Ramblings. . .

There are so many thoughts in my head that I'm not sure how to sum them all up in one blog, so play along with me as I get it all out.

P90X
Today is the end of Week 6 of my P90X journey--so I'm half way through the program. I can tell changes in my strength and inches lost, but I haven't had a huge weight loss. Honestly, I can't say that I'm disappointed because I haven't followed the meal plan and I'm still skipping Yoga X and Ab Ripper most of the time :( The ugly truth!! I love the weight days and both Kenpo X and Plyometrics, but I avoid yoga and abs like the plague. My goal this week is to batten down the hatches and stick to the plan.

I love the changes that I'm noticing in my arms, shoulders, back and chest. I'm really wanting to invest in a pull-up bar and more weights to complete this next half of the program.

Running
Freaking awesome! I decided not to sign up for my final fall half marathon. Instead my goal this fall/winter is to improve my speed, which includes lowering my 5k speed to sub-40. So far so good because I finished the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in 39:06. I completed another 5k today which was not timed but with the exception of a couple of detours, my pace was pretty on point. My next two races are both four-milers so we'll see if I can maintain a 12:00 min/mile (or less) over the distance.

Focusing on the shorter distances is fun and a little less daunting than training for half-marathons. I don't think people understand the time and dedication it takes to train for longer distances (when you do it the right way). As I plan out my calendar for next year I'm hesitant to commit to more than three. Not because I don't think I can do it, but because the time involved in training creates issues in my personal life. I play a very delicate balancing act when it comes to work, family, fitness, and service.

I'm still having issues with my right foot, but haven't made time to go to the doctor. I know, bad girl. Ironically, it bothers me mostly when I walk barefoot. Huh?? I find that I have to turn my foot outwards to keep my knee from hurting. . .I know, I know, I need to see a doctor.

Hum-Bug Holidays
Since I've become serious about this fitness journey I've made strides to change the focus of my holidays from food to other things or experiences. I had planned to take my three Menaces to the Gulf of Mexico for Thanksgiving, but instead we are staying put and numerous members of my family are coming. Food is really not a big deal to me. My 80-year old grandmother, on the other hand, acts like it's the center of all things. The woman has been stressing about cooking and getting all the groceries needed. We finally went shopping and I almost had a coronary episode as she was shopping. Chitterlings, hog maws (what the bleep is that??), salt pork, smoked meat, turkey necks, two turkeys, pork ribs, neckbones, dressing, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, 4 pks of butter, a bag of rolls, 2 HUGE blocks of cheese. . . Before I never thought about what was in the food. But now I'm more conscious and am not really looking forward to it.

Thankfully, I'm coming up with a couple of alternatives that I can eat and not have to worry about it. I've also signed up to run a Thanksgiving Day race. I'm sure there will be some in my family who think I'm loony or will say "one day won't hurt you." And no, it probably wouldn't. But why derail all my hard work for one day? And why not show my family that there are other alternatives? Some of them have diabetes, some have blood pressure issues, and a few are overweight. Maybe all it takes is one of us making a different choice. . .

Other Thoughts
A few people have asked me about LapBand surgery, which I had back in March 2009. While some may judge me for having had surgery or discount my weight-loss because of it, I have no regrets. However, I would caution anyone exploring this option to understand that it is not a cure-all. It still takes work and changing your life, otherwise you will be dependent on adjustments (when your doctor fills/unfills your band) to get results. The surgery is a tool and you should use it as such. For me, it has helped with portion control and practicing good habits--like eating slowly, filling up with protein and veggies before starches, recognizing when I'm full, and not eating right before bed. Some people don't need help doing these things. More power to you. When I had surgery I was not at a point to do these things on my own. I was at a point when I would try portion control but was still hungry so would eat more. . .then beat myself for eating more, so I would eat more. . .then I'd say screw it and start again the next week.

As I've stated before, no method is a cure-all for weight loss. The final equation is eating right + exercise = sustained weight loss. By eating right I include quality of food, quantity of food (calorie count), and frequency of meals. So before you make a decision just know that it will still take work on your part IF you truly want to live a healthier life.

Okay, I'm done with my rambling. Good night, fit world!!