Appreciation

It’s easy to take things we have for granted. I learned that lesson the hard way last year when I suddenly had to take a break from running for over two months. It wasn’t a willing break. I was very upset about the whole thing. My running ability was taken away from me and every little bit I got back was glorious. I was grateful with each extra mile I was able to run pain-free. I was thankful when I was able to push myself again without regretting it. Recently I had the opportunity to be reminded that I have to be grateful for something I have: a gym membership.

It may seem like a silly thing to be grateful for but it was my touchstone for years when I was losing my weight. I missed it while I was gym-free. Not having access to a gym or pool made me appreciate it even more when I returned. On Saturday when I went to the gym I was happy! I loved being there. The annoying things I disliked about the gym before didn’t bother me as much.

It was also a really hot, sunny day so the gym was pretty quiet. I found an open treadmill with a TV and I got sucked into two episodes of HGTV shows. That channel is really like crack to me. My run started out crappy but I didn’t let it get me down. I pushed through it slowly and then finally found my groove. I ran steadily and fast with no walk breaks for the rest of my run.

I learned my lesson after pushing myself too much last weekend and I lifted weights lightly. I took it easy. Even though before I was lifting much heavier weights and doing my reps, this time I just did 10 pounds on a lot of the machines.

I finished up my workout with the medicine ball (back down to 8 pounds to take it easy) and did 15 minutes of stretching and foam rolling. It felt so good to back at the gym with my routine.

I’m looking forward to getting back to my old self too. I feel softer and weaker and lifting heavier weights was a struggle I wasn’t expecting. It’s okay. I took a break from lifting and now I’m back at it. Taking a break from anything is a good thing. It brings perspective, appreciation and a much needed break for the body!

GYM STATS:
Time: 1:35
Calories Burned: 666

I’m also back to making better choices about food. Friday night when I got home from the pool Michael and I made a Papa Murphy’s deLite pizza on the grill and I only ate two pieces instead of the three I mentally wanted (but my stomach told me I didn’t need).

I also tried frozen yogurt at a new place near our house. I haven’t had frozen yogurt since I was a kid. I was a kid in a candy store with all those options. Okay I might have gone a little crazy with the toppings. There were just so many options! I could have gone the “healthier” route and gotten fresh fruit toppings. Nah, I totally went with Butterfingers, Health Bar, waffle cone, and Oreo cookies.

I got half chocolate and half mint:

But I only ate half of my dessert on Friday night. I felt good that I was able to restrain myself instead of devouring every last bite. Even thought I wanted to eat it all. I popped the other half in the freezer.

I will definitely be having the rest of that dessert on Saturday night! And I will appreciate it and enjoy it as much as I did on Friday night. 😉

QUESTION: What’s something you relearned to appreciate?