For anyone who has ever tried to slim down, I'm sure, like me, you've had weeks where you get very discouraged by your lack of progress. I had to give myself a pep-talk today.
I haven't lost any weight at all in over a week. We didn't get our hike in last weekend because my daughter and I had to get blood tests done on Saturday. The weather has turned fairly cold. It's been rainy and windy. I'm trying to adjust to the new fall schedule, getting kids to school, appointments and swim practices. For some reason, our yearly exams, six-month dentist checkups and eye doctor all are scheduled from mid-September to mid-October. I'm tired and stressed out (and as a side note, I'm so looking forward to the clocks rolling back an hour).
I had a friend tell me the other day that she is now swimming 1 1/2 miles 3 days a week. I just started swimming again today after 6 weeks off. I'm at a new pool. The water felt heavy. My elbow ached. I did my mile plus some, but I had a hard time getting a good rhythm going. I know I'm doing good by keeping it up, but I keep thinking back to that 1 1/2 miles. I wonder why she told me that she's now swimming 1 1/2 miles.
I don't often compare myself to others. When my friend told me about her swimming, I started to wonder if I was competitive. My conclusion was that I used to be very competitive, but not so much anymore. As my schedule fills up, efficiently using my time has become very important. I do what's necessary and no more. When I walk, I walk for 45 minutes and no more. When I swim, I do a warm-up, 1 mile and a cool down. If I feel like I have a few extra minutes, I might paddle a bit on my back just for the fun of it. I enjoy myself while I'm exercising. I work out my problems and plan my days.
After much thought while swimming (what else can you do while swimming alone) and driving home, I decided that I have come a long way. Not only have I really started to integrate good habits into my life, but I've also started to have a better attitude towards exercise. It's no longer a competitive sport, it really is recreation for me. Now that's progress!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
Plum, once again, you have posted some great thoughts! :) Don't be discouraged because you haven't lost any weight this week. Everybody hits a plataeu when trying to lose weight. Just be glad that you are becoming much healthier!
By the way, I agree with you about that clock turning back an hour--I hate daylight savings time!
Just to encourage you, I'll tell you that I took my 81 year old mom to the doc today for a check up. My mom walks on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a time every other day, which averages out to 3-4 times per week. The doc told her that her heart was in great shape and that her regular exerise has probably prevented her from developing the same heart disease that both of her parents had. In fact, my mom is in pretty good shape for an almost 82 year old lady! She has a few health issues, but they're manageable.
So....keep on exercising regularly! :)
Post a Comment