I won’t be running in a 5K on Thanksgiving Day.
Back in June, I stated publicly on this blog that I had set as a goal to run in the Giblet Jog 5K. I stated it again in August.
But I won’t be able to participate.
The reason I won’t be able to participate is quite simple: I didn’t prepare.
I allowed my procrastination to get the better of me and kept putting off starting an exercise program that would have gotten me on track to run the 5K.
I would occasionally take a walk, and I could recognize how out of shape I was, but I kept thinking, I’ll do it later. I’ll get in shape later. I still have time.
Well, the time has come. The race is in less than two weeks. And though this week I have walked three times, I have done no training in running, and my walking is full of huffs and puffs.
That’s because I’ve also gained weight over the summer.
I know it does no good to beat up on myself. But I am very disappointed in my behavior. I haven’t exercised regularly and I haven’t eaten in a healthy manner.
I’m trying to make changes in my eating habits now, and I plan to keep on walking. When I’ve lost some weight, I want to start jogging.
And maybe I can run in the Giblet Jog 5K next year. Or maybe there will be a race I can run in before then.
How do you stay on track with your exercise and eating plans? Do you have any motivational tips you could share?
I'm doing a Thanksgiving day 5K... but will most likely be walking, not running. You will be in my mind and heart that day! Next year we will *both* do a 5K and celebrate fitness!!
ReplyDeleteMostly doing it because there will be no traditional dinner for me this year - and I didn't want that to create more depression, so am taking a long walk instead!!
Have been a diet program this year (Take Shape For Life) and goal is not achieved yet. But have lost 102.5 pounds as of this morning - still 17.5 more to go - and don't want to sabotage myself with holiday goodies. Guess I should post some photos on my blog sometime soon!! ;o)
What a wonderful accomplishment! I am so impressed! And I think it's great that you're participating in a 5K on Thanksgiving. Thank you for your encouragement!
DeleteI think, in order to be successful, we can only realistically work on a few goals at a time. You're doing so much already Tina. I have no doubt that in the future when your current projects are no longer on the front burner, you'll be able to set new goals and achieve them. One phase at a time. It's all good.
ReplyDeleteGrace, I know you're right. I just tend to want to accomplish everything, all at once! :-) Thanks for your insightful words.
DeleteOh unmet goals are the worst. I always really beat myself up over them. It happens to us all though. There is a Jingle Bell Run 5K in Roanoke each December - you could aim for that. A lot of people walk it, so if you didn't work up to running it that would still be okay.
ReplyDeleteLisa, thank you for you support. I will check out the Jingle Bell Run. And I think I'm going to create a couple of vision boards like you did with getting into shape.
DeleteFind a partner to exercise with if you can. Not only will that make it more fun but it will make it harder to push it off. OR you could take an exercise class at a community college or something like that.
ReplyDeleteThose are some good suggestions, Kristina--thank you!
DeleteDon't be too hard on yourself Tina. I would say this is a new day and this is my plan...Then I think you should set a goal of running in another 5K even before the one next year if you think that is feasible. Give yourself credit though that you are going to work toward this and be kind to yourself. Too many other people and things which bring us down without us doing it to.
ReplyDeleteAs for me well my exercise is almost non-existent due to my illness. Infact I write this as I sit in bed for the sixth day this week. I do have a sweet tooth aswell so that is not always helpful in watching my weight. I try to walk a little when I can manage that and I watch what I eat. Not very helpful-sorry. You will know what works best for you.
Behind the Smile, Thank you for your supportive words. I like what you said about "this is a new day and this is my plan."
DeleteOh, we are all always so hard on ourselves, aren't we Tina? I think you should be gentle with yourself.....you've been working so hard on so many things. There will be more races, and your plan to continue walking is a great start.
ReplyDeleteJanet, it is easy to be hard on ourselves. You're right--there will be other races, and I will be ready for one someday.
DeleteFirst of all, AWESOME JOB for getting out the door three times this week!! Second, although I feel your pain for not meeting your goal (we've all been there and know what that feels like), I applaud your efforts in all the things you are trying to tackle right now. You are doing A LOT all at once, and that is not easy.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you can set a goal to power walk or run/walk a Jingle Bell 5K or a New Year's 5K? The only way I ever exercise consistently is to have a goal like a race and then reward myself for every step I make it toward that goal. It's a great excuse to pamper myself, especially since the exercise is a treat in itself (at least when it's done). :-)
Keep on keepin' on, Tina. You will get there! One day and one step at a time.
Thank you, Becky, for your encouragement to keep on keeping on. I need to start looking at all the small steps that lead to the big ones, instead of trying to swallow them all at once.
DeleteSeveral people have made some excellent comments, to which I add "ditto." Treat yourself with lovingkindness, walk gently and slowly, and let the breath come over time. It will, I guarantee. Celebrate each success, no matter how small it seems to you. Let yourself be "enough," no matter what the day brings.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to find a form of exercise that feels like a treat, that you can enjoy. My husband loves long bike rides. I combine a variety of genres. Walking is great for working out problems; aerobics rejuvenate; yoga relaxes; and strength training builds confidence. I exercise purely for the mental/emotional benefits, and fitness is just a byproduct.
Nadine, Thank you! Your comment is so full of wisdom. I will take it to heart.
DeleteI am impressed by two things Tina. Number One, your totally honesty in saying "this is what I was going to do, but it's not going to happen and it's not happening because I didn't prepare." It takes extreme honesty to admit to oneself that a goal isn't being accomplished and why. You never had to explain or tell us, but kudos to you for being able to do that. I know for me and my OCD, I have a very hard time with excepting I cannot obtain a goal and every time I am able to except it - as you have done- it is an accomplishment. Which brings me to Number Two, which is you are moving on. You are not saying, I didn't reach the goal so I am quitting. You are still walking, plan to jog in the future and maybe even prepare for a new race. You did not give up, you are not beating yourself up and I actually think that is huge. I am so stinking proud of you Tina, and if you were sitting next to me I'd give you a giant bear hug.
ReplyDeleteKrystal Lynn, I wish I could give you a hug for that beautiful comment! Here's the cyber version: {{{hug}}}
DeleteHi Tina. Don't beat yourself up...you didn't meet this goal YET because you weren't quite ready YET. You WILL meet it when the time is right.
ReplyDeleteMyself...I tend to not make big goals that have time limits on them if I can avoid it, because putting a deadline on myself creates in me a sense of pressure and anxiety, and then a sense of crushing failure if I don't meet the expectations I set for myself. Some people thrive under that kind of a schedule, though, so maybe it's just me...I find I do better when I keep the goals modest and build on them over shorter time periods.
Jean, thank you. i like the idea that I haven't reached the goal YET.
DeleteYes, Tina, I agree with Jean. Don't beat yourself up. You WILL meet this goal.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement, Elizabeth.
DeleteJust a suggestion, but you could always walk the race :) I know a lot of people in my area sign up for the 5k's and can't exactly run the entire time.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to do a 5k for quite some time but, for very similar reasons, I haven't gone through with it. Life gets busy, I get lazy or intimidated, and I just kind of avoid preparing for it.
Don't give up on yourself! You CAN do this! Whether it's this year or next, you WILL meet your goal. Just believe in yourself :)
Alisha, I had thought of that as an option, but I'm not sure yet.
DeleteThanks for the pep talk--I need it! :-)