February Challenge: How I did

For February, I challenged myself to lose 4 inches, drink 6 - 8 cups of water a day, and go to the gym at least 3 days a week.

Well - according to Foursquare, I have been to the gym at least once a week for the past 7 weeks; and I was there at least 3 times each week in February. For the past few weeks, I've been there 4 times a week, ever since I learned I'll be wearing a bathing suit this summer.

According to My Fitness Pal - I did OK in the water department. I definitely increased my intake overall, getting at least 4 cups each day. I never made it to 8 cups and will admit I rarely saw 6. I'm working on it.

As for the inches? No idea. Totally forgot to measure myself at the end of January. Anyway, I decided that a measurement goal would be just as frustrating for me as a weight loss goal, so I came up with a new plan. Once I started getting cardio on a regular basis, I realized setting a goal that would help me keep my heart rate elevated, and burn more calories, would be helpful. So, I set a distance goal* for myself, which I exceeded. Go me!

For March, I decided to stick with this theme, and continue to increase the distance I travel per hour. I've also decided to try and keep up with the water goal, and continue tracking my calories via My Fitness Pal. I'll be going to the gym a minimum of 4 times a week; 5 when my schedule, and health, allows.

I've decided to set aside any weight loss and measurement goals. Bathing suit or not, it is very, very difficult for me to actually lose weight. That being the case, I don't get the sort of validation or encouragement that others get from tracking their progress on the scale  because I either don't make any, or I make it so slowly it's impossible to track.

This whole project has taught me that when I tie my success to a nearly-impossible goal, I sabotage myself from the beginning. Regardless of what I look like on the beach, the point of this whole thing is supposed to be that I get healthier - and that's happening.

I have to be careful not to lose sight of that goal.


*I'm not telling you the goal because it's embarrassing how slowly I move. The point is, I'm improving.