Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Challenges

This is a challenging time of year when it comes to weight loss and fitness.  Especially this year for me as the weather has been extremely uncooperative!  Now, I know its only a little rain, but its been 6 days straight of wet weather and frankly I'm not equipped or prepared to deal with this type of weather.  I do live in a desert and its not supposed to rain for days on end!

Add to that all of the holiday celebrations and treats and goodies floating around and I have to say I'm not where I should be right now in terms of my weight loss or fitness level.  This is changing.  I am resisting temptation more than I'm giving in, but when I do give in its wholeheartedly.  Instead of only one or two bites or just a small piece I use the in for a penny in for a pound philosophy and just jump in with both feet.

To try and fend off the worst of this I have been eating more fruit and more fat free yogurt so I'm not nearly as inclined to continuously partake of the goodies, but it is tough.  So many of the holiday traditions are built around food and goodies that its hard to be in the holiday spirit without partaking.

Added to the temptation is the fact that I love to eat when stressed and the stress level has increased with all of the grand kids in the house for the holidays.  I do love them to death but the quiet times are few and far between at the moment and that also sends me to the kitchen in search of "something."

The new year is a typical place for us to reflect on our lives and look forward to what changes we are planning on making going forward.  I am looking at my fitness and weight loss goals and have come to the conclusion that in 2011 I will loss at least 100 pounds and I will run, yes run at least one 5k race.  Beyond that completing my first century ride since the mid 70's MDA bikeathon and 2 triathlons will be a full year of accomplishments.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Just do it!

Here I am, sitting and reading blogs and posts and facebook updates by a bunch of totally awesome individuals like Cyn, Robin, Gene, Fatty, etc. and realizing that there is a lot to be said for the Nike slogan. It sums up the entire philosophy that most active people have is just 3 little words.  Sure we can plan and think about and fret over work outs and gear and conditions and time, but it all boils down to one thing - to have fun, to be active doesn't take all of that, all it takes is to "Just DO It!"

That's what I need to do. put all excuses away and get out and do it.  No more waiting for this or"I'll do that once I..."  I just need to get out there and do it.

Sure having goals and dreams and things I want to strive for are very important to me, but I know I can set all the goals and write all the plans I want, but unless I actually get out there and work on it and have fun, then I'll never get there.

I tend to worry about too many details.  I tend to allow myself to take the easy path.  As I was catching up on Gene's awesome blog, I ran across this post and I am taking it to heart.  I know he in uncomfortable with the whole being an inspiration thing, but he truly is.

So, from now on, I am going to just do it.

You might ask, just exactly what "it" is, and I can't tell you exactly, other than it is to be more active than I currently am.  It is to ride my bike at least 5 days per week.  It is to concentrate on eating the right foods in the right portions.  It is to complete at least one century ride before June 1, 2011.  It is to complete both the RAGE and Pumpkinman Triathlons this coming year.

Now I have to start planning on how to work this into the rest of my life.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Losing 10 Lbs by Christmas

Was reading the Fat Cyclist blog and Fatty (Elden) posted a contest for some cool swag he's had laying around his office:  To fight the tendency of most of us to gain weight heading into the holidays, he proposed a challenge to LOSE 10 pounds by Christmas (post is here: http://www.fatcyclist.com/2010/11/29/lets-lose-10-pounds-by-christmas/ ).  Since I have decided to get back into the swing of things and really haven't, I'm using this as the perfect motivation to get my ass in gear and do what I need to do.

Fatty has been an inspiration with his wit and story telling allowing me to not only accompany him vicariously on his rides, but to believe I can do them myself.  Thanks Fatty!

Along the same lines I've also decided to rejoin Weight Watchers, actually strictly follow the plan and track EVERYTHING I eat and do to make it work.

Off to the trails!