Life is Hard;
It's Even Harder When You're Stupid.
(Do What Works In Life).
Last Sunday's speaker at church is a high school coach, and he has a sign in his office with John Wayne's quote and the addition "Do what works in life" underneath. He spoke about coaching the kids and having them answer, "What does work in life?" He said they come up with a long list including kindness, respect, integrity, honesty, dependability, prayer, hard work, etc.
What works in life on a fitness journey? Kindness to self, planning, patience, persistence, prayer, lots of water, exercise, portion control, more veggies and whole foods, less sugar and processed foods, rest, balance, gratitude, getting support, giving service, quality gym shoes.
Am I stupid?
Okay, that's not very kind to myself, I know, but the only thing I have persistently done is have quality gym shoes. Today's monthly weigh-in shows me at 207#. I'm not surprised. I haven't been doing what works.
Let's look in this box of silver-linings {rummaging...it's gotta be here somewhere...ah, here it is}: I see a difference in calf-definition. The c25k is making a difference in calf tone. I've always seen my right calf, but my left calf hid in fat, had no definition and was an inch and a half larger than the right. (Yeah, someone kindly pointed out to me 20 years ago that my left leg is larger than my right). So, I'm developing muscles. Yay!
Another silver lining is my meal planning is almost complete with new, healthier recipes.
About my couch-to-5K training: I was doing well the first few weeks. Then MWF turned into MWS, then just MW last week. It's been a week w/o it. Again, I stay up too late and dread getting up early in the cold.
A lot of my journey is just breaking bad habits, but there's a little stupid mixed in there, too.
Sounds like you are doing pretty good! We all have are "stupid" things BUT you are making positive steps in the direction of a healthy you! Yes, I read about 1 lady (posted about her too) who just kept replacing bad habits with good ones & she lost over a 100 pounds!
ReplyDeleteEverybody has a little bit of stupid. It's the people with a LOT of stupid that you have to look out for.
ReplyDeleteYour "what works" list is a pretty good one. Focus on the "patience" and maybe the rest will come around? Good luck!
Very wise observation, though sometimes it takes effort to find out what works. I'm still trying to figure out bits of it.
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds like you are doing good. I agree with Larkspur that it is good that you observed what you are doing and making the effort to change it! I hope you have a great rest of the week :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you on running in the cold! I tried 'running' last night and I don't think I took enough time to warm up because my legs cramped up. I feel funny calling it running because I can only run about 2 minutes before having to go back into a power walk. I just found the c25k yesterday after googling it and I'm trying to figure where I am with it since I have been just 'running as far as I can, walking to recover and running again without timing or measuring (but I'm getting better)
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's an ever changing thing of finding out what works.
We all have some stupid in there but it sounds like you're doing fine! Don't be so hard on yourself! That being said, I do miss your posts. :)
ReplyDeleteGina, Thanks for your comment about Cranky etc. I am sad too but what can we do?! Nothing. Life goes on.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out your blog too.
Bye for now.
If we never did anything stupid then we wouldn't be human. I think the fact that you are analyzing what is working for you and what isn't is perfect. Remember it's just one small step at a time Gina. You can do this.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that bad habits are soooo easy to establish, but good ones are so hard? LOL!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by my blog. We girls over 40 have to stick together on this journey. I'll be 45 in a couple of weeks so you are a youngster to me! :)
I, of course, live a perfect blameless life at all times :)
ReplyDeleteEven so, it is encouraging to read of someone struggling with very human issues like these. (Struggling and overcoming them!)
Whatever fitness or weight loss goals you are setting, you have to work hard regularly to gain results. It requires great deal of self-discipline and commitment. In order to enhance my strength and gain the most benefits from my workouts I am taking additional nutrition. I have tried a lot of different workout supplements over the years and nothing has given me as much energy and focus as Military Grade Nutritionals have. In my opinion, their pre-workouts are the most effective supplements.
ReplyDelete