“My plan is tackle one obstacle at a time, the first one being my negative mental state.”
A few great messages by a great woman I know, and respect. A message I think more people deal with than care to admit to themselves. That of us being our own road block to our advancement. Listen up take the words in and relate them to your own life your own dreams and situations. I truly think just about everyone can relate and change. I know I had to and still have to even more in some aspect or another of my life. – Phil
By: Tammi Greeve
As a woman who sees herself at about 25lbs overweight and is very conscious about her body, I was always on the lookout to find that “magic pill” to help with my weight struggles. Over a year ago I was into running, even completed a half marathon in a little over 2 hours. But, I still saw myself as a “fat runner”. I didn’t give running 100%, I certainly didn’t give my body 100% with the diet it needed to succeed.
One of my biggest obstacles while being a runner, was my partner of 5 years, Chris. She is 5”2 and no more than 120lbs. I was constantly reminded of that ideal body image and what my successes could be if I gave it my all. She is a tremendous athlete, and gives it 100%. So, as the training regimen progressed…and I couldn’t keep up with her gains, I gave up. Don’t get me wrong, she is very supportive of anything I do…it’s me, it’s mental, and this is one of the things I must overcome to be ok with me.
I found every reason to quit running. It’s monotonous, time consuming, etc. But as I look back now, and search for the truth deep within, it’s because I didn’t believe in myself and was jealous of my partner Chris. After I quit running, I was on a quest for another way to try and keep my weight in check. I found the answer very quickly. One of my childhood friends had recently moved back to our home state and started a gym in his garage. An award winning coach, a record holding power-lifter, with a wife that holds almost the same credentials..I had found a new niche.
Tammi pulling with team "Strength Guild Women" at a Charity truck pull.
My coaches, Phil and Sarah Stevens have truly been an inspiration, and have become close friends. So for the past 8 months I have been training in powerlifting, primarily with Sarah. She has been taking us through the different techniques of lifts, and even introducing us to Olympic lifting. But again, I have sabotaged my own training. My partner, being the supportive person she is, joined the gym with me a couple of months after my initial training session. And again, she made huge strides while I hit a plateau and a minor injury…I let the negative feelings creep back in. So for the past 2 months we have been almost nonexistent at the gym.
Phil recently announced that they gym would be hosting a small competition to help those who were looking to lose some weight. Chris had a desire to participate, and urged me to join. So we both went to the introductory meeting, to learn what the training would be over the next 6 weeks and the finer point of the Anabolic Diet. Chris is excited and ready to jump in. My first thought in this whole process, “Great, I get to sit back and watch someone go from 120lbs to their goal of 116lbs probably in about a week…while I have a major struggle on my hands.”
As days passed, and my negativity fades, I am getting excited about my new journey. I love a challenge. So the challenge set forth for the next 12 days…eat nothing but meat, eggs, and cheese. Mentally, my focus is me. I am the only one who put myself in this current state and I’m the only one who will get myself out of it. I could quit again, but I believe I have truly found a sport that I enjoy doing – and damn it, I’m not a quitter. I have come to realize that weight is secondary in this battle. My first tactic will be to focus on a positive mental state, and realize my journey is my own….while knowing Chris will always be there cheering me on.
So right now, I am on Day 2 of the Anabolic Diet and I have been stellar. I haven’t yet been back to the gym, but the excuses will end today.
As with every other person on this planet, I have goals and obstacles. I have plenty of each. My plan is tackle one obstacle at a time, the first one being my negative mental state. My next obstacle to overcome…wait and see! My journey has 3 different goals, to become physically stronger, lose those unwanted lbs, and tackle one obstacle at a time that gets in my way. So if you see Chris or I at the gym or out and about ask us how we are coming along – hold us accountable! Don’t be surprised when 6 weeks down the road we tell you we smashed our goals!
So if you see Chris or I at the gym or out and about ask us how we are coming along – hold us accountable! Don’t be surprised when 6 weeks down the road we tell you we smashed our goals!
