Getting Back on the Horse (No Snickering!)
Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 7:00AM 
Laugh away, folks, laugh away.
This month has been good, but challenging. A year ago, I weighed quite a bit more than I was comfortable with, and I couldn't run more than 2 miles. Now, I am pretty comfy with my body, and I am pretty proud that I completed a half marathon. On a normal day, I can finish a 7-9 mile training run without wrecking my whole day. (I may finish like a grandma, but I can do it!)
Here's the deal - I know I am half-assing things. I can do better. Over the last few months (I blame my sistamoon!) I have gotten back into my demon soda ways. I am not preparing my healthy meals. I am not making all my mid-week full marathon training runs.
The thing with healthy living is that, too many times, things don't get stopped before they get crazy. We wait until we are 50, 75, or 100 pounds overweight. We wait until we are miserable. I don't want to do that! I like how I feel when I am eating a balanced, healthy set of meals. When I workout on a regular basis, I feel strong and happy. As a wise Tweetybird has said to me "When you don't take care of yourself - whatever that means to you - you start to make unhealthy decisions."
I need a plan.
For me, I do well with structure. If I plan out my week, I stick to it. The night before, I lay out my clothes and pack my lunch, just like my mom taught me too. My day goes so much better that way! Of course, living over a bar and next to a Potbellys doesn't help. Also, my place of business installed a soda fountain machine 57 STEPS from my desk. (Yes, I counted.) :)
SO, starting Monday, I am back on Weight Watchers. I need to lose the few pounds my summer soda has put on. I also need to FULLY commit to marathon training, which the eating part plays into. Coke will wreck my running. The MOST important thing is that heart disease is a big deal. I have read that it's the #1 killer of women, actually. I may not care now, but I will darn tootin' care when I am about 45. I would like to live for a long time.
I'll keep you guys posted. Damn you soda, you will not best me!
Grossed out, aren't you - me too. I just look at the top part of the picture. And drool. Longingly.
Life, Running, Weight Watchers
Reader Comments (11)
I totally agree. The few fleeting moments of bliss I enjoy while binging cannot replace the way I feel when I treat my body well, work it out and fill it with healthy fuel! WW works :) I found it hard while training for my first marathon last year to be "good" about food all of the time! But I am still proud of what I've accomplished in running and WW! WOOT!
Good luck! I also just recently re-started a dieting and running plan (although nothing as ambitious as a marathon!) Structure is key for me as well - I weigh and pre-pack ALL of my food for the day in the morning! But nothing else works for me, so it's what i must do!
I am a lurker and had to comment on your post. I agree wtih you on how soda can really add pounds. I gave up soda in May and went to water or iced tea (and wine). I though it would be hard to give up but really, I am feeling so much better. I am not as bloated after I drink it, I used to get horrible tomach aches that have disappeared. I have half a can here and there but I do not miss it.
Water with lemon or lime tops my favs.
I hope this small change gets you back to your fighting weight!
Coke is my weakness! I treat myself to a 20 oz Coke from the fountain once a month or so. You're right, it really screws up a run. What marathon are you training for? I'm considering the Phoneix full or half in January.
Um yeah, Coke is the devil! :) I am training for the White Rock in Dallas in December. Scary!!!
Are you drinking of the regular or diet variety?
I am selfishly excited that you're back on WW because I hope it means you'll be posting more of your yummy recipes! You are so organized and proactive, its an inspiration.
I can't lie, girl, I have a total girl crush on you!
I drink the regular stuff! I know - horrible - but Diet Coke makes me want to shave my tongue (as my father puts it.) :) Yes, recipes will be making a comeback! Oh Grrl, you are pretty spiffy yourself. I can't wait for blog-time margaritas in a few weeks!
Hey, H/P. Just thought I'd butt in. I cut my Coke addition by switching to Canfield's Lemon Selzer. Turns out, my body was mostly craving the carbonation, not the actual Coke flavor. Now I only have it with pizza...I know, I know. I didn't claim to be fully healthful! (Hannah)
Ooooo I'm going to try this Canfield's Lemon Seltzer! I agree that it's the carbonation that my body craves. It sounds tasty!
I agree - I need to cut back on soda. I used to only drink it after big workouts, but now that the hubby's back home, I'm drinking too much. He stocks it in the fridge, so it's always there, taunting me! Especially when I've had a long or rough day - I do that horrible "I deserve it" thing and drink a can! So NOT right.
Oh, and, by the way, that public health announcement is GROSS!!!! Very effective, though!
I am convinced that "I deserve it" is what makes half the population overweight. And that ad is SO gross. I need to tape it to my fridge. Teehee!