I had a rough week this week. I encountered almost every possible issue or problem and eventually let myself get in the way of me.
I am sure all of you will at some time be able to relate to that comment.
Don’t focus on my step numbers; we are all in a different place. For you 2,000 steps may be great, or you might do that just getting breakfast in the morning. It doesn’t matter; the point is how I felt and how I dealt with it. My goal at this time was 7,500.
Eager to Go
Monday, I woke up ready to go for a swim at the gym. I was eager, I was excited. I had a great walk Saturday, 10,500 steps for the day. Same on Sunday 14,500! I hadn’t been to the pool in a week or two because I hadn’t worked from home in a while. WFH days I skip the commute. so I treat myself to a gym outing or a longer walk. Yeah, you read that right, TREAT myself… just think it often enough and eventually you will believe it.
I figured, quickly check your email to make sure you can spare an hour away, then get going. Mistake 1, don’t check email first. If you don’t know about it, you can’t deal with it. Someone had a crisis and needed help. I couldn’t ignore it so I sat down and got going. Many hours later, I realized I had done a whopping 2,000 or so steps all day so I forced myself to get out and do a 15 minute walk before starting dinner. End of day: 4,953 steps. Pleased I made myself do something, anything… but a little disappointed.
Not going to let it happen again
Tuesday, I was not going to let Monday repeat itself so I went for a walk before I left for work, and briefly when I got home that evening. Still I found myself having to walk around my house to get those last few steps. But I made it. End of day: 7,555. Tomorrow is another day, least I made my goal.
Rough day
Wednesday, I had to get to work early, no time for a lunch walk and I got home late. I didn’t even bother trying because I was too tired and besides I needed to work after dinner. I went to bed tired and stressed and didn’t sleep well. End of day: 4,544 steps.
Even worse day
Thursday, same kind of day and I was exhausted from lack of sleep. I ate some snacks to give me a bit of energy to get through the day. I ate too much dinner, had heart burn, and still stressed. End of day: 3,833 steps.
Down in the dumps
Friday, I woke up in a mood. I had had two bad days of no exercise, and eating badly, today looked just as bad. I was tired and I needed a soda for lunch. I am not a no-carb person but I do aim for days that aren’t carb loaded. This day, I gave in to nachos loaded in cheese, then ended the day with a giant bowl of comfort food, spaghetti bolognaise with a couple of glasses of wine. It didn’t even occur to me to get out and walk before dinner. End of day: 3.903 steps.
Getting worse
Saturday, I felt awful, I was depressed, disappointed in myself and generally debating why I bother diet and exercise. I had gained 3 pounds in 4 days and it takes me 2 weeks to lose that. I slept in to catch up on some sleep, then I had chores to do and it was end of the month, so bills to pay. By evening, I was able to take a quick walk, dinner, then off to bed. End of day: 4,248 steps.
I had missed my step goal by nearly 3,000 steps 5 days in the week.
No time to lose
Sunday, I lay in bed, considering my options. I had no major chores other than laundry and getting my hair washed. But was there any point? I had lost my momentum in just one week. I was tired, miserable, and had been eating badly. But, as I like to point out, it’s really up to you. No one else can do this but you. Do you want it or don’t you? I am a numbers person, which is probably why having a goal normally drives me well. My husband will do his best, but if he misses his cycling goal by a few miles, it doesn’t stress him. He’d rather be consistent, going almost every day even if it’s not far enough. For me, it drives me crazy and I can’t tell you how many times I have walked 5 miles in a day to finish a walking challenge at the last possible moment.
So I looked at my weight chart (thanks to my apps I can lie in bed and do this!) and for the last 10 weeks, all but one, the average was a little lower each week. I thought about that. This week, my ending weight would be up a bit, but if I could get back on track, I could probably lose those 3 pounds in a few days. I told myself, the weight hadn’t moved in and brought its furniture; it was a house guest, an unwelcome one and I needed to let those 3 pounds know it was time to head back out.
I got up, got dressed and went for a walk. I walked until my step counter said I had passed 7,500 steps. Then I walked a little bit further because I was almost at 3 miles. End of day: 10,500 steps.
I didn’t make my weekly steps this last week, but this coming week, I sure as anything, am going to!
The point I am making is that I could have just sat, I could have given up. But it’s up to you. You need to find what motivates you. Why did YOU start this journey. And even if you aren’t feeling it, there’s no turning back. No excuses.
Make it happen.
