A Pause for the Cause

So, I hopped back on the don't-eat-so-much-and-work-out-more wagon on January 7th.  And, it has been going pretty well.  I've been working hard in the gym, trying to sneak some cardio in through afternoon and Saturday spin classes, and I have been keeping track of what I eat in my little app.  I didn't drink during the week, and I didn't eat any of the "Welcome to DMACC" cookies that flood the first week of classes.

Yesterday, though, I was feeling pretty beat up, so I took it real-easy-like at the gym.  I did the work out, I just under achieved.  Then, I ate a monster cookie for breakfast in addition to my yogurt and blueberries.  Also, I dipped pretty heavily into the emergency-dark-chocolate I bought for my desk.  Also, we had pizza for dinner, and I had two mini-High Lifes at the Smart Wool Trivia night at Back Country (Team White Tiger won!).  And, you want to know what else?  I slept in today.  Yup, I skipped the gym.

And, I feel fantastic about it.  The great-and-powerful Ed, our fearless cult leader has been out of the gym for a week.  Reports are that he is just feeling pretty worn out.  I was feeling the same way: tired, burned-out, and I tweaked my knee in the hard/fun spin class on Wednesday nights.*

I don't want to get the death flu.  I don't want to get injured.  And, I don't want to get burned out.  Therefore, I am taking a little pause for the cause (PC).  The PC is a bit hard for me.  For one, it doesn't support the crazy-fast weight loss that I seem to expect and always allow myself to get disappointed over. For two, I know that there are people out there who work out way harder than me and NEVER take a break (Goldie, I am looking at you).  For three, the PC always risks the WLGU (week long give up), which can lead to a MLGU (month long give up).

But, for me at least, a little PC is necessary.  I am trying to think big picture.  I'd like to get to my 2010 "beastly" RAGBRAI weight, which is do-able.  I would also like to not go crazy and/or give up.  Also, do-able.

With that in mind, I would like to make a brief list of all the things that I do for myself that are good, like taking a PC, that are recommended, that are healthy.

1. I got a flu shot.  So, I am 60% less likely to have to take a fitness week off due to flu.
2. I get outside and walk the dog most days of the week.
3. I exercise.
4. I rarely eat fast food.  I eat a lot of vegetables.  I don't drink pop.
5. I get massages.
6. I love my job.
7. I have good friends and family and I try to spend time with those folks.
8. If I want something, I have it, and I don't feel bad about it.
9. I am mostly positive.
10. I went to the doctor.

A note on 10.  I hate going to the doctor, but I did it.  And, I had a clean bill of health.  It turns out, the only thing that is wrong with me is that I am fat.  And, so I am working on that.

*Dear Mayor--here is yet another reason I need you to move to DSM.  I need a local-cleat whisperer!