YO-YO-ing Again

Down 2, up 3, down 4, up 2...... Back and forth, up and down I go..... With no real progress.

I observed my eating last night after visiting the scale. I know there aren't real changes; I see it in my clothes. I am just playing the down-up game with the same five pounds.

Way. Not. Cool.

 

Part of it is my eating. It is erratic. I am good for two weeks, and then I binge. So, I haven't really learned anything.

The other part is my exercise. I am only teaching spin classes. Enough to make a difference, but I am not working on strength or the other stuff I love...... Like running.

 

This stops today. I am starting my day with a bowl of oatmeal. I am eating it at the kitchen table so, I can experience the food with no distractions.

 

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In light of history......

The history is that I excel for a week or two, and cave to...... All those things that become excuses.

My personal history of the past year is beginning again..... And again, and again.

This year I set goals and resolved not to write out plans I wouldn't adhere to..... Anyone can write the plan, it takes someone serious to execute these.

And in reflection of current health events in my family and my relentless hamstring injury, I am forging onward. I have been doing more cycling, more coaching and I need to show the example. My execution may not be perfect, but I anticipate becoming better in my ability to perform.

This week I am focusing on riding in each class. And I plan to run at least twice. I want to ensure I can handle the volume of my current responsibilities before adding more. I feel stronger and fitter, albeit a little tired today.

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Fatigue

This morning I woke with some aches and owies as I am increasing my training. My goal today was to go out for a run. It didn't happen. My body and mind felt tired. So, I slept another hour and then got up and read....... And had another cup of coffee as the cobwebs disintegrated from my mind.

I still feel tired. I am just feeling hungry. And I anticipate my afternoon ride today.

When I feel tired, I tend to reach for junk. My eating is worthless. Today, I am making a conscientious effort to choose wisely and eat appropriately. Today, I feel better.

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She had WHAT???

Yesterday, a family member had a quadruple bypass.  YUP...... that she did.

AND...... this caused me to reflect.  We have heart disease in our family.  Whether self-inflicted or genetic, it is there.  Heart Disease.  In. Our. Family.  After all, my grandfather died of a massive heart attack when I was a sophomore in high school.  He had just retired.

If I dwell on the instances of disease and death that has run amuck in our family history, I might be inclined to sit in the house and do much of nothing...... while I have days like that, which are wonderful by the way........  It can be pretty scary out there.


And as I reflected on my own personal journey of health...... this health issue has recharged my battery, so to speak...... it has influenced me to JUMP and RUN and continue to pursue health's excellence.  Yes, I want the lower body fat, and the lean mean fighting machine image of strength and fitness....... but more importantly, I want to be HEALTHY.  I want my insides to be as well and strong as the body that carries them.

And so....... my pursuit of excellence continues.  It had a kick start yesterday.

Choosing not to run

This morning, I woke to a steady rain fall. The morning of the half-marathon. The training race. A steady rain fall. After evaluating the morning and the road conditions, I decided that it would not be a fun day to be out in the rain. I was concerned about my hamstring. It is not fully recovered, and this run would have taken longer than a healthy 13 mile run. I wasn't certain that it would be wise to be out in the rain, with the potential of slipping.

While disappointing, I know the decision was wise.

I want to be able to come back and compete another day.

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I ate Meat!

Yesterday afternoon, I had a piece of chicken. I recognize that chicken is NOT a winter meat (seasonally) and it was processed in some capacity. It tasted pretty good-- it was not amazing!

 

But...... Later, I felt so heavy and icky. Until..... Save you the gory details got sick. My body purged.

And I felt much better this morning.

It is somewhat astounding how the body responds, and how quickly to changes in ones diet. In my dietary changes, it is not my intent to never eat meat.... I actually enjoy the taste and texture. After yesterday, I am going to seriously consider the quality and quantity before I include something in my meal.

I

 

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Reflection and Moving Ahead

Week One: I would consider a success. I am down 4.8 pounds. (I haven't done any other measurements). And while a bit tired -- working insane hours-- I FEEL GREAT! *a colleague noticed I have been losing weight*.

I had a bite of meat lasagna, because it was warm. The pasta tasted bland, the meat was warm. Which was what I needed on that snowy cold evening.

I am discovering different tastes and textures, in the fruits and veggies taken for granted. Things taste salty or sweet or crunchy or have no taste, and take on the taste of what is mixed with it.

This week I carried cut oranges or apples to eat after spin classes, or some applesauce. I did mix a little whey protein into the applesauce. (I feel better when I do so post-training, and it will probably be something I continue). I also did use cream in my coffee..... Not that I don't enjoy coffee without it.... For me, it just tastes better.

 

WeeK Two: is here! I have begun day two of it.

The goal for this week is NO MEAT OR EGGS.

 

Ok....... I was considering a frittata....but, it can wait. Last night, I had a bowl of spaghetti squash, with olive oil drizzled on it and sea salt and pepper sprinkled across it. (Spaghetti Squash is one of those veggies that needs helps, and takes on the taste of the food it is with).

I am trying to eat my main meal midday/early afternoon, because of my work schedule. It doesn't always happen, and then I need to eat at night. Or sometimes, I am just hungry at night.

I still eat my piece of dark chocolate daily, and am finding certain companies' chocolate doesn't taste good anymore. PFFFFFT!!!!! How can that be?!? It is chocolate after all. But I can taste the processing.

I am saving money by visiting the Friendly Fruit Market in New Bedford weekly, and for under $30, I can eat well. I am learning to make different veggies.... Like yucca root, and Japanese yams. And I am enjoying it.

As week two unfolds, I have the Hyannis Half Marathon ahead of me. I am by no means ready, with my hamstring recovery. I hope to run/walk it, and have some fun. I am going to buy a new pair of running shoes when my coaching stipend finally arrives. I am cycling a lot..... And need to add resistance training, as well as swimming and rowing to the lot.

 

Won't you join me as I launch into week two?

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