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Got up today with no real goal in mind other than getting through my workout. I was tired again, and for a moment was tempted to stay in bed, thinking if only there was a way I could do this later. But later really isn’t a great time for me. I am so very busy during the day, and get worn out pretty fast towards the end of it. This is my time, the perfect time.
So, I got up, got out, and realized I had done so by 6:00AM, which was unnecessarily early. I was strong in my stride and fast in my pace. I ran/walked to the park. In my head: silence. No runner, no encouragement, no motivational speeches. Just the sound of my breath.
I walked past the African newspaper guy. This guy has watched me at my best, running while pushing the kids in a double stroller. This was last summer. Before I injured my foot. He always greets me, smiles with the wonderful smile of his. I love it because it is so wide, so sincere, his white teeth gleaming from behind his beautiful black skin. He’s always such a great sight. But I digress….
I get to the entrance of the park. I start thinking about a 4 mile race I just committed to running in a couple of weeks. I am scared out of my mind about running 4 miles, but excited as well. With this thought in mind, I start a slow jogging pace. I search my head for a conversation. There is none. Nothing…just the pounding of my feet on the ground and my breath. It was quiet at the park too, with it being so early not a lot of people were around yet.
I needed a distraction to get through this, or so I thought. I stared at the white line. The painted line that divides the car area from the run/walk/bike path. It runs all along the park. I stared down at it, not looking up. ”Ok, line…take me out of here.” So, I jog, and jog, and jog…up Her Hill…down it, around The Cloisters…up Killer Hill 1, and instead of stopping I kept going…next thing I knew I was outside of the park.
I couldn’t believe it! No, really, I couldn’t. “I did it! I did it!” I said out load, while catching my breath. I ran over a mile, non-stop, for the first time since I started this over a week ago.
I held my head up high, walked my way up to Killer Hill 2, jogged it…and walked the rest of the way home.
Here’s the skinny: I am not sure what the deal is with hearing the voice of encouragement sometimes, but not today. But the silence and hard focus on what I was doing took pressure away from me. Today I just ran. No mission, no goal…I just went. And it was the best run I’ve had. Sometimes it’s ok to just embrace the silence in our heads and go with the flow. Not put pressure on ourselves to work harder. If we love what we do, it will come through, even when all the noise has died down and we are left alone.
The family and I went away for the weekend…and unlike any other time, concern for maintaining my running/walking routine was on my mind. Almost immediately upon arrival I asked my host if she would want to go for a walk with me early the next morning (it was 1:00AM), or where I could go for a great run. I know. I am obsessed. I am by no means a great runner. I have a bad knee…and feet. Injuries from previous days of running, made worse by the weight. So, it is, by no means, easy. But it is something I love to do, and it’s harder and harder for me to not go into a jog when I start on my walks.
She promised that the next day we would be at a place where I will have plenty of room to run or walk for miles if I wanted to. Turns out, it was the beach. And though lovely, with 8 miles of terrain along the shore, it wasn’t by any means easy to run or walk on.
First of all, I wasn’t dressed to run on the beach. It was over 90 degrees when we arrived and I have already experienced running on the beach in high temps with no drinking water, over dressed (meaning too much covering, and no sun screen), and the feeling of near death that followed. The beach was a surprise, and thus, I didn’t bring beach clothes, or clothes appropriate for running on it. Plus, it was crowded, not easy to navigate around so many little kids playing along the same shore. (Sigh). I walked a bit, but with my little ones by my side, so a fast walk was also not possible. By the time we got back to the house, I was so exhausted and worn out from all the fun and day spent in the sun that I didn’t run that evening either. It ate at me. I couldn’t shake the feeling of having failed some how. Any other, more focused, more dedicated person, would have made it work out. These are the thoughts I let get to me. I tend to be hard on myself in most things. It’s a learned habit. I try not to beat myself down too much though, and by the end of the night I made peace with myself by promising to go the next day, and by focusing on the amazing day I spent with my friends and family…and by the fact that I didn’t eat myself into oblivion or made too many bad choices…not always the best ones, but not too many bad ones either.
I woke up this morning, put on my work out gear and headed out…unsure of where I was going, unfamiliar with the neighborhood, but focused on getting a good sweat out of it.
I hit a few hills, and pushed myself past each one. I didn’t run the entire way, walked some, but got a good work out…and with The Runner pushing me the whole way and encouraging me to push myself, walk faster, go further, I managed to get a nice workout. I even took a minute to stop and admire the scenery.
Here’s the skinny: Not everyday is going to be perfect, not every day is going to be good. But I have to remember that I can’t get too lost in the things I didn’t accomplish so much so that I overlook the things that I did.
I suspect that vacation days will be hard for me. But I need to remember that I can’t equate them with being bad for me, even if I miss a workout. I spent a wonderful day with my family and friends. My kids laughed, wholeheartedly, the entire time. My husband kissed me and told me he loved me, my friends extended their home, friendship, and kindness to us. In the end, nothing of value was lost…but many valuable memories were created.
Today was the first day since I started on this venture (last week) that I woke up wanting to sleep. Just sleep. I was so tired, and still am. After a night of over eating and drinking more glasses of wine than I should’ve, I not only felt exhausted, I still felt full.
I did make a promise to myself though. At the event, I had the chance to chat with one of the PR people there, and we talked about this blog and running. She has run a few half marathons and was getting ready to do another. I noticed that every course of the 4 course meal, she never finished her meal…always only ate half. I mentioned it. She stated that she goes to so many of these types of events (as do I) that she just can’t possibly eat so much. I admired her self restraint and promised myself that I will make more of an effort to do the same…I owe me that…plus I felt so “yuck” this morning (though the food was amazing!).
With all that in mind, I got up and headed out. I was running late, and didn’t want to make my husband late for work, so I focused on time. I did my walk to the park quicker than I had ever done it before…on a treadmill it might’ve been a speed of 3.5.
I did my first warm up jog, which I do right before I get to the park, but once I got to the park, The Runner came out and said, “Ok girl. Since you indulged in so much goodness last night, why not let us indulge again, and treat us to a mile run around the park?”
Wait? Isn’t this where I am supposed to say, “I messed up last night, and now have to punish myself with a run?”
“No, this is where you say, I had an awesome time last night, loved everything I ate, now this morning, I am rewarding my body by pushing my limits with a mile run, no stopping. Not for being bad, but because you want to continue to give your body something good.”
I liked that thinking and proceeded to jog. I paced myself as I was pushing the limit today by jogging around the park, up and down all those hills, including Her Hill, no stops, no breaks, just continual jogging motion. It was hard. Though my breathing was fine, my legs were so damn tired! However, I started thinking, as I often do in the silence of my morning jogs of other things. My adventures, my future, the book I have in my head to write, so and so…next thing I knew I had made it around the park and was face to face with Killer Hill 1.
I ran it, I made it to the top…and slowed down for a fast walk, rather than a run. I was disappointed that I didn’t finish the entire loop. ”Chin up girl! Don’t be too hard on yourself. That is the most consistent running you’ve done since you started, which by the way was last week!” Right, right…I have done really well. I can’t start feeling like a loser over this!
I speed-walked my way up to Killer Hill 2. My body felt tired, but I wanted to make up for not finishing the loop in the park by running up this hill (which would’ve completed the mile run). So I hit it, not too hard, but definitely pushing myself, wanting to keep a pace. By the time I got to the top of the hill, I felt like I was going to vomit. It felt like all the yumminess from last night was just going to force itself out right then and there!
I slowed down my pace, went into a walk, and slowly started controlling my breathing.
After the concern of vomiting faded, I felt crazy happy! I’m going to try the mile again. I can’t wait.
I got home did my stretches, did some arm work. Turns out my kids are loving this new “exercise mommy” too and love joining in on the act…getting started at times seems like a challenge, just cause they always want to be on me.
I think they are beginning to understand how important this is to me, and for the most part give me my tiny space on the living room floor. I caught them working out with the bands, and doing some stretches. It was the greatest, most flattering imitation ever.
Here’s the skinny: I guess I have always known this, but was reminded then and there, how aware my kids are of every little thing I do, and how this journey not only impacts my health, but theirs as well. I am setting examples that hopefully they will follow in their lives…and how could I not want them to? I adore my children. I gave them life, so of course I have the opportunity and responsibility to show them the tools to live it happily and healthy as well.
I was walking down Chambers St. It was raining outside. I was feeling incredibly happy and light and proud.
Truth is as soon as I woke up this morning (Wednesday) I felt pretty good. I was a little annoyed because I had some unfinished business to deal with, but after it was all over, and I succeeded in my intentions, my mood couldn’t be brighter, despite the cloudy days.
As I walked down the street feeling positive and happy within, people passing by smiled at me and guys were looking at me, you know, “the look”.
It kind of caught me off guard a little, I wasn’t expecting this…and maybe because I wasn’t with the kids I was more aware of it? I dunno. But, I do believe this: whatever it was that made people smile at me, or look at me in admiration (I hope), had nothing with what I was wearing, or my hair, or make up. I am a firm believer that beauty comes from within and that it is affected by your mood, your thoughts, your outlook, your self.
I didn’t really embrace my looks till my late 20s. Yup. Spent most of my life thinking there was everything wrong with me. In the process, I attracted people as negative as my perspective. Once I was able to come out of this negative hold, my life changed completely.
I am now 38. I have lost my adolescent beauty, but have gained other things, worth more, in turn. And in the process, I have been fortunate to attract some of the most beautiful people into my life. But I had to change. Not my physical self, but my perspective, and I had to learn to love me and accept me. It wasn’t the easiest thing to do. When you grow up in a household where you are reminded that for so many reasons you aren’t beautiful, it takes a lot to overcome that and believe you are despite what you’ve been told.
So today, as I put make up on my face, in preparation for a dinner party I was attending, I was able to appreciate the woman staring back at me. I saw her as an incredibly happy person, who has been blessed with so much. I saw a person who has overcome a lot, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I saw someone who knew that at any moment it could all be lost, so she knew she had to embrace it and be grateful for it all always. I know that not everyone would think so much of me or love me, or like me, or accept me…but I’m ok with that. Because what matters is what I think of myself and what mark I leave in this world.
This is what I embrace during my workouts, this is what I think about while on this journey to better health, like in every other. Make the most of it every day. I am fortunate to be here. I am fortunate to have the freedom and support that I do in everything I do.
My hope is to always be humble, to always be kind. To have the strength to say I’m sorry and admit when I’m wrong. To be accepting of others and offer forgiveness. And to never measure my self worth or personal beauty based on other’s opinion of me, but on the good that I can give as a friend, a sister, a mother, a wife, and someone with this gift of life. I am not perfect, and I make mistakes, but I try not to use these as excuses to be insensitive or cruel to anyone, because you get what you give. Maybe not always, maybe not quickly, maybe not in the way you expect, but it does happen.
I know if I can maintain this course, my happiness and the beauty it brings will not falter. And that’s the skinny.
Got up to run, feeling more awake than I expected, having stayed up too late last night twittering (some one help me!). My husband was doubtful that I would go because of the rainy weather, but I was going to take it on, no matter what!
Turns out it wasn’t rainy, just a bit drizzly, windy, and really foggy. I was eager to get out there and take it on, maybe cause I felt in doing so I was going to be one of the “tough gals”, you know, “whether rain, sleet, or snow…”
The minute I stepped out of my apartment I felt like a rock star. Not sure why, maybe because I knew I was going to run today. Maybe because running makes me feel like I’m cool…(laughing to herself)…it is cool…though, I think anyone who made it out this morning at 6:30AM for any type of work out is pretty cool.
I ran my first hill. My legs ached, but I also felt stronger. Made it into the park. Silence. I saw her again, The Lady in Purple, but this time she was wearing royal blue. We smiled at each other.
I hit my second hill (Her Hill), jogging, and another runner, you can tell an avid runner as he totally looked the part, smiled at me and greeting me with a friendly, “Good Morning!” and a smile as we passed each other by.
I know that at times some athletes aren’t always friendly, especially to beginners, but I have been a beginner runner a few times now and I can tell you, I’ve always felt a warmth among other runners. Well, unless they are racing and you get in their way!
When I started up Her Hill my legs were feeling a bit stronger…I lifted my head, took in the views (and a pic) before going full force into it. That moment in time was so beautiful and peaceful. That moment in running early in the morning is what I love the most about this new venture.
I went up the hill around The New Leaf Cafe…you know, Killer Hill 1 that threatens to knock me over each time? Well, I made it, without quitting, though, I was actually wheezing a bit at the top.
When I got to the last hill, Killer Hill 2 by Bennett Park, I was a bit nervous. I was speed walking up to it and looked right at it and said, “Ok baby, it’s you and me now.” LOL! I know. I’m a dork. I started my jog, focused on maintaining my pace, and just kept going. Surprisingly, I wasn’t wheezing, or feeling like I was going to die. ”Killer Hill” prepared me for “Killer Hill 2″!
I got home, did my stretches, crunches, more stretches, kissed my husband good-bye and made the boys breakfast. As I drank my protein smoothy, while making my bed, I got a glimpse of my booty. I lifted my t-shirt and checked it out.
I liked what I saw. Mind you…I know it’s bigger than most booties, I know I just started working out, so it’s not significantly different than last week before all of this, and I admit it can make for difficult jean shopping experiences, but there it is, mine (and my hubby’s)…it felt strong, it wasn’t jiggly…just saying, “Girl, you did good today…you did good!”
Picture blurry due to the complexity of focusing camera when taking self-booty portraits.
PS: I’ve inspired yet another beautiful friend to take charge and get healthy! Check out her blog here and join me in congratulating her and supporting her throughout her journey! Remember to also visit ebbin’s blog and show your support! And thank you ladies for your courage, support, and friendship! Together, we can get to the skinny! Much love!
That is what I last had to eat that I remember…ok, well and dinner, which consisted of beef and string beans. The great thing of not remembering what I ate all day is that I am not giving it too much thought, which means that I am relaxed about food…some what. I mean, I am careful to not make the wrong choices, to not over eat, to figure out ways to control my hunger (and I have been getting hungry so much more these days that I am not eating as many carbs!), but I am not stressing it.
I love food. I love trying different things, I love cooking it, and discovering how different spices work together. I feel I missed a calling…should’ve been a chef, a baker…a culinary artist. Or a food traveler, a female Anthony Bourdain, if you will.
Which is why, as much as I also have no problem working out and am happy to work towards a healthier lifestyle, I will never be one to shun food, excess of anything yes, but never food.
So, I am making sure to take my work out very seriously in order to make this journey a positive one for me. Today, my “off” day was a great day to rest. With all the rain and cloudiness, I was able to focus on some cleaning, some writing, some playing and reading books with the boys. But I also took some time to stretch, to take on a push up challenge, do some sit ups (100) and lift some weights. And when I felt like an after dinner treat, I reached for some grapes and a glass of water.
Cause here’s the skinny: I’m thinking ahead. I have a dinner party later this week, and will be traveling this weekend. If I am going to eat that one decadent treat, it sure as hell won’t be a stupid crumpled up cookie from the cupboard!
Lastly, someone thought I would feel like crap today after having walked/run a total of 7 miles yesterday. Not only so I feel wonderful, flexible, and even a bit light (though I doubt I have lost much weight at all in 4 days), but my mood is happy, my confidence is sky high, and I am really loving my new venture.
This is the picture of a woman whose day started full of praises. I took this right after coming back from my morning workout today.
I slept in a little later and lingered in bed to cuddle with hubby before finally getting up to go for my morning walk. My legs were a little sore this morning from yesterday’s workout, but hubby massaged my feet and I was ready to go.
Have I told you how much I am loving these morning hours to myself? Well, today was no different. It was about 8:40 when I left the apt, but the neighborhood was still quiet. As I made my walk up the first steep hill, I felt strong and full of energy, and suddenly that voice, I’ll call her “The Runner” started talking and she brought to mind something I said in yesterday’s post. Specifically, I said this:
“...I started feeling stronger, and I could feel The Runner in me wanting to come out. But I know I’m not ready yet. Too much weight, too soon.“
“Why do you doubt yourself? Why do you limit yourself? Give it a try! How can you say no without trying?”, over and over she keep talking to me, reprimanding me for having thought these things.
Next thing I knew I went from a fast walk, to a slow jog. It just took over, and come so naturally. I jogged up what is the second of a series of hills along the way. Then I stopped jogging at the top of the hill and started speed walking again. “My knee! My knee! I don’t want to injure my knee!” I thought nervously.
Then I saw her. A woman in her 40s maybe. I’ll call her “The Lady in Purple“. She passed me by with a slow jog. I don’t now why I didn’t take a picture of her as she passed me, something told me I should, but I didn’t. The Runner started talking again, “See her? You can do this! C’mon!” It wasn’t jealousy, it wasn’t competitiveness…it was something else, like encouragement almost. At this point I entered the park, next I knew I was jogging again. I noticed a red robin jumping from branch to branch on the trees I passed, chirping loudly, almost as if it were cheering me on.
I felt amazing. Strong. Able. The morning breeze caressed my face as I jogged along the wall overlooking the Hudson River. It was gorgeous. Then I hit the third uphill. I had a great pace, I felt good, but my knee was definitely making itself known…not in a painful way, but enough to have me insecure, nervous. I started doubting my ability again, even though I was still keeping a good, slow pace. All of a sudden, there she was, The Lady in Purple, coming at me, still jogging. She smiled at me and said, “Great job! You’re doing great! Fabulous!”
”Thank you!”, I replied as we quickly passed each other.
Seriously, she made the rest of that hill, including the killer hill from yesterday, just float by because I couldn’t stop smiling. She filled me with so much confidence and pride that it just gave me strength to finish the loop around the park with a jog, which turns out is a little over a mile. This, combined to my walk from and to my apt is a about 3.5 miles.
I exited the park and walked, not wanting to push too hard on the first day, but when I got to the last hill, the absolute steepest hill, leading to Bennett Park, I jogged it. This hill had my exhaling out load…it felt as if my chest was going to pop, my thighs were burning, but I needed to do it, and I did.
The remainder of the walk home, about 10 blocks, I walked briskly and full with a sense of accomplishment. About 3 blocks away from my home, I slowed down my pace to cool off. A Puerto Rican man started walking alongside me. “You looked great! Good job!” Any other day, I would’ve been annoyed, but today, I was opened for the praises.
“Thanks!”, I replied.
“You know, I used to weigh 300 lbs, I was huge. I couldn’t breath, move, nothing. Then I took control of my life and started working out and look at me! I have muscles and feel great!” Though not an attractive man, he did look physically fit and muscular. I smiled, “Congratulations! That’s a great accomplishment.”
“Good luck to you,” he said as he started to slow down his pace, “but don’t worry too much, you look great!”
I couldn’t help but smile.
This was how I started my day. And the confidence and motivation carried itself throughout the day. So much so, that towards the end of my day, I stretched for about 20 minutes before going for another walk/run around the park. My legs are sore, so I didn’t push it too hard, but since tomorrow is my “off” day, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to go for one more round.
I thought of The Lady in Purple, and how great she was, how I would love for her to be my friend forever and ever. I’ve named that hill where she filled me with praise and encouragement “Her Hill” and will think of her every time I run it.
And here’s the skinny: I will run it every time, because I can.
I woke up today a little later, around 8AM and was ready for my walk. Hubs cheered me on as I got dressed, “Go Baby! Go!” and I replied, “I’m excited to go!” And man was I. I found a new joy. The joy of having that 1hr, all alone, to myself, for myself. It’s HUGE because I never get it otherwise.
I headed out and the morning was gorgeous. Despite it being later, the fact that it was a weekend morning meant the neighborhood was also getting to a late start. It was great.
My new sneakers are awesome! So comfy, so great. I powered walked hard today. I could feel my butt muscles (wow, I have some back there!) and my thigh muscles working overtime. Joggers and walkers surrounded me, and it was inspiring.
I walked past tons of trees with these pink and white flowers blossoming on them. I don’t know what they are called, but they are taking over the city and I love it!
As I walked into the park and around the Cloisters Museum, I started feeling stronger, and I could feel the runner in me wanting to come out. But I know I’m not ready yet. Too much weight, too soon. But I conquered those hills with ferocity. Then I came across this one hill. It’s right before (or after, depending on where you are coming from) The New Leaf Cafe. I know the hill well. For many years, as an avid runner, I conquered this hill. It’s just one of those hills that looks unpresuming until you run it, you reach the top and if out of shape (such as myself) it tends to push you down a little. I walked down the hill, but on my way back decided to go up it with a slow jog.
When I reached the top with a jog I couldn’t help but smile to myself. It just felt so good to do that! Of course, I was out of breath and the dang bad knee came to life, but I didn’t care. I needed to do it.
As I excited the park I saw a group of women outside of the park and remembered that they have a walking group that gets together a few times a week. I don’t think I would do well in a group like that, just cause I am not very chatty when working out, well, except in my own head to myself!
I got home and felt like a million bucks, a sweaty million bucks. I had my shake, did my push ups and sit ups, had a small breakfast, showered and headed out.
I allowed myself to indulge in a gyro at our adventure, but nothing else…which was fine because it was enough. Once I got home later this afternoon, I walked out with Hubs and drank the milk straight out of a coconut. It is, like I mentioned in my previous post, one of the great things about living where I do.
I loved it. It was cheap, filling, and so, so, so good. Hubs doesn’t care for it, I guess it must be an acquired taste, but I LOVE it!
The boys wanted to order Chinese food for dinner. I ordered chicken with broccoli and ate it without the rice. And here’s the skinny: the healthy snack an hour before, even though it was liquid, curved my hunger enough at dinner time that even with all the stuff in front of me (sushi rolls included) it wasn’t hard for me to avoid them at all because the broccoli and chicken were really enough.
I won’t lie: I am sore. My arms, my waist, my back, my legs…I feel them! But I stretch before I go to bed, when I wake up before my walks, after my walks, and a couple of times in between and I feel WONDERFUL. Today was a bit hard at being out around so many delicious treats, but I kept thinking about that hill, and how I took it on, maybe not with as much strength as in the past, but still did it. I wasn’t going to let anything stop me now!
Today was my “off” day, but that just sounds silly really because there really is no off day. I slept till 8:00AM…like a log. I was so tired once my head hit the pillow.
I got up, had a protein shake, and really, it’s not much…like 6oz of water and 1.5 scoop of this strawberry protein drink, but man it’s filling. I did some stretching, some arm work with the band and some push ups and sit ups. That’s about it. Seems that unless I get to this part of my routine earlier, or we get a bigger place where I can have my own space, I am destined to working out to Dora. I sat on my mat in the living room, set my legs for a nice touch-the-toe stretch and then my 2.5 year old sat between my legs to cuddle (sigh). After a brief moment of cuddling and love, I was able to complete what I needed to do.
Breakfast consisted of a small bowl of cereal, some honey flake thing. Hit the spot.
We set out to enjoy the beautiful day and before I knew it WHAM! Hunger. I looked at the time. 1:00PM. I so suck at eating!!! The boys were hungry too (poor things) and the opportunity came to make a decision on what to do. I looked around me: a Starbucks, a pizzeria, a Dunkin Doughnuts, a chinese food restaurant, a diner, McDonalds, and a fruit market. I walked to the fruit market and picked up some melons, strawberries, apples, trail mix (not including the chocolate pieces), water, and yogurt.
We went to the park, had a moment and ate our snacks. Between the melons and the trail mix and water I felt completely satisfied, but in addition to that, so thrilled that I made the right choice even when faced with debilitating hunger (ok, ok…it wasn’t debilitating…but it was pretty intense!).
As we made our walk back home, I realized I am surrounded with bad choices, but even more great choices for those moments of unexpected hunger, especially in my neighborhood, and especially during warm weather. The choices are your basic fruits, but can also include pineapples, mangos, coconuts, papayas! It’s like they bring the island to me! And here’s the skinny: they are cheap!
I got home, I wasn’t eager to snack before dinner (which I often do) because I wasn’t hungry.
Dinner was pasta tonight. But I skipped the pasta part. Turns out what I and my family loves about my pasta dishes are the flavorful sauces I serve them with. So, I steamed some veggies, made my salad (this time with a light Caesar dressing) and had the Italian sausages with chopped tomatoes WITHOUT the pasta. I didn’t feel at all that I missed out, because I was enjoying the best part of the dish and had plenty of greens to go with it and fill me up. Dinner, once again, was wonderful. I was pretty pleased.
Oh yeah…but it’s not ALL about food either. I went to Modell’s to get another pair of sneakers because the pair I had previously bought turned out to be too uncomfortable and gave me a blister. I got my sneakers, tried them on, ran with them, jumped with them…and they are perfect. But then I also had a chance to satisfy this “fever” I have going on with Converse (hehehehe). I mean, I was there, right? What’s a tomboy to do? So, this is what I walked out with…oh yeah and a pedometer.
My goal is to get one in every color. I mean, seriously, no need to walk around all monotone when I am out on one of my adventures.
This weekend should be interesting. Part of what I do is taste foods at different places. Can’t stop doing that! Let’s see how I can make it work. Wish me luck!
I woke up at 6:45 AM today. That is, by far, the earliest I have voluntarilly woken up in a very long time. Hubs gently indicated it was time, I stretched, and quickly got up.
First thing I did before getting dressed was check this blog and I saw the wonderful messages waiting for me. I have to say, they really were encouraging. I was up, and was going, but those messages helped to animate me even more. So, thank you!
The walk was awesome. It was a great morning, the sun was out, but still lazy, its rays not giving out full intensity of heat just yet. I was going to listen to music, but my iPod wasn’t charged up. It was for the best. The silence of my walk was amazing. I am always with the boys and rarely ever get alone time. I didn’t think about how much I would appreciate the silence. The alone time. I loved it! I took these photos as I walked through (never stopping) just to share some of what I was experiencing (if you follow my other blog, then you know I love expression through photography, though these were taken with my iPhone so not as great).
Once I got home, I had a protein drink and popped in a cardio and weight training DVD, but before I got the to the weight training part the little ones got up and wanted to monopolize the T.V. (story of our lives), so because I know the DVD already, and have done weight training in the past, I proceeded with lifting the weights, and doing the reps, while watching Dora the Explorer with the boys. I did this for 30 minutes.
When I finally got hungry for breakfast I hit a psychological wall…a wall of habitual oppositions, if you will. My mind wanted a healthy breakfast, no carbs, my body craved sweetened cafe con leche and toasted buttered bread. But willpower is an amazing thing. I scrambled some eggs (2), took some left over salad from last night’s dinner and cut up some strawberries. Here’s the skinny: not only did it look pretty, it tasted great and I didn’t feel weighed down afterwards! I loved it!
I didn’t get hungry again (thanks to the protein drinks-one more before lunch) till about 1:00PM. Yes, I am an awful eater. I forget, or don’t do it because I am busy, or wait too long. I’m the worst at eating at good times. So, adding that to my list of goals.
I allowed myself to have a bit of rice, and chicken, also left over from the night before. I usually don’t lunch like this at all, but it actually reminded me of the days when I lived in the Dominican Republic as a teen and this is exactly how we lunched…and then dinner consisted of something much, much lighter. Good thing to note as obesity among Dominicans on the island is nothing like it is here in the States.
Dinner was no carbs, consisted of even more greens and salmon. Again, LOVED it. Mainly because I was full, but not heavy.
I am a little sore from my walk, but will stretch a bit before I go to bed in a few. I feel amazing. I wasn’t sleepy at all during the day and felt really, really good and positive. I ate more green in one day then I have in a long time, and the result was feeling light after my meals, but satisfied.
Tomorrow I will head out to the market and buy more greens as I have decided this will make up most of what I eat.
Great start! So excited!
P.S. A darling friend read this blog, and I inspired her to start her own blog on her journey to health! Join me in cheering her on! Congrats Bella Amiga! I am so excited for you as well! Much love.
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