So, here’s the scoop.
I’ve lost 30 lbs. I went down an underwear size, and my
pants are all too big. I’m stronger, I can walk without wheezing, and I’m
faster. People are beginning to notice these little changes, and it’s been
great.
HOWEVER, I’ve been stuck at 30 down for a couple of weeks
now, and have been getting a bit discouraged. Cue a week of “rest,” which is
typical Erin. I didn’t count calories, I spent time in my room watching TV, and
I finished some easy projects that were plaguing me. What I didn’t do much of was
exercise.
This is the damage that I constantly inflict on myself. I
use a million excuses to rest, to let things slide, or to just quit. I am a
master of convincing myself and others that I’m still working hard, still
plugging away, but in reality, I’m damaging my chances of a lasting life
change.
Now wait, before you cry foul, let me assure you that I’m
not quitting. I’m like that phoenix in the Harry Potter books, who grows,
bursts into flames, then grows again. You all should know by now that consistency
is not my strong suit, and I can fully admit that this is a (sometimes) fatal
flaw. I am a fallible, inconsistent person… and that’s OK. I grow, flame out,
but will grow again. Thankfully I keep learning through it all.
Now that you’re all caught up, I’ll let you know what is on
the horizon for me. I’ll be training for a couple of very specific events, and
that training starts NOW. On July 15, I’ll be participating in the Holland 100,
biking for 18 miles with my buddy Dan. I’m told this is not a race, and that there
is a pancake breakfast halfway through the ride, so I’m looking forward to
damaging some flapjacks.
Up next is the Shermanator, a triathlon relay in August (http://shermanatortri.org/index.html).
I’ve really got to put my game face on for this one, since my sweet friends, my
fellow Dusty Dames, will be counting on me to pull out a good performance. I
will be doing the cycling portion of the race, which is 10 miles. I have given
myself a speed goal, and hope to crush it.
So, I guess if you see me riding on the streets of Barry
County, please don’t honk, but feel free to wave. I would like to say that I
hope to make you all proud, but I really don’t care so much about that. I want
to, and will, make myself proud; only then will I rise.
