Challenge on!
It’s 87 degrees, and I am on my 14th lap around a high school track.
Whose idea was this?
I’d wanted a fitness challenge.
I’ve always been athletic, but I was in a slump.
What could I do if I pushed past my limits?
Could I get leaner?
Good news: They loved the idea and said they had the perfect trainer for me.
So I wasn’t expecting anything revolutionary.
I was in for a surprise.
Michelle Lovitt is inspiringly fit and educated in how the body responds to exercise.
A few sessions with her and I started using words like glycogen.
(Don’t get me started on fast-twitch muscles.
I’m saving that forLetterman!)
Michelletaught me to use a heart-rate monitorto be sure I’m exercising in my fat-burning range.
My goal is to burn 3,500 calories a week, which equals 1 pound of body fat.
She claims I’ll notice a difference in five weeks.
My muscles are sore.
And mystomachseems to be flattening!
Left: Graham with Lovitt at SELF’s shoot.
Unfortunately, my dear friends Bagel and Cream Cheese live here, too.
Isn’t a diva a singer who throws things at assistants?
I think she means to tell yourself you’re worth it.
You’ll feel dumb, but you won’t be sorry.
Weeks 3 and 4
I travel to Minnesota, then D.C., to see family.
It’s so humid that running is a water sport.
I now go longer andburn more calories.
But I feel puffy.
“You’re in insane heat.
Drink morewater,” she says.
“I only like water when it tastes like amargarita,” I whine.
Apparently, dehydration can sometimes lead to bloating, so drinking helps.
I try flavored waters.
I was leaner, which made posing in only a men’s shirt seem like a grand idea.
I think that’s what getting in touch with your Inner Diva Warrior really means.
Lauren Graham’s Weight-Loss Weapon and Get-Sexy Moves
