How to Reinvent Yourself

Did I get your attention? Do you ever think things will never change? Well mark the calendar. One year from now you will have replaced 98% of all the atoms in your body. True Story. Every five days your stomach lining is replaced. Your skin replaces it’s self approximately every month … your liver in six weeks … and your skeleton in three months. Now that is change!

Got your body covered. What about your mind? “Be careful what you think because your thoughts run your life” is an old Proverb I read frequently. Did you know we have about 50,000 thoughts a day and today’s thoughts are about 98% of the same as the day before. So, unless I intentionally stop and/or change my thoughts nothing is going to change.

I recently started training (way early) for The Color Run 5K that takes place in July using the C25K app. Why so early? Because I didn’t think I could do it. BUT, I put this up on the white board next to my treadmill, “Quit thinking why you can’t and start thinking why you can!” I just completed week 8 of training which consistes of a five minute warm-up, jog 28 minutes then a five minute cool down. Yup. Something I’ve never EVER done in my life and I’m old (getting closer to 60 than 50). What changed? My mind.

Image source: unknown (found on Pinterest)

 

The numbers don’t lie!

I think I originally heard, “The numbers don’t lie” on the Biggest Loser. Sounds like something Jillian would say at a weigh-in. It’s also something that I’ve been wrestling with when looking at my diet and exercise verses the scale.

For the most part I eat healthy: low sugar, lots of veggies and fruit, complex carbs, and lean meat. Since the beginning of the year I’ve exercising five to six days a week mostly to prepare for the Color Run 5K in July. You’d think there would be physical changes as a result, but nothing … nada … zilch.

So, rather than feel defeated I called in reinforcements. Enter BodyMedia Fit. It is an on-body arm band that collects a bunch of data that you sync with your computer and see the results online. I set-up goals, entered my activity level, and started recording my meals.

Arm band, computer dashboard, and phone app interface.

What a revelation to find out that what I thought was effective aerobic levels only registered as moderate! What?! This arm band is rather accurate so I couldn’t argue with it; I had to increase my workout to get into the vigorous (higher METs) to be able to hit my goals.

Well, let me tell you in one week recording and making sure I hit my goals the scaled moved … down two pounds. Yay!! This is an incredible tool if you believe you are doing the right things but nothing is changing like I was experiencing. I want to live healthy and BodyMedia Fit is helping me get there.

P.S. I just completed week 6 day 3 of my C25K training.

Image source: BodyMedia Fit

How I think I look and reality!

For me, there is so much truth in these images! I’m still laughing.

I’m still plugging away training for the Color Run in July. I’m using a treadmill and the C25K app. I’m determined to keep at it no matter what I look like (see above photo). I’m also looking for healthy recipes. Do you have any to share??

What is Happening to me?

Well I’ve gone and done it now. I’ve signed up for a 5K in July. What was I thinking?! First of all, July in Minnesota is HOT. Secondly, a 5K is about three miles and I can’t even run around the block. Thirdly, at my age? Fourthly, did I mention July’s hot weather, I don’t run or jog, and I’m almost closer to 60 that 50? Oy vay.

The 5K I signed up for is The Color Run | Minnesota. The run will be in over 100 cities across the USA. The first run is today down in Florida and the last race is November 2 in Little Rock, Arkansas. To find a city near you check here. The run supports a charity. The Minnesota charity is Open your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless. Check out this fun video of race highlights:

As of today I have 27 weeks to prepare. Theoretically, it sounds like enough time even for a couch potato like me. So where does one start? You download an App! My choice, C25K Pro Guy Hoffman. It takes you from the couch to a 5K in nine weeks. Three days a week it takes you through timed walking/jogging intervals. I’m doing this on the treadmill because it is not the time of year to be out doing this outside.

I also popped for a pair of ASICS Gel-Kayano 18 Running Shoes in pink.

ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 18 Running Shoes

So now I have a goal with a date, a plan to get there, and shoes! Are you doing anything crazy?