Motivation

Weekly Stats
Current: 203
Weekly Loss: -0.8
To Go: 28
Total 122.0

After a great loss last week, I would have been happy with a small weight loss, but it turns out that I gained a little. My first time since last November. Am I disappointed? Yes. Am I discouraged? Not at all. Here's why. I still feel great! I didn't gain weight by eating the wrong things. I still ate very healthy the whole week. I was also encouraged by a Friday night overnight backpacking trip with the Scouts. I carried probably the heaviest pack I have ever carried up some steep climbs. (The Scoutmaster's pack tends to be the heaviest pack). It was hard, but I made it with energy to spare. Not only was I able to set up my tent and make sure that everyone else was doing ok, we headed out for another hike after dinner and I had fun doing it. (So did the scouts!) As I hefted that pack on at home, I got on the scale and realized that with the pack on I weighed as much as I did last November! I sure am glad I am not carrying two packs around anymore. I don't want to go back to that!

I had a question on my ping box that I wasn't around to answer, so I thought I would answer it here.

Hey Bruce:
... I have to ask if there was one thing, something that jump started you to get healthy?

That's a great question! I would have to say that there was not one thing but actually several things that helped me get off my dime, start and stick on this journey. Here is a list of things that helped. I will just briefly describe each one this week and then make each a separate discussion point over the next few weeks.

1) Others – Having someone to talk through issues that you have really helps. Confide in someone who accepts you where you are now and yet will support you in your struggle. It helps to talk it out.
2) Inspiration - Find sources of inspiration. Talk to others who are where you would like to be. Tell them what you are trying to accomplish. I have picked up great training suggestions from my neighbors who run long distances. Shows like Biggest Loser also help inspire me.
3) Accountability – Wanting to make the change enough, to hold yourself accountable. This one is big and I have talked about it before. Get up the courage to go public with your problem. Find a forum and report on a regular basis. I used Facebook and a Blog for my accountability. The great side effect is all the support you end up getting.
4) Goals – Find something that you would like to do but have not been able to because of your weight or your health. For me my three peak challenge. I really want to accomplish this goal and am having fun trying to reach it.
5) Small steps and milestones. Realize that this won't come all at once. Just start where you are and try to do just a little bit more each time. I was Barely able to hike up Dry Canyon a quarter of a mile when I started on my Saturday hikes. By adding a bit on each week, I can now do 10+ miles in our foothills (and really enjoy it!)
6) Looking beyond the finish line. Think about what you are going to do after you reach your goal. As you progress, you will begin to see what is working for you, and what is improving your health. You need to keep doing these things for the rest of your life. You don't want to go back to where you were! Make life-time changes along the way!
7) Marshmallow– Giving up something now for something you want later! How does the saying go? "Eating never feels as good as thin does."
8) Celebrate successes. As those inches and pounds come off celebrate the success. Just don't do it with food. A new shirt, a fun night out at the movies with friends or family. Do something that you wanted to do, but couldn't because of your weight.
9) Be realistic. Be tough. Don’t give up!
10) Get off the sugar roller-coaster! – For me it was a killer (almost literally). Simple, refined sugars are dangerous. (I'm not kidding!) You don't have to avoid sweetness, just get it from unprocessed fruits (apples as opposed to apple juice).
11) Get rid of the past. Don’t look back. What ever caused you to get to where you are, it is time to forgive yourself, move on and do what you know needs to be done. Do it today!

Thanks to all the inspiration you give me. Great job Phil! Keep up the great work. The lbs are coming off. Great job, Bill H., Todd A., Andy J. and Jeremy T, out neighborhood runners who are an inspiration! Thanks Joanne J. for cheering me up and on Monday mornings. Thanks Gordon and Scott R for being great hiking buddies. MusicMom, you can do this! Hang in there and I will too!