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Today's all about getting healthy and staying healthy. I think we all have days we feel better and days we feel less healthy. Last year, I had a really bad I-feel-so-unhealthy day, and decided it was time for a change. I'd been meaning to do something for ages, but this time, my resolve held firm. I went on a diet, started doing lots of sports, and now, a year and a couple of months later, I'm 13 kg lighter and a whole lot fitter. I went from a jeans size 32 to a 27, 26 on good days. I feel a lot better about myself.
So I can tell you it's possible to change out of personal experience. All you need is a plan and a whole lot of willpower, along with the ability to get back up if you fall down. Backsliding is part of the process, the point is that you realise you're slipping and FIX IT as soon as you possibly can.
I started my better-me project by going swimming first twice, then three times a week. I didn't count how many laps I swam, I just made a point of not getting out of the water before 30 minutes were over, and over time, I managed more and more in the same amount of time. I started with swimming because it's easy on the joints, you can do it really, really slowly, it's easy enough to take a break after every lap if you want to without looking/feeling like a complete and utter failure, and - this was important for me - once I went through the effort of getting to the pool, getting changed, and getting in the water, I wasn't likely to give up half way through my set time.
After a while, I felt better about myself and that's when I started running. That's what I still do, mostly, and though I'm not particularly fast (my average at the moment is 7:10 min/km), I can feel my body adjusting and getting stronger, I know I can go further and further without needing a break. Maybe, just maybe, I'll have enough courage to join a race (my ultimate goal: finish a half marathon).
Much more recently I've started going to Bikram Yoga classes whenever I have the opportunity (I posted on the similarities between Bikram Yoga and writing in case you're interested), and I'm really liking that, too.
What do you do to get in shape and/or stay that way? Have you had one of those days when you know you have to change, and you went and did it? Would you like to know what diet I went on (I didn't want to bore you with that here)?
ps. I've started a blog to keep track of what I'm doing, health-wise... Lemons, Mokka and Green Tea
And here the other participants:
14 comments:
Good for you, Tessa! Exercise is addictive - once you start getting in shape, your body can do more, and you find you want to do more. I can't imagine not running five miles a day several times a week now.
Thanks for participating in our bloghop!
Awesome Tessa! That is great for you. I look up to you with this post. I need to figure out what to post on my blog still for this blogfest. Haven't done well with my weight for a while but I'm trying. Keep up the great work. ;-)
You should be so proud of yourself! I hope I learn to like running. I joined a 21 Day Intensive and giving the Couch to 5K a try.
I've always wondered what it would be like to run properly. I have an ankle condition which means I can barely run at all and never have been able to. It's always been one of those things I've pondered :).
Glad you're enjoying the exercise and good luck with the half marathon goal, I like my exercise bike in the mornings, makes me feel so much better. At the beginning of the year I went on the 5:2 diet and it's really working for me, I love it.
Tasha's Thinkings
I try to eat healthy, drink plenty of water and walk.
Yvonne.
Congratulations! My hubby loves swimming and we both like to run. Join a race, you'll be addicted after just one. I'm not fast either, but I love being with all these people who are choosing to do something good for their bodies. Races have an energy about them that is AMAZING!
Hubby and I have finished 5 half marathons (slowly I remind you) and loved it. We stopped for a while and are just starting up again. Try a 5K, then a 10K and then just go for it!
Good luck with your half marathon dream :-)
I try to run at least 12 miles a week and I have to say it is addictive. By what I'm reading, I have not doubt you will one run that half marathon. Great job!
Yay! Congratulations. You are inspiring and that's just what I needed today. I've tried yoga and have to admit it wasn't for me. I'll stick to my jogging ;)
Hi, Tessa! CONGRATS on your weight loss. Smaller sized jeans is always a plus. : )
Plans, willpower and developing a positive self image...these are all very good tips to share for this blog hop.
Congratulations on your weight loss! I am also a fan of swimming, but I need the kick up the butt to get to the pool!
Suzanne @Suzannes Tribe
Hi, Tessa,
CONGRATS! That is so awesome. I love to read stories like yours.
You triumphed! And the end result is a healthier and happier you! Can't get any better than that.
Determination and a strong will is very important to change one's life for a lifetime.
I had my revelation three years ago and I will never go back to the former overweight, high blood presssered, unhealthy, middle-aged dude.
At times, it's rough, but the end result is I feel better and that's all that matters. I still have another thirty or forty years of life, God willing, and I want to live them feeling good.
Thanks for sharing your story and tips and joining the HOP!
Wow! You are doing all the right things: swimming, running and Bikram Yoga. I try to go for long walks and alternate it with yoga, keeps me kind of healthy.
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