It will be worth it

Yeah, I'm sitting in a bag. Your point?

I’ve done 12 miles this week, and will be doing a 7 mile “brisk” walk on Sunday. I did a 6 mile walk last Sunday. The walk itself wasn’t bad, though my feet started to hurt towards the end. I was actually feeing great when I finished. In a good humor, smiling at the world, and why not! I’d just walked 6 whole miles! I was so proud of myself it was ridiculous. One hour after the walk, I was exhausted. I felt like I hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in a week, so maybe I haven’t come quite as far as I thought.

My endurance has definitely increased, after my first (3 mile) workout, I had blisters all over my feet, and I was wiped out. Now, 4.5 miles on the treadmill doesn’t even phase me. (Yesterday, I even tried walking backwards for a while – I’m such a daredevil) I may die of boredom, but I can do it. The 6 mile walk on Sunday, I enjoyed most of it, it’s after the walk I’m having trouble with.

I’m also hoping to pick up a little speed, or it’s going to be a loooong walk in May. I will finish the race! I would just like to finish it before they start pulling the finish line down (that would just be embarrassing)

But while I’ve improved my cardiovascular fitness, moving more in the last month than in the previous 3 combined, I’ve actually gained weight! How can this be? Easy, instead of having a cup of soup, or something sensible after my workout, I’ve been rewarding myself for doing so well. Don’t you want to kick yourself sometimes?

Old habits, (like rewarding myself with food) will have to be done away with. I’ll have to find a post workout reward that does not involve calories. Any ideas?

Laying the groundwork

I know. It’s been a month, not a week. Bad blogger! Bad! bad! But if you’re not used to doing this, it takes a while to get into the groove. I truly admire some bloggers that manage to have fascinating, funny journals, and post 3 or more times a week. Where do they find the energy, time and motivation?

Anyway, back to my quest for a more interesting, and well-organized life. Is that a contradiction in terms? There is a perception that messy people are more interesting. Is tidiness inherently dull? I’ve watched some of Oprah’s “Save me from my clutter” shows. They astound me in the sheer wastefulness of it all; how can someone get to the point that they fill an entire 3-car garage with stuff? Do they just get distracted?

Ahem. I have a tendency to self-distraction, and tangential thought, just in case you hadn’t noticed, so back to the project. In the past month I have made about 2 square inches worth of progress on the needlepoint (#41), it’s going to be beautiful when it’s done.

I have been doing well on not biting my nails for the past two weeks (#35), they are short, but they are actually there.

I’m in a bit of a quandary on #12. I wasn’t specific enough, so do I want to save 3 months of net salary? or the gross amount? It’s a significant difference: almost $2,000 per month in taxes and payroll deductions. And I want to get started on house and car funds.

I’ve registered for #70 (the ½ marathon) and am doing the training schedule. I’ve become better acquainted with the treadmill at the gym than I ever thought possible.

Interesting will have to wait until later. Once I’ve got the boring, dependable stuff done, I will be better able to enjoy/finance the more interesting plans on the list. Very soon, I promise!