Murrieta Mud Run September 2011
As you probably know from my previous posts, I am big on setting small goals to keep myself moving toward my ultimate goal, a more flabulous me. These goals help me maintain my motivation on a daily basis. For example, because I have set a goal of running at least one long or difficult run a month, when my alarm goes off at 5 AM each morning I get up out of bed instead of rolling over for more sleep. If I don't get my training in, I know my monthly races will be more difficult for me. Usually I set meaningful and healthy goals for myself, however, sometimes I need to look at my goals and rethink them--is this goal an appropriate one for me at this time?
In September 2011, I decided that I would set a goal of being 145 pounds by my 45th birthday. Well I am almost exactly one month from that milestone and I can tell you right now that I will not be be 145 on June 10th. In fact, I am pretty much the same exact weight I was a year ago. My body seems to be comfortable at 170, and because I set that goal of 145 by 45, it would appear that I have failed to meet my goal. But I think my failure is in setting that weight goal in the first place. The scale has always been my enemy, and once again I let it draw me in. I am actually not a failure, because I have visible proof that I have made incredible progress.
In September 2011, I decided that I would set a goal of being 145 pounds by my 45th birthday. Well I am almost exactly one month from that milestone and I can tell you right now that I will not be be 145 on June 10th. In fact, I am pretty much the same exact weight I was a year ago. My body seems to be comfortable at 170, and because I set that goal of 145 by 45, it would appear that I have failed to meet my goal. But I think my failure is in setting that weight goal in the first place. The scale has always been my enemy, and once again I let it draw me in. I am actually not a failure, because I have visible proof that I have made incredible progress.
Sophie (in all blue next to me) and I running Chelsea's Run in San Diego
Look at the picture to the left (I am the one in the foreground with knee supports). If you compare this photo to the mud run photo above, I have made incredible progress. My legs are more defined, and despite the fact that I have a long-sleeved shirt tied around my waist, my back end is much smaller than before. I am truly the poster child for why people really need to use measurements other than weight to track their success.
Last year at this time, I was able to fit into a few size 10 pants, but they were quite snug on me. Now those same pants fit me just right. My shirt size was a women's medium, and lately some of these same medium shirts are a little baggy on me.
The scale does not show my progress at all despite the fact that I have lost inches over the last year. The biggest change is in my hips, where I have lost a total of 2 1/2 inches. I also lost an inch and a quarter from my arms--must be all the Crossfit workouts. I also lost about 3/4 of an inch from my legs. I guess running all those miles over the last year has really paid off. So while the scale has not budged, the tape measure has become my new best friend.
However, I do know that I am not where I want to be yet. I have areas between my belly button and knees that I have to improve. My running will give me the cardio I need to make progress, and the Crossfit will help me firm up the still flabby areas. I need to reassess how I am going to monitor my progress this next year, so one thing I decided to do was to purchase a bikini--size 8/10 to be exact. The bikini actually fits me, but reveals all the areas on my body that can really use work. I had Sean take photos of me in this bikini from the front, back, and sides (and no, I will not be sharing these anytime soon). This will be my visual assessment of my progress. I will also use the current inch measurements of my body to accurately gauge my progress, so if the scale doesn't move I can know that I am on the right track.
I will not be 145 pounds a month from now, and I am okay with this fact. I continue to make improvements to the shape of my body, and I am healthier and stronger than I have been in years. I am happy with the new me. I am hoping that by this time next year I will still be running my crazy races, pushing myself with my Crossfit workouts, and that I will be rocking my new bikini in public instead of hiding and wearing it in my backyard where I won't scare anyone.
And as a kick-off to my newly redefined goals I will be going on an early morning 10-mile Mother's Day run, and then sneaking back into bed for my yearly breakfast in bed pampering from my husband and kids. Happy Mother's Day everyone!
Last year at this time, I was able to fit into a few size 10 pants, but they were quite snug on me. Now those same pants fit me just right. My shirt size was a women's medium, and lately some of these same medium shirts are a little baggy on me.
The scale does not show my progress at all despite the fact that I have lost inches over the last year. The biggest change is in my hips, where I have lost a total of 2 1/2 inches. I also lost an inch and a quarter from my arms--must be all the Crossfit workouts. I also lost about 3/4 of an inch from my legs. I guess running all those miles over the last year has really paid off. So while the scale has not budged, the tape measure has become my new best friend.
However, I do know that I am not where I want to be yet. I have areas between my belly button and knees that I have to improve. My running will give me the cardio I need to make progress, and the Crossfit will help me firm up the still flabby areas. I need to reassess how I am going to monitor my progress this next year, so one thing I decided to do was to purchase a bikini--size 8/10 to be exact. The bikini actually fits me, but reveals all the areas on my body that can really use work. I had Sean take photos of me in this bikini from the front, back, and sides (and no, I will not be sharing these anytime soon). This will be my visual assessment of my progress. I will also use the current inch measurements of my body to accurately gauge my progress, so if the scale doesn't move I can know that I am on the right track.
I will not be 145 pounds a month from now, and I am okay with this fact. I continue to make improvements to the shape of my body, and I am healthier and stronger than I have been in years. I am happy with the new me. I am hoping that by this time next year I will still be running my crazy races, pushing myself with my Crossfit workouts, and that I will be rocking my new bikini in public instead of hiding and wearing it in my backyard where I won't scare anyone.
And as a kick-off to my newly redefined goals I will be going on an early morning 10-mile Mother's Day run, and then sneaking back into bed for my yearly breakfast in bed pampering from my husband and kids. Happy Mother's Day everyone!
At the finish line of Chelsea's Run with Sophie
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