Final weigh in

So I have not won the work-based Biggest Loser Challenge and I realized why.

Not because I didn’t lose weight, I did – nearly six per cent of my body weight – and not because I didn’t get smaller – I did, I nearly dropped an entire size and I think I look much better- but because I wasn’t in it to win the money.

When the challenge started I used it as a chance to kick off some lifestyle changes I procrastinated making – back to running more often, choosing some not-so-carb-heavy-cheese-covered lunches and drinking more water.

Others started to lose weight with their eye on the money at the end. The person that one looks like they’ve been starving themselves, 15 per cent of their weight and they were not very big to begin with. His first goal? Is to gain weight back.

Now, I don’t think he broke the rules (nor am I made because I should I have one – I think I was 8^th overall), but I feel like that wasn’t the point. The point was a health challenge. I guess that has been people’s argument with the show, The Biggest Loser, also.

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Giving my body a chance to catch up

For the first time in a long time I took a break. This week I went four days (in a row) without a workout.

Monday and Tuesday were full of headaches and just generally not feeling great. I managed to run 2 K on Tuesday afternoon my with each step my head pounded louder. It was not a good plan.

So I took Wednesday off, I didn’t even feel bad about it. Then something came up at work Thursday, I didn’t get a chance to run – it nearly made me hysterical. I realized that probably was not a good response, especially considering I still wasn’t feeling great.

Friday something else came up and I had that initial moment of panic – nearly decided to blow off a many-hundreds-of-dollars-a-ticket fundraiser I was supposed to attend.

Then I made my peace, I realized that every once and a while your body needs a break. I didn’t do anything today either (save for a pedicure) and I’m okay with it. Saturdays are usually a rest day for me and that’s what it was. I’ll start tomorrow strong and go from there.

So if you feel like you need a break, it’s okay to give yourself permission to do it.

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Keeping fit in the cold … or rather not so much

It’s after Christmas and I would argue that is one of THE most important times to be going to the gym. I mean not only did I eat more food than normal, I drank more than normal and the food and drink I was having was significantly richer than what I am used to. Not to mention starting tomorrow and lasting between two and four weeks the gym will be packed with people who are trying to keep the same New Years resolution as last year … “go to the gym,” “lose weight” etc.

Not that I don’t encourage these people, but they inevitably clog my gym space.

However, instead of going to the gym, I’m not leaving my house. Not because I don’t want to go … but the temperature is so cold – in the colder than -40 C range – so I cannot bring myself to walk to the gym.

I’ve been doing some home-based workouts. I’ve restarted the 30 day ab challenge and been practicing more yoga, but if this cold blast continues, I am going to get bored fast. Anyone have any suggestions for things to do at home?

 

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Going stir crazy: three mornings and no workout

Wednesday was a rest day – that’s allowed, it’s all good.

Yesterday morning, I wake up at 6 a.m. and head to the pool – my swim stuff was packed the night before – get there, the pool is closed for cleaning. The lady at the front desk suggests the weight room, which would have been fine except I would feel really awkward working out in my bathing suit and flip flops.

This morning, I wake up at 5:15 a.m. to get to the gym and get some cardio in before I see my personal trainer at 6 a.m. Get to the gym, it’s locked. Someone has forgotten they are working this morning.  Figuring my personal trainer will show up at some point, I wait, and wait and wait, at 6:15, I throw in the towel and walk home.

I’ll run tonight, but three days without a workout is not good! Soon my body will start thinking this slacking off is permanent.

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On being wild – in which I leave unwashed dishes overnight

I’m a wild woman.

As per the instructions of my therapist (in an effort to increase the self love) I was to leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.

I did! And it was no big thing (ish).

And this morning, I’m skipping my workout (erm, until this afternoon – and that’s mainly so I can do the couple of dishes that I left).

There is no stopping me now! Even though I haven’t quite made it out for my guilt free dessert, I know that will come.

Also this morning – Google gives a shout out to the composer Claude Debussy with Claire du lune, the piece I am currently learning on the piano – that’s a good omen right?

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