150 pounds in 2009. Eek! I remember feeling awful at Halloween last year, just not confident like I had in years past. That's why I put almost 0 effort into my costume last year.
It's hard to believe 2010 is starting to wrap up. After Halloween, the rest of the year always flies by. I was looking back to when I created this blog in January. I started that first entry by saying:
"I'm reluctant to say my diet and new focus on exercise are a New Year's Resolution. This seems so cliche and generally, New Year's Resolutions fail. But after the Christmas cookie binge that takes place for me each December, it's natural that diet and exercise kick back into gear in January. So, here I am!"
I am proud to look back and see how far I've come since the start of the year. I'm sure many are already thinking about their "I'll lose the weight THIS year!" resolution for 2011. If you're one of those people, here are a few guidelines I hope will help you along the way:
1. BE PATIENT!!!! This is perhaps the biggest thing. It took me about 8 months to lose 20 pounds. Some can lose 20 pounds in half that time, and I'm sure I could have as well if I had really tried. Instead, I focused on making small and gradual changes that I knew I could stick with. In my opinion, if you try to make too many changes in the beginning, you're going to overwhelm yourself, fail at some, and then get frustrated and give up all together. Remember that getting healthy and in shape is a marathon, not a 50-yard dash. : )
2. Set a fitness goal. I really think this helps motivate yourself a lot more than, "I'm going to eat healthy and exercise." For me, my fitness goal was the triathlon I participated in back in August. Having something "real" to train for helps keep you on track and hold yourself accountable. So whether you want to run a 5K or a marathon, pick a fitness goal and train for it - and trust yourself that you can do it!!!!!! I never thought I would complete a triathlon, but I did! If I can do it, you can do it.
3. Learn to forgive yourself. Push yourself, yes, but accept that sometimes you are going to have an extra cookie...or 2...or 5! Accept that some days at the gym are not going to be your best workout ever. Just do the best you can one day at a time.
I'm trying to decide what fitness challenge(s) I want to do for 2011. Here are my options:
Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon: I hear this race is a great way to get into longer distance running. It's a very popular event and benefits the American Cancer Society. It's called the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon because there is a different band for each mile of the race.
The SkyRise Chicago Stair Climb - information for 2011 is not up yet, as the 2010 event just took place Sunday the 14th. This is where you climb all 103 floors of the Sears (yes, Sears damnit, not Willis!) Tower. There's also an event in February at the John Hancock (Hustle up the Hancock), but sadly, it's already sold out! This would be tough, but I don't consider it tough enough to be my ONLY event goal for 2011, especially because it doesn't take place till November. Still making up my mind if I want to try for this one or not.
The Chicago Triathlon: I'll be honest, the "real" triathlon scares the crap out of me! The triathlon I did last year was a "mini" or "sprint" triathlon. The swimming part is in open water, too. The distances are:
SWIM: 1.5K or 0.932 miles
BIKE: 40K or 24.85 miles
RUN: 10K or 6.2 miles
In comparison, the distances for the triathlon I did were:
SWIM: 250 yards
BIKE: 6.5 miles
RUN: 2.1 miles
The Chicago event also offers a sprint triathlon, which is still longer than the race I competed in:
SWIM: 0.75K/0.466 miles/820 yards
BIKE: 22K or 13.67 miles
RUN: 5K or 3.2 miles
Look, I know I just rambled above that "You can do anything"...and you can...but I think I would consider the Chicago sprint triathlon over the Chicago triathlon ; )
Anyone want to train for some of these events with me?? : )
