Today, my chers, I participated in my first 5K. I participated as a walker, not a runner, but to be honest, I never anticipated myself even thinking of doing one–let alone actually doing it. It doesn’t matter that I only walked it, because in my mind I’m a champion who ran the distance, did the impossible, jumped in to something new.
I’m proud of myself. The fella is proud of me. I did something new.
The 5K just marks another little line of changes in my life. In some way, they’ve been a bit easier to do these past few weeks and months, especially with the faux beau away.
I’ve been making small changes here and there– using my Lose It application (on the iPhone) more regularly to get myself in a healthy calorie consumption range, really paying attention to what I’m putting in to my body. It excites me to see the days I hit 24 or more grams of fiber, to see my sodium levels and how they change.
I just bought a scale in fact, and it’s a marvel to see how weight is so fluid and irrelevant– a woman’s weight can fluctuate 7 pounds around her period– so why make a big deal if I lose or gain 3, so long as I feel good? I like the scientific aspect of it, the charts and plotting a course, like it’s a journey and I can pick my excursions and destinations.
I like having a structure for change, much like I love poetry prompts and workbooks, not because I have to follow them religiously, but rather because I can think more broadly and creatively when I challenge myself in some way. A calorie count makes my eating in to a puzzle, a challenge to fit in everything I love, want, and need in the day in a challenging way–it doesn’t restrict me or force me to cut out my loves, but makes me find a way to balance them in moderation (it also makes me cut out emotional eating and boredom snacking!). The fella and I have horrible hedonistic streaks, especially when it comes to our eating, so practicing moderation is good for my mind and spirit, as well as my body.
This past week I went over my calorie count almost every day– sometimes by as little as 20, sometimes as much as 400. But as a told one of my ladies– at the end of the week, will I remember I went over my calories? Or will I remember eating lunch with my girlfriend after her honeymoon, brunch with a coworker who is leaving, or having a huge & delicious brunch after my first 5K?
I think we know the answer to that question.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
So happy for you! :D
I definitely think that the road to being healthier should be paved with trying to FEEL better, not focusing on numbers – whether that number is weight, BMI (I believe you already know how I feel about BMI!), inches off your waist, whatever.
Michelle´s last blog ..Taking a few days off
Congratulations :) It is a huge achievement! The longest running event I did was 10km, but I didn’t run continuously, and there were long periods of walking. That said, I have been as active as a potato this year and would struggle to run 1km!
You’re definitely on the right track with your thoughts about scale&weight – I don’t use one at all anymore because they are so rediculous.
Bisous
Alana Ekerplay´s last blog ..Make-Over!!!
Congrats, my dear!!! And yes, you should only focus on what you feel. Too much emphasis on numbers can only lead to unhealthy obsession and no one wants that.
Alicia´s last blog ..Jingle Jangle
excellent, excellent… you know walking 5k IS a big deal, it’s getting out there that counts…and in the beginning getting out there is probably one of the hardest things you do.
i really enjoyed reading this, as i totally agree with sharing time with people is just as important as your calorie intake. also, making small shifts of awareness are easier to become habits than bold moves that are hard to maintain.
jennine´s last blog ..A Love Letter to a Jetson’s Silver Skirt
Please add me to the I’m proud of you list!
I am! (as I’m clapping for you)
I love how peaceful you seem about all of this. It’s a big inspiration to someone that has felt frustrated at her non-loss of pounds. <3
Jennifer Nicole´s last blog ..Aquired Aesthetics: Maris Naturals
Well done on your 5k, that’s amazing!
You sound like you’re doing amazingly well, making changes for life rather than dieting, and focusing on how you feel rather than look, which is definately the way to do it I think! :o)
Retro Chick´s last blog ..What are you Wearing? Wedding Number Two….
congrats, sweetie! Running is super fun eventually, but you have to work at it for awhile to build endurance. Another thing to keep in mind is that after your probably 10-15 minute warm up period in a run, it actually gets easier. Also, go with a friend, it’s so much more fun that way and you can motivate each other!
Shay´s last blog ..The Volume