Shrinky Dink

Over the last two months I have aquired a new nickname, which at first I was very unsure of, but now it has stuck and I love it! Since November, (granted not the best time to start with a whole new eating/working out lifestyle with all the holiday treats) I have been on a journey of weight loss and physical fitness. I knew I had weight to lose, but I had no idea where my journey would take me. Wanting to go into the Law Enforcement field I think it is very important to be in the best shape you can be. My journey started as getting in shape for the physical part of the law enforcement test that I had applied for. I had to be able to do a 300m run in under 60 seconds, 35 push-ups, 38 sit-ups (in a min), and 1.5mi in under 13:35, which for my 5'4" frame with little legs, was a stretch. When I started I could only do 10 push-ups, 15 sit-ups, and 1.5 miles in 15:30. Whew...I had some work to do! I have been athletic my entire life, playing sports etc...but have always been a little bigger. I knew I had to focus to get to where I need to be not only with working out, but with my eating habits as well.
I arranged my school schedule so I had breaks that forced me to work out in between classes. It worked and I was putting in at least an hour and a half at the gym everyday. Come test time I was nervous, but I had put so much work and dedication in, I decided to give my all. I did the 300m in 56s, 35 push-ups, 34 sit-ups, and I did the 1.5miles in 12:19, which was a personal best! I maxed out on two events and did the best i could on the others. It felt great!
I decided to join Weight Watchers in order to help with the food part. I lost 9 lbs in the first week! It's hasn't been easy, by any means. Daily trips to the gym and giving up some favorite foods like Red Robin french fries, fish and chips, and of course beer! Now, 5 months and -50 lbs later, I can say I am in the best shape of my life and I feel amazing!

This is where shrinky dink comes in...I was at my parents house in the living room...my mom looked up and said "Wow. You know you're like you, but the shrinky dink version!" For those of you, who are like me, and had no idea what on  earth a Shrinky Dink is, its a plastic shape (toy) that you can put in oven or under heat and they will shrink up to make charms, jewelry., etc...The nickname has stuck and I love it!