2 weeks down - What have we learned

Today marks my 14th blog entry. In this hyper-speed world we live in, it seems appropriate to reflect back and see what lessons have been learned in the last two weeks. So here are a few nuggets off the top of my head...

1. I'm simply going to have to try harder. I have pretty ambitious goals and slow and steady may not get me there. I worked out today but I'm nowhere as whipped as I am when I work out with a trainer. That should tell me something. If I want to be under 180 lbs. and on the trampolines with Hannah at Riverfest, my intensity needs to go up a notch. Tomorrow is an active rest day, but Monday's spin class should be a good kick-off to higher intensity workouts and of course improved nutrition starts right now.

2. Food is issue 1 and exercise is 1A. These two weeks confirm that I will not simply exercise my way to my goals. That is so hard to accept, because I love food, particularly food that isn't so good for me.

3. To lose weight I need to sneak in more calorie burning. Easy ways include biking to work and sitting on my stability ball at the computer.

4. My mood is so much better when I exercise. I was very tired today because of an interrupted nights sleep and only one can of soda (yea!!), but I got my butt to the pool for a 30 minute set of drills and I felt much better. Truthfully is was more mentally than physically. Learning this creates lots of new questions. For instance, why am I pouring so much energy into work, when taking care of myself physically has a much better pay back emotionally and in my relationships. As I think about getting back to my doctorate this summer, I must admit that I wonder why. What if I turned my focus to growth in health, rather than education and career?
I am proud that I declined another training opportunity that would have taken me away this summer. I am learning to say no, now I just have to so the same with donuts:)

Of the lessons of the last 14 days, number 4 is the one that I will be thinking about for quite a while.

Today's wins:

- 30 minutes in the pool, drills and laps

- 30 minutes walking the dog

- Went out for lunch and left half my fries on the plate

- Had one can and one can only of soda

Goals for tomorrow:

- Eat reasonably at holiday gathering with family

- 2 or less cans of soda

- Even though it's not a workout day, find ways to be active.

Does anyone out there have other ways they sneak calorie burning into busy days of work and family?

Happy Easter!