There was no one to cheer me on as I crossed the finish line. Technically, there wasn’t even a finish line. But, I had a goal. Exactly one year after I had committed to lose weight and adapt a healthy lifestyle, I was determined to prove myself on the track, by running longer than I ever had before. On the same track where I started my exercise path one year ago.
It all started when I got the pictures from my child’s first birthday party. Let’s just say that they were not the most flattering. But it wasn’t the photographer’s fault. It was mine. I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life when I got pregnant with Graham. The freshman fifteen had nothing on the marriage twenty. So when I lost all of my baby weight, I was still way above what I would consider my healthy weight. It was easy to blame it on having a kid. But, let’s be honest, it wasn’t his fault either.
Being one who is motivated by competition, I signed up for my playgroup’s Biggest Loser Challenge – eight weeks of exercise and dieting, and posting my weekly weight loss on our message board for hundreds to see. I didn’t have any goals other than to lose a few pounds, but what I found was a passion.
I began to watch what I eat, although I wouldn’t technically call it a “diet.” The hardest thing I did was give up was alcohol. That was tough! But, the biggest lifestyle change I made was a commitment to fitness. I had never consistently exercised…. in my whole life.
So, I started “running” at the track. I couldn’t even make it one whole lap around. I would jog a half lap and walk a half lap. For two or three miles. Each day I committed to running more and more of the laps. A few weeks later I could run a mile. In October I ran my first 5k. I was hooked on running.
The Biggest Loser Challenge ended, and I was concerned that I would fall off the wagon. So, I promised myself that I would never go two days without working out. I still haven’t. I’m a creature of habit. If my routine includes exercise I’ll do it. If it works it’s way out of my routine, who knows how many decades it will take to get it back. When it’s raining, I make sure to set aside time to hit the elliptical machine that I have at home or do a yoga or pilates DVD. When I travel, I make sure to map out running routes and check out the hotel’s fitness center.
My reason for telling you all this is simple. If I can do it, you can most definitely do it. Start off small. Set a reasonable weight loss goal and don’t try to push the limits too quickly with exercise or extreme dieting. I’ve found that the key to my continued success is “everything in moderation.” I’ve added alcohol back into my life (let’s be honest… we know that wouldn’t last forever), but I’ve limited how many days I allow myself to imbibe. I also don’t run everyday. I’ve found I stay interested if I do a combination of weight training, walking, running and yoga. And give myself a day off – every now and then.
The best thing I can do to keep myself motivated is to plan to meet a friend at a greenway, the track or at a gym class. Accountability is key, but it’s also nice to have a friend to share the pain with. Or hand you a water bottle after mile seven. That would’ve been nice. 🙂
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