And sometimes you go backwards…

A few weeks ago, I was feeling great. I was in the gym four times a week, I was down nearly 20 pounds since the beginning of the year, and I was finally seeing my running pace drop to levels that were inspiring me to enter races again. I patted myself on the back, and decided to splurge on a few things: nice dinners out, a great bottle of wine, fancy cheese plates…paired with another bottle of wine.

And then the business travel started. Two weeks out of town with no ability to cook, and with lots of work gatherings that centered around rich dinners and cocktails. Sure, salads and water were an option, but those didn’t seem fun at all. “Everyone else is enjoying themselves and I don’t want to stand out,” “It’s a special occasion,” and “Screw it, I’ve been super healthy lately. I’ll get back to it tomorrow” became common thoughts. Well, three weeks of tomorrows later, I find myself feeling slow and having put back a good handful of those pounds I worked so hard to lose.

So, before I throw away all the hard work, I’ve decided tomorrows are over. Today I get back to it.

First step: writing this blog. Those who are paying attention may note that the last post on this blog was back when I was feeling super awesome about my efforts. There is an undeniable correlation. Subjecting you all to my goals helps hold me accountable, so thanks for bearing with that.

Second step: return to a lot of the parameters I set for myself back when the weight loss challenge started (see that post here). I’ve realized through this whole quest for balance that rules are helpful, and I respond well to parameters. I’m going to follow these because I know they’ll get me back on track.

And when I get back to where I was a few weeks ago, I’ll hopefully re-read this and remind myself not to undo the hard work. It is so much easier to stay fit than to get fit, and I have no one to blame for the hard work ahead of me than myself. If you have any good tips on ways to not unravel the fitness sweater once I so carefully knit it again, please share. I have a feeling I’m not the only one who could use the tips.