I have no idea why I didn't sleep well last night, but I didn't. It made today exceptionally difficult. I was able to grab a short nap after my haircut today, before returning to work. It helped. And was needed since I planned on picking up my grandson Noah after work.
Noah joined me for dinner and a Christmas lights tour! He LOVES the Christmas lights. He was in awe. It was quality time with that little guy, for sure.
I'm in a real slump with my workouts of late. Chris, a loyal reader of this blog, suggested it might be a kind of self-sabotage. I think Chris is hitting on something. I must explore this a little deeper in order to change my perspective and routine. I hold many non-negotiable elements sacred, but the workouts have never fallen into that category of importance.
I think part of it is being in maintenance mode. My brain seems to relax a little. It's not as urgent as it once was. I'm super careful and aware if this type of dynamic tries to creeps into my food disciplines-but I'm too lax in letting it infect my exercise/strength training plan. It goes back to what I've written time and time again, "well at least my food plan was solid," and that's great, however, I seem to allow that thought to enable less of a commitment in the exercise department.
I've really been tough on me today. I'm disappointing myself in this area and that doesn't feel good. In their book "Be Quick--But Don't Hurry," Andrew Hill and John Wooden wrote "If we magnified our blessings as much as we magnify disappointments, we would all be much happier." I get that, I do, but I think I might be doing it too much. I suppose there's a better balance needed.
I wonder what would happen if I gave my strength training and overall exercise schedule the same importance level I apply to the fundamental elements of my recovery?
My Tweets Today:
Dark roast with three tablespoons half & half X 2 cups. 120 cal. pic.twitter.com/NB5onj7XkI
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 16, 2015
Breakfast in MFP... pic.twitter.com/MKolLqB2Xe
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 16, 2015
3 egg whites-1 whole egg omelet w/137g avocado, 6.3oz Pink Lady Apple, 5.6oz orange & 4oz banana. 566 cal. pic.twitter.com/297DYrJAAR
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 16, 2015
3 cups water with lunch. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/YlJnrK8iK6
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 16, 2015
Lunch in MFP... pic.twitter.com/tlKJmHrhNE
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 16, 2015
Big lunch. Fajita steak tacos w/6oz fajita beef, onions & jalapeƱos, 30g sr crm, 28g cheese, 14gChips, salsa. 711cal pic.twitter.com/YBJratiCPL
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 16, 2015
Midday venti dark roast pour over with three tablespoons half & half. 60 cal. pic.twitter.com/h188hFpwSV
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 16, 2015
2 cups with dinner. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/pHf0YjIsA4
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 17, 2015
Sirloin & Veggie Kabobs w/8.2oz sirloin, grn & yllw pepper & red onion. 235g swt.pot.fries w/3 sec OOSpray. 663 cal. pic.twitter.com/VcST2ialOG
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 17, 2015
Dinner in MFP... pic.twitter.com/BlA5qWtsMc
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 17, 2015
5.9oz Pink Lady Apple, 3.5oz orange & 2.5oz banana. 3 cup bottle of water= #watergoal #lastfoodofday 168 cal. pic.twitter.com/XVtHXPJmH8
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) December 17, 2015
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Sleep. That is the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteIt's critical. So true. Thank you, A
DeleteBut who wants to analyze everything to death? Let's just live.
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate that very much, Robin. But knowing me--I must make certain things important--or everything else becomes less important. I do not want to go sliding down the slippery slope. It's structure. I need good structure. :) And living is so much better when I have it!
DeleteI agree not to be too hard on yourself about the exercise. You have a busy schedule. Maybe allow time....maybe 15 minutes some days...for a quick walk or some exercises you can do at home. I need to do that myself. I'm so busy right now with work, college kids coming home and Christmas preparations...I'm going to try and take my own advice! I've been reading your blog for about a year now...I have really enjoyed it and learned from it..thanks Sean! Jane
ReplyDeleteJane-- Yes, you hit it square. I'm going to start a small body strength weight training session each morning while my coffee is brewing. Why not? We make time-- and honestly, I'll admit--it's not impossible. It doesn't come down to running out of time, it comes down to mismanaging the time when I can seize the opportunity. Thank you, Jane! You're so welcome about the blog. I appreciate your loyal readership!
DeleteMaybe you are trying to do the wrong type of exercise! You know I love the weights, but maybe you don't. That's okay! They are other ways to work on your functional strength - yoga is a great example. Maybe you've given it an honest shot and weight lifting isn't for you? If it isn't, then don't beat yourself up when the square peg won't fit the round hole and just try something else. Just my 2 cents.
ReplyDeleteWise words, neca!
DeleteNeca, I agree with Lee. Very wise words. I can't honestly say I've given weights an honest shot. I'm going to do that--and incorporate more body strength training I can do at home... Maybe some dumbbells for Christmas! :) I LOVE your square peg analogy.
DeleteHey, you had to find the food plan that worked for you - and it changed over time. Why wouldn't the same happen with your fitness routine?
DeleteWell said, Neca. Very well said.
DeleteLove your blog, it is so motivating to me. I am certainly no professional, I too have gained and lost the same 50 pounds before. I am about 5 pounds from my goal weight and am getting ready to start maintenance which scares me! I had a personal trainer tell me to cut myself a little slack! He told me to start focusing on getting at least 3 good workouts a week in. For instance, for me it is Monday Wednesday and Friday are my days to workout and if I miss one of those I will make it up on another day. I have committed to that 100 percent now which has made some of the guilt stop! I work a demanding job and have a family at home and saying that I have to commit to working out every single day just isn't always in the cards. Find what works for you and you will make it happen!
ReplyDeleteA-- I love what you've done. I like the idea of setting 3 a week as non-negotiable and if I do more, great. I'm also about to start (in the morning) a very small body strength training regimen at home, in the mornings, while my coffee is brewing. I agree... "find what works for you and you will make it happen," true words right there... the story of my trek along this road! :)I'm so glad you're here!!! And congrats on entering maintenance. I understand the anxiety. If you have any specific maintenance related questions, feel free to ask away! :) I have a feeling you'll do very well.
DeleteI agree with neca. Do exercise that you enjoy, just as you only eat food that you enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLee-- very true. very simple. I LOVE simple. I'm generating ideas based on this. Thank you.
Delete