I'm trying to wear more spring in my outfits without really buying anything new or trendy (you will never catch me in floral ankle pants, in case you were wondering). Since it is so legitimately nice out, all of my sandals from last year are already out and in rotation. So glad I got a good set of them that are still in excellent shape. The orange, the turquoise, the olive -- all are being happily worn. The olive peeptoe booties do a good job of lightening up an otherwise dark black-pants outfit. (The melon cardigan and gold jewelry helps too.)
Then on Friday I took the bears out of hibernation. Shaved 'em and everything!
Wearing nude microfishnet stockings, which are almost the same as wearing no hose at all. A cute dress and a long-lost purple cardigan, some embellished flats and I was good to go!
+++++++
In other news, my co-workers talked me into doing a team challenge to lose weight and exercise more. We weigh in and get measured tomorrow, then it starts for 8 weeks next Monday. The challenge is about scoring points, depending on how much exercise you do and how much weight and body fat you lose over the time period. I was all for it -- I could use a good structured kick in the pants -- but then today when we were going over the rules in detail, I got really panicked and now I am dreading it.
I didn't catch before today that you have to do a minimum of 1440 minutes of exercise -- which is 25 minutes a day, seven days a week (or 36 minutes, 5 days a week). Do you know how much I do right now? NONE.
I know, I know, deep in my gut I know that I need to move more, and I was looking forward to this challenge to get that going. But I was expecting to have to do a half-hour 3-4 days a week. I was thinking I could ease myself into it, and then maybe by the end of the challenge add more than that. I was NOT expecting to have to start right off the bat at a sprint. I can't even really miss a day, or I will fall behind, and skip more days, and fall more behind. And then let all my teammates down (there are some nice monetary prizes for competing and winning, and several of them really want to win.)
I am just so...pissed off about the whole thing. I feel like I am doomed to fail before I even start, and the pressure is pissing me off even more. Everyone else was talking about how they already work out 2 hours already a week, and so adding another hour wouldn't be so hard. I wanted to cry.
It feels impossible to me. I can't even get up the stairs without my knee giving out. Which I know should be even more incentive to exercise, but it's not. All I can think about is even if I just do 30 minutes of walking every day, how much every inch of my body is going to hurt, and how little rest I will have before having to do it again the next day, and how I am working 10-12 hours a day and am stressed beyond belief and am barely hanging onto eating right by my fingertips. When the hell am I supposed to even find the time for this? I was just thinking that I needed to start going into work earlier because so much is piling up. I never leave before 6pm, and I am in bed early too. But no, now I need to find a free hour somewhere every day. And my f***ing running shoes. Which probably don't fit. (Can you hear me cursing? I am cursing a blue streak!)
This doesn't feel like something that is motivating me to keep improving myself; it feels like just one more expectation that I can't meet that is crushing my lungs so I can't breathe.
I have 6 more days to get myself into the right headspace for it. Great. First I have to get over being so pissed. Why didn't I read it more closely before I agreed? Damn.
Sigh.
So that's what I'll be working on this week. My f***ing negative attitude.
Just remember you're not responsible to anyone but yourself on health/weight stuff. If your job is already making you work 10-12 hours/day, then people at your job have no right to hold you to an additional chunk of time that becomes essentially another work obligation. Can you tell them that it was unrealistic for you to commit to this given how many hours you are at work, and help find someone to replace you on the team?
ReplyDeleteCynthia, thanks for the pep talk. The problem is, I don't really want to bail. I wanted this to be something that got me exercising, and if I can change my attitude about it, I think it still can. It's that first rush of resentment/lethargy that is pouring out all the excuses, I think. (I hope!)
DeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteWhat if you chop up the minutes into small increments--like do bodyweight exercises for 10 minutes in the morning, walk 10-15 minutes around the office at lunch, and then do some yoga moves/stretches for about 10 minutes before bed or while watching TV and unwinding.
Would that count? You can do it! I've been a lurker for a while, and I know you can do it! <3
Thanks for coming out of lurkdom, KRenee! Yes, one of my co-workers suggested the same thing. I was just so mad at him "tricking" me I didn't want to listen. :) I can try to break it up on some days during the week. I hope.
DeleteJinx, I had the exact same thoughts as KRenee. If it still seems totally unrealistic how about if you have a challenge within a challenge. Week 1 you exercise for 900 minutes, Week 2 1000 minutes and so on. When others are petering out you'll be full steam ahead. I hope the challenge will be fun for you.
ReplyDeleteRamping up the amount of time on my own is a really good idea, thank you for suggesting it, Kim! Hmmm...
DeleteAm I missing something...this isn't appearing to be something that will inspire you...you already seem stressed beyond belief...you don't anticipate enjoyment from this but rather frustration...why are you continuing?...Be your own best friend and say you know after considering this, I just can't do it now...maybe the next time...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anon! Like I was replying to Cynthia above, I think it's the first rush of resentment and lethargy that I am trying to work through. People tell me that exercising does actually help with managing stress, so maybe if I can get some in everything won't seem so impossible.
DeleteMaybe a new pair of running shoes and some comfy, cute workout wear to get you motivated? Seems to work here to get the ball rolling!
ReplyDeleteKristen, you could blow this challenge right out of the water ;-) It's healthy to be nervous/daunted before such a lifestyle change, esp when the goal posts move (aaagh). But, you've already started the really positive habit of cooking healthily in advance and all you need to do now is think about your 'sport'/movement. Would gentle swimming be an option for your lifestyle and your knee? Maybe start thinking about you and your needs before that of your job (i.e. taking time)? Wouldn't your employer benefit from a happier more energetic you? Easy for me to write, isn't it?Look forward to reading about it ;-)))
ReplyDeleteSuck it up, buttercup! You need to kickstart the exercise anyway and your goal can be an hour a day. Start small. 10 minute walk first thing in the morning, 10 minute walk at lunch, 10 minute walk at night. Maybe get a pedometer and count your steps and try to get to 10,000. It isn't the same as running on a treadmill for an hour a day, but you can find something sustainable that you like.
ReplyDeleteMotivate yourself with an exercise themed shopping spree, new sneaks, Nike+ sportband or fitband for tracking your walking, new cute tops and capris.
And remember, while the exercise may be the hardest part of the challenge for you, there are others at work who likely don't know how to cook, can't prepare delicious vegetables, have never actually eaten a brussel sprout and enjoyed it, who are stressing about eating healthier. At least you have that part under your belt.
You can do this!
You're getting lots of good advice here and I especially like what Breakfast Habits said.
ReplyDeleteI do understand exactly what you're feeling right now. Just think, I've been feeling that way about my Muay Thai ever since the drastic schedule changes... and I am a person who exercises a lot already!. Still I've been feeling really resentful and aggravated that I didn't think it through before I signed the long term contract. BUT (and isn't there always a but?) I know if I stick it out and work through the resentment I'll be better off in the long run and really happy when I collect my black belt.
You can do this Kristen, I know you can! Any chance you can get that hubby of yours to help you get out for a 15 minute walk in the evenings? Or maybe the two of you could commit to a longer walk or some such on the weekends.
In any case, I'll be here rooting for you!
I agree with the suggestion to break it up into smaller parts. Also, can you try to trick yourself mentally.....like get hubby to commit to go for evening strolls with you to discuss your day? So you can think of it as quality time with him rather than exercise! If you watch tv at night, use the commercials to do lunges, humping jacks, marching in place, etc. An hour long tv show usually have 20 minutes of commercials. I know it can be hard if you aren't used to exercising. In 2008, I lost 50+ pounds and have kept them mostly off in large part to the fact that exercise is now a regular part of my life. I work 60+ hour weeks, but still find time to train for half marathons, so it is do-able if you commit to it.
ReplyDeleteJUMPING jacks, not humping jacks. lol.
DeleteKristen, you can do this! There's already a lot of great suggestions here in the comments, so hopefully you can find a way to make this work for you. My thought - what if you tried doing an hour of exercise 3 days a week instead? Personally, I feel like it might be easier to find the time just a few days a week, even if it's a longer stretch. Or maybe do an hour each day on the weekend, then spread that last hour out during the week?
ReplyDeleteHave you been to the Botanic Gardens yet this spring? I'd be happy to take a long walk with you after work some night, if that'd count toward your goal!
And I totally agree with Anon on getting new workout gear to get motivated. You get to go shopping, which is obviously fun, and I definitely like going to the gym more if I have new clothes.
You don't have to do the 30 minutes all in one go! Do 10 min at a time! You can do 10 minutes. Do the pee push-ups! If you do 10 sets at 1 minute each, that's one of your 10-min chunks there.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! I believe in you - you are strong!
If you have knee issues I absolutely would not run. Just take it easy. You are starting from such a low place on the exercise continum that anything you add will help you out. Those gals who're already working out 2 hours a day aren't going to see the gain you will. In an odd way you have an advantage here.
ReplyDeleteStick with low-impact walking. If you go high-intensity you'll do it once and never do it again, so don't!
I know you can walk 25 minutes at an easy pace without destroying yourself because you probably already walk around that much. Park at the far end of the parking lot and walk into the building. On Saturday/Sunday walk around the block or hoof it to Starbuck's for a coffee (food at the end of an exercise walk is very motivating!).
I'm with you on the floral pants! Not in my wardrobe either.
Good luck with this challenge! I do know how hard it is to get on the exercise band wagon. I was doing very well and then....pain! I have knee issues...in fact I am going to get a new knee the end of May. I am just lucky I can get to work and walk around there anymore! I will be anxious to hear how things go for you....
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way, you don't have to do this if you don't want to....you can always blame your knee pain!
2 nice outfits! And I will not hold you to the floral pants thing...I'm purdy sure if they are splashed all over the place you will eventually sign up. Hee hee.
ReplyDeleteOoo that recent food blog you did..YUMMO.
I'm wondering if you needed to lament about the surprise amount of commitment, & then slowly let your brain adjust a bit. I totally "give you permission" to have an attitude/vent about it here, and then slowly move forward! Hee hee. This is a great place to vent! You might even find it is nice to have an 'assignment' of exercise. Perhaps you will "force" suggest we all follow suit? Oops, shouldn't have said that..haha.
I really like the suggestions to break it up a bit. I'll suggest perhaps some weights before your am shower, maybe some walking at work? Not sure if that is possible, and maybe some walking in evenings w/dh, or perhaps some boxing in the beginning, since knee might not be ready for too much at first. I think you will like having timed increments. Won't seem that bad. I suspect it sounds overwhelming now, but will add up quickly. And I know you can be a machine!!
I guess there is just no way you can have someone help you with your workload right now? Sounds pretty overwhelming, K.
Wishing you well,
Chrissy
Late to the party, and there have been so many excellent suggestions that I really can't add any. But I do understand the overwhelmed feelings that you are having right now. It'll be fine, it really will - and you'll be surprised at how good you feel, especially if you break it up into three 10 minute segments a day. There won't be a lot of sweat, and shouldn't be a lot of aches and pains, either. You've got this, Kristen! :)
ReplyDeleteI am also late to this post. I agree with breaking it up. I have been ramping up and then just over a week ago committed to a minimum of 20 minutes a day (no excuses) of exercise for the month. Had to fully commit with my doctor so that we can tweak something next month if this doesn't work. Just so you know there does come a jump in point. I have been steadily ramping up my exercise level for the last several months. This last week I had to just jump in. Part of this week has involved having legs like jelly as I kept moving. However I am now starting to feel like maybe this will be worth it. I was able to walk over 2 miles today and it didn't seem too hard.
ReplyDeleteI saw something on Pinterest that said there are 1,440 minutes in a day you can work out for 30. I read this while laying on the couch.
ReplyDeleteThink of it this way. Losing weight lowers your risk of heart disease the #1 killer of women. I'm sure your husband would like to be a grouchy old person with you getting your senior discouts everywhere. :)
Wow, you are looking FANTASTIC lady! Loveth both outfits.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your weight loss challenge goes, I always rebel against forced diets and exercise. :) Maybe look up some knee friendly exercises for the first few weeks so you only have to walk 15 minutes a day and can strengthen you knee gradually? Also, I find it so much more enjoyable to walk WITH someone. My mom and I walk several nights a week and chat up a storm so that it doesn't feel like exercise. Last year, we got up to 4 miles of power walking 5 nights per week before I got pregnant! We started walking again, and we are doing about 2.5 leisurely miles right now till I get cleared at my 6 weeks checkup. I pry wouldn't have had the motivation if it wasn't for her and the fact that we love talking to each other while we walk!