Now what…? |
It’s now weeks 8-9 of our Best Life Diet and in some ways I feel like I’m being set adrift. Will I sink or swim?
I’ve lost a total of 9 1/2 pounds. Changed habits that were set in stone for a long time (eating at night–all night; eating regularly; eating when hungry–not just bored, etc.). What concerns me most? Exercising as consistently and vigorously as I have for the past 9 weeks.
Why am I concerned? We are now in a stage called maintenance. Until last Sunday we worked out with a trainer and the hardest part for me was just showing up. Yes, the workouts were tough, but once I was dressed, in my car, at the gym, on the treadmill, I knew I would be there for 1 whole hour. I would get through it and feel great afterwards. No turning back. There was an expert, our trainer Greg, or one of his associates, making sure that our workout was complete. They would push me past my discomfort and I’d do it! Ever single time. For 9 whole weeks.
Today was the first day I had to push myself. No one was counting on me to be there. No one planned out my workout. I’m not a member of a gym but do have a workout room in my building. Small but efficient. So I went downstairs and got on the treadmill. I decided to do cardio first. One minute of running at 5.5 mph followed by 30 seconds of rest. I repeated this for 20 minutes. The only companion I had with me was Justin Timberlake. Thanks, Justin. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Next, I knew I had to do some weight resistance. There’s a small weight machine with various stations and weight plates. I set the weights at a level that would be difficult but do-able and pushed myself past the comfort zone. Was I as tough on myself as Greg? No, not quite–but I did push myself.
But I’m still nervous. I have to keep up what I started nine weeks ago or I’ll be back where I was before I started. That’s reality. And there’s only one person that can make that happen now. Guess who?
Mary Ellen’s journal entry really resonated with me. Keeping motivated now is necessary but not as easy because we’re close to graduation. We’ve all been working towards this and now we have to take what we’ve learned and do it forever. I’m being pushed out of the nest so I can fly. I know I can but I do feel some resistance. Any suggestions?
