Sometimes…

Sometimes…

Sometimes, even us disciplined and regular runners fall off our diehard pedestals. I am that girl that will say, “…let’s just run up the hill and then go back…” However, for the better part of 2019, I was trying to overcome a few running injuries. Knee pain, hamstring pain and achilles pain kept me from my regular runs. The decreased activity contributed to my 5 lb weight gain. I had a Thyroid Lobectomy in my 20’s and still take a small dose of Synthroid 0.1 mg. So keeping my weight in check has been a life long pain in the behind.

But as I gets older, so does my metabolism. I was struggling with losing just a few pounds. In the past, it would have taken me only a few weeks to lose this weight. Also, my motivation was shot from the pain I felt from running and biking. My activity level was very low along with my mood and energy.

Apple Watch Nike Version

In February, I was gifted an Apple Watch. This watch helped me lose the weight. I never needed motivation to run or bike in the past but my various injuries really ruined my regular exercise routine. The watch has the “Move”, “Exercise” and “Stand” features that show Activity level. It was eye opening to see how little I was moving on the days I didn’t run or bike. I have my “Move” goal set to 510 calories. Working in front of a computer all day, driving to and from carpool and doing housework contributes very little to this goal!

Move, Exercise and Stand Goals

Just seeing that my “Move” goal was not being met on those days motivated me to move! It was like my conscience reminding me that I had work to do. Walking on off days helped me reach my Move goal and lose the weight. I really like the watch’s cellular features. I won’t go into all the features that are cool about the watch. But being able to stream music through wireless headphones and leaving my iPhone at home on my trail runs is great when it is 90+ degrees outside. I feel guilty when my “Move” goal is not met. The Apple Watch is keeping me in check.

Meeting My Move Goals
Running…out of patience.

Running…out of patience.

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This is how I feel after a long run.  Pure bliss, nirvana, happiness and satisfaction.  Running has been my hobby for over 30 yrs.  My two younger sisters and I have completed several marathons and sprint triathlons.   I am now happy to just run my 25-30 miles a week.  I don’t need to compete with any one else but my self and I don’t feel the need to race anymore.  Running and a healthy diet also helped me lose some baby fat as a teenager.

One of my undergraduate degrees is in Nutrition. I have tried over the years to tell friends and family about the joys and benefits of running and eating healthier.  Some got it, but others scoffed.  That’s ok.

One of those scoffers, is my 68-year-old mother who has gained twenty pounds in the last five years.  Most of the weight gain has been from inactivity and eating badly while traveling the world.  She has been told by her doctors to lose those pounds.  Severe acid reflux, foot and joint pain, tiredness and the inability to walk distances are symptoms of her weight gain.  Even a ten pound weight loss can reduce her ailments.  I talk to her every day about making sure that she gets her walks in.  Walking is an excellent way to lose weight.  She has good days and bad days.  Most people don’t realize how sedentary they are.  On the days that I don’t run, my steps are astonishingly low!  She has finally agreed to wear a Fitbit and log her meals into a fitness app.  This is going to be a quite a challenge for me and her!  I am crossing my fingers.

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