Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Trusting my own advice

Yesterday I decided to join WW.  I joined online in the morning at a starting weight of 202.  Its so disappointing to be up over 200 again.  I chose WW because I really do think it will teach me portion control and how to manage everyday eating.  I decided I no longer want to do this plan or that plan that I know arent sustainable for life.  And after just day one I realized just how much food I didnt eat compared to every other day when I am going solo.  I swear I must have been eating at least 4x the amount of food throughout the day, every day.  Hopefully my appetite will shrink over time.   For a person who really loves food its a daily struggle to eat healthy and in proper portions.  I love the WW app on my phone.  It will take some time to get used to it but with time it will get easier I think.

Yesterday I got on the dreadmill and did a preset workout for 30 minutes.  There was no running at all.  Just walking between 2.5 and 3.5 mph at various inclines.  I was surprised how much it took out of me.  I even had to stop a few times to catch my breath.  This is mortifying for me.  And then today I decided to take the dog out for a walk/run.  Even though I usually have a rule that it must be at least 40* out I decided to go even though it was only 34*...burrrrr.   I made it a half a mile when the snow started falling and kept getting steadier.  Again, huge disappointment with how much stamina and endurance I have lost in just 4 months.  But I am super excited to know that it will come back soon with all of my efforts!

And then it hit me.  I remembered why people (including myself at one time) hate running.  They see it as this awful thing.  And they are right.  If you arent conditioned, or are just starting out, it can feel pretty grueling.  But what most people dont know is that it gets sooooooo much easier and even enjoyable!  It made me remember that I have given this advice over and over again when approached about how to become a runner:  1)you will be shocked how fast your endurance builds  2) training to get through the first mile seems to be the hardest 3)soon it will be a thoughtless enjoyment of "me time" to think or to listen to some awesome tunes. 

So now its time to take my advice and trust myself.  So many people have come to me asking how they could become a runner too.  And I was always so excited to give my thoughts because I truly stand behind them.  Todays run wasnt easy but I did get out there and do it, and its all part of the process.  As much I want to, I cannot expect my body to go out and run the way it used to with an added 40 lbs and being de-conditioned by my laziness over the past several months.

Every choice does matter.  Each one is part of the bigger picture.  Each choice is like a piece of the puzzle that will be a success when its all put together.  Its up to me how quick I put it together.



10 comments:

MissHaneefa said...

The best thing is that you are getting back at it. Soon you will be at a new high!

WWSuzi said...

I'm glad you have your mojo back! Journalling everything we eat really does make a big difference.

Post-it Notes said...

Just found you blog.... Love it! Keep up the good work!

Shelley said...

You are on your way now, Jennifer - in both weight-loss and running. No use looking back...full sprint ahead for you (even if you're walking!).

Karen said...

Sometimes the best thing for you is to listen to yourself. You know what is best for you and your body. Trusting your own advice is exactly what you need to do. I'm happy that you were able to decide on what you want to do and took the first step...starting it!!

Debsdailylife said...

Tag this post and come back and read it in 6 months. Youll be surprised at how far you have come!!!

Mom to the Fourth Power said...

Awesome! Love that you got out there. What you say about running it true! I am amazed when I finally get up to running a few miles without dying. I love that! Losing that stamina is what terrifies me about stopping.

But it's all about that NEXT choice. Keep moving forward, focussing on our successes. You are FULL of them girl! Really and truly!

I hope your new plan to manage your food works well for you. Stay on top of it girl... you will feel so much better. Managing those carbs will help with your appetite. You are a ROCKSTAR!! ;)

Much love,
~Margene

Kelly said...

One foot in front of the other, right? We all have to start somewhere. And for the WW smoothie, if you plug in the ingredients into the Recipe Builder, it comes out to 9 PP. Totally worth it though - since you're getting all your milk servings & 3 veggie/fruit servings.

El said...

thats so great to hear. at least you have been there before and you know its possible. i sometime seriously doubt i can do it.

Fairfax weight loss clinics said...

Surely you will back that shape that you have in the past. Bye bye belly fat.