Another One (Almost) Bites the Dust

Almost at the end of September and another month of exercising.  I haven't been exercising at quite the same level as the first part of the month: First part:  12 days of 45-60+ min exercises, 1 of 30+ min, 1 of vigorous work, 1 nada; Second part:  8 days of 45-60; 2 of 30 min, 1 of vigorous work, 2 of general walking around campus.  I have two days left of this month, so I would like to make those 45-60 min exercises, but one is a class day; that means getting in the habit of coming back home and at least a brisk walk. 

I have to remember that of those longer exercise days earlier this month, at least two were brisk walks with my walking pals.  I can still do that.  I have this feeling that I have to run or do something "more"--I think perspective-wise it would be better if I considered ANY exercise being better than none.  Example:  yesterday I didn't feel like exercising when I got home--used as an excuse my walk to, from, and around campus, and so I didn't do anything.  Unless it's a class day, I also need to shoot for 45-60 min per day. 

Some more stats:  overall time drop on formal exercise--1st half: 791 minutes (not counting housework, even vigorous) vs. 2nd half:  570 minutes so far.  Even if I exercise 75 minutes each the next two days, I'd be almost an hour less, and time in does matter, since I don't think I'm doing demonstrably more difficult or calorie-burning activities.  To put a brighter spin on things, in the final calculation, the first half averaged I averaged 52.7 min of exercise per day; the second half I'm averaging 43 min per day-- a lot more than the 0 min per day I was averaging 6 months ago!!!!)

Pat, pat, pat  (the sound of me, patting myself on the back; I can tell myself to do better, but I should also acknowledge that I'm more fit, more toned, and less weight because of my determination and persistence.  Just need to remember to keep it up!!!!)

Recalibrating

I'm getting the exercise down, but I think I'm also slipping and eating a lot more than I should, especially in the evenings.  Partly that's due to letting myself have a glass of wine.  It's not the wine itself, but the munchies and lack of inhibitions (food-wise) that come with the wine.  Since I don't really want to give up wine entirely, I'm back to calorie counting.  That got me going on my diet and helped keep me honest.  When I was done for the day, I was either done eating and drinking or I would have to exercise more.  Amazing how well that simple equation works.  So I'm back to math. 

Also refiguring how active I should be in more than just the exercise area.  At night, I just sit around.  Perhaps because I am more active at other times during the day, I feel the lack of movement more and feel like a slug.  So I'm taking up art again--standing and painting or drawing or ANYTHING is better than flipping through the channels.  Looking into an art group that would meet once a week.  Perhaps that would help me on two fronts:  being out and busy one night and meeting people.  If I can do more two-fers, all the better. 

On the exercise front, took my bike in to get it fixed.  It will get me further afield than my walking/running.  I may try to bike up to  Yellow Springs and spend the night, maybe take weekend trips with my bike somewhere, see where I can travel at other points along this or another bike trail.

I do love being outside.  I'm sitting right now on the front "porch" of Bruegger Bagels; beautiful temp, blue sky, pretty clouds.  Forcing myself to think of my syllabus . . . . Yes . . . .

A last hurrah for the HHC walking club this summer.  I will miss my gal pals and their encouragement.  I will still see them, but since we won't be walking, that's a bit different.  May try to talk them into some other kinds of activities, like climbing, etc. 

Recalibrating is a good thing.  Keeps things fresh and thoughtful.

Same ol', same ol'

Continuing with the same ol' exercise and watching what I'm eating.  It's good, I think, that it feels like "same ol'" because it signifies that I'm developing useful habits of exercise and diet.  I--and more importantly my knees--are wondering if the same ol' may be creating problems for wear and tear on body parts.  So certain modifications are in order:  yoga one day a week with Lilias Folan; a rhythm and motion class as well; getting the bike ready to roll; and more attention to diet as helpful in keeping calories down.  Hopefully, these will allow different kinds of exercise and I'll start to identify what is problematic.  I'm considering the local gym, but I know I've never had good luck with getting myself over to machines unless I have a trainer waiting for me.  So much of this is knowing what works and doesn't work for me, even if it's great for someone else.  So it is same ol' same ol'--continuing to reflect on who I am, what motivates me, and what's good for me.  A life-long process?