Some things have changed inside my head recently.  Yes, the fear factor about Ironman Florida 2013 (the big crazy idea), not to mention Ironman 70.3 Augusta in something like 155 days (scary!) has brought about a big change.

But something else is different.

I am not sure what it is.

For example, I woke up in Jacksonville, Florida today for a business meeting. I woke up an hour early at the hotel in order to squeeze in some cardio at the not-too-shabby hotel gym.  I got dressed. I drank coffee. I realized that I left my sneakers in the car… back in Atlanta.
 

Old Me:  “F it! I’m going back to bed! This sucks!”

Correction. The Really “Old Me” would have never gotten up early to exercise at a hotel. Never. Nev-uh.

But this morning, the Old Me was nowhere to be found. I ended up doing a series of planks, crunches, pushups, yoga moves and I worked up a decent sweat before showering and putting on the suit (which is when I really began to sweat. For the love… suits? In the summer? Who made up this dress code? )

Oh, and here are some obligatory blog photos with new self-timer app on iPhone. Come on, I know they are stupid. But no one likes blogs without photos. Boo-yow.

Push-ups with not-so-fabulous form.
Yoga. Or something that is trying to be yoga.
Crunches.

Even last night at dinner…. the Old Me would have eaten the table’s entire appetizer plate of chips smothered in blue cheese, all the bread basket and been down seventeen martinis before dinner arrived.  Then, because it was a “special night,” my dinner would have included some sort of creamy deliciousness that would be better spread directly onto my rear end… right next to its neighbor, chocolate cake for dessert.

Instead, I had two blue cheese chips, one piece of bread and grilled fish. Two blue cheese chips. TWO. Seriously. TWO! TWO!

I’m not sure who I am. Really.

But I think I am starting to like myself a little more each day.  I am learning that fat, skinny, fit or fabulous is not the issue… it’s something about being kind to my insides. Taking care of myself. Giving my body a fighting chance by feeding it nicer.  And giving myself a break when I fall down.

Even as I sit right now at the airport, typing furiously, I sit across from Cinnabon. A bit ago, I had marched right past Cinnabon.  I went to Starbucks. Instead of ordering my standard fat-free chemical latte and blueberry scone, I opted for a plain coffee, apples, cheese and crackers.

  Speaking of Jacksonville… look at the world’s shortest escalator ever.

It’s weird.

But really, these “same changes” feel different this time.  I have made these changes before.  But the choices felt painful. 

This time, I swear it feels different. Maybe I can credit my frame of mind. I’m not dieting – I am simply trying not to kill myself with food and alcohol.

These changes feel sustainable. Soulful. 

I am sure I will fall off the “kind to my insides” wagon now and again.  The difference is… I think now I have the right frame of mind to stand up, dust off and get back on the train.

Many of you said you were “with me” and wanted to implement healthy changes in your life…

How is your journey going so far?

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12 Responses

  1. Good for you! Way to get something in, even if it wasn't what you had planned. Sounds like your head is in the right place, the rest will follow.

  2. That escalator is creepy.

    Good for you! I love the "new you"…so dedicated and determined!

  3. Great job!!! Sometimes things just "click" for me and it seems easier to stay in the right frame of mind…sounds like things are "clicking" for you! After my little fall of the wagon on Sunday, I have happily climbed right back on!

  4. that escalator made me nervous for some reason. hmmm. wonder what that's about.

    i'm "with you" and making SPECTACULAR food choices all day (read that as not allowing myself to deviate from the plan even a smidgen) so I can be social with chevalier in the evening and eat whatever he's grilling in reasonable amounts. i'm a social eater.

    i'm uber impressed that you conquered the COMFY HOTEL BED DEMON. that is crazy amazing. i don't think i could ever do that. don't get me started on those chips…

  5. Good for you! I could have walked past the Cinnabon too, because that's just blatantly bad for you…but I would have caved at Starbucks, 'cuz it's JUST a coffee, right?? lol

    I read your post in perfect time…I just finished my bowl of pasta (just a little), roasted broccoli and cauliflower,and marinara……and was heading back in to fill it up again with mostly pasta this time! I'm starving today. ugh! But, you're SO right. Fuel, baby, fuel…and be kind to my insides.
    Thanks and keep up the goodness!!!

  6. I'm still working on getting it to click, but I am making better food choices and not beating myself up when I make a not-so-good one.

  7. High Five! I have been such a slacker for the past two weeks and its going to show next weekend at Iron Girl Atlanta. I needed to read this to kick my butt back in the saddle!

  8. Took my own advice I gave somebody today and just put my running shoes on- the hardest part of the run. I ended up going 10 minutes longer than planned.

    I think it's easier to push ourselves to do more with the workouts because it's adding something. It's harder to make smart food choices because it's usually resisting something- less dessert, smaller portions, etc. You're still thinking about it. It's still an option. That's where subbing better choices comes in, I guess.

  9. I'm with you! Still doing great. Yesterday was staff appreciation day at the school and I walked past a platter of cakes, brownies, cookies, and fudge at least 25 times. Didn't touch a thing…not even a crumb…not even a sniff of the good stuff. I just kept walking past saying "damn it" every time, but inside I'd just high five myself and yell "wooohooo!"

    It's amazing what happens when we decide we deserve to be well cared for, especially by ourselves!

    Keep up the great life changes, Meredith!! You've made me want to drop and do planks…seriously!

    And that escalator…seriously???

  10. Any activity is better than none. Today I have a wicked cough – I don't think running is a good idea, but I'll do weights this afternoon, and maybe go for a short bike ride instead.

    Making the tough choices will get you there, and "Old you" will be a thing of the past.

  11. Yesterday I fought the urges of convinece and passed on the Wendy's drive through and grabbed a sandwich at publix. It was sooooo hard!! But it's time to get serious about my goals. For so long I was going halfway; exercising but continuing to eat like crap or eating the crap and feeling too lazy to go out and exercise. Kudos to you for working out at the hotel! I usually remember to bring the sneakers but enjoy the king size bed a little too much and lack the motivation to get out of it! You rock!!

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