All that Matters | Week 24 Weight Loss

The Journey

Visit Scaled Nation Training for more information on the Working with Larger Bodies Seminar! 

Looking for more?

Athena 

Perez 

Let's get social

I'm Athena, "Bean," a dedicated advocate for training larger-bodied athletes. Since my first CrossFit story in 2018, I've become a CFL2, owner of Scaled Nation Training, and creator of "Working with Larger Bodies" seminar. I've also written "Lifting the Wait," with sequel "Waitless" coming soon.

Hey There!

Day 164, 116 pounds lost

I did have orange juice and Prosecco at the birthday party, but I’m proud because I did quite well. I did allow myself a toast (or a few…..), but I did an impressive job at staying away from the pound of cake and scrumptious looking brownies on the table.  But, oh my goodness, everything looked so good though! I wanted to eat it all, but wouldn’t you know I didn’t. Why does this matter so much? Because I don’t eat to sooth anymore. It’s kind of a big deal. 

I’ve been doing a lot of writing these past few days, journaling how I feel and what my next moves are. We are at the halfway point of the year, and I feel like I need to mix things up in the diet and exercise. I’ve noticed that I don’t burn as many calories and it’s getting more difficult to get in the 3 and 4k burn for the day. I knew this would happen as the weight dropped but I need to make up for it somehow which means I need to increase exercise to keep moving forward.  

Speaking of exercise, this is also getting more difficult because once I get to the 5th to 8th day in a row, my legs start screaming bloody murder. This is a good change though because when I started, I would need 2-3 days minimum recovery between each training and boot camp session. I can do upwards of 5-7 days back to back before I putter out and need a break, but I do need to pace myself better. I don’t know if it’s the body composition changes or just the working out that has my body all out of alignment. I’m definitely feeling the strain these last few days. Could have had something to do with the fact I dropped a weight on my head, or the last week when I flew backward onto my head into the hole on one of the big tires. Maybe it was the time that I grabbed the TRX and didn’t have my grip secured and fell back onto my shoulders. Or…… when I tripped over the rowing machine.  I guess I didn’t see it? Or… maybe *cough*….. Nevermind…….. Could have been any number of klutzy things.  I started seeing a chiropractor yesterday who will be a new permanent part of my team during this journey. I have to keep in the game….. I don’t care what I need to do. 

-Okay, you got tendinitis
in your right knee… and, uh, that is
standard issue
jungle rot on your left foot. 

-Lovely.
-So, you’re quite a mess. 

-Well let’s fix me up and get
me back out there  

(G.I Jane Circa 1997)

I’m definitely feeling like I could add some additional movement. Could I add some daily walks with the babies? I have a beautiful brand new bike that has never been ridden; it’s been sitting in the garage for three years now, and maybe it’s time to dust it off? I need new fun activities… maybe trails? Yoga? Maybe I just need to explore. Something! This matters because the mind and body are ready for more. I think the key is to keep pushing myself. 

On the personal side, I ache for something more, but I’m still trying to figure out what that is. Life isn’t predictable, and some of the solutions I know I’m seeking to answer my life questions don’t always come nicely wrapped. There are no rulebooks for me, but my practical mind wants to keep things safe.  It is hard to follow my heart, to overcome my limiting self-beliefs and find my power, but I know I can one day at a time.

Day 164 and I’m still going. One foot in front of the other. That’s all that matters.   

Lovingly, Bean

 

Always,

athena bean

Share this post:

  1. Kim C says:

    You need to pace yourself! You need to choose a realistic plan for LONG TERM or you will end up doing what I’ve done in the past, and that’s called burning yourself out. Take a couple days… 1 or 2… off a week. Your body needs time to heal and recover… you’re doing great but you need to think long term… not just your current weight loss goals. I’m so proud of you and you did amazing at the party… I’ve learned yes, the food there looks good and I’m glad you had some, but remember the reason you are there… it’s not to eat, but to celebrate and spend time with family and friends. Luv ya girlie! Keep up the great work! But remember to slow down and enjoy the journey!!

    • Bean says:

      You’re so absolutely right. I know which is what I have been thinking of. It’s not about today, it’s about what I can do consistently. I can’t stay in the game if day 9 I hit a wall and sleep for 2 days. That’s what I’ve been doing and I’m not resting the way I should. You know I appreciate you greatly, thanks for sending this. Reminders always help <3. Thank you....

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

keep  GOING

In these parts I write what most people feel but don’t say out loud. Some of it’s about CrossFit. Some of it isn’t. It’s about what shows up in the middle of it all. I’ve lived it. I coach it. And I talk about it the way it actually is.

If something you just read stuck with you… yeah, that’s kind of what happens around here. Let’s get weird. 

so glad you're here

so glad you're here

i'm athena Perez

Bean There is your monythly pick-me-up of real talk, hard-won wisdom, and the occasional laugh-snort moment.

just the right blend 

get 

Bean there newsletter

the

COPYRIGHT © 2004 - 2025 · ATHENA PEREZ | SCALED NATION INC. | TERMS & CONDITIONS | HEALTH DISCLAIMER | SAINT PAUL, MN