Friday, December 16, 2011

It's all about the Numbers

My life revolves around numbers...
(Source)

How many miles did I run/bike this week?
How many followers do we have on the blog/Twitter/Facebook?
How many calories did I consume today?
How many calories did I burn today?
Why won't that number on the scale go down?

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers - They are EVERYWHERE!

Why am I so obsessed with numbers?  Well, I think it shows progress.  It helps me know if I'm accomplishing the goals I've set.  It helps us know if you like what we're writing about (shameless plug for followers!).  

Unfortunately, it can absolutely be a buzz-kill.  When I set out to run 6 miles and I only get 4 done, it can really crush my spirit.  Sometimes all I've got in me is 4 miles, and I should be happy with that.  About two years ago I got rid of my scale....I had become a slave to it.  I was so focused on reaching my "perfect" weight, with little regard for whether I was being healthy.  As a Marine, I do have to weigh in about once every three months, but I can deal with that.  We have weight standards, but that's never a concern.  I still find myself hoping weigh-in to weigh-in that the number goes down.  Instead I should focus on how my clothes fit and how my workouts are going.

As for the number of followers we have, I try to remind myself that we write this blog because it's FUN. We enjoy writing about something we love.  Having followers is cool, but at the end of the day, I'd keep writing even if no one ever read it!  

Are you a number watcher?  What numbers are you tracking?
Posted by at 12:09 AM
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Jen's avatar - Go to profile

Jen · 696 weeks ago

I get too caught up in numbers all of the time. It's hard to refocus on what's really important - getting out there and feeling good about yourself.
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Michele · 696 weeks ago

SO true! I used to be SOOO addicted to the numbers. Just like you, I would get so upset if I didn't run the amount I set out for. Will one or two miles less really make a difference?? I doubt it. I have to say, I have gotten much better with this since the birth of my son. I think his presence has put things into perspective. Do I need to run another couple of miles or do I want to return to him and my hubby and spend an extra 15 min with them?
And I agree with the follower #s. There are times I look and get upset that more people aren't following me - then I say, I'd rather have 100 close followers who look forward to my posts each day then 500, of whom 400 simply clicked "follow" and don't really care to read it either way!!
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Heather (WTB) · 696 weeks ago

Unfortunately, I can get slightly obsessed about numbers. They can be good to an extent, but then you can get so wrapped up in them that you end up mad at yourself - which is silly.
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Robin · 696 weeks ago

I am a slave to numbers. I will run every last step to round up my mileage to an even number. Followers, yup, I know that. Obsessed, I am. :)
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luv2bdiffrnt 41p · 696 weeks ago

OMG. Numbers and calculations are what I live by. (Hello OCD!). So it's no surprise this transfers over to my workouts. Ha!
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Suzanne · 696 weeks ago

I try not to be too obsessed about the numbers. The only ones I worry too much about are my times in races when I'm really trying to set a PR!
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Calves · 696 weeks ago

Ugh. the Numbers!! it can be maddening. I was checking for scores of the last two competitions, relentlessly waiting for them to post.
With the blog I used to get so depressed that no one ever read what I wrote, or if they did, they never comment so I don't know what they thought about it... I would get all head casey and insecure. If people are reading I get worried about offending them. But it's not worth it. I blog because I have something to say for me, even if no one else appreciates it. But when you have a goal, it's a little harder to let go, eh?
Training... the obsession with numbers comes in waves :) It's good to have a record of progress, as long as it doesn't cost me sanity :)
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Katie @momslrb · 696 weeks ago

I'm soo with you on this obsession. The competitive side of us just can't let it go.
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Paulette · 696 weeks ago

Definitely tracking numbers for miles and paces! For my blog - I started writing mostly to have an outlet for my thoughts, but now I'm finding that I want people to read it so there's another number! :)

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