December 03, 2013

Stupid scale

Yesterday, was my long run, and it went so well! It was only seven miles, which isn't very "long" when I put it into perspective, but it was my scheduled long run of the week. Instead of running one of my usual routes from home, I decided to go to the State Park and run it there, for a change of scenery.

The weather wasn't too bad; I wore my Cold Gear pants, a short-sleeve tech shirt, and a light jacket. My long run pace is 8:53/mile, so that was the only target I had to aim for. When I got to the park, it was SO quiet. I didn't see a single boat or fisherman (usually, there are at least a dozen). After I got out of the car, I noticed a young man (probably about 20 years old) walking on the path that I was going to run. There was only one other car, so I'm assuming it was his. He was wearing jeans, so I didn't get the impression that he was out to exercise, and he wasn't carrying fishing gear. Since I was alone, I decided to just run my path the opposite direction, so that I wouldn't have to pass him. I'm sure he was harmless, but I get a little nervous when I'm by myself.

I've been having some good runs lately, and this one started out no differently. My pace was on target, and I really enjoyed the scenery. I ran along the beach (on the path, not the sand!) and the lake was SO calm that it looked like glass. When I ran through the campground, there wasn't a single soul there, and it was kind of eerie! As soon as I got to the edge of the woods, there was a deer who didn't even get spooked by me. Usually, when I see deer, they dart off into the woods like I'm going to hunt them down. But this one just looked at me, and actually took a few steps toward me, which was odd.

I'd planned to run the path right out of the park, turn around, and head back to the car, but instead, I changed my route so that I would stay inside the park the whole time. It was nice, not having to worry about traffic or loose dogs or anything like that. I never did come across anyone else out there, either! My pace felt good (not super easy, but not hard, either). It was just one of those runs where everything went well, and I felt good for starting my day that way!



I've been frustrated with my weight. I wrote a few days ago about how I binged on chocolate chips; and the next morning, my weight had shot up by 5 pounds! I know that I didn't eat 17,500 calories worth of chocolate chips (!), so it wasn't a "real" gain, but usually something like that would make me go up a pound or two... not five. I told myself I'd just write it off and get back on track, but I felt defeated. Normally, I'm really good about not letting the scale upset me, because I KNOW that I have gains here and there that have nothing to do with how I'm eating. But for some reason, this one bothered me.

So instead of getting back on track, I ate some more. And since my week starts over tomorrow, today I just thought, "Eh, what's one more day?" I didn't binge, but I haven't counted my PointsPlus and I've definitely overeaten. I feel very puffy and I'm sure the scale would reflect that. So, I've chosen not to get on the scale for a while. I'm going to wait until December 12th, which is the anniversary of when I reached my goal weight. That gives me eight days to eat well and not let the scale get under my skin. The last time I took a short break from the scale (before the Chicago Marathon), I felt more free, and I was able to get back on track and feel good about myself. And I dropped the weight fairly easily! So that's what I'm going for.

For a fresh start, I'm starting a new 3-month food journal--I always like the blank pages of a new journal. I also reactivated my Weight Watchers ActiveLink today, because I feel like I've been getting sluggish lately. Aside from running, I haven't been moving much, so I am hoping that by using my ActiveLink, I'll push myself to be more active during the day.

Since today was a rest day, I didn't run. But after dinner, Jerry, the kids, and I all went for a walk. We went about a mile, and it was SO nice outside. I kept racing Eli to see who could skip to the next telephone pole faster (he won every time--I guess I'm not very good at skipping!). Both of the kids mentioned that they liked going for family walks, so we're going to make it a point to go more often.

I also decided to renew our rec center membership. It's only $100 for a family of four for an entire YEAR, which is a bargain. I want the kids to stay active during the winter, so this way, they'll have a pool, indoor track, basketball courts, racquetball courts, etc. I'm going to take them at least twice a week for a couple of hours, and I can get in some extra exercise, too! I have no excuses to let this little gain be the end of me. ;)

21 comments:

  1. What a great deal for the rec center! I wish we had something like that in my area! Way to go on the run, sounds like it was magical!

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    1. It's at the local high school, so the hours are limited; but it's perfect for what we use it for!

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  2. Have you thought about starting a weight lifting routine? Since I've started lifting, I don't pack on the pounds when I go off the rails nearly as easily as before.

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    1. That's always a new year's resolution of mine! Haha, but I really do want to start (and keep) a strength training routine.

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  3. I know what you mean about avoiding people who look a little sketchy when you are running. I think it's really smart to do that. You never know.

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    1. Yeah, I'm sure he was harmless, but you're right--you never know!

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  4. I also agree that strength training might be helpful to you!

    And I have decided to put away my scale at home and only weigh myself at the gym. First of all, the scale at the gym is a much more high tech one and probably more accurate. And secondly, I have to, you know, go to the gym to use it!

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    1. That's a good idea to weigh yourself only at the gym. I used to do that in college, and it was exciting to have to go there to get on the scale and see how much I'd lost that week!

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  5. so jealous that your rec center is so cheap! I pay more than that a month for a family of 4!

    Great job refocusing!

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    1. I know, we're pretty lucky. It's at a local high school, and it's closed during school hours, so I think that's why it's so cheap. But it's great for us!

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  6. You are so lucky to pay $100 for a family pass. Where I live in Canada, it's $882 for an annual family pass.
    As for the strength training....more muscle burns more calories, even at rest.

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    1. Wow, I had no idea it could cost that much for a rec center membership! Ours was just opened to the public a few years ago, and we've gotten a lot of use out of it. It's been great!

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  7. I agree about the strength training. You might also want to see if your rec center has any free classes that you could join. Classes are a great way to stay active if you don't feel like running. I actually found that I lose more weight when I mix it up a bit.

    Most rec centers have something like Zumba or some other dance class. Trust me, it isn't nearly as scary as you would think! I can't dance to save my life, but it is fun to get out there with other girls who are just as bad as me and just let loose!

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    1. I do like the idea of starting a strength training routine. I've started many times, but end up giving it up after a couple of months, just because I don't like it ;) But I am going to come up with a plan that's not too overwhelming and give it another try!

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  8. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the past haven't you sewn or knitted when having a hard time with a binge temptation? Maybe you just need a new project to keep your mind off things.

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    1. YES! I was just telling Jerry that I need a new project to work on. I just got a bunch of fabric from my mom, so I'd like to come up with something to sew. Not sure yet...

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  9. I am the same way when I see a random man on the bike path or area where I am going to run. I always carry pepper spray and my phone, but you never know. Most of the time the guys are harmless but after hearing countless horror stories about women running alone I am extra careful!

    Good luck on getting yourself back on track and not stressing about the scale! Sometimes we do need a break from that nasty little thing. :)

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  10. Do you run with pepper spray or a taser? It sounds like you run in a pretty secluded area - scary!! My hubby makes me run with a taser and I feel so much more comfortable with it. (I actually sometimes wish I could use it. Haha! I'd probably be singing a different tune if I actually had to.) I also run with a whistle. A Christian college in the Bay Area (where I live) gives whistles to their female students to use in emergencies. Scare those suckers away! Also, I was wondering how many calories burned I should account for while breastfeeding. I just delivered my 3rd baby (in under 3 years. My oldest was 6 weeks shy of 3 when my newest little guy arrived) and I need to get rid of this baby weight!! They were all c-sections, so I feel like my stomach is shot! Whenever I cut my calorie intake down I feel like I'm going to pass out. The scale isn't budging though otherwise. =(

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  11. That sounds like a great deal at your rec center! I really miss playing racquetball, and my son would love to have access to indoor basketball courts during this cold season. I'm pretty spoiled with a home gym, but it doesn't have those items! I work in weights as well as my cardio, they do help me feel stronger. There are so many good exercises you can do with just body weight, you don't even need a gym!

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  12. I am SO discouraged lately too. I lost nothing during half training and I've gained since the half marathon. I went to the Dr last Friday when I sprained my ankle (which I am really depressed about) and I haven't been binge eating or anything (I might have gone a little over a couple days, but not by much) and I've gained 5 pounds since then! WTF? Everyone keeps telling me it's from swelling, but OMG, it makes me so depressed.

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  13. I would LOVE to be able to get that cheap membership!! Use a few machines for me. ;)

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