I kicked my own ass Wednesday night at the gym! It was a fantastic, refreshing workout. First, I ran 3.56 miles. But I alternated between no incline and 2.0 incline at 5.0 pace.
All winter long I’ve run on the treadmill with zero incline because I didn’t want to aggravate my IT Band. I shied away hills for fear of re-injury, when I used to run hills all the time! When I was running my neighborhood training for Hood to Coast, I was running humongous hills. It was time to get back to it! It felt awesome to run “hills” again (even if they were small hills).
After my kick-ass run, I spent some quality time in the Scary Weight Room area where all the big guys were. I don’t often use those machines with the weight plates, or the free weights because I feel unsure of myself. I’m glad I got back to it because I was able to get in a fantastic weight session after weeks of mediocre weight lifting. It was clearly time for a change from the “machines.”
I focused on Chest, Shoulders and Back.
I felt stronger and could lift more last night compared to what I used to be able to lift!
I spent about 30 minutes lifting weights, feeling really good about my abilities, and ended with some stretching.
Gym Stats:
Time: 1:28
Calories Burned: 693
After the gym I cleaned up and Michael and I went out to dinner for our Date Night. He was craving Mexican and since he’s still on The Diet, we chose The Matador. He ordered a steak with broccolini (on the plan!).
I decided that I was no longer on The Diet. I will eat what Michael eats (on the diet) but in smaller portions and I won’t be avoiding carbs or restricting fruit anymore. I decided that I am okay with my body and I am okay with not losing weight!
I ordered a glass of Shiraz to go with dinner. But we skipped the chips and salsa. Despite the fact that I will be eating whatever I want, I’m not going to try and sabotage Michael’s efforts. I didn’t need the chips and salsa anyway.
I ordered the shredded chicken enchilada. It came with rice (carbs!), black beans, guacamole and sour cream. It was delish!
I ate one of the enchiladas, most of the rice and half the beans. I saved the rest for lunch.
I also had dessert when we got home. A little bit of vanilla ice cream, low calorie fudge sauce and some chocolate chips. I was under my calories for the day and happy I was able to eat whatever I wanted!
I am happy with what I see in the mirror. I am happy that my jeans aren’t tight anymore and I’m happy with what I’m eating. And I feel SOOO good today from last night’s weight lifting! I’m sore and it’s awesome!
QUESTION: Are you okay with your body?
Niki
I LOVE this post. Yay awesome workouts AND carbs!!! Good for you for still being supportive and great job Michael for NOT eating carbs at a Mexican restaurant! Holy will power batman!
Lisa Eirene
Thanks Niki! I don’t think my diet will change much from what Michael is doing, we’ll still eat the same foods. I just want my fruit back!
Carbzilla
Yay! I’m so happy you’re happy!!!
Yeah, I’m happy with my body which is probably why I haven’t been hitting the gym. BUT, I know it could be better, and I have to look beyond my own contentment and remember that strength and mobility will serve me my whole life so there are those reasons to increase my fitness.
Regular exercise will help keep me injury free and help me look even better. 🙂
I think I could really choose to be down on myself if I wanted to, which would increase my motivation but I reallllly don’t want to do that. That is way less healthy than staying out of the gym. I mean, I’m never going to be a fitness model, but I also don’t want to do the work that requires. I’ve worked that hard, and it was great. That was then, this is now.
Lisa Eirene
I think why this diet didn’t work for me is because I didn’t have my whole heart set on it. I didn’t really feel a strong drive to lose more weight because honestly I am OKAY with where I’m at! It’s vastly different than being over 100 pounds overweight and HAVING to lose weight.
I think you look great. You’re super tiny and if you are content that’s ok. Content is good! 🙂
A Girl Who Loves Cupcakes
I am so happy to hear someone say that! I am okay with my body, it allows me to do amazing things but I do want to lose weight and get more fit, but i’m okay with that taking time. I’m going through a rough patch with some medication but it will all even out in the end and I am okay with that too.
Lisa Eirene
I’m glad you are feeling more positive Jennifer! Especially after what you’ve been going through lately.
Leah @ L4L
That’s an epic statement to make, especially since you have been struggling with the notion of losing the last few vanity pounds for a couple months now.
I am certainly not 100% okay with my body. I’d say I’m about 80% there. I am constantly in awe over what my body does for me – I am strong, I’m starting to really run (albeit a bit slow) but there are definitely “trouble zones”. I’d love to have a flat stomach and visibly muscular arms. It may never come but I’m putting in great effort and that definitely deserves an applause. I may never be 100% happy with my body but considering that I was on the opposite end of the spectrum a couple years ago, I’m ok with being at 80% right now.
Lisa Eirene
Oh I wouldn’t say I am 100% either. But I’m closer to that number than I was a few weeks ago. I realized that I need to value what my body can do and what changes I’ve made (like you said). The truth is, I will never be 100% okay with my body. The fact is, surgery is the only thing that will “cure” me of my flaws (i.e loose skin from losing 100 pounds). So considering that, I am okay with where I am at now!
Do you think that you feel so great because of running? I know that being able to run for me made me feel like a strong, confident person and I was also in awe about what my body can do now!
Leah @ L4L
I think the main reason it helps is that I have always thought of myself as a non-runner. I’d constantly beat myself up about how much I sucked at running. I was slow. It was painful. I was sucking wind in a matter of minutes. The fact that I have overcome that by proper training and some mental willpower sort of makes me feel like I can conquer the world. Strength training makes me feel physically strong. Running makes me feel mentally strong.
Lisa Eirene
When I first started running I was slow and didn’t feel like a “real runner” either. It just takes practice!
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair
I made a decision a few months ago to GIVE UP my obsession with weight. It has been SO FREEING. That’s not to say I don’t want to tone up more and keep treating my body good (I do!) but I’m done caring about those last 5 or 10 pounds I have to lose. If I lose them, great. If not, that’s fine too!
Lisa Eirene
I’m coming around. I’ve realized the last few months that my body is probably where it SHOULD be and I’ll continue doing what I do now and not worry so much about what that number says.
Good for you on giving up the obsession!
Lori
That is great that you are comfortable where you are at!
I am still working on that. Some days I am fine, others I am not.
Hooray for fruit, too 😀
Lisa Eirene
I’m not saying that I feel great about my body every day, but it’s getting to where it’s more days than not!
cindylu
This makes me smile.
I think I’m more okay with my body than I’m not (70% cool). I know I can lose a few pounds and tone up my arms and stomach, but I’m not willing to take anything away to do that. I’d rather add something and with it gain strength, which will help me become a stronger runner.
Also, I’d find a way to get more melanin in my hair. I have way too many grays and I’m lazy about dying.
Lisa Eirene
That’s great! I’m glad you feel good about your body. I can tone up too (especially arms and stomach).
Beth @ Beth's Journey
Great post Lisa!! I think you’re providing the exact amount of support you should for Michael – don’t try to sabotage his efforts, but dont make yourself miserable by adhering to a diet that doesn’t work for you! Congrats!
Lisa Eirene
Thanks Beth! I think it’s the right choice for me.
Michelle
I am more and more ok with my body as I continue to lose weight and tone muscle. I am DETERMINED this time around to make lasting changes to not only what and how much I eat but my mindset as well. THIS time, I’ve made a conscious effort to notice and celebrate every single success….scale and non-scale included. I am 80 lbs away from what my goal weight should be, so I have a LONG way to go, but as long as I keep on track, I’ll make it!
Lisa Eirene
That’s great Michelle! Celebrating the NSV and small milestones are so important!
steena
That’s pretty much the only thing that matters, it doesn’t matter how many miles you run, how many weights you lift, as long as you’re happy with your body. I love reading that you’re happy with it!!
I’m also pretty happy with mine!
Lisa Eirene
It’s a good feeling!