Almost two years ago I began this blog as a means to hold me accountable for training for a 5k. I completed that 5k but far from yielding the results I had hoped for. I resumed this blog in September of 2014, again to assist in holding me accountable for training and I added a specific yet undefined goal of "losing weight" (by means of getting in shape). When you are in training for a specific goal you have a focus and it's easy to create a plan that will lead you towards goal completion. Following up with putting said plan into action is not quite as easy!
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Lea Lea Charity Run 2015 |
This summer for vacation I was in beautiful Maui for an equally as beautiful wedding. I ended my vacation in Oahu, participating in the Lea Lea Charity run. Running a 5k in 30 mins is a goal I have not yet accomplished. I thought how great it would be to earn such an accomplishment, especially at my favorite vacation destination!
The last time I was in Maui was 2010. I went for an Overeaters Anonymous retreat. While looking at some pictures of myself during that vacation I set a new (undefined) goal which was to look different, to feel better. An undefined goal such as "look different" or "lose weight" is a goal without a route towards success. Sometimes success seems so out of reach (overwhelming to achieve) that all we can do is create an undefined goal, which is better than no goal, or even worse, a wish. Its ok to begin with an undefined goal, then revise, set a specific goal, then get focused!
With my desire of looking, feeling different and reaching my 5k time while also enjoying vacation on the beautiful islands of Hawaii I felt no control over the situation. Unsure how to do both-- remain focused while simultaneously indulging freely-- I trusted myself to make choices, the best choices for me at any given time. We can't control circumstances but we can control our decisions.
Thinking "I'm in training" helps you stay focused. Saying "I'm on vacation" helps you indulge freely. Both are great, generally acceptable excuses.
During my vacation I heard myself voice both phrases. Yes I am now referring to them as a phrase rather than an excuse. An excuse allows us to justify our action- this is especially true if the action we take is not consistent with the words we speak, or with the desire we seek. Its up to us to choose how we speak to ourselves and to others. Which is why you will never hear me say, "I'm having a cheat day" - phrase or excuse, I have choices, everyday.
If ever there is a time when staying up late, drinking alcohol and eating poorly is an expectation it must be while on vacation time! I did stay up late but I didn't drink as much as I thought I would. While I did eat more variety and more portions than I regularly do I was careful with my selections, mainly because I really didn't want to gain much (vacation) weight! I did give myself a reprieve from tracking my foods, counting my calories and I even surrendered my fit bit! The results? I didn't reach my 5k goal time, and I lost 1 pound! While I never considered losing weight while on vacation I realize its a result of my taking actions that are consistent with the words I speak, and the desire I seek!
If ever there is a time when staying up late, drinking alcohol and eating poorly is an expectation it must be while on vacation time! I did stay up late but I didn't drink as much as I thought I would. While I did eat more variety and more portions than I regularly do I was careful with my selections, mainly because I really didn't want to gain much (vacation) weight! I did give myself a reprieve from tracking my foods, counting my calories and I even surrendered my fit bit! The results? I didn't reach my 5k goal time, and I lost 1 pound! While I never considered losing weight while on vacation I realize its a result of my taking actions that are consistent with the words I speak, and the desire I seek!
No dieting, just eating-
Living life my way...
