fit_in_time’s BodyBlog

As I wrote in a previous post, I’m now setting weekly goals.  It really helps me to be able to celebrate the "small" weekly wins, and it makes the road ahead a little easier.  Its been three weeks now, and the time seemed to go by quickly.  Plus, this contest with my hubby is helping to keep me focused, and motivated. 

Today, I did a 55 min cardio session, and guess what - I was able to run for a full 10 minutes!  Then, I did a 5 min recovery, then ran 10 more min and another 5 min recovery.  I wanted to do one last 10 min set, but I couldn’t cut it, I ended up running for a final 5 minutes.  I finished out the last 5 by walking at a 4.0 incl, to keep my heart rate up.  So, bottom line, even though I still can’t run a full 30 minutes, I’m able to do more and more each time!  That is exciting!

I’m also working on my pushups.  I have 0 upper body strength.  Every other day, I’ll do 3 sets of 10 "girlie" pushups.  I always start off each set with an attempt at a full pushup, and I’ll lower myself down, but I can’t seem to get back "up". That’s one of my long term goals for 09 - to be able to do 10 FULL pushups!

Now, this coming weekend will be the challenge!  I’m headed to Charlotte, NC for a long "girl’s" weekend.  Lots of parties, and undoubtedly, drinking.  But, I’m ready!  I’m taking my workout gear, and this week’s goal includes a workout every day until Thursday (departure day), and then I’ll pick it up again on Fri and Sat, while on travel.  My workout buddy is traveling with me, and we’ve already agreed that we will split all our meals.  I do plan to limit my drinks, and follow up each drink with a big bottle of water.  Wish me Luck!

Though I tried not to, this AM, I hopped on the scale.  My next weigh in (for the contest w/ hubby) is Mar 1, but I succumbed to the urge to weigh myself.  208.6.  I started thinking - "Damn.  I’ve been up and down over these past few weeks, but I can’t seem to get lower than 208.6"!  And, It’s Highly Unlikely that my scale is broken. Yes, I know..weight isn’t everything.  But those numbers have become the yardstick for how I measure my progress.  My efforts.  My successes/failures.  It’s a vicious, self-depreciating cycle.  Yet, I still do it. I’m really trying not to make the numbers my life.  I’ve definitely gained progress in other areas.  I’m able to run more.  My endurance seems to have improved.  I feel myself getting a little stronger with each workout.  And, I’m making better nutritional choices overall.  Yet, the 208.6 still haunts me. Oh well.  Mar 1 is around the corner.  Let’s see if we can get that number just a li’l lower….

My new thing to keep me motivated is to devise new WEEKLY goals.  This allows me to celebrate the small successes, while still moving towards the ultimate goal.  So far, my weekly goals have been to do at least 6 days of workouts.  For the past two weeks, I’ve made both goals. 

I’m also focusing more on diet, esp on the weekends.  During the week, I eat pretty clean (cuz I’m brown bagging my lunch and snacks), but on the weekends, sometimes I tend to go a little crazy.

 ALSO, hubby and I have a bit of a "contest" going on.  We started on Feb 1, and we check in on the 15th, then the 1st of every month.  At our first check in, I hit my goal of a 4lb weight loss.  Yippee.  He didn’t make his goal, but I know that if he seriously cleans up his diet, he’ll be WAY ahead of me. 

I’m hoping that this constant "goal setting" will keep me focused.  This, and the fact that Summer is right around the corner…..

Is how sore you get.  BUT, I’ve come to welcome the soreness.  Cuz, it means I did something right (I hope!) 

Good Night!

Wow, it’s been forever since I’ve blogged.  My job has me totally stressed out these days, and the LAST thing I want to do (after sending emails all day) is to log onto my home PC.  Well, I fell off the wagon last Nov - Dec.  Tried to get back up in Jan.  Lasted for about a week, then fell off for two.  Got back on for a week, then fell off a week. 

At this point, I just keep trying to get back up!  And sometimes, that means going back to the basics (working out + clean eating = healthier, more fit ME! )

February is going a little better.  I’ve cleaned up my eating, and recommitted myself to "clean eating" for the thousandth time.  I’m up most mornings (7 days last week - Woo Hoo) to work out.  This week’s goal is to work out 5 days.  So far, I’m 2 in.  Was supposed to get up this AM, but I was unable to sleep a wink last night.  Again, the job has me stressed out, so many nights, I toss and turn, in anticipation of what the next day’s work will bring.  So, I couldn’t get up this AM, and now, here I sit, in my workout clothes, too darn tired to get it in.

So, I think I’m going to try to make up for the sleep tonight, so that I can get myself up in the AM.  I’m yawning as I write this.  Blogging used to help keep me sane, so I’m hoping to get back to the basics of what kept me focused and on track last year.  Wish me luck!