Race Schedule and Results

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Big Step For Me

After many months of struggling to lose about 15 pounds before tri season starts (and finding that I've actually GAINED some weight in the past few weeks) I have decided to join Weight Watchers again. Tom and I were biking last night and I just thought about how I've struggled with my weight long enough. For those of you that don't know me, I was on WW for about a year prior to meeting Tom and lost nearly 25 pounds. Since then I've gained about 15 of it back. It's a program that works, one that's easy to follow, but I just never stick with it on my own when I try. I guess I need to accountability of someone weighing me in, of paying $12 a week to be weighed in, sitting through a 30 minute meeting talking to me about portion sizes and things like that.

I'm a little apprehensive and kind of mixed with different emotions about it all. First, it bums me out because I had hoped to be able to do it on my own, but I have finally just surrendered and said that I can't. I know I can't. If I could, I would have for the past 5 years! Second, I'm worried about the reactions I'll get from others at the meeting. I've gone through the eye rolling and the "why's she here" comments before and it's hard. No, I'm not huge and don't need to lose a lot of weight, but I still struggle just like everyone else there. I hope that people can see that and will accept that. I know the instructor of the meeting I'm going to and I hope that she's supportive. My sister will be there and I hope she won't laugh at me for coming. Sometimes I think it's harder for someone like me - I mean heck, I'm training for an Ironman for Pete's sake. But we all have our own struggles, and this is mine.

This is my year. I'm owning it. I'm making my events my own and I'm doing every thing that I do for myself. And to fully take control of it, I need to do this for once and for all. Thanks for listening to me, hopefully you 'll understand too.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I understand completely. I'm starting again on Monday (got to get through the weekend). I know that's a poor excuse, but it's the choice I've made. I won't be going to the meetings except my once a month that's needed for my life membership, but I will follow it, and step up my walking now that the nice weather is here again. Dad and I have several races to do and we're both determined to make this our best year ever. We can all support each other. You'll do fine, and I'm always here for you. I love you. xoxox

Kristen said...

I'm THRILLED to have you by my side each meeting. Someone to bounce highs and lows off of. Granted you've been doing that already, but now I get to do it to your face each week. The fact that WW is bringing us together once a week thrills me. We can do it. I love you!!!

Carolyn said...

I recently read an inspirational book on weight loss. The question isn't "Why do you eat?" it is "Why are you powerless?" If WW gives you power - go for it!

"I've been on a diet for the last two decades. I've lost a total of 789 pounds. By all accounts, I should be hanging from a charm bracelet." Erma Bombeck

Molly said...

Do what is best for you!
Take Care!

Jumper 2.0 said...

Ok,

Right now, I hate myself.

You don't know me. If I'm going to comment on this site, I should just leave something supportive and a Hi and move on.

But I can't,

I'm too much of a jerk (hopefully thats not actually true)

You plan on doing Ironman Florida this year? Please don't limit your calories. You'll get sick more often, recover from your workouts slower, maybe be more likely to be injured.

Are you eating enough protein to match your activity? (a 145lb woman should have at least 45 grams a day and thats not with IM training). Get your protein, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, work toward your IM goals and the weight will come off. And don't worry about carbs. Yes you need them but not as much as many people seem to think (you mostly only need them for the 4 hours following a workout)

I changed my diet. Where it took me a year to go from 230 to 220, it only took me 2 months to go from 222 to 204.

Feel free to email me! And yes, I do understand. I'm just concerned too!

Unknown said...

Jumper 2.0 - thanks for the comments and you are absolutely not a jerk for leaving your opinion. I appreciate it. I want to thoroughly explain what I'm doing for everyone in case others are worried like you! I've actually gone on Weight Watchers before and am definitely not going about it like a typical member. I talked to the leader for almost 30 miuntes yesterday and we came up with a plan that works for me as an endurance athlete - my "points" are much higher than a typical person my age and size, meaning that I'll be eating a lot more that being on a "diet" (although less than I usually do now). Food shouldn't be a reward and WW is going to help me get back to eating for fuel, not for the heck of it! :) I definitely won't be limiting my calories to a point that I won't be recoving and whatnot. I understand your concern. Also, IMFL is in November and I'm only going to do WW until race season starts which is June 1st, as I know after that I can't restrict any calories. Luckily my husband did Ironman Florida last year and I trained a lot with him so I have a good understanding of what is involved.

Thanks for the tip on the protein, we talked a little bit about that last night too. I'm slowly learning... a little knowledge each day will get me there! Thanks again!!!

Jumper 2.0 said...

I had to find myself back to your blog.

Thanks for the response and thanks for understanding of how I was concerned. I boxed WW into a generalization of restricted calories, not realizing that there were options.

I think I am doing IM Wisconsin in 09. It will be interesting to watch your journey so I have you bookmarked. Good luck with the WW and racing.