Momentum

July 26, 2010

What keeps you going on your fitness and weight loss journey? What is the source of momentum?

Right now, I’m struggling with my momentum. I’m dangerously close to a breaking point. This has happened before. Life takes over- life without prioritizing my health- and things fall by the wayside. I’m vocalizing this because this time is different. I am completely aware of my mindset and my circumstances surrounding me. It’s like a car approaching a speed bump- only this time, I SEE the speed bump. Before, I would have continued at 100% and hit that damn bump without slowing down, and completely shocking myself in the process, stopping all the momentum I had.

Since my fitness journey started (again) and I began incorporating workouts 5x a week into my daily routine, I’ve been able to make it work. Work, family, friends- none of it was overly demanding of time outside of what I had already dedicated to it. The past couple of weeks (and this week) have been different. I LOVE my work. Really. LOVE it. I am so lucky to not only have a job, but to really, really like what I’m doing. I’ve got a few projects that are demanding much more of my time than usual, so the hours I have in a day to do other things have been cut. Still, I know that a week of either poor eating or not maintaining my workout schedule will put me back several weeks of work. I am not willing to let that happen. Not at all.

Add the pressure of figuring out eating and a fitness routine while traveling. Then add the pressure from the scale, which isn’t moving. It’s enough to make you want to say “TIME OUT!”

When I was working with Trainer Rob on Saturday, I flat out told him that I DID NOT want to be at the gym. As I warmed up, just the prospect of having to do a high intensity workout for an hour nearly sent me to tears. He understood. We did a couple of high intensity circuits, then focused on weights. I left the gym feeling so much better than when I entered. Of course, I went home and promptly fell asleep for 5 hours in my sweaty gym clothes, but that’s beside the point.

One goal this week is to continue momentum from the 5K. Re-watching my crying video to remind myself how GOOD things are when they’re GOOD.

Another goal is to find balance between my work commitments and workout out this week, since I’m away from my familiar environment.

So, I’m here. Still fighting. My punches just might be a little weaker this week.

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Tagged as: balance, momentum, motivation

  • http://wesandthefatguy.com Lamar Wilson

    Keep Fighting!!! I would love to work out with you someday. DO a special guest episode for http://wesandthefatguy.com

  • Noel Depp

    I am right there with you. Today I must get back to it. I have been on my meds for a few days now so I am not going to use my hip as an excuse anymore! I will struggle with you until we break through!

  • http://twitter.com/TinaFFF Tina Reale

    I think when I get to that breaking point it is a signal that my body needs some rest. It is always good to give your body rest from workouts for an entire week at least every 4-6 months. You won't lose progress if you keep up with healthy eating, and will tend to come back rejuvenated and more motivated. At least that is what works for me. :)

  • Gwen

    Emmie, I love your blog, I find it really inspiring. Here is something I think about when things get really hard:

    When you are faced with something that feels really hard now, know that you are strengthening your will power too (in addition to your body). The will is like a muscle. Pushing through and strengthening your will power muscle is going to help you know that you can achieve and push through when you are faced with obstacles in the future: strengthening your will muscle now is an act of self love that will serve you FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Think of the lifetime of obstacles in the future that are going to get easier because you prove to yourself today that you can work through things that feel hard.

    This doesn't mean that you shouldn't take a day or two to rest if you are physically exhausted: just do so knowing that it is equipping you to continue, not just recovery.

  • http://www.runrettarun.wordpress.com Runrettarun

    I lose momentum every once in awhile myself. We're human and we tend to do that. I agree w/ Gwen that it's ok to rest. Going full force all the time is unrealistic for most people. My most recent hump was just a couple weeks ago & I must say my body needed it. I worked out maybe 2x that week and the next week, I was back at it b/c that rest period made me realize that I missed running/working out SO much and the way it made me feel. Life does get in the way sometimes and that's ok. You'll get back to it. Watching your race video is a perfect way to remind yourself of how good it felt to tackle those goals. :)

  • http://debbidoesdinnerhealthy.blogspot.com/ Debbi Does Dinner Healthy

    My momentum seems to be in a downward spiral. Getting faster and faster. It totally stinks. Do whatever you have to do to keep going! That's what I have to do, I can't sink any further!! Stay positive!

  • http://twitter.com/grilledcheese4u Morgan Reck

    When it comes to traveling you should look for a hotel that has a gym, a lot have them these days. Also, the fact that you can see it coming is such a plus because you can prepare for it. Remember to just eat as healthy as possible.

  • http://livestartled.com/ Live Startled

    Oh, boy, can I relate about the eating plan while traveling. I found my resolve to eat clean and watch portions weakened day by day as my family ate stuff Adventure Guy and I don't usually overdo. now that we're home, I have to break back to wholesome, healthy food. I like the remark about the punches. Yep. You're still punching. That's the good part.

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