I did it! I set the crazy task of achieving 153.55 miles this last month, so I can have 500 miles for the whole year, and finished yesterday morning with 153.77 miles. Now, that's counting walking, elliptical, and indoor bike, but on the machines I count an 18 mile minute, even though the machine reads more. So... yeah, weird brain math out of thin air, but I didn't want to discourage myself from using the machines when they're available. Walking around the house or on the treadmill for 153 miles would have been unbearable.
So, goal achieved. And how do I feel? Tired. Really, really tired. So tired I fell asleep last night at 9:30 pm, making me a fuddy-duddy. I tried so hard to stay up. Even the constant fireworks from 9 to midnight couldn't keep me awake. And then I woke up really thirsty this morning, so I'm not replenishing enough. I might have drank a good 30 oz this morning.
Before drinking all that water I did weigh myself and get measurements. In the last month I actually gained 3 pounds, but my measurements are the same, so I weigh what I did last February. It's frustrating. Maybe I'm gaining muscle? Maybe I'm retaining water? I have had sweets these last couple weeks, but I don't go crazy with them, and I still forbid cereals and juice. But I've been dealing with stresses and grief, so maybe there's some cortisol action going on.
Now that I've established an exercise habit, I'll scale back a little, but getting miles isn't so overwhelming now, which is good because I'm doing a 2280 Route 66 challenge. Daunting, but I got a head start a few weeks ago in case I get sick this year, or go on a trip. As of yesterday I've completed about 7% of the challenge with 148.8 miles achieved, and have 2,131.5 miles remaining. I'm not converting elliptical or bike miles for this challenge, so bike miles are really going to help. The goal is to finish by the end of the year.
I also know I need to make new challenges, because the only way I'm going to lose weight is with diet and gaining more muscle, which means a focus on healthy eating and strength training. I suspect I have insulin resistance, but I don't have insurance so I can't get my hormones checked. Just guessing in the dark combined with past experiences and other stuff. I really wish I could get a blood test and see the levels. It would answer so many questions. I also wonder if I might have thyroid problems, or the start of one, as it runs on both sides of my family. But even if I did I couldn't do anything about it, anyway. So I gotta be smart and do what I can.
So, to summarize, 2021 goals = * Complete the Route 66 mile challenge. * incorporate strength training to increase muscle, which will limit muscle loss while losing weight, and will also increase insulin sensitivity. * Study nutrition, explore already owned but not used cookbooks, and improve my eating. (Throwing in here that I probably should learn to love cooking, because I currently really don't, hence falling back on fast food, quick meals, and bad habits).
Also, I saw in a video, and read online, that if you walk for 15 minutes after a meal it helps with blood sugars, which must also help with insulin sensitivity, too? Need to read more into it. But walking after meals would be a good goal, too.
That's the main focus. Trying not to get discouraged. I was hoping to lose weight with all those miles last month which I got by walking, elliptical, and indoor bike riding. Bummed I gained a few pounds. But it is what it is.
I wish people would be kinder to us who are overweight. I've probably watched too many videos and read too much stuff online. Just because we're overweight doesn't mean we're lazy and not trying. Many of us are, and it's so frustrating. It's a constant battle that's always going uphill and never flattens.
No matter how frustrating this process is, I'm not giving up.
Sarah
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