Slacker
Now that I’ve completed C25K and lost a little weight, I feel myself slacking already. Wait…side note for good excuse: I was sick for 4-5 days last week and I’m just really recovering. However, I can tell I’m going down a slippery slope.
Nutrition
I still eat healthy food…for the most part (lol)…but after I started feeling better, my appetite went through the roof. The food was calling me and I answered! I ate so much on Tuesday, I exceeded my daily calories by 350. I know it was only one day, but I’ve been having these “OMG, I want to eat everything in sight” kind of feelings quite often lately.
Also, I noticed that I dread tracking my nutrition on SparkPeople. I used to track throughout the day and enjoyed it. But now, I find myself doing last minute updates late at night. This is bad because, by then, I don’t remember everything I ate. Before long, I may use that as an excuse to not update at all.
Oh, one more thing. I usually meal plan, create my food list, and grocery shop on Saturday – Sunday afternoon at the latest. I did not create a meal plan at all last week (I hardly ate while I was sick and BG was winging it from day to day). This week, I threw a meal plan together based on what was already in the house and I didn’t grocery shop until Monday after work. I was tired and focused on buying only the absolute essentials. This lack of planning could quickly turn into “very tired” with “no focus” and buying “convenient” foods.
Water
I still drink water throughout the day, but I’ve given up all effort trying to drink 64 oz. I know there isn’t any scientific evidence that supports how much water one should drink everyday, but water does suppress my appetite and help me avoid mindless snacking. Lately, I’ve been drinking more brewed tea, green tea, and milk. Not as bad as soda and juice drinks, but still not water.
Vitamins
I still take them everyday, but the time I take them has slipped from first thing in the morning to when I just so happen to remember at the last minute…usually right before bed. If I keep this up, it will easily turn into an endless stream of “oh I forgot” days.
Working Out
I’ve only completed a 30+ minute run two times since finishing C25K. According to my maintenance plan, I’m supposed to INCREASE my workouts to 5x per week (cross-training with weights and yoga) but that is yet to happen. In fact, I’m struggling with maintaining my usual 3x per week. Why? I don’t know. I hope the beautiful weather will kick me back into gear.
Spiritual Direction
I have not read my prayer journal consistently for almost two weeks now. This is something I used to read, faithfully, every single day. I know I can’t do this without God. Look at me…that’s why I’m screwing up now. *sigh*
Why have I come so far to slack off now? I have no idea, but one thing I do know…I’m the type of person that needs structure, consistency, and accountability. I can not be trusted to act on my own free will. Now that C25K is over, I need something else to grab on to. Should I hire a personal trainer? Should I join a group class? Should I go ahead and sign up for a 5k?
Y’all may think I’m some organized, self-motivated, goal creating freak with super duper determination and drive. I hate to break it to ya, but that’s far from the truth. When there is nothing pushing or challenging me, I’m just your average slacker. *shrug*
Can y’all go find Single Ma and tell her she’s needed over here? Thank you kindly!
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I missed you! One thought on reframing your thinking: you are now a person who eats well and exercises. You may make mistakes now and then and not act like that person, but being healthy is not something you are trying to do, it is who you are and you have to be true to yourself!
I think signing up for a 5k and following a training program or otherwise focusing your exercise sounds like a great idea.
Good luck!
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Single Ma Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
“…being healthy is not something you are trying to do, it is who you are and you have to be true to yourself!”
You are right. Thanks for giving me something to think about it.
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I’m the same way, which is why I’ve lost the same 15 pounds at least a dozen times!! Get yourself some structure if that’s what you need!! Try to find a video maybe that gives you some structure? If you don’t like videos, get yourself a trainer….they’ll keep you accountable. (But it will not be cheap!) One thing I tried was to join a running group. Maybe give that a shot?
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Single Ma Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
A running group? Hmm…didn’t consider that.
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luxuryoption Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
The running group is a good idea. They often train for various sporting events [triathalon, marathon, 5k, tennis match, cycling race etc]. You can proably find a group in your local community paper, junior college, gym or running shoe store.
Hang tough. This adjustment is normal for life-long fitness buffs.
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I frequently find myself in the same situation.
Do you have a buddy you can rope in to tagging along? Having a ‘partner in exercise’ always helps. On that same track , no one will keep you motivated like a trainer. I LOVED my trainer for the short time I had him. Although he killed me weekly, it gave me incentive to hit the gym on our off days just to build my strength and stamina.
All that said, I’m still trying to get through C25K, so you are weeks ahead of me. lol
You’ve done an amazing job, keep up the good work!
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Single Ma Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Yep, I need a workout partner to hold me accountable. I don’t know anyone IRL who’s willing to go the distance with me.
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i would sign up for a race! that always motivates me (or… scares me enough into actually preparing myself for it. :)
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Single Ma Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
I’m seriously thinking about it signing up for a race…even if it’s only for fun. I need something to keep me focused and in the game.
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Slacker!!! lol. I used to be a major slacker in the fitness department…so I invested money into it by getting a trainer. Then I was convicted every time I slacked off that 1. I’m wasting my money (God’s money) 2. Trust me the trainer is NOT going to let you just slack off…not without some “encouraging” words, lol.
You’re doing so well! I’m sure you’ll be back on the boat in a few days :)
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Single Ma Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
LOL! Hopefully this is just a little slump. Wait…Aunt Flow is on her way. Maybe that’s the reason.
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ok, do you want the marine-tough-whip-that-butt nofear or the kind-gentle-it’s-gonna-be-ok nofear? Hmmm, how about one then the other? LOL
Alright, those 20 pounds will be back with the quickness if you start to slack off and then you will be kicking yourself up one side of the street and down the other for wasting all that energy and time. It’s like money…why work hard to save $5K for a goal and then blow it all because you weren’t paying attention and “oops” spent the money. Hmmph! Just let someone write to you with that sob story!!! Talking about getting a SingleMa lecture!!! And, speaking for all of your tweeps that you inspired to get off the couch and get some exercise on…don’t make me get my increasingly sore self in a car and come find you! It won’t be pretty as I rip that junk food out of your hand!
*Switching gears*
Ok, but don’t be so hard on yourself. You are human and it’s entirely natural that you wll be feeling this way a few months in. This is a marathon, not a sprint and you have to acknowledge that some miles are going to be slower than others. I say get yourself a trainer and get a new goal to up your accountability. Getting to a 5K in the Fall will still take a lot of work and you need someone or something to help you get there still.
I would also suggest that you get back to your foundation, meaning the prayer journal. You feel, more than anything, that you need the consistent spiritual foundation to do this. If you have a bad meal, so be it and move on…your spiritual foundation is what you have said you need to keep your motivation and progress…the thing that is different this time. Don’t forget that…
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Single Ma Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
You are EVIL!! And very funny! I like both, by the way.
I’m going to recommit to reading my prayer journal, effective tonight. Then try to improve the rest one at a time.
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Look here, you were my motivation for all those weeks, so, in order to make sure you don’t let ME down you need to get your butt back in gear. LoL, just kidding. We all fall down sometimes; just make sure you get back up before the pounds start coming back.
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Single Ma Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Oh no, those pounds are not coming BACK!! I may not lose another 20, but those suckers are not welcome here anymore. Thanks for the swift kick.
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Don’t be too hard on yourself. I was sick the week before you were. Couldn’t eat, totally exhausted, kids having to fend for themselves. When I felt better I ate everything in sight! Finally went back to the gym on Tuesday, started the C25K again this week. Work is crazy, I’m stressed, and I can feel the fat coming back on. Oh, and we’re going away this weekend, so the total exercise/diet derailment could be complete.
Except … it’s only a few days, and shouldn’t dictate what my life will be. I did better before, and I’ll get back on track. Life goes up and down, but in the long run as long as I get back to exercising and eating well, and don’t let the other times be my excuse to stop, I’ll be back where I was.
And so will you.
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Single Ma Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
You’re right. I need to remind myself that this is a lifetime journey, not just a few weeks/months. When I view it that way, it doesn’t seem so bad.
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I would highly, highly, highly recommend signing up for a 5k. So you’re not in a position to complete it in your goal time of 30 minutes – so what? I run for health and sanity, not because I really love running. But what keeps me going is signing up for a monthly 5k. When you get there, you spend some time milling around at the start line with all of these people who are there with the same goal as you: finish those 3.1 miles. Some of them have certain times in mind and others just want to finish. The excitement is just all through the air. It’s being part of this big group of people who are all running alongside you that makes 5ks so rewarding.
I run faster in races than I do on my own just because I’m surrounded by people running right next to me. If it’s a big enough race, there might be pacing groups – groups of people all trying to hit a certain time. Hang out with people who want to get about the same time that you think you can manage, and the pack mentality will keep everybody moving. If there are no pacing groups, then just start out in the back half of the pack and resist the urge to start at high speed. There will be plenty of time to push yourself as you come to the last half-mile or so; don’t exhaust yourself early. Eventually I’d like to run one in under thirty minutes, too, but I haven’t gotten below 31:30 yet. That’s okay. My first one took me 42 minutes and they’ve gotten easier and more fun with every race since.
Plus, you’re outside, you’re often running on paths you’ve never been on before, so you get to look around and see new things. And there is NOTHING like rounding the corner to the finish line and seeing a big group of people there cheering you on. (Plus bottles of cold water and bananas and other snacks for you to take advantage of once you cross that finish line!)
Don’t wait until fall to run your first 5k. Take advantage of the beautiful spring and summer weather to run one (or two or several). Once you start, you’ll probably get addicted.
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Man I feel you! I am the same exact way! If there is no accountability I am lost! The only difference is I was driven until I achieved the goal so mine was 25 lbs! I lost 27 ran my marathon and then well let’s say I kept it off +/- 5 lbs for 2 years and then gained 5 every year thereafter until I was back up 18 lbs! Regained some motivation lost 12 and have been struggling right there ever since! I am not sure what the block is! I an so satisfied after I exercise but just seem to make excuses to do it! I moved further from my running buddies so I think that has a lot to do with it.
Try getting with a walking/running group and that may keep your motivation going!
I used to track faithfully on spark people 5 years or so ago too, it loses it’s novelty after awhile! I go in there every now and then! One thing I must say I met one a lady on there that has become a very close friend!
Good luck and know that you are worth this and you need to be around for your grandbabies!!!
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Get some new clothes that fit the new you. Give away the stuff that’s too big. I’m convinced that you will move mountains (or yourself!) to keep from having to buy clothes that are in the bigger size that you gave away.
And get a personal trainer too.
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Single Ma Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Good point! I’ve been thinking about packing up the big clothes right now. As long as I keep them, I’ll always have a ‘fall back’ option. No way! I bought a pair of smaller pants. I can get them on, zipped up too, but I need to lose another 10 lbs to feel comfortable in them.
And the trainer idea is seriously on my mind.
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Even if not the trainer, why not our 5k/$somethingK challenge?
Seriously, I’m working and reworking the budget to try to make the numbers fit but right now they’re not aligning properly. Too many variables to get a solid number to work with right now; give me a couple few weeks to get a first check and then we’ll talk. :)
Meantime, this is but a breather in your revamped lifestyle. There will be ebbs and flows as you learn how to keep a healthy lifestyle as your cruise control while life happens around it. You wouldn’t ever let life get in the way of bills getting paid, YOU getting paid, and savings being made right? This is just a new challenge to sort of automate into your life. It’s just not quite as simple as setting up autopay just yet!
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Hey Ma.. I think someone else already mentioned a running group.. there are ton in your area and you can always do the Pacers 5K challenge.. they do a 5K every friday of the month at 6pm in Crystal City area.. This way you can get yourself to 5K race ready by consistently doing the pace and bettering your time..
OR
I can just nag the hell outta ya LOL I’ve seen your progress and I KNOW you are not trying to let that go.. :) We all get the slacker moment.. I know it all too well and well you see I still have a little of D’Ante to prove it.. :) I got rid of ‘dem but he won’t leave and I’m sure its from me slacking or indulging too much sometimes.. but again.. you have come a long way and you can reach your goal.. you have the support system and it will continue to grow..
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