Making Progress

5. Workout everyday for a month

This was my goal for the month of September.

Frankly, this is one I didn't think I would ever complete!  Some weeks I find it difficult enough to get 3 runs in...much less some form of exercise every day.  But, moving into my new office and having a free gym less than 100 steps from my desk made all the difference.

My main rule was that the "exercise" had to be at least 30 minutes of some form of cardio.  In order to not kill my body (and mind), I deemed that walking could count.   I ran at least 3 times a week, got on the elliptical about 2 times per week, and walked the rest of the time.  I tried to save walking for days that I was at my house and didn't have access to the office gym.  The toughest day was the day I walked 30 minutes in the pouring rain.  For some reason, it's easier for me to run in the rain than walk.  Maybe because I feel more hardcore.

I'd love to say that after exercising every day for a month I've lost weight.  Sadly, that is not the case.  I'm about the same as I was at the beginning of September.  However, I seem to have leveled out the steady gain I had been working on since this time last year.  And, I have noticed other benefits to my efforts.  I feel fitter, I'm sleeping better, I also feel more disciplined and happier with my body (even thought I didn't lose any weight).  And, duh...my blood pressure and resting heart rate have dropped.

I have to say, some days it was really hard to go exercise, and it was only not breaking my streak that got me out there.  So, while one of my goals was to create a habit of exercising every day, I think I need the freedom to occasionally say, "You know what, I just can't do it today".  And that is ok.  However, I'd like to maintain a habit of exercising 5 days week.  Mon-Thurs at the office, and Saturday (or Sunday) long runs.  J and I have bought a treadmill for our house, so that should help as well.  My goal is to run my normal 3 days a week, and cross train the other 2.  I think I also want to start back up with some weight training 3 of the 5 days.

So while I won't be as regimented as I was in September, I want to still reap the benefits of creating this habit!

2011 New Years' Resolutions

Here they are...my Resolutions for 2011!  Most are repeats from last year that I really want to complete.  When I made my resolutions last year, I had no idea how hectic 2010 would be with a wedding, buying a house, etc.  I am hoping for more time in 2011 to be disciplined in my resolutions, and ultimately, in my life!

1. Complete a 365 Day Photo Project - While sometimes a bit of a burden to take a photo every day, for the 2 months I completed this last year, I really enjoyed it.  It is especially entertaining to look back on the photos and remember those days.  This year, in preparation, I have a great new point-and-shoot camera, a working way to transfer the photos to my computer, and a battery charger.  So...unless I lose any of those items again...I have no excuses for not completing the project this year!

2.  Read the Bible through in a Year-  Again, like last year, this is something I really want to do...and would benefit me greatly as a daily devotional.  Enough said.

3.  Make it a priority to have at least one "date night" with my husband a week-  Currently we have tried to set aside Tuesday as "date night".  Perhaps I can use the blog to keep me accountable on this...let's hope by the end of the year I have 52 "Date Night" posts.  Hmmm.

4.  Run/Exercise at least 3 times a week- In 2010, I probably managed to average exercising 2 times a week after taking a month off after the Goofy Challenge.  Since I mentioned in my last post that I've gained 7 pounds since this time last year (2 over the course of the year...5 since the wedding and our gluttony-filled honeymoon), I really need to have some discipline in my running.  It really is the best way for me to stay fit and at a healthy weight.  I'm signing up for a March half-marathon to jump-start my January with some long runs and a reason to train!

5.  Lose the 7 pounds I've gained since last year.  My clothes fit the same..but I feel "blah" and blob-ish.  Time for some January clean-slate healthy eating and exercise motivation!

So, as you can see, I'm trying to be a little more conservative this year, and hopefully I'll be able to complete these year long projects!