Monday, September 29, 2014

Fat Is Awesome. But, not.

Anyone else see this?


Funny, right? I mean, fat really does sound awesome.

But, not.

It can be awesome to completely discard what you know to be good for you - eat healthy, be active, repeat consistently. It makes for easier, more indulgent days and nights. But not for long. Because soon enough, ignoring the basics begins to show in your health, your fitness level, and your body.

And I'm there. After nearly a year of going through the motions, I'm fat again. And no amount of wise-cracking or fast-talking will change that fact.

I have no idea what I weigh, because I long ago gave up using the scale as a measure of my health. Whether I weigh 160 or 360, I don't care. The scale just shows a number and that means nothing.

So what do I measure, instead? Ultimately, how I feel as I go about my day. Right now, my days are not good. I feel sluggish and tired. My clothes don't fit comfortably. And I can't just reach into my dresser drawer or closet and wear anything in there. I have to make choices based on what "feels too tight."

There's a more shallow component, too. I don't like the pictures that I am seeing of me right now.









Not great, right? I'm currently in the body I have earned, and I've earned it by not being active regularly, by not making healthy choices with my eating, and by not making my own health a priority.

Facts can be terrible things, but it is what I've made it. It's not enough to just run on marathon day, or half-marathon day, or relay weekend. That sort of half-assed commitment doesn't work.

Which brings me to today. I know what I need to do. I'm returning to the basics, and I'm starting with a 30 Day Reset Challenge. I'll track my food, run my miles, get out on my bike, and even commit to regular strength training. It won't be about perfection, but it will be about consistency.

(My one exception? The celebration after my Capitol to Coast Relay in Texas mid-month. I do enjoy my post-race fun with friends, and there's nothing better than enjoying a cold draft beer while standing in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.)

Why am I sharing what some might reasonably call my complete and total failure? Because...

  • I'm not ashamed of it.
  • I'm only human.
  • Healthy is the new skinny.
  • This is a journey, not a destination.
  • For some, I'm a role model. And honesty is part of that.
  • Sharing my challenge helps me stick with it.
  •  Failure is only failure if I give up.
And believe me, I am not giving up.

So, today is the first day of my challenge. I dragged myself out of bed, ran a 5k, and rewarded myself with an unsweetened ice coffee. Best single-digit use of calories I could think of!


If you want to join me, feel free to use #30DayReset on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Your journey is your business, but if you want company, say the word!




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