Re-Introducing the Wednesday Weigh-In!
In January I mentioned that I really wanted to get back to 70KG. Finally, in April, I re-joined Weight Watchers (now called “WW”) to actually realise this goal. I actually was hoping to just do it on my own (with the help of a coach) but over and over again I prove to myself that I need some kind of structure and guideline to keep me on the right path.
I did lose a few kilos, but a few weeks before the (failed) Warsaw marathon I saw the scale going up again. “No worries” I thought to myself. This type of thing always happens before the marathon because, you know, carb loading! Then when the marathon didn’t work out and I quickly decided to give it another go three weeks later, well, I still had to carb load, didn’t I? See where I’m going with this?
Anyway, with the Amsterdam marathon behind me, plus a quick trip to Las Vegas for Rock’n’Roll weekend I now am faced with the necessity of getting my ish together.
Without further ado –
Today’s weight: 75,8KG (167lbs)
1st recorded weight on my HealthMate app 16-Feb: 80,3KG (177 lbs)
starting weight (around the time I started the blog, 9 years ago): around 95KG (209 lbs)
*I mustn’t forget what I HAVE achieved even though it’s taken forever
Actually, I’d like to really tone up and possibly get down to 68KG (this number plus a certain body fat percentage is suggested by the sports doctor at Papendal Olympic Sports Center during my sport and endurance tests this summer) before my next marathon which, if not Chicago (in Oct) will be something else in the fall. I just don’t want to do a spring marathon; I’d rather focus on getting leaner (if possible) and stronger and maybe faster at shorter distances. I did see some improvement this summer when I was getting closer to my weight goal, so I believe with some hard work and focus, I will be able to achieve this.
Food
I’ll be logging my food again in the WW app. This is a super tricky time of year because of all the candy, pastries, chocolate, pies, etc., that seem to be in abundance for the holidays. I will practice better self-control. Monday the wheels came off the bus after lunch because I was too hungry and I succumbed to cookies. And not 1 or 2. Full Disclosure: I don’t know how many it was, but likely in the range of 10? Not proud!!!
Movement
I want to do “something” every day as far as movement goes, and preferably in the morning. I do better at movement than I do with food. I am already focusing on “one thing” a day until the end of the year to get me on the path that I want to be on. Movement (as well as food, water, vitamins, etc) is part of that.
Mental Health
Gotta admit – this time of year tends to not be the best time of year for me. I miss home, I feel lonely, I am cranky for no reason (northwest European darkness? SAD?). In fact, just yesterday I felt like going home and crawling into my bed and putting the covers over my head. And nothing happened, I just suddenly felt that way! So part of the journey is also to be cognisant of how I’m feeling emotionally and find other ways to cope besides shoving 10 cookies in my face (like with movement!). I know I’m an emo-eater, but I think it’s high time I face up to my emotions and find other ways to cope.
I know many people who currently read my blog are not interested in weight loss or the number on the scale. I know I am more than just a number on the scale, but it’s important to me to get leaner and stronger if I’m going to get any faster and have better endurance in the marathon. I have talked about giving up my under 5 hour marathon goal but to be honest, I ‘m not ready to do that yet! I want to fight for it for the next marathon so that means I need to lose the weight and the fat. I could sure use the support and encouragement.
Want to participate with me with “just ONE THING” – a daily thread for the rest of the year declaring one thing you will do that particular day to get or keep you on the path that you want to be on? Join me on my Facebook Page!
How do you cope this time of year?
Have you gotten leaner after 40 or 50 years old? How did you do it?
Do you think it’s ever possible for a formerly obese person to ever be happy with their weight, body and/ or athletic performance?
13 Comments
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I think you definitely are on the right path to reach ALL your goals!!! I am actually leaner and more fit now than I was even five years ago. I’m drinking way more water (and umm…hibernating in the bathroom almost every hour LOL) and I am so much more active. You know I’m a huge advocate of the fasted cardio thing; for me, it has been a no-brainer in helping me “maintain” my leanness as well as give my metabolism a quick shot of mojo most mornings. Basically, I have (finally) found something that works for me. Keep on it, Friend! I’ll be checking-in on your FB page ;-)
thanks Kim! I do want to try more morning activity, so far since last week only 2 times did it happen… but that is 2 times more than the previous week. I do think you are on to something though!
I think the happiness comes when you focus only on your own goals and not compare to another persons success.
This time of year I try really hard to focus on happy things and try to get as much exercise as possible.
I do make a pretty serious effort to not compare anymore to anyone. But I guess I am comparing to ME when I actually once was at my goal weight. At this point it was almost 20 years ago and my body is definitely changing – not only that but I put it through hell by regaining weight and by my former commute. Focusing on happy things is definitely a way to go this time of year, and moving !!
I like this idea! When I first started WW this summer, I really followed the program and lost about 10 lbs. I’ve gained some of that back since this Fall so I’m trying to get better about logging my food in the app.
Whenever I do morning workouts, they are always fasted cardio workouts. I wish i could do those more often during the week.
have you re-started logging in the app? I did 3 days and then the weekend was upon us and … I admit I am slightly resistant to logging everything in the app – it’s very cumbersome and annoying sometimes when you can’t find things in the database. But then I have to think about what is more annoying? filling in the app or not reaching my goal… I am still struggling with morning workouts. I sleep so badly that in the morning it is just so hard to get out. Another excuse, I know.
You really have achieved a lot since you started your program! Sounds like you have really thought this out and have a great plan in progress. I find I have to work harder in my late 40″s to maintain. I don’t weigh myself anymore though.
I definitely feel like I have to work harder. wonder if there is some trick to prevent age from wreaking havoc on our bodies???
I like the idea of this plan and look forward to following your journey!! You have come so far already and that is wonderful!!
thank you so much Angela!
Hi Renee, thank you for being open with your journey to weight loss. I sense it’s important for you to reach a particular weight to help you achieve your goal of below a 5-hr marathon. What went well when you notice improvements this past summer – you mentioned you were getting closer to your goal weight?
Your mindset is a big part of it as well as you pointed out with you being an emotional eater. You mentioned feeling downhearted because your need for connection and support may be missing.
However, you’re a fighter! That’s one of your strengths that will hep you achieve your goal.
Hi Elaine, thanks for your comment!
I think what was going well this summer is that I was really focused and I believed I could reach the goal. Mindset is in fact a huge part of this and maybe I need to believe in my abilities more? Emotional eating has always been a thing – since I was young anyway. I started to run and do fitness to give me something else to do and give me a sense of achievement. So that has helped with emo-eating but it’s not entirely gone, unfortunately.
I hate weigh ins. I know they are good to help you keep an idea on how you are doing, but I tend to become a bit obsessive with the number on the scale. I tend to lead more toward how my clothes fit me and how I feel when I am naked. For me, with the year I have had, that number has just risen and risen so I hate my scale. But I know that once I set realistic goals and focus on getting back into the gym/on the road I know that the pounds will melt off. I’m certain you will find what works for you too. :)