Fast forward 366 (or 367-wasn't it a leap year last year?) days: I ran 3 miles this morning at 6AM. It was kinda trippy (almost literally) because I didn't wear my contacts or glasses, on the suggestion of my Dad. I thought I almost ran into a curled-up snake, but on closer examination it was just a dead bird. I stopped once, so my time was a little slower than my usual turtle pace, but I was ok with it. And I got back in time to not be late for work.
This past year hasn't been easy, but it also hasn't been nearly as hard as I thought it would be, as I had told myself it would be for many years. At the beginning of last summer, I set out to lose 10 lbs. I enrolled in a twice-weekly aerobics class at the university, and went to the gym twice a week. Though the aerobics class was challenging, I enjoyed moving, sweating, and feeling like I was doing something. The university gym was nice because it was summer and only a fraction of the student population was on campus. Thus, no lines for machines or general crowded-ness. So...I set out to lose 10 lbs. and I lost about 20. I went down at least one dress size, and when I went to visit family in August, everyone commented that I looked a little smaller. Success for part 1.
When school started again in the fall (the second year of my master's program), I re-enrolled in the aerobics class and continued going to the gym twice a week. I also decided that, after the aerobics course was over in early November, I would start running. And I did. A friend lent me The Runner's Handbook by Bob Glover, which has great plans to get started and to increase your mileage. Slowly, I built up to running 20 minutes, then 30. Then I developed runner's knee mid-Februrary, which sidelined me for a couple of weeks. I considered going to a physical therapist, but it just wasn't feasible on my grad school budget. So I just iced and ibuprofen-ed (and still do), and slowly started adding distance again. I continued to lose weight and inches. On Saturday, April 18, I competed in my first 5K. In the rain. Which wasn't so bad, though I smelled like a wet dog afterwards. Two weeks later, I ran the Schlotzsky's Bun Run 5K with my Dad, who has been running for 30+ years. We definitely ran faster than I would have alone, but I'm happy with that because now I know I can push myself further than I thought I could. Later this year, I plan on training for and completing longer races.
During this time, I've also worked on nutrition. I don't count calories, but just pay attention to what I eat. If I've had a big lunch, then maybe I'll just have a salad for dinner. I still love sweets, but only really eat them if I'm not at home. I don't buy ice cream, cookies, or candy from the store. This way, I view a sweet as a special treat to be purchased individually (no more Chick-fil-a shakes!). I've largely switched over to whole wheat grains, and I eat fruits everyday. Overall, I think my strategy has been to just eat less of things, and not stress and nitpick about what I eat. Otherwise, I'd overthink it and sabotage myself. I do allow myself treats, but in moderation.
So, here I am. One year and 67 lbs later. Sometimes I think that it's sad that I had that much weight to lose (and still more). But things happen, life happens, and you work through them and do what you need to do to thrive. I've learned many things over the past year:
- Exercising and weight loss is 90% mental. I think everyone has to overcome whatever mental road block they've set up for themselves in order to be able to commit to any type of plan or program. For some reason, the "physical activity roadblock" switch got turned off in my head a year ago, and I've been able to commit to my goals moreso than previous attempts.
- You really have to do what works for you. What works for me probably won't work for everyone. Some people really need to count calories or exercise with someone for support, so if that works for you, then go for it. My introvert tendencies lead me to prefer working out or running alone. That's just what works for me. If you choose to follow a plan, such as Weight Watchers, or South Beach, or Biggest Loser, don't be afraid to alter it and make sure it works for your pace and progress level. Otherwise, you could become discouraged at not making some prescribed goal.
- Concentrate on being healthly, not being cute or thin. I've got diabetes on both sides of my family, so I knew that I was going to be a matter of when, not if, I was diagnosed if I didn't do something about it. I was also beginning to have trouble with my joints from carrying around so much weight on a 5' 3" frame. These aren't problems that one should be facing at 25 years of age. Once you're on your way to health, the weight loss will follow.
- What's the hurry? It took me at least 7 years to put on all this weight (probably more), so I'm in no huge rush to take it off. While I do have a goal weight in mind, I don't have a goal date. I'll reach maintenance when I reach it.
