It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint.

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It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

February 7, 2010

Not long ago, one friend quoted another, telling me, “Losing as much weight as you intend to is a big job. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You can do it. Don’t get discouraged.”

It isn’t a big job. It’s a huge job. It’s a job of gargantuan proportions.

I don’t have anything exciting to share this week. I gained a pound, but I lost a half inch around my thigh.

I have a routine, and it’s working for me.

Failures

We went to a family function, and I ate more than I should have. I had 2 desserts. On the other hand, I ignored the two 2-liter bottles of soda pop on the table. That’s a huge success for me.
I still haven’t finished The Spark.
I still haven’t re-started my food journal.
I feel like I’m in a plateau because I haven’t done those two things. I really need to make time for them.

Successes

I could copy and paste what I wrote last week.

It’s been a month, and I’m still managing. I’m still working my plan, and I’m still on track for my goal. That is a huge success for me.

I’m staying the course.

Exercise is getting easier. Instead of the every other day plan I thought I needed, I’ve been exercising two days and resting one day. It makes me happy to be able to do that.
I’m moving up from Easy workouts on the EA Sports Active to Medium workouts. Tomorrow if my first Medium day, so if I disappear forever, you’ll know it’s because the medium workout killed me.
Just kidding.
Mostly.
I’m drinking and drinking and drinking, mostly brewed iced tea, but some water, too.
No migraines this week!
More energy, less exhaustion!
I have repeatedly passed up candy and other goodies, and I feel great about being able to do that. (Even better – I haven’t missed them!)

I almost didn’t write this post because I feel like I’m saying the same things week after week. That’s what a marathon is, right? You have to do the same thing over and over and over again until you get where you want to be.

I’m one step closer today than I was yesterday.

Where are you at this week? How’s healthy living going for you?

Happily submitted to Mamavation Monday

Photo courtesy of Renne Ville

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Trish said:

that is right…need to take it slow…even if we want to sprint to the finish…slowly will get us there and keep us there…you are doing fabulous!!

# 8 February 2010 at 5:11 am

Amy Thue said:

So awesome that you didn't have any migraines this week. That can be a huge problem when you are trying to eat healthy and exercise. You are doing a great job. And you are right it is a marathon, it takes time, patience and perseverance. I know you can do. I know we all can do it! Keep doing what you are doing and you will continue to get closer to your goals!!!

# 8 February 2010 at 5:59 am

colleen_mouse said:

I love the post…and glad you wrote it…we are all definitely getting closer and closer to that finish line!

# 8 February 2010 at 9:32 am

kia said:

This is a marathon and not a sprint. Keep your posts redundant if what you are doing is working, consistency serves as a great role model for others. What you write is valuable to others! Keep it up and I hope next week sees more successes.

# 8 February 2010 at 1:58 pm

SuburbHouseWife said:

Isn't it great how we feel after our workouts and maybe sometimes while we do em, hehe. I am glad to hear that you haven't had any migraines this week and you feel physically better. I love listening to my body..it's the only way to know what you need to do to make it happy. Don't worry bout repeating yourself, still like to know what you are up to. Great job!

# 8 February 2010 at 3:56 pm

Bookieboo said:

Don't get discouraged. I want you to focus on small goals. LIke 3-5 lbs. and not the total of what you ahve to lose. The weight gain might be the added activity and muscle gain…which is what I”m thinking if you have lost inches. You wanna look skinnier, right? When muscle weighs more than fat, that might be what is happening. XXOO

# 8 February 2010 at 10:09 pm

Heather said:

You CAN do this. I believe in you! One foot in front of the other, both literally and figuratively.

# 9 February 2010 at 1:19 pm

FeelsLikeHomeBlog (author) said:

Yes. I CAN. I'm feeling good about it at this point. Exercise is getting easier, and I'm developing a routine. I just don't have much to write about where it is concerned.

# 9 February 2010 at 5:52 pm

katie_sailorsprincesss said:

I'm still trying to read the Spark too, i hope to have it at least done by the end of the month.

# 11 February 2010 at 9:21 am

wholelivinggal said:

Great to read an update! Real change is just that – the same thing week after week. Certainly what discipline is, whether it's physical or spiritual or whatever. Your story is inspiring! Keep up the great work – look at those AMAZING changes you've made (the inches, the weight loss, but also no migraines!! wowsers!) and the great choices you're making every day (saying no to pop – that's huge!). You are on a roll, for sure…even if it feels like the same spin over and over.

# 11 February 2010 at 11:02 am

katie_sailorsprincesss said:

I'm still trying to read the Spark too, i hope to have it at least done by the end of the month.

# 11 February 2010 at 5:21 pm

wholelivinggal said:

# 11 February 2010 at 7:02 pm