It's holiday time and that typically spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R for workout routines and eating habits! Well, not this year. Last year, my goal was to run the Beach to Battleship half marathon in early November, just 3 months after the birth of my daughter. Once that race was over, I quit running and just ate whatever was within arms reach (one of the perks of breastfeeding, right?). When April rolled around (yes, I realize the holiday season was well over by this point), I joined a running club and realized just how badly I needed to get back in shape.
So this year, I have a plan. It started off with a Turkey Trot on 19 November and I have continued to stay true to my workouts. I've already signed up for a few more races (5ks and one 10k) to keep the motivation level high. I think this is key. If you stop having events to look forward to, then the monotony of running takes its toll. Additionally, I'm going to make it clear to friends and family that staying in shape is important to me. Whenever I lace up, inevitably, someone says, "Can't you just skip today?" My first instinct is to respond, "Sure. Bloody Marys for everyone!" But at the end of the day, will I be happy with my decision? Not a chance. If people around you know it's important to you, then they will be supportive.
With regard to eating, I'm not the best giver of advice. However, this year that changes. I will not attend parties on an empty stomach, or sabotage my early workout plan by drinking one too many champagne cocktails (this isn't really a problem any more since becoming a mom...Reagan makes sure I'm up bright and early EVERY day). I will not make cookies for the neighbors and sample one or three from each batch. I'll make cookies with coconut so I'm not tempted:) And when the big dinner on Christmas Day arrives, I'll give myself a break and just enjoy, but not eat to the point of gluttony. Seriously, no one needs a third helping of mashed potatoes, no matter how delicious they are.
I've also got a secret weapon. My husband is coming home after a 7-month deployment and I plan to look my best for his arrival. That's motivation enough to steer clear of the chips & dip at the next Christmas Open House!
So how do you plan to hold yourself accountable this holiday season?
Feeding pre-half
Making a detour to tell my baby hello
With regard to eating, I'm not the best giver of advice. However, this year that changes. I will not attend parties on an empty stomach, or sabotage my early workout plan by drinking one too many champagne cocktails (this isn't really a problem any more since becoming a mom...Reagan makes sure I'm up bright and early EVERY day). I will not make cookies for the neighbors and sample one or three from each batch. I'll make cookies with coconut so I'm not tempted:) And when the big dinner on Christmas Day arrives, I'll give myself a break and just enjoy, but not eat to the point of gluttony. Seriously, no one needs a third helping of mashed potatoes, no matter how delicious they are.
I've also got a secret weapon. My husband is coming home after a 7-month deployment and I plan to look my best for his arrival. That's motivation enough to steer clear of the chips & dip at the next Christmas Open House!
Reagan and her daddy at 2am the night he left
So how do you plan to hold yourself accountable this holiday season?
5 comments:
Wow, you look amazing in that pictures considering you just had a baby. Way to keep it up for the holiday. It is so hard.
You are doing amazing! I am so proud of you!
You go girl! This is such a great post.
Awesome post! I know you guys must be so excited for his return!
Oh, I have the same trouble - keeping up with my workout routine. It worked best for me, by signing up for 8 coaching sessions on Monday mornings. It was brutal - but i wanted to keep going since I paid for the sessions. Then all I needed was progress to keep me motivated.
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Love the feedback and the motivation. Thanks!