Ah, NMSU...

Very bored at work today so I thought I'd take the opportunity to write about something I've been reminiscing about lately. During my bike ride on Tuesday I was recalling the times of my life so far that I've been in the best shape. Arguably the best would be my semester at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. That wasn't my lowest weight ever, but I was in shape. The reasons why were three-fold: 1. After homework I didn't really have anything else to do other than workout. 2. I didn't have any money so I ate very little and not at the cafeteria. 3. I was dealing with some grief/control issues and so being over the top disciplined was one of my outlets. This last reason had Mike very concerned and at times mad at me (that was the day I did 500 sit-ups :P) and perhaps I was headed down a dangerous path, but oh, it's so nice to remember that lifestyle of self-control and activity. My typical day was up at 5:45 to read my Bible for a bit then off to the gym for a workout; either weight/machines or a swim in the outdoor pool. Oh, the outdoor pool! One of my favorite memories of that place is watching the sun rise as I swam, outside, in the morning, in October! Anyway...after that I came home for a breakfast of plain yogurt and a package of instant oatmeal mixed together. Not cooked, just mixed; it really was pretty good. Shower and change and off to my 45 minute Karate or Personal Defense Class. Those were also a very good workout involving using muscles I usually didn't, holding it, and lots of flexibility. Then off to some other more sedentary classes during which I would eat half of a white tortilla with a piece of cheese. Lunch was the other half of that tortilla and cheese (sometimes there was ham too) and an apple. More class, then, on some days, to work. I worked on the production crew at NMSU's equivalent to Hilton and it was a very physical job doing something like moving boxes, lifting and assembling staging, or picking up the gym floor. After a few hours of that was a supper of usually a package of ramen, then off to my other job, reffing at the AC. This involved running up and down the gym floor with the players and if I got a break from that I would go jog a mile or two or climb the rock wall. I think I probably ate some snacks in there somewhere, but I never really had much on hand. Sometimes candy from the care package I got and once I bought a package of amazing mint oreos. Other times my roommate would bring me a quesadilla or something from the cafeteria, but mostly my diet was pretty steady. Oh, on Wednesday mornings I did forgo the first work out and went to the coffee shop and "splurged" on a cup of coffee and a toasted plain bagel with butter. Mmmm, those were good mornings. Add to that the fact that I either walked or rode my bike everywhere (including several miles and back to get groceries twice), like all over the city, and I think that would equate to my being in pretty good shape. I did go out for ice cream now and then or had a free meal at an activity with the church, but those weren't all that often. Maybe just often enough to keep me alive. :) I didn't really have friends to go places with to eat so, what's the point of spending the money? Did't have a kitchen to cook in, and I did most of my shopping at the natural grocery store across the road, so I couldn't afford much. Don't forget happy hour at the International House though! Then I would ride my bike the maybe three? miles to get coffee drinks for a $1 and I'd drink two. :) Ah, those were pretty good days. Granted, I was ridiculously lonely and homesick, but looking back now, it was a good time. So that's my story of how to get in good shape in less than three months. I suppose if you're looking for a good crash diet, it would work, but it does require no social life. :)