Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Not dead

I swear I'm not dead. I haven't been blogging because keeping up with the gym has eaten into my personal time to the point where something had to give. For the last couple of weeks - this blog has been the something.

Speaking of the gym - I did okay on my March goals. I fell just shy of the distance goal I set - but I did improve, which is the key. Maybe even slightly more important is the fact that when I tried on last summers capris that were either tight or didn't fit at all - they fit. Every. Single. Pair.


For April, I'm increasing the distance goal and will continue to track my calories and water. I bought a scale - but I didn't like the number, so I'm not going to be standing on that again any time soon. I'll just keep trying on clothes that didn't fit before.

As for blogging - I'll try to do better. I'm taking a vacation next week, which will hopefully give me some time to catch up. (In case you're wondering - the resort where I'll be staying has an exercise facility. Can you believe I checked?! I can't.)



Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The nicest thing

There are a lot of nice things someone can say to you.

  • You look nice today.
  • I really like that hairstyle.
  • I love that outfit.
  • You did a great job on that project.
  • I love how you decorate your house!
  • Your kids are so cute/well-behaved.
  • Your cats are precious. 
  • What would you like for Christmas/your birthday?
I could go on. But by far, the nicest thing I think a person can say to you - especially when it's sincere - is: 
Are you losing weight?
So to the person who said that to me this weekend - you're the best. It won't be forgotten.

I've still got a long way to go, but it's nice to know I'm on the way.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Can't count that high

Kids say the darndest things....

My favorite 4-year-old: Mommy, how old are you?
Her mommy (my best friend): I don't want to talk about that right now.
4YO: No, I just want to write it down, so I can practice it.
Mommy: I'm 3-7 (three seven). Which is the same age as me...
4YO: Ohhhh - I haven't learned to count that high, yet, have I?
Mommy: Nope.

Isn't she precious? :-/

Thursday, March 1, 2012

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.