Exercise Goals

Exercise was never my thing.  Even when I lost 40 lbs in 2007, I didn't exercise.  I lost the weight using the Weight Watchers points plan.  Once I lost the weight, I found that maintenance was harder than losing.  I was determined not to gain the weight back, but I also wanted a little more "wiggle room" in my diet.  ("Wiggle room" meaning pizza, burgers, cheese fries etc...)  I found that letting myself eat those things on the weekend made it so much easier to get through the week.  But, in order to keep the weight off, I decided that I needed to get active.  That's the balance I needed to keep, the rules I needed to follow - PERIOD. 

So, last year I set a goal to complete the Couch to 5K running plan.   http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml.  I really was starting from the couch - this was my first try at exercising.  I started training in June and finished in September.  At the end of the program I was able to run 3 miles.  I couldn't believe that I actually did it!  I've never done anything like that before in my life.  I'd always wanted to start running, but thought I couldn't do it.  I credit much of my motivation to Roni over at http://www.ronisweigh.com/.  I sent her an email the day I finished the program to let her know how much she has inspired and motivated me with her blog, and she posted
it: http://ronisweigh.com/2009/09/weekend-quote-so-i-tried-it-and-i-did-it.html.  I was super excited!

The one thing I haven't done is to actually run a 5K race.  Once the cold weather came, I discovered that I am NOT a cold weather runner.  I have no problems running in humid, 90 degree heat - but I just CANNOT get my butt out the door when it's 30 degrees!  I tried running on the treadmill, but it's just not the same.  I was checking the time every 30 seconds - even with the TV on.  So, I haven't actually run since mid-November.  One of my goals for this year is to run a 5K race.  Once the weather gets warmer, I WILL start running again.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to go back to running 5K right away, but I've done it before and I know I can do it again. 

In the meantime, last week I started doing Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.  http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY  It's a great workout and it only takes 20 minutes.  Plus, you get in strength, cardio and abs.  There are 3 levels - you do each level for 10 days.  I did it 4 days last week, and I plan to do the same this week.  My other goal is to complete the 30 Day Shred.  It will take me longer than 30 days - but that's okay!  At least I'm doing SOMETHING!

I'm writing out these goals because I need to acomplish them, and seeing them in print makes them so much more real.  They go from being a thought in my head to an actual statement.  I WILL NOT gain the 40 lbs back!  I will stay active!  I need to exercise if I want to keep this maintenance going.  After all, I still need to visit my "guys" every now and then ... FIVE GUYS and Papa Johns!



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