pair where I can walk down a street without starting a fire by rubbing my legs together.

Diet Foods Are a Waste.

       Ok, so these food companies try to make you feel less bad about your eating habits by giving you "healthy alternatives". These options usuallly consist of phrases like "fat free", "reduced fat", "Diet" or "sugar free". Let me tell you: if I'm gonna have some cookies, they're definitely not going to be fat free. Personally, I think that you should be able to have to those fatty things every once in awhile and don't play yourself by getting diet soda or sugar free candy, it's just stupid. When you begin to feel like you're depriving yourself, your gonna want to binge on everything that you were craving for. Once again, its all about moderation.

Jump Rope = Killer Workout

Hello readers, its been a minute once again. Just trying to survive this college life. But I'm here now so let's get down to business. I'm always looking for different workouts to try to lose weight and tighten up. And I have found THE ONE!!!!! So simple, yet so very effective. The Jump Rope. Now, you may say to yourself: "Vaughn you're a 250 pound dude, why are you using a jump rope"? Well I'm here to tell ya, that the jump rope is one of the best workouts I have ever done thus far. It works everything: Arms, shoulders, legs, core muscles, you name it, the jump rope will make you feel it. It's a sweaty, brutal, and killer workout. Did you know, that ten minutes of jump rope is the equivalent of jogging a mile? Or that 15-20 minutes of jumping rope can burn the calories from a candy bar? If you're a snacker like me, this is very VERY good. Boxers and wrestlers use this workout method when they're in training. This past week, I did a jump rope workout. When I did 10 jumps, I would do 10 push-ups. Then it was 20 jumps, then 20 push-ups. I got all the way to 50 jumps and 50 push-ups. My shirt was drenched with sweat, it was a nasty sight to see. But like I said, jump rope is a killer workout for anyone to try and I HIGHLY recommend it!!!!!!

Finding Inspiration

               Finally, a book for me!!!!! Let me tell you guys that this book really got me thinking about my life and how I want to live it to the fullest. I mean I've loved Janet Jackson for quite some time now, but now I have so much more respect for her. I was completely surprised by her honesty in this book. You usually see her in interviews and she doesn't like to talk much about her personal struggles, but I'm glad that she opened up and shared her life with people who could really use the guidance. I can relate to her struggles with weight completely. For one, I HATEEEEEEE working out!!! Also, being teased at an early age can really affect people who are incredibly sensitive as I am. Internalizing your feelings and holding it in for years is no bueno. Janet's constant struggle to learn to love herself is something I know all too well. Some days are better than others, but I can handle it. Another thing I learned from this book is too not torture myself anymore. The past week or so, I've been really beating myself up about my appearance and my eating habits. My "plan" was to just to eat a three small meals a day and just water and nothing else, and just push myself in my workouts. I've been in that habit before, but I realize that its crazy to set such unrealistic goals. I might not ever be as small as my friends are or have the six-pack and big muscles. Everyone's different and should love themselves for who they are. The true you. I'm now determined to better my life. I wanna be a better student, a better fitness guru, a better friend, a better son, a better Vaughn. Thanks Janet <3.
*p.s. can't wait to see your show in march!!!*

Losing My Way

Hello readers, its been awhile. I've been super duper busy as always. Today, I wanna about how I "fell off the wagon". Now I know I've always preached eat healthy and workout. But lately, i've been a little off. I haven't been giving my best efforts. I'll workout for a half hr and then go and eat whatever I want. That's no bueno!!  I recently weighed myself, and I'm now at 262 pounds. Just a few months ago, I was about 245. When I look in the mirror, I'm increasingly dissatisfied with what I'm seeing. What's even worse is that I can't blame anyone but myself. I know all of the necessary steps that I need to take and I know exactly what to do to lose the weight. It's just a matter of controlling myself and watching what I eat.  Also, my workouts gotta be a bit longer and try different things to keep burning those calories. I've regained my focus. I'm right back in that mental space I was in when I first began on this weight-loss journey. Having to work hard to rebuild my body. I know I can do it, it's just the getting started back up. It's gonna suck, but I'm ready to get my stuff together.

Recover Not Smother

My lovely amigo Chanbo gave me the idea for this one. Yesterday, me and a few friends had a pretty intense workout session. We were running, lifting, all that good stuff. Once we got back to the dorm, some people who shall not be named decided to have waffles and whatnot lol. Now after a good workout, you do need to grab something to eat but you gotta choose wisely. Also, its reccommended that you wait at least an hour after your workout just so your body can cool down and it helps your metabolism I believe. Having waffles and pizza immediately after working out  is not the best option. I've had my moments when I would pig out after a good workout. It kinda defeats the purpose of all the time spent exercising, at least in my opinion. A light bowl of cereal or a granola bar with some peanut butter would be suitable. And then you can have a regular meal. Also, drink plenty of water, I don't know how much I can stress that fact, but water consumption is important. Some people don't like drinking water, but it's just something you have to do. So take these steps and you'll be all set.

Honorable Mentions

Out of the kindness of my heart, I decided to give my friends yet another shout-out. Some of them feel neglected due to their absence from my previous post. Sooooooooo here we go. First off, my beautiful crazy asian lady that I can't live without Ms. Chungyee. One of my star pupils. When she's focused and down for the cause, she's all up in the game. Butttttttt, when she's not feeling it she goes into hibernation from the gym. I sometimes make fun of her, but its from a happy place of love *sarcastic voice*. She's a super cool girl and you'd be lucky to have her in your life. P.S. She loooooooooooveesssssssssssss chocolate
Next off, Melissa De La Hoya. That's my nickname for her because she has kicked my ass a few times. She's a boxer on the low and I think she's on sterioids. Buttttt, she's my lovemuffin and no one else's. She has kept me motivated with her words of wisdom. Not always wanted, but I appreciate it. But anywho, these two ladies are the bestest. I love them, even though they make my skin crawl and I wouldn't have it any other way =).
Chanbo - enough said. She's a special lady who you have to experience in person to understand her. Cuz whoaaa!
Noereem - For always calling me a sexy beast, it makes me warm and fuzzy and boosts my confidence (melissa said that).
My prov/pawtucket people - Gabby, Danny, Eben, Phreddy, Char, Jerome, D'mari (TWIN), Koko, Rachelle, Randolph, Kormy, Chris, Michaela, Oginga, Brandon. Great people in my life. They make fun of my head shape, but I still love them. They accept me no matter what size I am and that's what I truly value in friends.
I know there's probably people I didn't mention just yet. My sincerest apologies, but I'm very thankful for everyone who's been in my corner all these years. Means a lot to a big softy like me =)