Dani Dishes 4-7-14
/On this episode of Dani Dishes, I'm reminding you of my blog survey, announcing the Boston Marathon weekend meet up (4/19, 11-1, Back Bay Social - 867 Boylston St) and remind everyone about the ebbs/flows of our journey!
2014 Weight Off My Shoulders Blog Survey
/It's time for YOU the reader to let me know your thoughts!! That's right folks ... it is SURVEY TIME!! Woo!!
I know you take time out of your day to read my posts and I REALLY appreciate it.
So I am asking for just another minute or two for some feedback.
I love Weight Off My Shoulders - my little slice of the internet - and want to make sure it is the best that it can be.
It is as much for me as it is for you the readers so I want your needs answered as well.
Without further adieu, the survey!!
(Please note: the survey is 10 questions)
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.
Thank you all 1000 times over for taking time to complete this! :)
I'm high-fiving you right now if you didn't notice... hello?? You! Yes you I was high-fiving you and you totally dissed me.
OUCH!
Okay okay! Let's redo.
*HIGH FIVE*
Sah-weet!
Friday Five
/Rarely do I participate in the "list" posts based on alliteration and the day of the week. However Three Things Thursday really plays into my love of alliteration the most.
And when I see Friday Five all I can think of is the Subway commercial: "Five Dollar ... Five Dollar Foot Long ..." No one else? Just this jingle-loving lady? Dat's cool. I'm an original. ;)
Anywho...
I tend to participate when I have a bunch of random thoughts that wouldn't make sense to put in one blog post normally, but for some reason is totally acceptable when it is in a list like this.
So let's get right down to business - shall we?
***
1) I saw the below image come across my Facebook newsfeed this morning and immediately wished I could like it a million times or upgrade to a HELLZ YEAH button or something along those lines.
It SCREAMS what I feel like I tell people all the time ... especially my Weight Watchers members.
If you do not like going to the gym, then don't go. If you don't like to run, don't! Don't feel pressure to do exercises you don't enjoy.
Why?
Because you won't stick with it!!
I am going through that with yoga right now. I keep trying to like it and enjoy it because I know I've been told I should go to make me a better runner. But it doesn't excite me. I have YET to get excited about going to yoga class.
NOW maybe I haven't found one that works for me, but either way. I am not listening to my own advice. Don't do it just because other people like it or it is the "in" fad right now.
***
2) #DontJudge and #SorryNotSorry
It grinds my gears that folks feel the need to apologize or ask not be judged for a decision they made. I tend to see #DontJudge used often with a picture of an unhealthy food choice or the decision not to workout when they previously planned to. Same thing with #SorryNotSorry.
Why can't we live in a judgement free society? I always want to write back I'm not judging you or you don't have to apologize.
We are all on different journeys and paths which makes us unique. I love following people that are not always "perfect" because that is how I roll. Life is about ebbs and flows. I am not perfect and I know that is okay.
I am going to have a beer and that's okay because it is on my plan.
When I first started this blog I worried about sharing the non-healthy foods or beverages I may have, but then I realized that is me and that is life. It is how I choose to live it.
No one should look down on anyone else for choices he or she makes, you don't know that person's entire story.
</endrant>
#sorrynotsorry
***
3) New Sneaker Confusion
The night before our big 20-miler I decided to splurge and buy a pair of full-priced ASICS GT-2000s off of RunningWarehouse.com. I normally purchase solely off their Liquidation tab - hello big discounts - but I was going to treat myself.
Why?
Because they have a color combo pretty close to the Boston Marathon colors for 2014. Hey! A girl needs to match the jacket every once in awhile. ;)
So I hit the submit button and waited for my shoes to arrive on April 1, but they never came. Same on April 2 and 3. I started to get concerned. I went back through my emails and credit card statement ... Nothing. Did I imagine the purchase? Did I do it in a dream?
Last night I pulled the plug and reordered the sneakers. I think I found the total USER error from the first attempt. I'm thinking I stopped one screen too soon.
Either way the new splurge is done and I can't wait for them to arrive. Is it April 8 yet?
***
4) Thanks to KIND Snacks and the Boston Red Sox I got to surprise two of my favorite people: the wife and the BFF with surprise deliveries.
I received the following note from KIND:
KIND Healthy Snacks(KIND) is proud to have teamed up with the Boston Red Sox to spread kindness throughout Boston. Now through April 3, you can send a personalized note, flower and package of KIND bars (that will be delivered via bike messenger!) to a friend, family member, colleague or anyone living in the Boston area in hopes of brightening their day -- all completely complimentary.
KIND and the Red Sox recognize that Boston embodies the word “community” – the people in this city look out for one another! So we wanted to give Bostonians a simple way to pay it forward by spreading kindness to someone in their life. Together, we are on mission to inspire kindness, so keep an eye out for more ways you can get involved throughout the baseball season. And be sure to look for our bars at Fenway Park, available for sale in the concession stands starting Home Opening Day (April 4th).
So you KNOW I couldn't pass up the opportunity to participate. There were only 2,500 open spots so I had to act quickly.
Luckily both ladies LOVED the treat. Plus, they didn't even feel tipped off when I asked each for their work addresses a couple of days prior. :P
I <3 you KIND Snacks!!
***
5) Massages. I love a good massage.
Post-Dopey Challenge massage courtesy a gift card from Weight Watchers
I normally reserve the massage for post-marathon or if I have a gift card so you can tell I don't get them regularly. :P
As I was inquiring at different spas for my post-Boston Marathon massage for later in the month, I stumbled across a monthly membership deal at Massage Envy. It is $59.99/month, which would include 1 60-minute massage per month. If I wanted to upgrade to say a 90-minute massage it would be my membership fee + the difference ($20). The deal seems good to me.
But do I need it? I brought it up to the wife and she noted: "Your body is usually achy. If you are going to keep up this level of activity - which I know you will - you need it."
Well thanks supportive wife. :)
The main concern is my new budget, but I think I can make it work. Plus I would LOVE a 90-minute post-Boston massage for $79.99.
Would you take the deal?
***
And welcome to the Top Five things that are rattling around my old noggin on this Friday morning.
What about you?
Dani Dishes 3-31-14
/On this episode of Dani Dishes, it's time for an update from my "I'm struggling" post link below ... it's been one week and time to check in!! Blog (3/26)
Truth Tuesday: Can I Do It?
/Monday night is Spin night. I attend the 7:30pm class at the BSC (Boston Sports Club) near my house (Wellington Circle location) with my friends Lindsey and Beth. I look forward to it each week. The instructor Kim is amazing and has become a friend. Plus, she plays Willow Smith's Whip My Hair Back And Forth whenever I request it. I love that song and make sure to wear the hair in a ponytail rather than a bun for those classes.
Yesterday was Monday, which means last night was Monday night ... and Spin.
I counted down the hours til Spin all day long.
I clipped into the bike at 7:30pm and was ready to rock. Class started and the legs felt dead. You know you have those days, right?
Well it got into my head. As we are pushing through some jumps on a hill (thanks Kim! :P), I sat down from a jump, cranked the resistance up, put my head down and just pushed my legs as steady as I could.
The mind was wondering so I needed to work through what was happening.
As the legs felt heavy, this question popped into my head:
Can I Do It?
You may be wondering: was it the royal it or something specific?
In that moment in time, it was that little Half Ironman in September I signed up for - The Pumpkinman Half Ironman on September 7.
If I was having trouble focusing and pushing through a Spin class, how could I expect myself to get through that athletic feat.
It sets off a domino effect of questions:
*Why did you sign up for it?
*Why did you think you were strong enough to even consider attempting it?
*How could you waste so much hard earned money?
*Why does it feel like your friends have such an easier time with the training than you?
*If you are having a hard time waking up for runs now, how will you feel when the workouts double?
*Do you really expect to complete the feat?
*Just... why?
So this inner turmoil/debate is happening in my head during Spin class, the sweat from the intense intervals is mixing with tears. Was I seriously crying in Spin class? Why yes yes I was.
Cool kid award can be sent right here!
Now I wish this inner turmoil could just go away! Clearly me writing about it is my way to try and work through it. Since hey it rears its ugly head every time I sign up for my next big fitness goal.
But I own the fact that I am working on this and that it won't go away over night. It has been around for as long as I can remember.
That bugger named
When this little voice creeps in I just wanna yell: you're wrong!
It is a liar. I know I am nervous and anxious about tackling something so outside my comfort zone, but here's the thing - my comfort zone keeps expanding! I HAVE to keep looking outward or I will get stuck and complacent.
It's like the "old me" mindset is battling the "new me" mindset.
My $$$ is on the latter.
But in the meantime, I have to recognize the voice, allow the self doubt, but not let it take down my spirit or my drive.
There must be something in my subconscious that knows I will tackle any hurdle since I hit the "submit" button on the entry. :P
It is the same little voice that:
*pushed me through the door at Weight Watchers in November 2009
*understand I was worth happiness
*told me I needed to start this little slice of the internet
*I needed to share my story
*I could poke through the balloon that was my original comfort zone and keep expanding it
*moved my hand to sign up for 4 marathons (almost 5), half marathons, Dopey Challenge and my first triathlon
The little voice is there and getting louder. I just need to recognize that it is a process and I will have times where the little voice freaks out and the tears flow in the middle of a Spin class.
But in the end, the little voice won't lead me astray. It will lead me to the Finish Line ... and beyond!
#HeatItUp April Instagram Challenge - You In?
/I love Instagram.
Yes I am Captain Obvious right now. I know. I know.
I love PhotoADay challenges ... I just usually suck at them.
I have tried time and time again to make it through an entire month, but usually get sidetracked part way through. Or after Day 2. Something along those lines. Well in all of the challenges I've tried I have successfully completed 1 full month and am currently 23 days into completing my second month.
Yes if it happens I will be adding it to my resume. Don't you worry.
Well, it looks as if I am going to press my luck at completing back-to-back PhotoADay challenges.
Why?
Because this time I am CO-HOSTING one with my ladies!!
That's right folks. I am teaming up with the bloggers I met in NOLA for a little April Instagram Photo Challenge.
Join Abby, Cecilia, Debi, Holly, Mindy, Sarah and myself...
Are you ready to #HeatItUp?
Have you tried an Aquazinger? Review & #Giveaway
/Annddddd the winner IS:
***
Are you always on the hunt for new fun products?
I totally am.
And I usually find most of my ideas from my Weight Watchers members.
The Zing Anything AquaZinger is one of those products.
We were discussing drinking more water during an At Work Weight Watchers meeting.
I don't know if you have trouble getting your required amount of water a day (at least 1/2 of your body weight in ounces - so 155 lb person would need to drink at least 78oz), but some of my members do. So we were brainstorming ways to spice up your water
That's when one of my members brought up the AquaZinger.
It took me awhile to get my hands on one, but that changed last week. Thanks Zing Anything ($25.99 value)! :)
I was freakin' excited to check it out since I average about 100-120 ounces of water a day. And regular water can get pretty boring.
I started by cleaning the Aquazinger before using. I reassembled the Zinger making sure the sports top was tightly fastened.
I unscrewed the bottom cup from the base.
The stainless steel bottle has a bottom-mounted grinder that retains the ground pulp of your ingredients but allows the pure extracted flavors to travel through a fine-combed mesh screen and infuse the water.
For this first attempt, I used the extra strawberries I had in the fridge. The box did offer four different fruit, vegetable, herb and spice combinations, which I appreciated. I lack creativity in that area. ;)
As I screwed the cup back onto the base. The blades twisted, grinding the ingredients and releasing the juices.
After releasing the strawberry juices, I unscrewed the cap, filled the canister with water. Once I resealed the top, I followed the directions to "shake well for 10-15 seconds before allowing mixture to steep for 15-30 minutes." The box went on to say the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
I gave the Zinger one final shake and was ready to enjoy!
And enjoy I did. It really perked up my morning. It is the little things in life. Now I was able to get two full canisters out of the strawberries I used.
Definitely cheaper than buying flavored water for sure!
***
Now, the Zinger I had was called the "AquaZinger," which can be used for regular or sparkling water.
But there are more Zinger options. You can Zing Anything... get it? See what I did there? :P
The company also offers a:
*Vodka Zinger ($25.99)
For those hosts looking to spice up their next party, the Vodka Zinger will be your perfect wingman. Use all-natural ingredients to create fresh-tasting, healthy cocktails with no added sugars or artificial ingredients. "Bartend" your guests beverages by infusing vodka with citrus fruits, strawberry, cucumber, hot pepper, raspberry, pineapple, rosemary... or Zing-up your own unique drink.
*Citrus Zinger ($16.99)
The Citrus Zinger offers an easy way to extract juice and flavor from citrus fruits and infuse them directly into your water bottle. Creating delicious lemonades, limeades, and orangeades, the Citrus Zinger flavor infuser is great for the active, on-the-go water drinker. Take it to yoga, the office, and around town. Enrich your water with vitamin C and flavonoids, and let the Citrus Zinger take you to that sunny, perfect day you long for, every day.
*Salad Zinger ($24.99)
Veggie lovers can shake it up by Zinging tasty dressings using the Salad Zinger. Simply add your ingredients to the grind cup (garlic, onion, citrus, spices, fruit, etc.), pour in olive oil and vinegar, shake, and voila! You have a healthy and delicious homemade dressing. With the Salad Zinger you can make the Italian dressing you always wanted, the orange vinaigrette that will have your guests asking for the recipe, a peach balsamic salad dressing that wows you every time, or whatever else your healthy heart desires.
*Kid Zinger ($13.99)
The Kid Zinger takes the citrus-infusing technology of the Citrus Zinger and shrinks it down to kid-size.In addition to being smaller than the parent Citrus Zinger, the Kid Zinger is also redesigned to be more kid-friendly, using a rounded citrus press tip to avoid injury and adds a pop-up straw to the lid to help prevent spills.
The Kid Zinger is a healthy alternative to sugary juices and soda. All drinks can be made using only fresh fruit, though a drizzle of honey or agave syrup can be added to make a fresh-squeezed orangeade or lemonade.
***
So now comes the fun part ... the portion of the post where I get to give away a Zinger of your choice!!!! :)
Raffle open to those residents of the 48 contiguous states.
The giveaway will run from Monday March 24 (7am ET) through Monday March 31 (7am ET)!
The winner will be selected and announced on Monday!
*Guest Post* Running: Is it your 2nd job ... By Pavement Runner
/Runner. Instagrammer. Blogger Extraordinaire. Amazing Parent. Stud. Kind. Funny. Entertaining. Friend. Wise Ass. All of the above describe me... wait what? That doesn't make sense.
Oh nope. Read my notes wrong. All those great qualities describe the one and only Brian (aka Pavement Runner).
Side Note: do you know it took me a long time into our online friendship to learn Pavey's real name was NOT in fact Pavement Runner. Can you believe that? I thought it was on his birth certificate. ;)
Oops!
But my dear Pavey is a huge inspiration to me in life, running and in blogging. I'm sure he regrets giving me his cell # after the resulting odd questions and texts I inundate him with.
I was lucky enough to meet Brian live and in person at a little tweetup/meetup I organized before the Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon back in October ... and it was magic.
Photo Credit: Pavement Runner
During one of the many text/Twitter DM convos, I inquired if Pavey would be up for penning a guest post for my little slice of the internet. He is wildly busy so I was nervous to ask. Think of it as writing that first note to your crush and asking "Do you like me like me? Check yes or no." Scary right? I get that way when speaking with my Blogging Idols.
And in true Pavey fashion he ignored me. :P
NOT! He graciously accepted.
But what did I have in mind? I needed him to impart his wisdom. The dude is a running rockstar and I needed to hear about his mojo, especially during the long training season for a marathon. So I asked him:
How do you keep the love, happiness and spark going
during the grueling training session?
And the post was born...
***
I'm going to jump right into it. Training is hard. There is no sugar coating the amount of time that is invested into getting ready to run a marathon. You pretty much have to invest one day per week dedicated to a long run, factor in a recovery day and most likely 2-3 runs during the week and you've accounted for 5 of the 7 days. Add into the equation that your training calendar can range from 3-6 months and you're looking at some serious time commitment.
I run throughout the year, often racing frequently. At times, it can feel like a full-time job on top of my existing full-time job. But if it is something you love, then you usually find ways to incorporate it into your daily life. There are, of course, sacrifices that have to be made. For me, it sometimes means missing breakfast on Saturday morning with the family. The other option is getting up at 4 am to get in my run and be home in time for breakfast. I do both. Either way there has to be some give. It's just finding the proper balance of which will work on a given day.
But here are some ways to make the training season a little more fun, and less like a job.
Make it a party. Not everyone can join you for a 20 mile run... unless of course you are in the Bay Area because then you could just shoot me a message. But if you have a long run planned, try to see if friends can join you. If you have a friend that can run 5-10 miles with you, invite them for a run. It's always best to have them join you at the end of the run so that you can count on their upbeat energy when you begin to feel tired. I'll often ask friends to meet me at a central location several hours after I've started. For example if you had a 20 mile run planned, start at a local coffee shop or running store and do a 5 mile out-and-back before your friend arrives, then run the last 10 together. The more the merrier is true here as well. If you can get 2-3 friends to join you, open up the invite. It can also be a shorter distance, if your friends can run 5 miles, run 12 before... a good way to recruit people is to offer breakfast afterwards. "My treat" is usually key in that sentence. Trust me, knowing you have friends joining you can motivate you to get through some tough miles.
Photo Credit: Pavement Runner
This is actually how I get a lot of my longer runs done. I run with a group of friends that normally run between 7-12 miles and it is not uncommon for me to run for an hour before we plan to meet. When you break it up like that, it feels less like a 20 mile run and more like a 12 mile run, then an easy 8 miler you get to do with friends. It's funny how that second part of the run with company feels like you are fresh and starting over. Try it.
Bonus tip: change your shirt before your second run. Swing by the car real quick and put on a clean shirt. If you started in a long sleeve, switch to a short or a tank. It'll make you feel refreshed and your friends will be appreciative that you don't COMPLETELY stink like you just came from a run... even though you did.
Run a local race This one is something I also use quite often. It can be a little bit of an investment, but it can help add some excitement during the training season. Use shorter distance races to help you train. If you are incorporating speed work during your training, doing a 5k or 10k can help. Be sure to check your local running store around a holiday for a 5k or 10k race, they are usually smaller and hopefully less expensive.The same can be true for a half marathon. Although they are usually a bit more expensive, they can be great at teaching you to maintain your goal pace. If this is your first marathon, it can also give you a preview of what to expect on race day. From portapottys to water stops to pace groups. It can help remove some of the nerves from the unexpected.
Bonus for experienced runners: you can use a half marathon as part of a longer run. This one is tricky, but if you time it right you could run some miles before the half marathon. I've run 6-7 miles before a half to get my 20 miles in for a day. The only variable is how much down time you might have before the race starts. You'll want to keep it under 15 minutes as you won't want to tighten up before the half starts. Be very aware of your pace.
Make it social... on social. If you have a long run coming up and you are looking to pass the time, share your run on social media as it's happening. Create a hashtag, something like #Saturday20forfun. Take a picture of your feet at the start with the hash, then send out an update whenever you see something interesting. This works best with photos, but it could be a simple status update. Be sure to include the hash on each post so that if someone sees it 5 photos in, they can click on the hash and see where you have been... literally. Don't go crazy with the updates, you DO have to get in your miles. A good starting point would be a photo every 3-4 miles, and of course a selfie before and after.
Photo Credit: Pavement Runner
And now comes the tough part: There are going to be bad runs and days when you don't even want to start. But give the run a chance. Even if you don't feel like running, you have to give it a chance. Put on your shoes, throw on some gear and head out the door. Commit to running X miles or X minutes and reevaluate at that point. You might feel AMAZING and ready to take over the world. If it's not your day, then it's just not your day. We have to remember that at some point or another we fell in love with running and that is why we keep doing it. If you ever find yourself in doubt, send me a message on social or hit up Dani and we'll talk you off the ledge... chances are, we can offer some ways to mix it up or probably know someone in your area that will run some miles with you.
@PavementRunner on Twitter @PavementRunner on Instagram
Gotta love this running community!
Athleta ... After Hours
/If only life was like a TV show, right? I'm thinking of the classic Saved By The Bell or some other equally amazing 80s-90s classic TV show where the gang gets trapped in the mall/store - after hours! They try on all the clothes, have some sort of safe mischief transpire and then they escape being arrested for trespassing and go on their way for pizza.
Doesn't anyone else wish that would happen to them?
Well I got the chance ... okay minus A.C. Slater and crew ... to hang at the Athleta Store on Newbury St in Boston - After Hours!
Par-tay!!
I and some other Boston area bloggers were invited to check out Athleta's new Summer Line. Oh yeah sneak peek!!
My love of Athleta has been growing and growing, but I can never find an opportunity to make it into one of the stores. So I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, it happened at 7pm, which meant I could leave work at my normal time and arrive fashionably late. I know I am never fashionable, but I can OWN fashionably late.
I arrived at Athleta to a nearly empty store, which is a really cool sensation. It is like walking into your personal closet - except you need to pay for the things inside of it before you can wear them. :P Minor detail.
There were a handful of bloggers on site when I arrived, as well as some delish looking wraps being offered by Flatout Bread.
Flatout Bread even sent us home with a bag full of goodies. I know you are all jealous of that.
After grabbing my glass of champagne and snapping a quick "Look Ma! I am in a store after hours. Aren't I cool? Okay I know I am not, but let's pretend" selfie...
... I was off to the races to check out the goods.
Now, if you told me five years ago, that I would be this giddy over checking out workout clothes - I would've told you to go home. But, here I am in 2014, and in heaven.
I mean how cute, right?
Athleta doesn't carry all of their size options in store. I believe you have to go online to purchase some of the larger options (hope they are working to change that). But Athleta does range in sizes from 0-20 or (S-2X). I am not sure if every style is available in all sizes, but playing around on the website helps to figure that out.
As someone who used to be a size 20, I appreciate a brand name taking care of their clients - who range in shapes and sizes. Plus, I love the Athleta message of "power to the she!" Girl Power baby. Oh Spice Girls how I miss thee.
But I digress...
I did a once around the store before targeting the running corner. Are we shocked. The pants (pictured above) caught my eye immediately. They are the Blossoms Be Free Knicker (value $64). I loved the pattern, the drawstring, ventilation behind the knees, the rear pocket AND side pockets (where I could hold my ENERGYBits during a run. Oh they were made for me. I was Oohing and Ahhing over them when I heard: "Do you want me to start a room for you?"
Oh heck yeah!
I've never liked clothes shopping or trying on clothes, but seeing the fun colors and patterns in Athleta that night made me leap at the chance to see how they would look.
The girl helping me asked what size I needed and I immediately wanted to say XL. BUT I already own a pair of Athleta pants so I knew it was a Medium. Can that gut reaction to say XL just go away?
And they fit like a glove. The tag is blocking the side pocket, but it is perfect for your in-run fuel. I had a hard time taking them off. I just wanted to hit the streets in them.
I may or may not have done a lap in the store, while wearing them. I mean you need to test these things out right?
The extra lap also helped me spot some additional pants to try on.
As I mentioned before, I love the relay capris I got during a Fitfluential campaign last year. They are amalfi blue - aka really blue - and were a color choice out of my comfort zone.
I was explaining this to the girls who worked at Athleta and they pulled the same pants off the discount rack ($69 marked down to $44.99), but in coralade (aka pink). I was nervous to try on such a bold flavor, but felt comfortable with the encouragement from the girls in the fitting room so I took the chance.
How bright are they? :P
Sorry I didn't have time to match my KT Tape to the pants.
While I was doing a little walk around in the relay capris, I noticed Rachel (aka @Healthy_Chicks) rockin' the Chaturanga Capri ($54)in Catalina Green. They were fierce. Can I say fierce? Has Beyoncé trademarked that?
Anywho with some slight prodding by the other ladies in the fitting room, I took the plunge to try them on.
See the fierceness? Ignore my inability to make a normal face.
As soon as I put them on I wanted to live in them. I kid you not. I wanted to make a movement that these be considered business wear. They were flattering - a nice wide waistband which really flatters all body types. They are made of a Pilayo wicking material, which allows the pants to breathe and dry quickly. They even lend "UPF 50+ protection."
While changing back into my normal wear, the three pairs of pants sat in front of me. Taunting me. Calling my name. Saying they wanted to come home with me.
I was not planning on spending money.
Then I remembered. I tucked a $50 Athleta gift card in my pocketbook earlier in the day. Just in case. AND the lovely ladies of Athleta treated all the bloggers to a $25 gift card for being at the event. Pair those $75 gift cards with a 30% off coupon and I walked out of the store with three pairs of pants for $53.
Oh heck yeah!
Even without the gift cards the Athleta pants are reasonably priced compared to some other workout clothing lines that I won't mention (from that country ending in anada).
So if you haven't had the chance to check out the new Athleta Summer line, head to their website or the closest store. You really won't be disappointed.
You just may have to bring your own champagne and snacks... ;)
I'm Struggling: One Month At New Job
/One month. A lot can happen in one month's time. For me it has been a complete overhaul on the life I knew for the last two years.
Leading Weight Watchers meetings had me always on the move - not only going from meeting to meeting, but it gave me the flexibility to work out often. I could hit the gym or the pavement when no one else was there to bother me.
Oh 11am swim pool to myself- sure thing.
Bang out 5 miles at 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon - why not.
That all came to a crashing halt when I returned to an office job.
I've been nervous about this impacting my fitness and weight loss goals ... and it has.
And not in a good way.
My Fitbit and Weight Watchers Activelinks aren't happy with me.
I'm not happy with myself.
I just feel ... blah!
I've been trying all of the suggestions I give to other folks that have office jobs. I mean in case you didn't know - I am not the only person who works 10 hour days, is training for a marathon and trying to lose weight. So I know there are folks out there doing that ... and more!
So why haven't I shared these feelings before?
Because I was lying to myself that I had my sh%t together.
In case you aren't picking up on it - I don't.
I am struggling.
The decrease in workout time and flexible schedule is messing with my mind and my confidence. For anyone that follows me on other social media channels - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc - I think you have picked up on that lately.
This is the longest stretch of struggling that I have experienced since starting my healthy lifestyle change in 2009. So it is making me feel like a failure. I mean I bawled HARD on my run Tuesday morning. Thinking that I have let everyone down because I don't have everything figured out.
But guess what ... not everyone does? Did you know that?
It was news to me. :P
This is a learning process. The job hours won't change. The training for a marathon or Half Ironman won't change. The desire to lose weight won't change.
(Note: I am not trying to lose a ton of weight - just maybe an additional 3-5 lbs. I love my goal weight of 155.)
So what has to change ... me!
Here is the latest plan of attack:
1) I will stop lying to myself that everything is okay. That is how I got into the mess of being 235 lbs to begin with.
2) I will share. I have always been open in this blog space and that starts by Point 1 - being honest with myself.
3) I will ask myself "Will this get me to my ultimate goal?" when faced with the free snacks at work. Don't get my wrong I am grateful for free lunch and free snacks, but not all of that is really on my plan.
So game plan 34634783 since starting the new gig begins. What is the biggest positive I can take out of this? I keep recognizing the triggers and warning signs - and wanting to change them.
THAT shows me that this shall pass and I will overcome this struggle.
Who has faced a similar situation? What has helped you make the adjustment?
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I will leave you with a great sentiment brought up at my Weight Watchers meeting on Monday Night by a member Erin:
"Life isn’t about figuring out what to do. The real challenge is simply doing the things we know we should be doing."
