I’m twelve weeks way into my new healthy lifestyle. The past week feels like a big fail. I took not one, not two, but three days off from exercising. Three. No yoga, no running, no nothing for three days. On Tuesday, I took the day off because I didn’t feel well. Okay, I can give myself a pass for that. On Friday, I skipped morning yoga, then went out after work and didn’t get home until late at night, so I didn’t do anything. Okay, I could maybe–maybe–give myself a pass for that. But Saturday? I slept late, puttered about for a few hours, then hubby and I went out for the rest of the day and got home late. I could’ve done something in the morning. I could’ve, at least, done some yoga. But no, I was a total lazy slob.
The good news is that I didn’t gain any weight, despite my laziness. Also, when I did get on the treadmill, my pace improved to an average of 11:54 per mile. And, my mood has been relatively stable.
The bad news is I haven’t lost any weight in two weeks and I’ve hit a plateau. Weight loss is not my primary goal but, I’ll admit, it’s a goal and a measure of my health. And, of course, I was lazy. Remember when I ran 2 miles on the treadmill? Yep, hasn’t happened again. Today I made it about 1.85 miles, but I walked it after 1.5.
So, what now? Time to refocus! I figure I’ve been at this for almost 3 months now. I’m in a new season and a new quarter, so why not set some goals for the next quarter? Here goes:
1. Try a new activity or sport, and do it at least twice.
2. Run 2 miles at a time, at least once per week.
3. Lose 10 pounds.
What are your goals for the next 3 months?
Going Steady 
don’t be so hard on yourself. so you missed 3 days…consider them rest days. or better yet, when u know you wont get in a gym workout, just take a little walk around the neighborhood. doesnt have to be long, just 15-20 min with the hubby perhaps. i used to get that down on myself when i missed a workout, but you can’t change yesterday, all you can do is change today. 3 days won’t mean the end of the world, nor does it make you a lazy slob. just a normal person who had things going on and perhaps needed a little break.
as for the weight loss, that too will come in time. of course exercise is important, but what you eat and how much of it you eat is even MORE important. it seems like you’re a rather healthy eater, so you’re doing the right thing. i know that sometimes we retain water when we change workout regimens and stuff like that, which could account for the plateau. also, look for the non-scale victories…little things that you’ve noticed in terms of behavior or the way you look, that indicate that the work you’ve been putting into living a healthier life have been paying off. stay encouraged!
Thanks so much for the encouragement. 🙂
oh, almost forgot my goals for the next 3 months…
1. to post more regularly on my blog about my runs, about food, and my thoughts on healthy living
2. continue to run, and get my weekly mileage back up to about 20 mi/week
3. to run 13.1 mi by the end of this year, even if its not in an official half marathon race, i want to run the distance
To flashback to 1998: You go, girl! 🙂
Sometimes are bodies need a break and I think you’re body was telling you that. There are days that I don’t feel like doing anything either, actually I think I have more of those days than not. 🙂 Allow yourself some downtime. During that downtime, refocus on what you want to pick up again. You’ll be right back into it before you know it. Agreed w/ above…your eating has been very good, so I’m sure taking a couple of days off won’t affect your goals too negatively.
My goals…let’s see…1) push myself harder at my next couple of training sessions, 2) incorporate yoga at least once a week, and 3) make something with warm apples!
Sometimes I’m afraid to listen to my body, because sometimes it’s telling me to stay in bed all day and eat chocolate. 🙂
I hear ya on that one! LOL
Oops…I put “are” instead of “our”. Where did that come from?
Double oops…I put “you’re” instead of “your”. Goodness. What’s going on with me today. Pardon any other errors after that too. LOL