Small Slice

I woke up this morning already exhausted... the last few days have been filled with family visits and the chance to hang out with one of my long-time friends and her darling family.  I have to confess - I've been unable to keep up the training pace of 30 minutes run/walk interval stuff I set for myself.  My shin splints are back, and I'm moping, instead of refocusing my attention.  I'm still managing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, but I clearly need more.

Then, I clicked over to Steph's blog, and saw that she's laying down some simple fitness challenges for her readers.  I apparently need someone bossing me around, because I got all excited about yesterday's weight challenge, and even did three laps of my house crab-walking.  For the remainder of the Month of Motivation, I'm going to put my daily exercise stats at the bottom of each entry.

I've been eating well, and moving well.  I feel my muscles working as I move around, and I'm already stronger and more flexible.  I just wish the scale would make a dramatic move.

Mel is all about Naked Weight Loss Blogging...I agree that there is no running from the truth, and admitting how far we need to go, and where we are at now is powerful motivation.

That is, if you are a normal person.  Less than a month ago, I returned home from a vacation, and cringed my way through every photo I appeared in.  I am fat.  There is no sugar coating it.  Here's where it gets tough for me, though.  I have been working out, and eating well, and I've seen a change in my overall shape, no matter what the scale says.  I feel...well, not thin, but sassy.

And here is where I fail.  Every diet.  Every time.  Instead of embracing the sass and moving forward with the diet, I trumpet the modest success I've achieved, and begin to slip back to my old habits.  I feel the pull of that desire to just be okay with myself, with being heavy, with Big Slice panties, because it is surprisingly easy to like myself.  Unless I see it, I don't connect myself with the fat photographs. 

Not this time. Not this time. 

Let's hear your fitness challenges - I'm looking for quick, simple activities that I can do with the kids.

Day 18:  I've lost five pounds.  I've managed my eating.  I've exercised and even felt "the burn."  And although I'd love to just hit the drive-thru for a milkshake to celebrate, I'm going to take a photograph to remember why I have to keep going. 

Today's exercise:  20 minutes on the mini-trampoline, mostly jumping.  30 squats with 30 pounds total weight.  30 straight legged deadlifts with 30 pounds total weight.  30 calf raises with 15 pounds total weight.  50 crunches on the swiss ball, followed by 25 oblique crunches, each side on the swiss ball.  Then, ten lunatic minutes crab walking around my house at top speed, laughing like a loon.  Before bed, I'll do 25 minutes of yoga (my P.M. yoga tape)