My first big goal is to run the Reiche International 5k in October. I realized that I should have other big goals that can be worked on simultaneously, otherwise what happens after October? Two of my good friends are on a weight loss journey for themselves. Once a week we video chat and talk about what is hard, what is easy, and set goals that we want to accomplish. One of the topics this week was motivation. So we started a competition to help motivate us, (I'm making it public because that will help motivate me) where each pound we lose we put a dollar in a jar. We picked an end date, and at that time the person who has lost the most gets 60% of the money, second place 25%, third gets 15%.
The competition coincided nicely with my decision to shift gears. Yes I'm getting stronger and my range of motion is improving with my gym going, but the race is going to be easier for me if I have less bulk to move. That means it is time to work on food goals. Since I'm a ridiculously stubborn and contrary individual, following any set plan just doesn't work for me. I hate restrictions. So I'm taking super baby steps. I am not restricting what I eat at all, I am starting by paying attention to the calories I consume. I'm using an app called my fitness pal which helps me log my food and exercise and counts my calories for me. It calculates other things too which I will focus on later, but logging my food will focus me and hold me accountable for the calories. I figure the eating healthier will come as I get hungry and my brain realizes I can eat more if it is better food!
Yesterday was my first day of logging food. It was super hard. I did fine during the day, took food to work and only ate what I brought (harder than you might think). It was after work that was the hardest. I went to the laundromat and was super hungry. It was late, I was cranky, and my stomach wouldn't stop rumbling. I really just wanted to go to McDonalds and get food. I kept telling myself that I could go if I wanted it, but I would have to log it, and did I really want to see my calorie count for the day skyrocket and not meet my goal? I am proud to say that I did not cave, and finished yesterday out within my calorie range for the day.
As for going to the gym I'm doing really well. I have been every day since last Thursday. My trainer gave me some homework and knowing I have an assignment is motivating. I do find that doing the exercises is harder without her there. I like the positive words of encouragement she gives me as I'm working, and for some reason it is easier to do the work when I don't have to keep count. I'm really excited about some of my homework though. I have to do a 20 minute walk on the beach once a week. The unstable surface of the sand will help to strengthen my weak knee and ankle.
So I have Wednesday off, who wants to go to the beach with me?
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