I have 3 weeks left of my lifeguard course. I started teaching swimming lessons (after a 12 year hiatus), and decided to take the course so I could pick up a few more hours. I am a strong swimmer and the extra buoancy has definately helped. That said, the last couple of weeks has got me thinking. First of all, our Asst Aquatics Instructor is obese. She's got at least 50 lbs on me and believe me, it does not go unnoticed. She's had complaints behind her back of a less than inspiring water aerobics class. There are also mom's that make sure that their kids aren't scheduled when she's teaching. I am obese myself, but there are many who are surprised when they find out I weigh as much as I do. It doesn't mean that I don't need to lose weight. In fact, I cringed every time I pass the locker room mirror in my suit. I guess I feel like not being as fat as her gives me license to feel less of a fraud about being a fitness instructor. In my text I read:

"Lifeguards must be willing to meet the YMCA's character development challenge and lead by example. Not "walking the talk" is a big problem in teaching character development. Assess your personal ability to lead by example.Once you know where you are and what you want to work on in yourself, you can challenge yourself to improve."/

Boy, do I feel yucky... How can I be an example to anyone other than a fat person? What message am I sending? Am I walking the talk? Hardly. I look at the Assistant Director, and I feel like she must go through life with blinders on, but then I think that I must be doing the same exact thing... I need to take my health and fitness seriously if I want others to do the same. I know that it's just a stupid p/t job, but that doesn't lessen the need to take some pride in what I do and feel confident when I tell others about my job. I need to challenge myself. I need to WORK hard. It's hard work to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I think I need some BEFORE photos.

***Today I logged my food in spark. My weight was still 201. I know it's not organized exercise, but I taught lessons for 2.5 hours and walked to get the kids from school.