Mini Goals = Mini Results

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

My half marathon class consists of 18 weeks ... with four runs of varied length per week. Essentially after 72 runs I will be able to complete a half marathon. Every run is one mini goal and every step of each run is one mini goal. Eventually these add up to my main goal of running a half marathon.

For me it will actually be longer than that. That's because my run club is training for an October half marathon whereas I'm training for a January half marathon.

I was thinking about these mini goals in the shower this morning (ever notice how thinking in the shower seems more creative?) . For over a month I've had a mini goal of reaching 156 lbs at week's end. I've navigated a slippery slope over that time. My eating choices could have been better, my tracking more diligent, but my activity levels were increasing.

Every Sunday when I write up my plan for the week, including my weekly goals, I was discouraged because the scale wasn't budging and I couldn't adjust my goal... but I was meeting other mini goals... my kilometers per week and my pilates sessions. I persevered knowing that eventually something would have to give and today I was rewarded.

I know that the scale is simply one indication. I don't hold it as the only measure of my success. Still it is an indicator.

Next week I can finally lower my mini goal for the week. Every single pound brings me one step closer to my goal. Every mini goal is a little reward in and of itself and motivates me to meet the next mini goal.

Counting My Blessings

Thursday, July 09, 2009

I've been really hard on myself the last few days. The weather here has been more like April than July. The sun hasn't been shining and I find my spirits plunging like a roller coaster. Today while corresponding with another fellow sparker, I realized how hard I've been on myself and how lucky I am.

1. I don't smoke.
2. I drink minimally.
3. I have full mobility.
4. I can still learn.
5. I can make choices.
6. I can make the time to do this.
7. I've found an activity I love (Pilates Reformer ... and believe I've tried quite a few over time).
8. My career has already taught me the benefit of conquering one goal one day at a time.
9. My husband is supportive.
10. One year later I'm still sparking.

So the truth of the matter is that I'm blessed I have the knowledge, resources and ability to keep on Sparking.

Now that's some sunshine in my day!

One Pound = One Marathon

Friday, July 03, 2009

Last night as part of our marathon half-training we had a nutritionist address the group. My biggest takeaway from all of this... In one FULL marathon she consumes only about 3500 calories. I thought OMG for every pound I gain I have to run a marathon! Talk about putting things into perspective.

So once again, I'm trying to be careful about what I put in my mouth. My brain is what's trying to trick me. I'm hungry right after I eat. What's up with that? I CAN WIN that battle.

It will be a tough week. July 3rd marks the start of the Calgary Stampede and I expect to make 3 or 4 trips down to the fair grounds. I know it's possible to stick to healthy choices. If only fried onions and mini donuts didn't smell so good!

Now I just have to remind myself. One pound -> one marathon.

Not Quite a Month

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

It's now been 3 weeks since I signed up for half marathon training. I'm regularly running 4x per week (it's supposed to be 5 but I substitute Pilates Reformer for one run).

Sunday I ran 7 km and then my husband and I went for a long walk (8 km) shortly thereafter. Not one of my most brilliant moves. My muscles are pretty tight today.

I'm still struggling with my eating, but also practicing forgiveness. If I eatmore than I want to, then I simply forgive myself and tell myself the next meal will be better and it usually is. Some days I'm convinced I'm way too hard on myself. Although persistence gets results and every day counts it's not like I'm going to reverse everything in a week.

Right now some of my guilty pleasures are angel food cake with fresh berries and light cool whip.

The other night I sat down and chatted with my husband. Although it wouldn't be fair to say I started this training as a lark, it would be fair to say I wasn't sure it's something I can actually do. With every run I put in, I've been reversing that mind set and I'm now confident that with persistent training and the support of my Running Room group I CAN DO THIS!

I've decided to ignore the scale for a little bit. That kind of scares me, because that's how the pounds have creeped on before, but I still seem to be gaining and losing the same 2 pounds despite all the additional exercise I'm doing. On a positive note however, I'm convinced that my clothes are fitting better and that my tummy is starting to whittle down.

I'm feeling strong and confident. My hips are muscled and my arms are leaner. I'm starting to see a little definition in the bicep area. When I lie down I can feel how strong my core is under the layer of fat that's still sitting on top. I'm gratified to know that as it slowly melts off what's going to be behind there will be a welcome surprise.

Hard? Yes
Demanding? Yes
Time Consuming? Not as much as I thought.
Rewarding? Absolutely

I'm sleeping better, have more energy and better self esteem.

I'm toying with the idea on changing my goals from a weight target to a reduced bra-size and clothing size. For now, I'll just keep on keeping on and sleep on it a bit.

The next week will be challenging. It's the Calgary Stampede complete with temptations everywhere.

Happy Canada Day and Happy Independence Day!

Life in the Running Lane

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The running class is progressing. I've even invested in one of those new fangled GPS gadgets that tells you how fast and how far you've run. It will even monitor your heart rate and download all the information to your computer. Quite fascinating.

I had to get a friend to show me how to use it and I'm still struggling with it.

Sunday, I woke up to pouring rain and decided not to go to the group run, but I still did my "homework" when the clouds looked a little less threatening later in the day.

Sadly, I seem to be using the running as an excuse to stuff my face. I'm hungrier all the time and have given myself permission to satisfy that. So my weight is up. Sigh.

I do feel stronger (but tired) and I'm confident that a return to calorie counting will add up to less pounds.

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