(Re)new Journey

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Today was a whirlwind of a day. Easily put, it didn't go quite as planned. Usually on Monday evenings I attend Step class but tonight I couldn't go because I had a last minute meeting pop up. I could have easily just thrown in the towel and not made an effort to get to the gym... but I did not take the easy way out. Instead (long story short) I ended up walking a quarter mile TO the gym, did my 2 mile run/walk, some stretching/abs, 15 min rowing machine, and some free weights. Then I walked home, about 1.25 miles. Not too shabby for a Monday.

The rest of the day got a little hectic and when all was said and done, I was SO GLAD that I made it to the gym earlier this afternoon because there was no way that I would have gone after my meeting. I came home, ate some dinner (pulled buffalo chicken with a side of broccoli and tomatoes with a splash of lite balsamic dressing), and now I'm getting straight to bed.

I basically spent the entire afternoon STARVING because I left my house after eating lunch at around 1pm (turkey burger and cucumber) and didn't get home until 8pm. I wasn't expecting to be gone that entire time so I hadn't packed a snack and I sure as hell wasn't going to just pick something up somewhere. Oh well. Lesson learned.

Tomorrow I am hoping that I can make the 4pm Bikram class. I will have to leave work right away and it will still end up being tight on time. If I don't make that class, the next one isn't until 6pm and then I will be wasting time waiting around. Besides, if I had my way, I would be in bed at 8pm every night!
 
Ugh. Today I am not feeling so great. Not feeling sick or anything. Just feeling "hefty." I did not make the 4pm Bikram class... but I did make it to the 6pm. I proud of myself for not giving up when things don't go as planned. I am also proud of myself for going to the class to begin with. I'm not sure where this crappy feeling is coming from because I certainly do see some slight changes with my body already. Clothes are fitting a tad better and I am (generally) feeling very energized and just overall healthy. Hoping this feeling passes and I wake up tomorrow feeling better, with a more positive attitude.

I did see a 162 on the scale first thing this morning. Not stepping on the scale tonight because I'm feeling bloated and scared of the number it might read!

The downside of the late yoga class means that I don't get home until about 8pm. So, I am just sitting down to eat dinner now. I don't necessarily like the idea of a late dinner, but not much else I can do. Currently eating a turkey burger, small salad, and about 1/4 cup of natural apple sauce.

Looking forward to a better tomorrow!
 
I was in a daaark place yesterday and still feeling a bit shakey today but it's soo important to put those crappy days to bed (literally :D)

Hope you'll feel more positive tomorrow.
 
Daaark place times 3 it seems. I always have to remember that those moods pass. Here's to a better tomorrow, xoxo Cate
 
Thank you, Delsid! Unfortunately today didn't start much better. I was feeling lethargic and unmotivated up until about 4pm when I decided to stop being a grump and get my butt to the gym. I ran 2 miles straight for the first time in my life! I have been slowly building up to doing that, and today I finally did it. It is ironic that on a day when I am feeling so crappy, I can have one of my best days at the gym. After running, I stretched and did some abs (still don't know exactly what I'm doing, but I'm doing something nonetheless!) and then I did a Step class. Usually I leave the class before the instructor does abs and stretching, but today I decided to stay. I can't avoid doing those kinds of exercises forever!

Tomorrow I was planning on going to Bikram after work, but I'm almost thinking I want to go to the gym and attempt the two miles again instead. It felt great and I want that feeling again! Works out better with my schedule anyway. So gym tomorrow, Bikram Friday. Hoping to wake up tomorrow in a better mood, but if I don't at least I have the gym to look forward to to (hopefully) boost my spirits!
 
You know what though, THAT's the achievement. It's easy when you wake up in a good state of mind, but when everything seems a bit 'bleugh' right from the get go, dragging your bum to the gym or outside for a run (rather than turning to food for example) shows real strength. So I hope you've given yourself a good pat on the back :)

I've been struggling with feeling motivated these last few days and yesterday read some stuff and there are two things I remember:
1) Ask yourself how you're going to feel if you skip your workout
2) Do things even if you 'don't feel like them' because a) once you start it feels much better b) that's how you create habits

Your comment about not knowing what you're doing when it comes to abs work made me smile, I can totally relate :D

Also, I too have discovered that running is the most surprising thing. When everything seems a bit sh*tty and I think I'm gonna have a terrible time running, I usually run best. weeeeeird :D it's like our bodies are trying to cheer us up ;)

You're doing well!!!
 
Thank you so much for your response Delsid! Means a lot to know that I'm not in this alone. You are totally right about turning to the gym on crappy days, instead of turning to food. Certainly trying to create that habit.

Today was a crappy day as well because there is something big happening at my job. Again, a coworker came and gave me FOUR cookies, which I would have loved to devour. However, I gave them away to someone else and I felt so great about it. Eating the cookies isn't going to make anything better! That's my small victory for today.

I am allowing myself to have a little while of down time before I head to the gym. Hoping to have another good gym day!
 
You're DEFINITELY NOT alone in this :) We all keep trying though and that's the most important part!

Giving cookies away, will power or what? :D

Hope the gym was good again!!
 
Yes, Delsid... it took some serious will power to give away those cookies. They were chocolate chip and chocolate is my weakness!

I did have another good day at the gym. I ran my two miles again and I am ecstatic about it! Like I said before, I have never run more than a mile in my entire life. My goal for the end of May is to run 3 miles at a time. Hoping to crush that goal and be cruising on to longer distances in the next few months.

Another small victory... the pants I wore to work today are too big. They need to be retired (aka given away) because they are just too saggy. Such a shame because I actually liked those pants. Oh well! :)
 
These "small victories" of yours sure are adding up Kakes. Do you know anyone who can run in those pants. It may be a very simple job.
 
Good idea Cate... however, I don't think I know anyone that handy. It's a small loss that I am willing to take for my health! Hoping to have lots of other pieces of clothing to donate in the future.

Today I made it to the 4pm Bikram class. Not sure if I am getting more acclimated to the 105 degree temperature or if this instructor kept the room a tad cooler, but today didn't feel as bad. What I love about Bikram is that they are constantly reminding you to do the best you can with the body that you have THAT DAY. They do encourage you to push yourself, but the practice really relies on listening to your body.

After Bikram, I decided to be crazy and hit the gym. I ran my 2 miles but it was tough today. It is my third day running in a row so I think my body is telling me that I might need a day off. Tomorrow is supposed to have nice weather and it being Saturday, I will have more time for a nice, long walk. I don't feel comfortable taking days off just yet. I am nervous that it will set me back. Instead, I am trying to vary my workouts with different intensities. Between Bikram, walking, Step class, running, and the gym, I like having a lot of options.

I have been trying to incorporate some more ab exercises into my workouts. They are varied "sit-ups" that I have picked up from others at the gym. With my body, the biggest change I have seen (albeit small) is with my midsection. I consider that my biggest problem area (among many others) so I am happy to see some changes there.

My goal for this weekend is to take a long walk tomorrow and then Sunday, either Bikram or the gym. Also planning on weighing myself this weekend and seeing what the scale tells me. Whatever the number is, I can certainly see changes so this is only the beginning.
 
Kakes2 said:
Good idea Cate... however, I don't think I know anyone that handy. It's a small loss that I am willing to take for my health! Hoping to have lots of other pieces of clothing to donate in the future.
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& I'm sure you will :D
 
Had a great day today. I woke up wanting to stay in bed, being Saturday and all, but I needed to get up and out the door to babysit my young cousins for a while. I wasn't sure how long I would be gone so I made my breakfast smoothie (3/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt, handful of kale, 1/3 cup frozen raspberries, and some ice) and I also packed a lunch of grilled chicken, 2 tbsp BBQ sauce, and some grapes. Happy I did that because I ended up being at their house for longer than I anticipated.

I spent the late morning and early afternoon chasing them around. We played outside as it was a gorgeous day. I pushed them in the stroller, literally chased them, carried them, went up and down their driveway a million times, and had a dance party. Lots of movement!

I left there and went to pick up a few groceries. Came home and rested for about 30 minutes while I waited for my phone to charge. Then I went out for a 6.25 mile walk around my neighborhood. It was a beautiful day for a walk! I just got home and made myself a nice dinner. Now I am ready to settle in for the night.

Two things of note. One is that I got a compliment from my aunt today that I am looking good. Felt really good to hear that comment as I am working my buns off to exercise and eat healthy. Secondly, I am getting some judgement from my mom who asked me if I was "overdoing it." That was after I got home from my walk and I declined to eat any of her chicken alfredo pasta. She said that I could have some of that kind of stuff once in a while. While I agree that it is impossible to avoid all non-healthy food, I also don't want to ruin all of my hard work for something that I don't necessarily want or need. I will save those "once in a whiles" for when I really want them. Not going to eat junk food "just because." I was plenty happy with the dinner that I made myself anyway. Not to mention that I hate the way that those heavy foods make me feel. I will stick with my plan and not let anyone's comments get to me. Easier said than done but I may as well get used to it.
 
Hi Kate, you seem to be doing great! You're exercising and eating right- have a feeling those lbs will melt off and you will be further along than me in no time ;) Keep at it!
 
misty22 said:
Hi Kate, you seem to be doing great! You're exercising and eating right- have a feeling those lbs will melt off and you will be further along than me in no time ;) Keep at it!
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*Kakes lol sorry got your name wrong!
 
Kakes2 said:
I will stick with my plan and not let anyone's comments get to me. Easier said than done but I may as well get used to it.
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You go, girl! Awesome reasoning. It used to REALLY p*ss me off when people would be asking me more or less the same thing 'aren't you overdoing it'? I'm pretty sure nobody would comment if I sat there with a bucket of KFC. It also makes me laugh, being a vegan, how suddenly everyone becomes a nutritionist when they find out you're a vegan :D

Kakes2 said:
They do encourage you to push yourself, but the practice really relies on listening to your body.
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I love yoga exactly for that too. It's awesome.

So happy to hear you're doing so well :)
 
Thank you for the encouragement, Misty and Delsid... it means the world. I am feeling great about the results that I am getting and I know that this forum has played a large part in that!

The scale read 160.4 lbs this morning. All I can say is YESSSSSS! I am ecstatic. My goal from earlier this week was to be below 160 by the beginning part of May (I didn't want to give it a specific date) so it looks like I will be hitting that pretty soon. The last time I was in the 150s was about 2 years ago. Around that time, I remember seeing a "157" on my scale and I was so happy, I snapped a picture of it and sent it to my best friend. Normally I don't share my weight with people because I don't think they care how much I weigh. However, I was so happy with that number that I just had to share the good news. I also remember that I also felt great at that time. This time around, when I see that "157" again, I just may do a happy dance in my bathroom. Can't wait!

This morning I am off to do a hike with two of my friends. I am excited to mix up my exercises and do something other than Bikram, gym, or walk. The weather isn't that great but the three of us decided to squeeze in a few hours of hiking before it starts to rain. Happy Sunday everyone!
 
Thanks Delsid! The hike was good, did 5.25 miles. Unfortunately it started to rain but we made the best of it. I hit about 13,000 steps by 11am!

After the hike, I was exhausted and needed some rest time. I took a nap and just took it easy. I think my body needed some recharging after walking 6 miles yesterday and hiking 5 miles today.

This week is looking particularly busy for me but I am confident I can keep up with my food choices and exercise. I already have my healthy lunch planned for tomorrow. I am still thinking about my exercise plan for this week. At this point, I am thinking Monday: Step class, Tuesday: Bikram, Wednesday: Step class, Thursday: gym, and Friday: Bikram. Of course that plan will most likely change but it's helpful for me to have it sort of mapped out. My goal for this week is to see the 150s on the scale. Currently at 160.4 this morning so I am very close!
 
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