A waste of time

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Or is it?

I often think about it. Losing weight - and especially maintaining that weight loss - is time consuming. Sometimes I feel as tho I've wasted years of my life worrying about my weight.

Just think of all the things I could accomplish if I weren't on spark, logging food, attending WW meetings & exercising.

But what did I accomplish when I wasn't doing those things? While exercise has been a constant in my life for yrs & yrs, I had yrs when I didn't log my food. Or go to meetings. Did I get more done?

The answer is no. It's not about the number - well, it's mostly not about the number. It's about living a fulfilled life - cause remember, that's my word this yr: fulfillment.

What actually started this chain of thoughts this morning was worrying about this week's WI. I don't feel as tho I've lost weight & with TOM potentially breathing down my neck, a small gain would not be unexpected.

And let's be honest: I've been really, really hungry the last few days. I have done my very best to concentrate on whole foods - and really pretty successful there. There has been no double dipping into the chocolate chip bag.

But one of my downfalls has always been simply eating too much.

This morning I got to thinking about how I'd lime to NOT be thinking all this.

Part of why it seems so important is I'd really like to go into this HM lighter. So far, so good. 3 or 4 lbs really CAN make a tremendous difference.

That's what it's all about: not what the number on the scale says, but how you feel in your own skin. And that's never a waste of time.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LADYBUG1107 1/31/2012 9:49PM

I agree that logging your food, attending ww, sparking, and exercising are not a waste of time. I am trying to spend less time on line because I feel that I use it as time waster and filler. Report Inappropriate Comment

DISPATCHER04 1/31/2012 5:34PM

Absolutely. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

KKINNEA 1/31/2012 4:22PM

Agree! Report Inappropriate Comment

KANSASROSE67 1/31/2012 1:11PM

I think you're exactly right...I've been backing off of Spark a little just because I'd rather be living life than talking about it. And I don't really like thinking about food and calories ALL the time. But I like the alternative even less! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/31/2012 12:58PM

It's not a waste of time, you are right there. Eating to much...I know that one. I wish didn't have that problem. I would love to be one of those people who forget to eat....really??? who forgets to eat?? Report Inappropriate Comment

KARENE10 1/31/2012 11:07AM

I know what you mean. I feel like I am always thinking about food,points,calories,exercise etc. But I also know that if I didn't think about it then I'd be heavier. Also, I would be worrying about something else. . Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 1/31/2012 9:28AM

I know it's not a waste of time, but I DO get frustrated because I don't like being so self-absorbed. Letting up a bit on the time I spend on all this. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 1/31/2012 8:15AM

What a nail you've hit perfectly on the head: "living a fulfilled life!" Love that word, "fulfillment" and I think it is so important to think of how it applies not only to our health and wellness in a specific sense re: weight, etc. But to think beyond to ALL the aspects of our life in which we want to be healthy and well! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 1/31/2012 8:10AM

It's never a waste of time to live a healthier lifestyle, which is what we are all doing. Sure there are many things we could do with all our free time instead of logging food, etc. (not that I can think of any at the moment, hahaha), but like you said, would we be happy and fulfilled? My success at weight loss has come from Sparking, logging food and exercise - for me there is no other way. My goals are being fulfilled on a daily basis by sticking to SPARK. Report Inappropriate Comment

January going out like a lion

Monday, January 30, 2012

I'm sitting here listening to the wind howl, really wishing I wasn't signed up for a group run tonight. But there's sushi at the end . . . this time it better happen!

My group run sat was ok. It was really lovely weather to run in - about the freezing mark, which actually feels sort of warm after all those runs in the teens with windchills in the single digits. In fact, ditched my gloves & neck gaiter after our first loop.

Yes, I decided to join the "group" - 2 other ladies, both of whom I've met before. I thought of Eleanor Roosevelt & decided I should do something that made me uncomfortable. And it sure did that first loop when it became clear I was a third wheel & they were BFFs. For some reason my Nike+ app didn't start, either.

They had finally stopped hashing out stuff I knew nothing about by the second loop - i'd started the app, only this time it turned out it wasn't tracking pace or distance.

By the third loop one person left, & the app suddenly started tracking pace & distance - but over the entire time it had been running; I don't run 23 minute miles! The bottom line is I *think* I ran 10 miles but I really don't know. I put in the time, anyway.

By about mile 8 or 9 my knee started to bother me. The same knee that bothered me when I ran that 8 mile race in the same location last summer! Obviously the knee doesn't like running there. I had to ice for the very first time training for this HM. All I can think of is I think the first 3 miles were at a faster pace than I'm used to - but again, I don't really know.

Next weekend I'll be on my own for my long run again & since I've entered my taper I'm good with that. We ordered a Garmin Forerunner 110 for me & I might even have it by next weekend. I wanted the 210, but it was $60 more and all you get for that is current rather than average pace & the ability to time intervals; just wasn't worth an additional $60 to me. I can't begin to tell you how difficult it was to make up my mind between the different versions!

Just 2 more long runs til my HM.

As mild as this winter has been, it's still been cold enough - it took me hours to warm up after my run this weekend again. I sweated pretty good & boy you get chilled quickly when you can't change for 20 minutes or so.

So I pushed myself out of my comfort zone & yup, it was uncomfortable on many levels! But you can't grow without getting uncomfortable.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKINNYPOWELL1 1/30/2012 2:15PM

that you ran with the group and did something uncomfortable, like you said, you can't grow unless you try it. You're getting close race time, I can tell you are excited. Report Inappropriate Comment

MZSLYDE01 1/30/2012 11:30AM

Good for you on your run. Sounds like it was uncomfortable but the important thing is you did it. Glad you finally decided on a watch. I have heard great things about the Garmin brand. I am sure you will like it. Hope it comes soon. Have a sparky day. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/30/2012 9:33AM

Yay for getting uncomfortable!! I know you don't run 23 minute miles. I hope your Garmin does show up before the weekend so you can test it out. No, your knee really doesn't like that place...stay away. Report Inappropriate Comment

XFITSTRONG 1/30/2012 6:16AM

That's awesome! I am a huge baby and hate the cold.... I'd rather be home camped out by my heater, lol! Good thing I live in Texas or I would have a hard time being consistant with exercise. Enjoy the garmin! I love mine, but I have the old, ugly, huge one.... Would love to get the smaller pink one someday, but can't bring myself to spend money on one when I already have one that works... even though it's ugly. :) Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYBUG1107 1/30/2012 5:21AM

Way to go! Running outside sounds like fun. I have been stuck inside on my treadmill. Report Inappropriate Comment

January's almost over . . .

Friday, January 27, 2012

are you still sparkling?

We have such high hopes for a new start with the new year . . . then oh - yeah- you've actually gotta do some work! The chutzpah! Who'd've thunk you have to *work* to lose weight?

My secret to staying on track with all the work it takes to lose weight? Planning. When my WW leader asked how many people knew what they were having for dinner that night, few people raised their hands.

I knew. Heck, I have a plan for most of the week. It's in my head, but I plan out the next day's meals the night before - or at the very least the morning of. So much easier when you don't have to think about it. And it actually makes it easier when I change my mind, too - which I do often; it isn't written in stone. But having the plan means it's easier to make substitutions.

Now I plan out my workouts at the beginning of the week, too. In fact, that's what I was doing this morning when I woke up far too early. It's the same deal: I may change things or swap workouts depending on how I'm feeling or what life deals me, but having that plan in place actually saves me time.

I pick out goals for each week. I track them.

Yes, it IS a lot of work. But you're gonna feel more sparkly when you do the work.

Right now I'm trying to decide about tomorrow's long run. I can get up earlier than I'd like, have a slightly rushed morning, & run at a place I find boring.

Or I can relax more & run in the park I love.

The first run is with a group & that's why I'm leaning torwards it. Plus it has the advantage of leaving me with most of the day. Yes, I tried to convince them to run at the park, but the leader finds THAT boring. Go figure. And I need to tack on another mile to the group run.

I guess we'll see how I'm feeling tomorrow. Having a plan doesn't mean you can't be flexible.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDHEART 1/29/2012 4:37PM

Well Judy, another one of those times when we were thinking the same thing and coming at it from a slightly different angle. Funny, I hit send on my blog, come to read yours and start to laugh at how in tune we are and yet separated by so many miles! One of these days I am going to meet you and we can complete this connection! LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNNINGPFUHL 1/29/2012 8:16AM

YES!!! I'm still on plan!! And I'm a planner. I made a meal plan for the week based on what I already have in the fridge/freezer/pantry and then I set up my meals for the week. I also have a plan of what I'm gonna do for my workouts. M W Sat are run days. T Th are FitKick Days. I have one more Fit Kick Class this month and I will have made my goal of going to all of them for January! It sounds like you are doing great!! And way to go on the group run! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 1/28/2012 12:53AM

Yes depends on your mood, but I also do better if I have a plan! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 1/28/2012 12:22AM

I don't always plan, but I do better when I do. Park or people? Guess it depends on your mood tomorrow. Hope you have a good run either way. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 1/27/2012 8:33PM

I agree---sensible planning along with resilience and flexibility is good balance. Not planning sinks me: impulse eating, fresh ingredients spoil in the frig, valuable time leaks away, etc. Thanks for a thoughtful blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 1/27/2012 10:26AM

Whatta gal! Bet you do the same thing in your life in general. Having a plan is a valuable tool, for sure. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/27/2012 10:19AM

I do try to plan at least Mon-Thursday in advance so I can shop for the items I need. We go out on the weekends. I plan my workouts, too. But I think it all helps. Have a good run tomorrow wherever it ends up being Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 1/27/2012 8:26AM

You're so right about "planning". I used to be a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kinda girl, but that does not work well with SPARK, it doesn't work at all really. Easier to plan meals than to be left last minute scrambling for something within the daily calorie range. And secondly so true about it being alot of work. You don't know how many ppl ask me "whats your secret" and I go on to explain about counting calories, measuring food, and exercise. They immediately say "oh that's too much work". Well there ya go, that's why they aren't losing weight - it's too much work. Yes it is a lot of work, but it a work that has now become second nature, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Enjoy your run, whichever one you chose and have a super weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 1/27/2012 8:20AM

Love it! I'm a planner too. But, yes, flexibility is SO important. Report Inappropriate Comment

Redemption

Thursday, January 26, 2012

I was so unmotivated yesterday . . . such a gray day & today is no better. Somehow I managed to get a lot done!

Got my run in. Even pushed myself to do a full hour rather than my usual 40-45 minutes. I wore my Fila skeletoes & managed to give myself small blisters on both big toes, but I put something on them & I think I'll do fine on sat's long run.

Walked the dogs, did some pilates, washed the sheets & changed the bed.

Made soup that we'll have for dinner tonight because I wan the flavors to marry, as they say.

Last week my clothes were feeling pretty comfortable & I was looking forward to a loss only to be greeted by a 1 lb gain. had to reread one of my WW weeklies that dealt with weight gain & not being envious of other people's losses.

Being honest with myself, I knew I was taking 2-3 dark chocolate chips - something I have pretty much every day on something - only I was popping a few extras.

It's those mindless nibbles that always trip me up. They NEVER seem like enough to cause the damage they do . . . but the proof is in making a conscious decision to take no prisoners (that would be extras) - lost that pound & just a wee bit more.

I am happy that at the moment, anyway, instead of gaining weight thru my HM training, I have been slowly losing. I think part of that is the new WW plan - it hurt to lose those 3 pts but it seems to be working - eating too much even of healthy foods has ALWAS been my downfall - and also the conscious decision to work in more hill workouts & ST.

Combining running with ST can be so difficult, but in the end it's worth the payoff.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDOORN 1/27/2012 9:26AM

Kudos to pushing through and watching out for those little extras...your vigilance is SO paying off! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 1/26/2012 9:19PM

Wow, what a day! Glad you kicked that pound to the curb. The BLTs are one of my issues too, as you know. Mindful eating is SO important. If only I could do it more consistently! Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 1/26/2012 5:19PM

Applause and admiration! I am working on these same commitments, to CHOOSE exercise on a blah day, to be mindful of everything I put in my mouth. Your reports give me a boost. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/26/2012 1:13PM

Wow an hour in the skeletoes. Impressive. It's definitely the little (and sometimes not so little) nibbles that get to me. I really need to nip that in the bud and soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLEEPYDEAN 1/26/2012 12:12PM

Nice job on actually getting out there! The nibbles have been getting to me to lately, but my problem is peanut butter - I dip crackers in it at home and at work as a quick snack and I'm sure I'm overdoing it. And yes, losing during half training is quite the feat. I gave up on losing my last 3-4 pounds since I am in a perpetual state of training these days. haha Comment edited on: 1/26/2012 12:13:15 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 1/26/2012 11:42AM

Glad you got motivated and productive on a dreary day. I'm going to sparkmail you this article on training and weight loss, I think you find it interesting Good job on losing a pound+ this week Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 1/26/2012 11:39AM

I've seen people with skeletoes on, walking in them like shoes. I guess they must be comfie if you even run in them! Good for you with your productive day. You are a motivated gal, for sure. Report Inappropriate Comment

It's not about yesterday

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

We want to think we can erase bad choices by exercising them away or by restricting ourselves the next day. You can't out exercise a poor diet & depriving yourself usually leads to more bad choices.

It is way more important to be consistent. So you overate? Ok, it happens. You know what? It will even happen when you get to your GW. While it's ok to maybe eat a *little* lighter after overeating, you still need good nutrition to fuel your day & your workout.

Eat right 80% of the time & the other 20% will take care of itself.

Punishing yourself - whether with exercise or withholding food - never works. It may be exactly how you got here in the first place.

Remember, you can't change yesterday, but the choices you make today will effect tomorrow.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ASHERAH38 1/26/2012 10:09AM

I so hear you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 1/25/2012 9:24PM

You really have a way of expressing things well. Not to mention sensible & wise. Thanks!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DISPATCHER04 1/25/2012 7:50PM

That's it, exactly. ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/25/2012 1:22PM

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MZSLYDE01 1/25/2012 10:33AM

Great blog - It's just what I needed to hear. thanks Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 1/25/2012 9:08AM

Smart advice! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 1/25/2012 8:58AM

I'm not going to say that I awoke with these thoughts in my head today, and then turned on the 'puter and read your blog. (smiling) Yup, you're inside my head again. Have a fun day. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 1/25/2012 8:01AM

blog and I totally agree with everything you said. You can't take it back once it's been done, but you can make the next choice a healthy one. Onward and upward. Report Inappropriate Comment