The Holidays are such a rough time of year. Way too much celebrating going on and not enough structure for this girl who loves routine! This time last year, right after Philly, I was lost without a gym membership, got caught up in all the Holiday eating and drinking, and put on a few too many pounds. Running wasn't enough to keep me on track and I was struggling to find the motivation after a busy year of running an Ultra then going right into training for my BQ attempt. I remember trying to hide the few pounds I gained and can still remember how crummy I felt on Christmas morning. My clothes were tight and I just felt horrible. But the celebrating continued through the new year and I remember times when I actually didn't want to go out because I couldn't stand how my clothes fit. I resolved to get back on track in the new year but I struggled for most of the winter and even into the summer to get things under control.
Now I'm back at my most hated time of year and struggling to stay focused. I'm counting down the days till I go back to work and am back to my safe routine away from lazy days and partying nights. Thankfully I have a gym membership again, my motivation to workout is in full swing, and the pounds are (barely) staying off. But once again, I find myself struggling to find that happy medium. I want to be able to have fun and not beat myself up the day after because of it. I want to enjoy my time off work rather than dread the next few days of non stop Holiday parties. I'm envious of people who can enjoy cookies, candy and cocktails and not think twice about it. Don't get me wrong, I'm having this stuff, too, but I can't really say I'm enjoying it. At the time, it's fun but the next day, it's all about remorse.
I'm finding myself wanting to cancel some plans I have coming up just because I don't want to expose myself to the temptations, but at the same time, I know that's no way to live. I want to be able to have fun and not worry while I'm sipping my champagne that my pants might be a little tight because of it. Life is too short and I wish I could learn to live more in the moment and not worry about the stupid stuff.
I think I know what my 2011 resolution is going to be...
My schedule for the week:
Mon - 6 mi
Tues - 6 mi, cross train
Wed - cross train, lift
Thurs - 15 mi
Fri - cross train
Sat - however many miles I want!
Sun - cross train, lift
11 comments:
I feel like I could have written most of this myself. I think we are kindred spirits. :)
The holidays are so much fun and I absolutely love to celebrate with friends/family/colleagues, but it ALWAYS involves copious quantities of food and alcohol and why is it so damn hard to resist? After even a few days of indulgence I feel like utter crap.
I've worked so hard the last several weeks and I am terrified of undoing all of this progress. Trying to find a balance, but it's stressing me out HUGE. Ugh.
Good luck!!
For my first year ever I'm not going to stress. I've been running hard for weeks, this is my step back week. I'm going to run, but enjoy as well. Have a great holiday!!
I feel exactly like this!! I have been really struggling with this year, giving in to all the temptations...I have not been a lucky as you with "barely" keeping the weight off. I hate feeling fat! I like the "safe routine" too.
Thanks for being such an inspiration to me.
Good luck and have a Merry Christmas Denise!
It is HARD...I would say go for the 1/4 rule.. Fill your plate 1/4th with those things you will feel guilty about and the rest with good things.. Other than that I have nothing.. HAVE FUN!! Life is short and the pounds won't mean anything compared to the time spent with family and friends..
HUGS!!
I'm with you on this...already I've noticed that I'm nibbling on these "gifts" around the kitchen. Sigh. Good luck!
I'm sorry this is such a struggle... I think as long as I am working out some I let myself indulge this time of year, because most of the rest of the year I work really hard and am strict on myself. I definitely like rewarding myself and know it won't take much to get back on track. Good luck finding the balance!
My holiday issues start about a week prior to Halloween when I bust open a bag of candy. It's all down hill from there. But I do enjoy myself :)
this has probably been the first year I've gotten better about not beating myself up. Now there are still days where I don't feel my best, but I don't want to go through life feeling bad so I just keep making a different choice every time I can.
now we've all seen the pictures and you do look great! so I hope you can remember to pat yourself on the back
Yeah, it's hard. I'm using my few days off for the break to put in longer than usual miles. Hopefully that will all even out.
I love pies.
Finding a happy spot is hard, I feel ya girl! And you're right, it's no way to live avoiding and dreading parties. But, you have the drive - hold on to that! AND enjoy the break!
Hopefully we're almost at the end here and you can get back to the routine. The holidays are tough!
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