My Dream, My Way

Just a quick note before bed; I wanted to make sure I touched in with the goals I have developed for myself this week.

1 -- Perform 100 minutes of exercise/physical activity.

2 -- Drink 64 ounces of water on at least 5 days.

3 -- Make overall healthy food choices on at least 5 days.

4 -- Practice being aware while eating; no more mindless snacking.

5 -- Create a Spark People account.

6 -- Journal and/or blog on at least 4 days.

7 -- Mediate and/or mantra on at least 3 days.

8 -- Get a full 8 hours of sleep each day.

I understand that these goals are vague.  At this point, I want them to be.  I have a tendency to be too hard on myself.  Historically, one goal violation sends me flying off the bandwagon, and I wind up worse than I was before.  I realize that I have many bad habits that need to be changed, and I'd be setting myself up for failure if I expected perfection.  One breath at a time, one bite at a time, one day at a time.

I went for another walk/jog today.  I pushed myself a little harder this time, doing four or five shorter jogging intervals (about 30-60 seconds each) instead of one longer interval (about 90 seconds).  I didn't experience as much cardiovascular fatigue as I did last time--no burning breaths, no aching teeth.  This time around, my muscles and joint are particularly sore, and especially around the ankle.  It's hard to tell if I'm sore because I'm overweight and pushing my physical limitations or if it's because I have poor running form, but this is something I'll need to look into if I intend to become a more serious "runner."

Time to recharge for tomorrow... I'm off to work on #8!

★ jenna

Baby Steps

Just got home from the most amazing power walk/jog.

My loop is just over a mile long and winds next to scenic marshland, a nice park, and quiet residences.  Although I'm incredibly self-conscious of all my huffing and puffing, I feel comfortable with this route.  It's safe, it's convenient, and it's doable.

I didn't time myself, but I think I took about 20 minutes.  To warm up, I started off with a power walk, then jogged for a block and a half.  Honestly, I was winded and ready to quit by the end of that first block, but I wanted to push myself a little bit further.  I set my sights on a fire hydrant up ahead and slowed to a walk again once I reached it.

I alternated between a relaxing pace and a power walk for the rest of the route.  I was definitely feeling it--it's amazing how much endurance I've lost, even these few short months.  My nasal passage burned with every breath and my teeth throbbed.  For awhile, all I could focus on was getting home again.  I forced myself to push through it.

I was so out of it that I surprised myself when I reached the corner of my block.  I jogged the last half-block home, but how could I not with the sun beating down and "Mr. Brightside" in my ear buds?

The success of this walk feels so different from other workouts I've put in.  Instead of bullying myself for not jogging more and for being so out of shape, I'm celebrating the fact that I took the time for some real cardio. I pushed myself through the pain, and I feel amazing now.  The lingering burn in my calves and thighs is a constant reminder of this little victory!

Now for a delicious, nutritious dinner and a relaxing evening with my daughter.  What more could I ask for?

★ jenna