Why So Hard, Yet So Simple

I've been thinking about losing weight:  the whole process.  I have now lost a good chunk, and am well on my way to keep going and getting to a place I haven't been in at least 10 years.  It is so exciting.

Yet, the reality is the process of getting here is really simple:  eat less, exercise more.  So why is it really so very difficult?  Why is it that this has been a battle, worse than any other war?  Why do I have to remind myself everyday to keep doing this, to keep going?

This is my 100th post.  It is a milestone of 100 reminders to keep moving, keep trying.  I pledge to leave the baggage at the door, and to allow myself to enjoy this process.  I am so much stronger, I look so much healthier, I have so much more respect for myself.  I pledge to stop fighting the invisible battles and just get on with it.

To quote the great Stewart Smalley:  I am good enough.  I am smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me!
Before:

After:

Don't Let 'em Get You Down

I am on a kick-some-ass push.  I am learning Turkish Get-Ups.  Don't they even sound bad ass? To motivate your own kick-ass push, even if you are getting down, no worries.  I have the cure.  Just think of this little guy:



Needless to say, I have had a true desire for cheddar.  Happy Saturday!

Avoiding the Camera

Jack's post made me think a bit.

I have been with my Sweetheart for over 17 years.  I think I can think of 10 pictures of us that I would actually show someone, and maybe 20 pictures that actually exist.  How is that possible?  I think there are whole portions of my life where I ducked a camera at any cost.  I undoubtedly did this because I was unhappy in my appearance.

Well, now I am less fat.  I am pleasantly happy about it.  However, I don't see myself changing my picture habits...  How do I start operation photogenification?  When I was small, I think my mother had me at JCPenney and Sears every week for a professional shoot.  I had what I can only coin a 'Cherry Coke' smile:  If you have trouble idenfying this, just close your eyes.  Imagine it is over 100 degrees and 100% humidity outside, and you just mowed the lawn.  You come into the garage, and pull an ice-cold Cherry Coke out of the fridge.  It opens with a sizzle.  You take a gulp.  You sigh.  Now, what smile is on your face? = Cherry Coke Smile.  I had the same overly exuberant pose in all my pictures.

I need to change my thinking.  I need a reason to smile so much and so hard that dimples magically appear.

Got any jokes to get me started?

What the Hell Is a Water Belt?

 I am becoming a bit of a gadget girl.  I needed some sort of way to hydrate myself while still running, since apparently stopping for a drink is for total wussies and amateurs.  Hey, I can run 5 miles.  I am a pro. (insert cough here).

Anyway, I went to my local fancy schmancy running store and asked for a water bottle carrier.  I was told to go to the 'hydration system' section of the store.  Holy crap.  Now, when I am thirsty, I need a system.  A whole friggin' system.  There, I was greeted by the guru of hydration, who must love running more than anything, I suppose.  I mean, who else wants to stand on their feet for hours, talk about 'hydration systems' and get paid minimum wage to talk to a 'pro' like me?!?....  Runners.

Anyway, I was shown bottles that clip to my hand:  too lop-sided,  bladders that zip on to me like a vest: I am not a camel, and the Water Belt.  I chose this one because it fits a 20 oz bottle, and has a little compartment to put my junk.  Simple and sorted. You can check it out here.  <--This is a better deal than I paid.

I tried the belt today during my run.  It was half win, half fail.  It swishes a bit when I run, which I must drown out with the tunes.  I can't figure out how to keep moving and get the bottle back in the holster.  So, I find myself holding the bottle for a while.  However, I am happily hydrated.  Happy Fitness Friends!

Save Me From Myself

Today I feel pretty good.  I have upped my fitness again:  I increased the length & frequency of my runs and I have really been putting the effort into my personal training.  As well, I have tried very hard to make sure I get in all my servings of fruit and veggies and drink some water!  I think it has paid off.. I have been losing the past few weeks and feel like I deserve a reward... 

The reward that I want is Pat's Pizzeria take out.  WHY????

Why is that the first thing I think of when it comes to rewards?  Why don't I think of jewelry, or new furniture, or a trip, or hell.. a car.  Nope, I think of a cheese steak, wings, pizza and some sort of dessert.

How do I break this initial thought?  How do I retrain my mind to have a better mapping in my head?  Here is how it goes:

Any ideas to switcheroo it around?

Oh, and I know I owe you guys some progress pics, so this crap ass one from my cell will have to do for the moment till I get home from my business trip. (decor a la Marriott)