I was in the gym this morning, running on the treadmill. It’s snowing again here. Even with the snow, the gym was pretty crowded. Everyone getting that last workout before New Year’s Eve Revelry, I suppose.
I logged 3.5 miles this morning in about 45 minutes. Since my running has been somewhat sporadic over the past couple of weeks, I’ve decided to ease back in with some walking intervals, some jogging intervals and some speedier intervals, and overall, the run felt really good. I’m sure that within a week or so, it will be all running once again with the intervals dedicated to getting faster. But I digress….
Halfway through my run, a woman got on the treadmill next to me. She reminded me of me when I started on my fitness journey. She had some weight to lose and she started off walking slowly. After 15 minutes, she got off the treadmill and moved to the bike, where she also took it slow, but she was making the effort, in my opinion, the right way.
After I wrapped up and was getting bundled up to go out into the snow again, I noticed that she looked pained. Maybe the exercise was a physical struggle for her, maybe it was just emotional. I wanted to go up to her and tell her to stick it out. I wanted to tell her that she was doing the absolute best thing she could for her body. I wanted to tell her that a year ago, I was her.
A year ago, I was much heavier, I was new in the gym and I wasn’t sure where to start. So I started slow. And I kept going back and I kept increasing my workouts a little at a time. And now I’m a triathlete. And I’m fit. And I’m much smaller than I was a year ago. The key is to stick to it.
So to all of you out there who are making your New Year’s resolutions to get back to the gym and get fit this year, keep me in mind.
Here’s my advice.
- Start slow so you don’t burn out.
- Remember any movement is better than no movement at all.
- Stick to it. Even when you don’t feel like it. You can take a day off here and there, but stay with it and you’ll see results
- Set realistic goals. Unless you’re on the Biggest Loser, working out eight hours a day with someone watching over everything you eat, you aren’t going to lose 10 pounds a week. Sometimes the Biggest Loser contestants only drop a pound or two or even gain.
- Be patient. You didn’t get unfit and overweight overnight. It’s not going to come off overnight either. Allowing myself the time to make the changes was the best thing I could have done and the reason I have succeeded so far in my fitness quest.
- Celebrate every success, even if it’s just with a “YAY ME!” And for those of you, who like me are used to celebrating with food? Find new ways to pat yourself on the back. This is especially fun when you fit into a new, smaller size!
Tomorrow is the start of a New Year. And many of you have your resolutions ready. The only way those resolutions help you is if you stick to them. I prefer to set goals. But hey, whatever works!
Have a Happy, Healthy and Inspired New Year!
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As usual, great blog. I think you are right about setting goals. I have 2 glasses of wine on a night like this and I forget all about resolutions!
Happy New Year and here’s to all of us staying or getting healthy!
elizabeth
diane — you look amazing! congratulations! have a wonderful new year!
Diane,
Thank you for a wonderfully thoughtful, inspiring, and honest post. I look forward to sharing it on my blog, as we kick off the Pay it Forward 500 Mile Club for 2010. It’ll be AWESOME INSPIRATION for those friends and family members who say, “I can’t possibly do that…” and I say, “YES, you CAN.”
I often see ladies out walking/running and think the same thing, “I see myself” and want to say something, but never know if it’s appropriate to do so… That’s one of the reasons I promote my blog through t-shirts (that I wear a lot on weekends!)… so IF someone’s interested, they will find their way to a resource that might be helpful. One can hope…
Happy New Year, friend. You look beautiful – inside and out – and I look forward to reading you in 2010! I’m also glad to see your Zazzle store. I created one a few months ago, but haven’t promoted too much. I think that might be one of my ‘goals’ for this year, too.
Hugs from Orlando!
I don’t have resolutions this year either but goals for my workouts and I’m really looking forward to achieve as must of them as I can.
You really made a progress this year, you look great!
Happy new year Diane!
I suggest, that next time, don’t be afraid to talk to someone. Just strike up a conversation. I recently found out a girl I go to spin class with, would never have stayed, if I hadn’t talked to her on the first day she was there. I cannot explain how good that felt that I had a part in making someone’s journey just a small bit easier!
I’m new to your blog from a link from Robin’s blog. What an amazing year you have had!!! Congrats!
What an amazing year for you!!! hAPPY NEW YEARS!!!
Great post and kudos on your progress! I followed here from another blog and am glad I did.
Great job and keep pushing forward!!