It's a Struggle

It's a struggle to just enjoy life when you are trying to lose weight. So much of what we consider enjoyment or pleasure involves food. We were camping this weekend and though not all of our activity revolved around chow, it inevitably came back to the coolers and, "What do we have to eat?"

I tried to find balance so that I remembered the trip as enjoyable. I found that having a little of something was enough to participate, but I didn't need to keep helping myself to more. This morning, my weight is up, but you know, it's going to be up and it's going to be down. I'm going back to the gym today and my mental state is that the last time I was there on Thursday, I ran the full three miles! Additionally, my body is starting to show the changes. My clothes are looser and my measurements are all down. With that, up or down, I'm on the right track and plan to stay with it!

Exercise Just Wasn't Meant To Be!

Laughing! Today was one of those days where it just wasn't in the cards to exercise. I wasn't in the mood but I got dressed and made my way to the gym. There was one thing after another that hindered me from starting my work out. I overcame those obstacles and then the final straw, the iPod was dead. Here I am, no television (they moved the treadmills), my treadmill with the FlexDeck was out of order, and I have no music. I ended up walking for 15 minutes and decided my heart just wasn't in it. There's always tomorrow, right?

I Had A Baby

While running on the treadmill at the gym, I reached a milestone and ran for a full 30 minutes and nearly 2 1/2 miles. There was a woman on the elliptical next to me and we finished our workouts at the same time. We walked out the door and the woman said, "Are you training to run a marathon?" I burst out laughing and said, "Yes, why yes I am. Do you want to train with me?" She stuttered a little and mumbled that she couldn't, she would hold me back, and some other bit of nonsense. I nodded and told her I was really just trying to lose weight since I had a baby. She lit up and asked, "Oh, how old is your baby?" I couldn't keep a strait face when I burst out laughing, "Almost six!" She started laughing, too and said her kids were starting high school but she did just get a puppy, does that count? We were both laughing hysterically in the parking lot and all I could think is how much I love the people who live here in Auburn. I gave her my phone number and I really hope she calls. It doesn't matter if she wants to run a 5K, I just think she and I would be great friends!

About that 5K...

So I talked with Dave about running a 5K with me in September and he said, "No." Hmm. No? I followed him down the hall asking why not. His answer was a simple, "We are booked every weekend from today all the way through September. I'll be happy to do one with you the first week in October. You find one and we'll go." I stood there with a pretty silly look on my face thinking, I guess I should have looked at the calendar and planned this goal. As I write this today, it seems pretty funny. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing, look for a run to participate in that first weekend in October and call that my new goal! Oh, but let me take a look at the calendar just to be sure. Smiling!

I Want To Run A Marathon

I really do. I don't know that I'm committed enough to honestly train to meet that goal, but I do think it's a step in the right direction to even feel an inkling to want to do it. I've been running on the treadmill at the gym and as you know, have started feeling those lovely endorphins. Today, my goal to to run a 5K, which I feel I'm very close to being able to do. Dave can do it now and I bet we could realistically run one together in September. I'll talk to him about it and let you know what he says. Either way, I'm gonna run a fun-run next month!

Fridays And Workouts

Fridays are hard for me because I attend a 7 AM Toastmasters meeting. That means I either need to be at the gym at 5 AM, or work out later in the day. The hard part is that if I don't get up at 4:30, then I go through all my daily preparations to be at my meeting only to go get super sweaty and then have to do it all over again. It's enough to do my hair and apply my makeup once!

I went to my meeting today and I will go work out later this evening. If I go late enough I have no reason to get all dolled up when I get home. I also don't think I get as good a workout when I go in the evening. What's a girl to do? Sacrifice an extra hour of beauty sleep, or count the workout as whole, simply because it IS a work out? Yep, I'm counting it as whole. See ya on Monday. Have a great weekend.

Welcome Back Endorphins!

I just got back from the gym, what a great workout! I did 3 1/3 miles, running more than 2 of them all the way through. I actually ran for 27 of my 40 minutes and for the first time in a very long while, I felt the calm rhythm of those lovely endorphins. It's that feeling that you are in a zone, your breath is easy, your lungs are big enough, and your stride is smooth. It's in this zone that I can completely see myself running forever. It's a day like today that makes me think I can get back to my really fit self and makes me look forward to my next workout!

Consistency Is The Key!

We all know it's true and it's what will make any endeavor a success. I'm down 4 lbs, (yes, it's the same 4 that keep coming and going!) but my regular gym visits are what's going to make the difference this time! I'll be at the gym this evening and so far, the eating part is pretty easy! I'll update more later on why I think that is, but for now, I'm keeping up with the regular, consistent program and plan to see big success by the middle of September!

Nurture Your Marriage

Mason has been invited to spend the night with a friend. That's great news because that means Dave and I get a free date night! We always make time for each other but it's more difficult when we have to find and pay a sitter and then be bound by certain days and times. In some cases, arranging a sitter is more difficult than just spending time at home.

Dave and I have a great time no matter what we do, but when we go "out," it reminds us about all the reasons we fell in love. This of course lingers for a few days and encourages us to set another date night, sooner! Do you nurture your marriage with time away from the kids? I can only speak for us, but I think Dave and I laugh as much as we do because we do put forth the effort to "date" even though we have been married for nearly eight years. If you haven't dated your spouse lately, I say plan something fun, find a sitter, and go!

I'm 4 For 4 Going 3!

I'm doing just over three miles on the treadmill and I'm running more than half of it. I bet if I put my mind to it, I could run the whole thing.

I'm amazed at how having a goal is making such a difference in my wanting to get to the gym, even at 5:30 AM! ARGH! When we go to Las Vegas in Sept, I want to feel good in my clothes and even more, I want to feel sexy going out with Dave. Mason will be at home so this is some time to rekindle that "before kids" romance. It's so much more fun to play when you're not feeling like your jeans are too tight, or that you didn't wear a sexy little black dress because it doesn't fit!

I'm doing it and I'm liking what I'm doing. So far so good. And off to the gym I go!

I Have A New Target!

Dave and I have been working on diet and exercise and Dave has been far more diligent than I have. Last night we lay in bed talking and I recommitted to my plan. I'm looking forward to the trade show in Las Vegas in September as my goal to feel good in my clothes. I'm planning to work out six days, resume my protein shake program, and do a measured meal for dinner.

I don't know why it seems easier when you have an event or date to strive for, but I'll take what I can get. I started yesterday by doing just over 3 miles walk/run, upper body strength training, and ab work. Today will be more of the same. Here I go, again! Smiling!