AT A CROSSROAD

I have been working with a trainer for 8 weeks or so. I am getting stronger, and a little leaner, but I am not losing weight. In fact, I have taken no real steps to lose weight. I would much rather work hard than eat less. The problem is, if you don't eat properly, you are not going to lose weight, no matter how hard you try.

Last night, as I was getting out of the car at the gym, I wondered "what's the point?" As I exercised on the treadmill, I got to 1 mile and still wondered what was the point. I got to 1.5 miles and convinced myself to just get to 2 miles. By the time I was done, I had completed my 3 miles. My goal when I stepped into the gym.

I think that we all face the "what is the point" thought. I believe that if you fight through it, you can reach your goal. Just don't quit. You are worth the fight.

I have faced my crossroad and have decided to keep plugging away. It isn't easy this time of year. But, that is an excuse.

THE 80/20 RULE

I have recently heard of the 80/20 rule. Weight loss is 80 percent diet, 20 percent exercise. This goes to my earlier point that I would much rather work hard than eat less. If this "rule" is true, my working harder will have minimal effect on my weight loss. Rather, I need to eat less and supplement my diet with exercise.

Rewards Wanted

I've noticed that I will turn to food in most non-routine moments. When I'm stressed, I will take an "I don't care" attitude and resort to "comfort food". I recently discovered that I will use food as a reward. If I give blood, I will think I am entitled to the food. If I work around the house and accomplish something, my first thought is that I earned the food. In neither case have I done anything to burn sufficient calories to justify the reward.

What about the times where I have exercised? That's the worst trap. In that case, I have actually taken steps to lose weight. Even during the exercise, I think about how I am going to keep at it and lose 25 pounds. I have big goals when I am exercising.

Amazingly, as soon as I get in the house after exercising, I look for my reward and forget about all my thoughts of losing weight.

I need to find a better reward in these instances. New clothes don't inspire me. Actually, nothing related to spending money really inspires me. Rewards are wanted. Identifying a self reward is tough.

Starting the Trek

This is the first week of 24 training weeks for the Disney Marathon. I start with 11 miles per week and will build up to 33 miles in a week. I am very encouraged so far.

I have also decided to try to give up diet soda. Through the first 3 days, I have limited myself to one a day. That is a big deal for me. I've had up to 8 diet cokes in a day. On two of the days, I resorted to diet coke in moments of weakness, after very stressful situations.

In moments when I'm tired, stressed, and hungry, I have to have a plan. Or, at least, be able to deal with the situation better and not resort to fast food. There were better alternatives that I passed along the way.

Training with American Heart Association

I have joined with the American Heart Association to get in shape for an endurance event. The training provided is for 11 weeks to prepare for a 5K race. I walk 5K on my normal walks, so the distance is not a problem....at least for walking. In fact today's walk was about 3 minutes faster than last week.

I think my heart is getting stronger. I wore my heart rate monitor and had to really push it to get my heart rate over 130.

I would like to get in shape to actually run the distance again. It has been many years since I've run that far.

I think I am going to take it a few steps farther. I am contemplating entering the Walt Disney World Marathon and attempt to walk the 26.2 miles in less than 7 hours. Seems a long way away and a longer distance. But, if I don't commit now, I won't be able to get into the race.

I'll keep you posted.

The First Step is Sometimes the Hardest

It seems so long ago that I participated in a marathon or triathlon. Even my most recent 5K race seems so long ago. Years ago a 4 mile run was a short run. Now, I can't even run a 1/4 mile.

I hope today was the first day of a regular routine. I walked 3+ miles in 54 minutes. I recently joined the Lawyers Have Heart training program with the American Heart Association. We train for 11 weeks and will complete a 5K race. Using my 54 minutes as a starting point, I hope to reduce that time by a minimum of 11 minutes. My ultimate goal is to take 22 minutes off that time for a 32 minute 5K. But, that would mean returning to a long time ago, when 10 minute miles was an easy run.

I am even contemplating signing up for a marathon. I guess I should see if I can keep up a routine for a month before making that decision.

Have I Always Been Big?

It seems since I was little, I was always bigger than most other kids. I didn't seem fat, just bigger.

Now, when I look back at pictures, I wonder if I was ever that skinny.

Two months ago I was heading the wrong direction, right for 300 pounds. In fact, on the doctor's scale I reached it. But, that was with clothes, and after work, so I rationalized. The reality was, my weight was preventing me from living my life like I wanted.

I like to be active. I like to go to events. I like roller coasters and thrill rides. Now, I am limited in my activities, I have to force myself into uncomfortable seats, and I have to make sure there isn't a weight limit before I get on a ride.

Of course, there are also the health issues. I have high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I have to sleep with a mask to get a good night's sleep. And, of course, allow the rest of the house to sleep without my snoring.

Where did this weight come from? I have completed marathons and olympic distance triathlons. I have run a 25 minute 5K race and a 56 minute 10K.

Apparently, once I hit 40, my metabolism stopped working. Well, that and a broken ankle on Thanksgiving day one year, which meant no activity for a few weeks during the worst part of the year. Then there were two surgeries a few years later that added to the down time.

But, these are excuses. Time to get rid of the weight to get on with my life.