Baby Steps

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day!
I started it with a short run with the hubby. This doesn't sound like much but is an enormous step in the right direction for him. I really think that he's becoming more dedicated to being active and adjusting his intake a little. I'll take whatever I can get.
Then we kayaked the whole Rainbow River and and did part of it twice because we had to go 1.5 miles upstream to get the the headwaters.
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From March 8th on the Lean Eating log:
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly five days can go in some ways and how slowly in others. The trip home was a whirlwind, but I felt like I was away from the hubby and the girls for weeks instead of days. Nonetheless, there were bright moments during the pandamonium, and those are what I will share.

My mom is almost 80 years old, and when I am home, she usually takes the opportunity to take a break from the kitchen and let me do the work. I know that I have precious limited time with her, too, so on the rare occasion that she cooks something while I am there, I eat it--no guilt associated. So I was only about 70% compliant over the 5 days. Mom was feeling better than usual and wanted to cook for me. Naturally that involved lots of processed carbohydrates, and I can honestly say that while they were delicious, I looked forward to getting back to my usual routine of healthy, unprocessed foods. And this wasn't just a "I know I need to" sort of thing. This was a "ugh, I need more of the good stuff" kind of thing. Definitely a shift in how I have previously felt on both emotional and physical levels.

When I'm in TN, at least some of my workouts end up being in a gym, a definite deviation from my norm. I'm not accustomed to being in front of mirrors as I sweat--or in front of people. Every now and then, though, a change can provide some feedback that is helpful. First, I could definitely see new definition in the mirrors. Granted, I haven't worked out in front of mirrors in over two months, but still it was gratifying. And second, I actually had someone ask me if I was a trainer because they hadn't seen me there before and my form was so exemplary. Now, maybe he was just flirting, but I guess either way I could take it as a compliment.

Then, as I was traipsing through the airports on my way home to Florida, I felt....sinewy...athletic...strong. I felt like an athlete. Like that James Taylor song "Something in the Way She Moves," the way I moved just felt different. I know it didn't just change that quickly, but how I felt it did somehow. I remember feeling that way when I was in high school, like a well-oiled machine, all parts working in harmony. I was leaner (ok, I was technically anorexic) then but certainly not as muscular as I am now although I was working out regularly and participating in a couple of team sports. In college despite my regular runs and occasional other workouts, I rarely felt that sort of athleticism and really haven't since until now. Today I didn't really feel that same global connection, but it was there yesterday, and I have no doubts it will be back.

I did my weigh-in and measurements Monday when I got up ("today" for me), and my weight was up a pound from last week. I had actually weighed before I left and had been down a pound from the previous weigh-in, but between the 70% compliance and what I suspect was some slight dehydration from travel, I was up overall. Yes, I know most people go DOWN in weight from dehydration, but when it's only mild, I actually go up a fuzz, almost as if my body is rebelling from the temporary deprivation. My measurements were down a fair amount, though, so I'm okay with it.

Routine is good. Good habits are great, but the occasional break from routine and habit can be enlightening sometimes. I like when that happens in a good way.

Now a pic of me and my nephew and me and my brother: