Last March, I signed up for a boot-camp-style fitness contest that I was sure was going to be my ticket to svelte. Spring was singing in Austin and I could hear the overture of summer in that little tune.
Summer has been my nemesis ever since moving to Austin. It begins in May and lasts through October. It is unrelenting heat, sweaty skin, a constant dash between air-conditioned cars and buildings.
I’m a fair-skinned lass with Scottish heritage, so it’s not surprising that I burn easily and tend to wilt in the heat. But there was one aspect of my suffering that I had control over: The layers and layers of extra fat I was carrying around through all those sweltering, unforgiving months.
But let’s get back to that boot camp I’d signed up for last March. I remember chanting to myself, “Not another fat summer. Not another fat summer!” I did not want to go through the summer of 2009 like I had all the previous Austin summers: completely miserable.
A "Before" me in Illinois (July 2009)
Unfortunately, I quit the boot-camp contest after only one day and endured yet another Texas summer at over 200 lbs. The one spot of relief was a visit to my M’s hometown in Illinois, where the weather was a good 20 degrees cooler most days. I cringed at having my picture taken on that trip, because I was at my heaviest, feeling frumpy in rumpled khakis, yet not doing anything to change my situation yet.
This year things are a lot different. I’m heading into summer much lighter than last year—42 lbs down as of this week, actually! I’ll be needing a new bathing suit, and I plan on actually using it this year. I want to enjoy the good parts of summer in Austin—more trips to Barton Springs, more visits to local pools; less hiding indoors, less worrying over wearing sleeveless tops. I’m looking forward to sharing the summer with you. And finally, at last, it will not be another fat summer.
How do you feel about summer? Has your weight ever held you back during the hotter months?
3. March 2010 at 1:53 PM
I have gone many a summer without putting on a swimsuit. One time we had a family trip to my mom’s lake house and I didn’t have a suit that would fit. I ended up wearing exercise shorts and shirt into the lake and vowed never again!
3. March 2010 at 8:37 PM
Last summer was my first one here where I finally cracked and bought a swimsuit . . . before that I didn’t have one at all for several years. It stunk not getting to take full advantage of cooling off in the pool all those summers.
3. March 2010 at 2:51 PM
I had a very hard time with summer when I was heavier, not only because I suffered in the heat but because I was so self-conscious in my summer clothes. In the winter, I had the illusion that I was hiding my fat under sweaters and jeans, but it’s harder to feel hidden in the summer.
I still have 20-odd pounds I want to lose before this summer so that I can actually feel comfortable in shorts again.
3. March 2010 at 8:39 PM
I know what you mean about feeling well-hidden in winter clothes. Summer clothes kind of just put everything out there. I won’t be at my goal weight this summer, but I’m just feeling so much better that I’m going to try to get over worrying about how I look in everything.
3. March 2010 at 6:45 PM
My weight has never stopped me from going to the beach because, I just love it too much! I wrote a blog about the beach last week (on Sparkpeople). After each beach vacation, I always swear to myself that I will get this fat off for good before the next years visit. This thought process has gone on for many years. A few times, I was actually pretty happy with my weight (in 2004 in particular right after losing 75 pounds). This year although I am losing (very slowly I might add), I probably won’t be ‘where I’d like to be’ by July, but I should be down to a weight less than last year. I’m really working on my mind/body connection and how I feel about myself. This year no matter what weight I am, I’m going to try to love myself and stop the “only if…” and “I wish I looked like her” kind of thoughts. Vacations are meant for rest, fun and LOVE-for myself!
3. March 2010 at 8:41 PM
I wish I lived near the ocean, Tina—I love it, too! I’m glad you’ve never let your weight stop you from enjoying that side of summer! I can relate very much to the tendency to compare ourselves to others. It’s something I still need to do a bit of work overcoming, actually!
4. March 2010 at 8:51 AM
I wouldn’t say summer is my nemesis… But for the most part I dread struggling into a swimsuit.
Not this year! I’m down 35 pounds with another 10 – 15 to go.
I am so excited to:
-Need a new swimming suit
-Take my kids to the pool
-Not waddle when I walk
I look forward to reading up on your journey!
5. March 2010 at 2:29 AM
I used to think summer would be easier on me if I were lighter; then one summer I was, and I still felt like I was absolutely melting. I just don’t deal with heat well. Of course, it made it worse back when I thought I wasn’t “allowed” to wear tank tops or shorts. Or, god forbid, a short skirt! :)