Another 5k in the books and a new baseline started!
Bears 5k 2019 & New Motivators
Tag: Motivation
Self Visualization and Motivation
Any of you that know me in real life know that it was just a matter of time before I took a gym bathroom selfie. I was particularly feeling it today at the gym, even though I took a couple days off because the ankle was feeling funky. I was itching to get back to the gym, showing my motivation is doing well.
That got me thinking, I’m taking a lot more pictures of myself now than when I first started. Maybe it’s because I’m more comfortable sharing myself with everyone in general. For example, at the beginning I was hesitant to share specific numbers regarding weight, strength, mph, etc.
Maybe I just hated looking at pictures of myself, maybe the denial was that strong back then. Maybe I just didn’t want to see things as they were.
Perhaps it was that mentality that led to my inability to visualize myself successful. I even think I’ve written in this blog before that I can’t visualize myself thin since I’ve always been large. As my motivation and confidence improve, that statement becomes increasingly false. Continue reading “Self Visualization and Motivation”
My Journey So Far: Crunching the Numbers
Baker by the Pound started just over two years ago and what a journey it as been. After much number crunching from my workout/weight log it really brought many things into perspective.
Look at this guy after his first workout at Orange Theory, feet standing outward, huffing and puffing after his first workout in years. The journey from this guy to what I am now has been long and full of ups and downs, but one thing’s for sure: I’ve learned a ton about myself, my body, and my abilities.
Check In: More of the Same, but Different….
Now that we’re 10 days into the new year, I’m actually in somewhat a groove and thought I would check in quickly to document where things are right now. I’ve finally undone the damage done over holiday eating and I’m falling back into good habits.
In other words things are the same as last I checked in, however, for some reason things feel a bit different right now. Continue reading “Check In: More of the Same, but Different….”
Random Thoughts, New Goals, New Focus
Now that it’s been a week since my Hot Chocolate 5k triumph, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking (as I normally do). This post will be much less structured than normal and will be a mish-mash of everything I’ve been thinking about as I move forward setting new goals on the next stage on the journey. Continue reading “Random Thoughts, New Goals, New Focus”
Using Negative Energy
I usually use this blog as a way to keep myself focused and positive, there’s the occasional emotional rant with flaming wagon pictures or shame nuns, but on the most part I do my best to keep positive energy flowing. But I’ll be honest, this latest iteration of restarting re-gaining momentum has been really frustrating and angering. But perhaps that negative energy can be put to use. Continue reading “Using Negative Energy”
5k #3 – PNC Chicago Bears 5k
I wasn’t planning on running another 5k so soon, however, my teammates of “Dat High Hat Doe” have convinced me to keep the running going. What was the convincing factor? Check out this banner from the official Chicago Bears 5k website:
To quote their website: “Finish on the field – legendary Soldier Field. BEAR DOWN for the PNC Chicago Bears 5K (3.10 mile) race and you’ll finish where the action happens. Plus, every participant gets their own Nike Dri-FIT shirt and a custom-designed championship finisher medal. Once inside the stadium, runners will be broadcast on the videoboard as they cross the finish line, a perfect reason to get fierce, show some teeth, and finish strong.” Continue reading “5k #3 – PNC Chicago Bears 5k”
Weight Loss Journey – What I’m Up Against
I believe it’s Sun Tzu that said something along the lines of, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.” It’s no secret that the weight loss journey is long and grueling, a battle that many lose. In order to be successful and keep motivated to fully attack this head on, it’s good to know your enemy. So I’m going to examine exactly what I’m up against in my battle to be healthy.
I’m going to split these up into two general categories: internal and external factors. Continue reading “Weight Loss Journey – What I’m Up Against”
Weight Loss Journey – My Long Term Vision & Motivation
I’m going to be honest for a second, this past year and change has been rough. Since starting this blog/journal, I’ve had many high points and many low points. In the end, I can say a few things confidently: I’ve lost a net 10 lbs, I’ve learned a ton about my body and the biology of fitness, and I’ve battled motivation and a ton of injuries that in hindsight seemed inevitable for someone that’s been my size for as long as I’ve been.
While I wish that net loss number was higher, it would have been amazing if I maintained that net 40 lb loss (which I had almost a year to the date from today) and extended beyond, I need to learn from those mistakes and continue to move forward.
As of right now, I’m considering this a reboot. I am re-dedicating myself to this blog and doubling down with social media and more to come.
Bbtp Facebook, Twitter, Instagram! Continue reading “Weight Loss Journey – My Long Term Vision & Motivation”
The Psychology of Weight Loss
Everyone says that the weight loss journey more mental than physical, in fact, many will say that it’s ALL mental. I always heard that phrase and understood the journey would be difficult, but I never truly understood the psychology of weight loss until recently. I also never realized how much of a mental battle it’s been until I started reflecting and reading old posts.
Last year, when I lost pound #40, I remember thinking that it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, I was confident and maybe even a bit cocky. But anyone that’s read more than one post of this blog has seen that every time I was at my most optimistic I would soon have a stumble or fall.
It’s really surprising just how extreme the highs and lows have been, and the dichotomy really takes it’s tolls. Continue reading “The Psychology of Weight Loss”