I know. The new year began last week. But for me, last week was a haze of Kleenex, Luden's Wild Cherry lozenges, moaning and episodes of Big Love.
It was also a week of Moving Much Much Less Than Planned. Only two short runs last week. So much for kicking the new year off with a bang.
I even rallied over the weekend, going for a run then going out for a night of bowling with my hubby's siblings and their spouses. But I paid for it by not leaving the couch yesterday, and watching Avatar one and a half times.
But it's a new week, and I realized this: you can have the best laid plans to do it all—eat better, exercise more, be kind and giving to everyone you know—but life doesn't necessarily give a rat's ass about your plans. I'm at 67%. It's going to have to suffice for today.
I realize so many of us set out to make some meaningful changes and while I had a setback of sickness (and a weight gain to boot!) I still am excited to work toward my goals of being healthy and active. So how are you all doing in this new year?
(I also realize in the photo above my left boob looks abnormally large, but that should go without saying.)
Carla says
hope you are feeling better!I’m committed this year to take care of my health, starting by my weight loss and control after reaching my goal. You are really a big part on my motivation. Have a wonderful new year!
Susan in MD says
I struggled at the gym. Usually do 50 minutes of cardio, but stopped after 45 minutes. Not going to beat myself up over it. Will just be sure to have a salad for lunch. Also did utilize 5 weight machines. Hope to try a different 5 machines tomorrow. Hard after being off all weekend.
Barb says
Glad you’re on the mend. I worked out 6 out of 7 days last week. I sweat my tush off and I’ll be back at it again in about an hour or so. Then I’m looking at being snowed in for two days…boo.
Lost 5lbs. last week. I sure wish I could maintain that pace!
Baggsy says
I’m with you – today was my first day of MMEL. Had the lurgy over Christmas and this week is the first time I’ve felt well enough to get exercising again. I’ve done the move more bit for today but the eat less is going to be a harder goal to crack.
Just had a little trip to the Designer Digitals store to get your MMEL Journal. I love it – thanks!
MarionW says
Happy New Year to you and the “girl(s)”. Hope you are feeling better – don’t push it. No point in getting a relapse.
michele in la says
I do hope you begin to truly feel better this week… I totally understand your frustration over plans gone awry – seems to be the story of my life. Just consider it a test of your willpower 🙂 !!!!
twitter.com/pmakurat says
I hate the exercise I miss when I’m sick too. Once you get moving and realize how good you feel doing it (and after), it’s hard to take time off when you and your body really need it. I got extra in this weekend at a pond hockey tournament & feel like I might have some sniffles just because of it – but it was oh so worth it!
Kate says
well get it. sometimes you just can’t help being sick.
D says
Five days of exercise [18 miles walked] and then my body said “too much – I need time to heal!” so I did basically not much these past two days; my body thanked me and I’m feeling a lot better physically. Eating-wise doing pretty well – even if the scale isn’t showing it – and that’s why the scale isn’t the end-all-be-all, right? 🙂
Maureen says
I commiserate. btdt last year, when health conspired, and the beginning of this year when I also had two months of 2 sets of stitches. No exercising said the Dr.
But that was then and this is now so whatever I can do, I’ll do. I have modified my life/plans and am now willing to go to the gym in the afternoon or just before dinner. It’s not my ideal, but when the sun finally decides to shine at a decent hour I know my body clock will be happier and I’ll be up earlier.
Kathryn Whittaker says
I know how you feel. I spent the weekend in bed also, with a bugger of a sinus infection. You know, the kind that makes your teeth hurt. Just wanted soup all weekend long. I did have grilled chicken and salad one night, and it made my throat hurt. Still taking it kind of easy.
Hang in there. Your treadmill will still be there when you feel up to it. Feel better soon.
cathy says
wow. i wish i could have that pace too!
Tink says
I feel like a slug now, reading about how much everyone is exercising!
My OLW this year is “better”. Feel better inside and out, be a better mom etc. And aside from Aunt Flo mucking with me, I am happy to say things are indeed better.
dawn says
Hi Cathy, hope you start feeling better soon. Your body will let you know when it’s ready to kick it up again, don’t rush it, slow and steady wins the race. I need to start moving and stop eating the yummy cookies my husband made, why did they all have to come out so good. Usually he burns a few or doesn’t bake them long enough but this time they are PERFECT!!! Happy New Year
Betheroo says
I had a slow start too – a cold that began at Christmas and persisted into the New Year! I’ve gotten a few walks and a couple of Zumba classes and yoga classes in during the last month, but not up to my usual schedule. Hoping next week everything will be back to “normal.” We are snowed in in Georgia today – maybe tomorrow too. Enjoying the slower pace while I can! Get better soon, Cathy!
bridget says
Well I can’t complain about the year 2011, however I can’t say I’ve accomplished my beginning to a new & improved organized me. Then again, my only excuse is lame but every time I look at a certain clutter in my house I stare at it and wonder where do I begin! I’m also starting to realize why all the women I know ask me regularly if I have everything ready for the arrival of my little one. To my response, I put On a smile & say I’m getting there but the truth – I’m not even close & still walking around thinking I have a clue. All in all, it’ll get better!
Mara says
I was scraping ice off my windshield with a credit card so I could make it to boot camp in time this morning! It was cooooold out there!! Last week I moved more and ate more. Hmmm…this week i’m going to continue to move more and work on the eating less. I’m trying to take baby steps.
Hope you get up to 100% this week!
Angie U says
Glad you’re feeling better! Having to suck on Ludens really isn’t more fun than sucking wind at the gym is it?! I had 6 workouts last week and 4 were really good – kept a food journal and lost 3 pounds! I attribute it mainly to getting back on track with the eating – no more christmas induced food amnesia & getting to the gym more! Take care of yourself!
Deirdre says
I’ve lost six lbs already—mainly because I’d been eating out of control since Thanksgiving and my body is just grateful to let some of that go. I’ve been on this road before, and I know it slows down, but I am oh so grateful for that first buzz of instant gratification (since I ain’t getting it from cookies now).
The nike+ has been a life-changer for me, thanks to learning about it here. But I hadn’t realized how depedendent I’ve become on it—I had finished half my run today when I realized I hadn’t unpaused the workout (I had paused it on the menu and then unpaused the music by hitting play, which didn’t resume the workout—ahhh!!!).
Lastly, a cliche we all know but the idea of staying on the path, rather than focusing on my goal, is helping me a great deal. Unlike you, my goal is oh so far away, focusing on it makes me feel defeated already, but I can ask myself if I’m on the right path and make that choice (and succeed) each day.
Yolanda says
I’m having a slow, but steady start. After years of being mostly sedentary, I joined a gym last Monday. Tuesday I walked for 30 minutes on the treadmill, Wednesday I did a 60 minute yoga class, and Friday a 60 minute sculpt and stretch class. Sunday, I walked hills around Safari Park. And I’m headed out for another yoga class in 30 minutes. It’s the first steps on a long road toward a healthier more balanced me. And I’m not pretending that there aren’t going to be many days when I’m not going to be rearing to go (like I am today). But I have accepted the fact that if I want to prevent a short life filled with aches, medication, disease, then I have to move my body. As often as I can.
Mel says
I’ve been lurgified too 🙁 But hey, if we do what we can, we’re still committing to MMEL, right? Get properly better soon xx
Susan says
Well, for me last week was spent organizing, cleaning and just getting prepare to start on my resolutions….not actually doing them. But now, NOW I am ready! I got up early and worked out….tried a new ww recipe for lunch….and did some planning for the rest of the week. So yeah me. (even if it was a week late)
pam says
Glad you are on the road to recovery. Take it easy or you’ll be back where you started – sick wise.
I joined WW on-line last Friday and now understand why I couldn’t get the last 10 off. Too much food.
I’m back at water aerobics three days a week and walking three days a week with a rest day. Have added strength training two days a week – my least favorite but so important to help prevent injuries. So, I’m doing well and feeling better.
madeline St onge says
Hope you are at 100% really soon.
I got side tracked too, by the snow, can’t get out and walk, an’t get out period 🙁
Kris Lindsay says
I’ve been doing well with workouts – ran 7 miles last Friday and ended up with a very sore foot, but compensated on Sunday by bike riding for 25 miles. Just can’t seem to control the food intake when I feel like my body is beat up from exercise classes. Also, getting close to my goal and worried about maintaining.
Beth says
Cathy, my guideline for running with a cold is “run if it’s only in the head” “stay home if it’s in the chest”…when it’s a head cold you can get rid of a lot of mucus (LOL..TMI!!) by running for an hour or so and at least you feel good for an hour!!
Glad that you are back on the mend!
Luckily I’m not sick (had the flu at Christmas) as I did my first full week of marathon training and put in 30 miles last week!
rosa says
You are alreadyndoing better on your exercise goals than I am, if it makes you feel any better. I did happen to get in a yoga lesson today… That is 100% better than last week, okay better than all last year!
P.s. The boob comment had me in stitches. Thanks for the much needed laugh! Love your energy!
cathy says
Go Beth! Dang! : )
Kellie says
funny! I had exactly the same start to the year! First week of my ‘new life’ went off without a hitch, this last week sucked (I have a chest infection, my period, we were away from home visiting family = too much yummy food and wine, not enough moving) but I have weighed in (a gain *sigh*) and today i will get back on the treadmill. A couple of days won’t derail the rest of my life ;o)
chris says
Ready for day 8 of the the 30 Day Shred. Jillian Michaels is kicking my butt – but in a good way. On day two I was so sore I could hardly move, but kept at it! I have a double ear infection, but nothing major, so I am pushing ahead.
Jana says
Sure hope you’re really on the mend. Take it gently, but try to move some, it’ll up the good hormones, make your brain feel better, and nudge the sicks out the door!
Tried to move like I have been doing all last year – but a couple of spontaneous runs to Portland twice last week (in the truck, not really running!), along with a day working outside the home put a glitch in my daily blog reading/workout routine. I just figured it was a chance for my body to rest, then started in again the next day. I am trying to drink more tea ( as in = more water) which is something new this year – just not a random water / tea lover but have discovered a couple of good teas that I’ve been remembering to pull out almost daily. (Except for those travel days…) Only issue is the eating less part. Hard when some really good dishes have been made this past week! (we love to cook – but at least it’s usually really healthy food…) Haven’t ventured for that run outside yet, just don’t want to make the time for it, since I already have my workout routine figured out indoors. We’ll see if that ever materializes.
Tinka says
I’ve been slacking on the Move More part of this journey but I have been successfully working on the Eat Less aspect. For additional motivation I joined with a couple of friends in a “Biggest Loser” competition sponsored by 2 neighborhoods and as of yesterday morning (Sunday), I have lost 7.2 lbs. since my official weigh-in last Wednesday! Best part is that I haven’t felt at all deprived or as if I was starving myself. And, in the spirit of making better choices I even bought sugar-free cough drops this morning!
Will be joining a gym this weekend to get started on the moving more part!
Sar W says
Glad you’re feeling a little better! Thought you might like to see my first MMEL page on my blog http://sarward.blogspot.com/2011/01/move-more-eat-less-month-1.html
Thanks so much for the motivation!!! xx
Christine F. says
Doing great! Went to the gym on Saturday (just joined) and had my “free” training session – he kicked my rear-end and I’m still sore. But it’s worth it! Have also been watching what I’m eating – trying not to mindlessly eat or do something b/c it’s easy.
Feel better!
Jan says
Glad you’re at least on the mend. It’s such a bummer to be all psyched up and then have life pull the rug out from under you… I read somewhere over the holidays to give the beginning of each MONTH something closer to the weight, the freshness, the new beginning that we give to the new YEAR. I love that idea. In 30 days, I can always START AGAIN.
As for me, I have my cute little pink book (that you linked us to) with page protectors full of printed out MMEL daily and weekly sheets, just as you suggested. I LOVE the set up. It seems fresh and welcoming each day as I record what I’m doing. (My little book only holds about a months worth of sheets, though. What will you do with them after a month?) I did add a sheet to the back that will hold a summary of each months progress. (I’m sure one YOU would design would be much better, tho, hint, hint!) 😉
I “officially” started last Thursday, so I’m almost a week in and doing GREAT! The hubs and I (miraculous in itself) are both following the two week eating plan from the December issue of Clean Eating Magazine. It’s going super well.
I have a few challenges in the exercise area. One being that I’m really overweight. Two being that I’m really out of shape. And three being that I’m trying to put off an inevitable hip replacement. My hips are genetically bad. I had one replaced 10 years ago (I was 48) and it’s doing GREAT. The other hip is almost ready to be replaced. I’m thinking losing some weight will help (though I’d lost 30 lbs. and it just inflamed the problem). And I’d like to prolong it if I can. But it makes it hard to exercise. So I’m doing balance exercise, weight resistance and – get this – Wii Dancing – the new one where you don’t have to do lower body, but just the upper body stuff really gets my heart rate up. Yay! Sooo, I’m committed to doing a combination of those things 4-5 times a week.
I really appreciate your honesty in sharing your journey. I look forward to your MMEL posts.
Hope you’re all better and at 100% SOON!
🙂
Natalie says
Dear Cathy,
don’t slump because you didn’t get to go berserk on day one of the new year. Your enthusiasm and ass-kickin’ honesty are what MAKE this blog, and put you squarely on my “damn, girl, I admire you” list. It’s a short list, so be kind to yourself, heal up, and get back on that horse when you’re good an ready, buckaroo. We’re with you for the ride. 🙂
Lynne says
That has been my January all over. I am currently laid out on the couch, fighting off a horrible cold and trying to adjust to some antibiotics that are just not playing ball with my stomach! So, my move more eat less goals for the new year has not taken off as planned…..yet! But, here’s to a speedy recovery and an action plan on the goals.
Tracy L says
Well after watching you do IT I finally joined WW online and am back to my treadmill! So thanks for the encouragement and really hope you feel better soon! Will be investing in the nike+ipod and hoping I can figure out how to use it!! haha
cathy says
Good for you! You know, I plan to just store my pages in a larger sized binder, that way, if i want to look back, i can! : )
cathy says
Good for you! I love the smallish child in the shots too. Keep up the motivation!
cathy says
Thanks so much. Im feeling 70 percent already! : )
mereteveian says
I jsut wanted tos ay that i didn’t enter a comment at the nike+ipod sinsce i didn’t know what my spring would bring at the time. but now it all looks much brighter, and after the operation in february, they think my cancer will be taken care of for now. so i plan on taking up my running come spring, maybe before easter, and with a new iphone just in the door, the sensor will be next on my list.
i will also get the set from you for this move more eat less year. i owe it to me, my body and mind 🙂
I do hope you’ll soon be “up and running” again, and thanks for sharing such great inspiration with us!
alexa says
Sorry you are still poorly. 🙁 The boob, by the way, looks fine. Those of us on the less-curvy-up-top side could even be envious.)
Roberta Culver says
Forget about the boob shot… When I saw your picture (at first glance) I thought your right leg was up in the air. (It’s the table) I had to scroll down to make sure. I laughed out loud. Thanks!
Carla says
WOW! 5lbs in one week working out?
Jennifer says
When I first saw the picture, I thought to myself — wow! CZ looks busty today!
Then I got to the end and read your comment ! Funny!
Shannon says
Hope you feel better soon! I am down 5 pounds after two weeks and am happy with that. Been doing the WW online and found Gina’s recipe link from this site and LOVE it! Got my MMEL downloaded, but not put together yet. Might have to quiz you down the line on the whole photoshop (don’t have it yet) thing – I have an Amazon gift card burning a hole in my pocket.
Kelly says
Cathy, I have to tell you I started my new year with the Disney 1/2 marathon this past Saturday. Keep in mind I’m 48 years old and didn’t even “run” until 8 months ago. I got serious 6 months ago and now I have a Donald Duck metal that you can’t pry out of my hand. More to come in 2011! Thanks for the motivation!
JennieB says
I didn’t get off to a great start, either; fell in the garage and bruised my ribs. At 65 yrs young, it takes a little longer to heal. The good news is, I’m eating healthier and I’ve done 3 morning walks in the last 4 days. I took Sunday off:] CZ, I hope you’ll soon be 100%.
Susan says
Take it easy! I had that same “cold” from you know where. Thought I was better so traveled over New Year’s and it came back with a vengeance. I am just starting to feel better and that is with an antibiotic!
Melissa Priest says
Ok, I am on top of the world.
Last week, I started working out 5 days a week at the gym + a day of running.
And I lost 3.6 pounds. Heck ya, baby! I am excited!
ale says
hope you feel a 100% soon!
around here, my health is ok, and the “moving more” routine too. the “eating less” part, not so much. i’m using the MMEL journal, it’s really helping me track what i eat. i’m kind of shocked – i had really no idea of how many calories i was eating in just one day!
Kim Woods says
You crack me up! I JUST as in the last hour sort of launched my blog. I hope I can figure out how to organize the dang thing and get it to where I don’t have to jack with the architecture and can just blog. I also hope I can be as candid as you…the boob comment totally cracked me up. I was thinking you were looking as if you had been rockin’ the pec muscles 🙂
Feel better! We had a snow day today so everything from A to Z was derailed.
Kim Woods says
ps. my blog is http://www.my3moons.wordpress.com as I said, it is totally under construction but I am trying to get it somewhat presentable. I’d love to put a blinkie on there for you as soon as I figure that out.
cathy says
now that is so cool! congrats!
Dana says
I’ve worked out for 7 days out of 8. Granted, it’s just the 1-mile walk with Leslie Sansone but it’s moving. I’ve learned over the years that I need to ease my way into exercising or I burn myself out. Tomorrow is the day to try the 2-mile. I’m also participating in a Healthy Challenge at my scrappy message board. It’s great fun because you choose a weekly challenge to focus on and then chat with your fellow participants about it. For me, I need a community (or at least one other person) to help me on this journey. I know that it will never be easy for me and that each and every day will be full of conscious decisions on my part. I just need to be mindful of what I eat and how I move.
I hope you’re feeling better Cathy. Have you done yoga? I find that when I’m not feeling great, a session of gentle yoga is a great way to move but not wear myself out.
cathy says
i really havent done much yoga, but there is a yoga class at my local Y im thinking of checking out!
Judy says
I too had such lofty goals….then the dreaded plague visited our house, schools, town, state! Oh well, I finally feel like a regular person this week, but am taking it slow and easy. I’m hoping I lost weight as sick as I was….scared to weigh.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Judy says
Thanks, Dana, I hadn’t thought about a gentle get-together with mr. yoga. That’s a great idea for sliding into moving.
Erica K says
I’m glad you’re doing a bit better. 🙂 You know, I knew I’d had too much to eat over the holiday, but when, 2 days ago, I put on my newest pair of jeans and they didn’t fit I was disgusted! Well, it turns out I must have been bloated or something (nice…) but all the same, I’ve exercised the last 2 days and really thought about what I was eating. I need to keep my goals in mind at all times. I stress eat, so it’s hard.
Thanks for the inspiration Cathy! 🙂
Judith says
Hi Cathy, I hope you are feeling much better by now! I am determined to MMEL this year and my first scrapping project for the year was to create a binder for your journaling you provided at Designer Digitals. I am really enjoying the tracking process – not exactly on track but becoming more aware about what I am putting in my mouth. That and I am exercising a lot more! The trick will be to maintain the effort when I return to full time work next week. Here is to staying motivated!
StayC says
Cathy, all I got is: Thank you for being YOU!
I adore your personality….thanks for letting it shine!
(I’m still fat and sassy, with no plans of exercise in the near future…but I haven’t had a smoke in almost 4 weeks!)
cathy says
Hey, now THAT is big. Huge. Congrats. I really do know from experience. More important to your overall health, by FAR! Go you!
Koren says
Sooooo, I’m sure those were all motivating words and stuff but honestly as I was reading I couldn’t stop myself from looking back at the picture and thinking, something just isn’t right with that boob there.
I should have known you wouldn’t let that go without comment and you’d have me LOLing (yep, we use it as a verb here) when you pointed it out. (pointed -haha – I crack myself up too.)
Keeping on healing and thanks for the giggles along the way.
Lizzie says
Well, a more tame comment, to follow Koren’s above!
It’s hard to start a new exercise regime in January (well, it is in the Northern Hemisphere). It’s cold, damp and yukky. It might be snowy. And, as you were so graphically reminded by your body, we often don’t feel 100% well just after Christmas. The work in the lead-up to Christmas, all the celebrating – and probably a bit of over-eating too – take their toll and make us vulnerable to those yukky-weather germs.
Glad you are getting over your lurgies. I’m impressed that, in spite of feeling under the weather, you still determinedly went for 2 runs. Sometimes, though, we need to slow down and flop for a few days. I’m sure you’ll be back on par soon and the rest will have done you good.
Thanks for your great blog posts – it’s lovely to come here and feel inspired to try harder myself!
~M~ says
Oh Cathy. Your boobs are the EXACT same size they used to be. It’s just that the rest of you is so much smaller so they stick out more!
That’s the story I came up with.
cathy says
Thanks, Lizzie. I really think my body needed to just chill out for a week. : )
cathy says
ha! Love it!
: )
Megan Hoeppner says
You look awesome, Z, big boob and all! 😉
I bought the Zumba Dance videos. Have I started doing them? Well…no. But buying them is a good first start, eh?
Love you!
Freda herrera says
I joined weight watchers but haven’t really followed it. I’ve lost a little weight by not stuffing my face with cookies every twenty seconds like I have been doing for the past few weeks! I hope to run a 1/2 marathon by the end of this years, so I have to step up to the plate soon and get moving!
cathy says
Go Freda! thats an admirable goal! i wish you luck!
cathy says
ha! hey hepp! Zumba is a BLAST! seriously. And a great workout. I miss it. Might have to rejoin a class this year. Miss you mama!