Just checking in

I have been thinking for a week and a half I needed to do a blog post. I even thought of some great topics and things to "discuss," but when I sat down at my computer earlier this morning to write, my mind went blank.  Started typing something and it didn't even make sense to me, so I deleted it.  Stared at the blank screen for a few minutes and decided to find something else to do.  

And finding something else to do wasn't difficult because I've had a growing to do list since Friday and had only checked a few things off from the list.  One of the items on my to-do list (aside from writing a blog post) was to go for a 4-mile walk.  I needed to get out and walk so I could increase my distance to be ready for the 8K virtual race I want to complete in November.  I have told myself since Thursday that I was going to get out and do this walk.  I was too "busy" Friday, decided to rake the leaves in the yard on Saturday (great plan, got done just as the three day wind storm began), and yesterday was "too windy."  Today is a holiday for me (gotta love having a state job), so my last free time until next weekend.  It had to be today.  I didn't want to go, so reached out to a friend, MM, and texted to see if she was willing to walk 4 miles today.  She responded quickly with a "Sure!"  I was now committed to the task.  

We met up an hour later and started on the walk.  Weather was the best... breezy (windy at times), a little rain, and cool temperatures.  But we had a beautiful rainbow for most the walk.  And having someone to talk to made the time (and distance) go so much faster than plodding along by myself.  

I can now check the the 4-mile walk off my to-do list... and soon check off "write a blog post."  

So, what I have been up in the time since my last post?  Just plugging along.  Working my day job, working on my Lego business, scrapbooking, watching TV and movies with Hubby, and doing the occasional walk and stretch (neither of which I have been doing consistently lately).  Still working on my habits and behaviors.  Struggling with eating at the table, eating slowly and mindfully, and listening to my body.  I must be doing something right, because I am down 21 pounds in 12 weeks.  Down to a weight I haven't seen in 2 years and even better, some of my pants are getting loose... and one pair, very loose.  

I'm still working through my 100 Days of Weight Loss book.  Currently on Day 90.  Hard to believe I have been working on changing my behaviors for 90 days.  You would think it would be so much easier at this point, but it's actually more difficult.  At least I'm well aware of slipping into my old habits and I  try to do better.  Some days I do and some days I don't.  I just think of every day as a learning process.  

I have also completed week 1 of the Rebel Endurance Coaching.  It was more of a "start up" week with lots of assessments and getting used to working the lessons each day. On Saturday, I had to do my first set up measurements and pictures.  Something I was dreading and put off for a day.  I never did measurements when I lost the weight before, but definitely something I wish I had.  I have been doing my measurements this time around.  My plan was to take them every 10 pounds, but I think with the Rebel Endurance Coaching it will be every couple of weeks.  

The pictures... well, that was a humiliating process for me.  At my current weight, I try to avoid pictures of just me unless it's a well posed selfie (group shots don't bother me... other people to look at).  The pictures were just me, in a bad fitting sports bra and too tight shorts. Three pictures, one from the front, side and back.  I understand why they have you take the pictures.  So you can visually see the difference.  But I don't like how I look with clothes (baggy clothes) on, so seeing these pictures could have easily drove me into a fit of depression.  Instead, I had hubby take them, I posted them (knowing just Hubby, myself and my coach would see them), and I moved on with my day.  They are what they are.  Normally I would say, "it is what it is and I can't do anything about it."  But, this time, "it is what it is and I CAN do something about it."  

I now have my "baseline" for the coaching process.  Will be interesting to see how the weight, measurements... and pictures... change between now and then.  I have done well on my own, so I can only hope with some assistance from my coach (and good friend), I will continue to do well and build up my strength and endurance as well.  

Right now, I'm focusing on my small wins and rainbow moments.  Walking 4 miles today was my small win.  Walking with MM and seeing an actual rainbow, were my rainbow moments.  

MM and I at mile 3.5 or so