Couple of things to cover today, but first and foremost was my run with Susan. Her day off allowed for some errand running and a meetup on the greenway trail. We couldn't hit the Katy as it rained all night, but the rain pretty much stopped by the time I took kids to school so all was a "go" for the run. My legs felt kind of heavy and I wasn't much into it. Plus I tend to slow down to allow for more chatting. But I went further with her than I'd go without her so regardless of the 14+ min/mile pace, we knocked out over 10K (6.65 mi). I actually thought it was a bit more, but that must have been from the big hills in the middle (the rest is along a creek which makes it pretty flat). Really should have carried water with us as I was super thirsty when we got back. Finished a water bottle and then several glasses of water at our lunch spot (Arris's Bistro - yummy gyro).
Something came up over the weekend that I have been ruminating on. As all the neighbors were out and about with the garage sales and the nice weather, I got several compliments on my weight loss. While I realize that losing 47ish (varies a little) pounds does make a difference in my appearance, I hardly think it makes me "unrecognizable". I also don't believe it makes me "skinny" or "fit". I am "skinnier" and "fitter". But sometimes it is hard to take these compliments when I still feel like I have such a long way to go. I mean seriously - my BMI is still 26.2 - the US Dept of Health still considers me "overweight". I'd have to drop about 7 lbs to be at the top of the "normal" weight range. Yes, it used to be 33.4 = obese. I know it was important to drop this number for so many reasons.
But I also know that even though I've achieved some cool things in finishing some events that a year ago seemed so incredulous that my husband told me to drop out of them, I'm still slow. I'm faster than I was, but I still bring up the rear of almost anything I do. I'm ok with that (most of the time - still a bit demoralizing), but I have so many BHAGs to accomplish yet that sometimes the compliments rub me a bit the wrong way. Admittedly, I think I also have a hard time with it because I used to actually be THIN - underweight even as a kid/teen. My BMI when I met my husband at age 18 = 17.2!
Some of you that have gone from "fat to fit" - I'd love your perspective on how you handled the transition. I find it a bit unnerving. I still try to remember my manners though and just say "thank you" when receiving the compliments.
Slow and steady... Don't think about it, let it just happen naturally..
ReplyDeleteTough for an engineer, I know...
Still working on the transition. Sigh. It can be frustrating, especially when people who started running BECAUSE of me are losing weight running.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am regularly accused of being too self-critical, it's typically (though not always--a hazard of training with people who are way better than me at everything) tongue-in-cheek. I keep my focus on what I can do and what I want to do rather than what I can't. I like big goals that are easily achievable and measured by terms like participate, attempt, etc, and epic events that are so big I won't feel bad by not completing them. It's pretty rare for me to have a time goal because I'm not fast and am currently not interested in working hard enough to get faster.
This isn't really an answer to your question. I guess I'd say to remember that you're seeing your changes on a small, incremental, daily basis, whereas they're seeing a more dramatic change. ANY time someone notices a change for the better, it's a good thing.
I agree with Bob! Take it slowly and it will come.
ReplyDeleteBMI is a popular measuring tool, and as far as I'm concerned it's shite. Total, complete, shite. Most athletes register as overweight, and some as obese. Try telling a NHL player that he's obese and see how far you get. So don't think about that number and thinking you have to register as "normal". That might not happen if you stick with the triathlon game.
ReplyDeleteAs for finishing the various races at the rear, I think I've said this before, but so effing what? You finished, and a couple of years ago you might not have been able to. That's good. What's more, many of the people you see from day to day wouldn't be able to finish at all, and more importantly, most don't even start. It takes time to learn the skills, and build the strength and stamina.
I'm down about 50 pounds or so from my peak weight. There is still a bit of flub around my middle that I'd like to tighten up, but I'm more than happy with my progress so far. If you keep at it, you will find yourself feeling stronger and going faster and longer in both training rides and races. It's an amazing feeling to climb a hill faster than you've ever done it before, with a lower heart rate, easier breathing, and able to pick up the pace again right away. You will know when it happens and won't need a tool to tell you; your body will tell you.
Buying new clothes is a mixed blessing because I hate shopping for clothes, but I can see where it's fun for girls. As for the compliments, smile and say thank you. Only someone who knows what you've been through knows how hard it is, and it means so much more from them.
Unfortunately I've gone from fat to fit to fat to fit to fat. I've had people not recognize me at times. While the number on the scale can mean something, you shouldn't be a slave to it. Also, recognize what you have accomplished - it is a big deal - rather than what is pending.
ReplyDeleteAnd celebrate that 6.55 too. The pace will come.
The people complimenting you are trying to be nice. I say take that at face value and accept it. Try to separate yhem being nice and your personal goals, they really are two totally different issues even though they are related.
ReplyDeleteBMI is just a number, just like age. My goal is to get to a point where I like the way I look. I'm right on the edge of being overweight right now on the BMI scale and if I get to mid range, I'm pretty sure people will be worried I have a serious illness.
Awesome job on your weight loss BTW! I think if you focus on continuing the lifestyle change you've made, the numbers will work themselves out.
That last sentence is pretty good :)
ReplyDeleteBut I know what you mean...for different reasons. I think you are doing really great!
Its nice to know that people notice. It is confirmation of the hard work you did to get where you are even though you are still a "work in progress". I lost 60 lbs and I went through the same sort of things you are going through. At first it was kind of nice to have people notice, but after a while it did not have the impact it used to have. I think we have to look at it through their eyes though. Your weight loss and fitness is AWESOME to them and perhaps you can inspire them to get fit and healthy.
ReplyDeleteI have gained about 15 pounds in the last 6 months... I have to get rid of those pounds. We can lose those few pounds together.
I am the last person you want to ask! I have noticed a weight gain - but that's b/c I was still eating like I was running 20 miles a week....and I was running none! YIKES. I did have to try really hard to lose my post pregnancy weight but otherwise I've always been, what I call, skinny-fat. I'm not healthy at all and really struggle with making the right food choices, I've been pushing myself the last week to eat more greens and less sugar.
ReplyDeleteI used fitpal to log workouts and count calories to lose weight - we can all get fit together!
I agree with Bob, it will come, dont push it, let it happen naturally
ReplyDeleteMy CV as required in your last paragraph - I went from 300 to 200 and am now at about 210, keeping the last bit off is hard for me.
ReplyDeleteI suck at taking compliments too. But I think you have to look at it this way - you are reviewing hard data about BMI (which is BS anyway) and race results and mile splits and MPH on the bike and whatever else you have. Since you are driven and results oriented, of course you are a little bit critical. But the people who know nothing about this and see that you simply look thinner and healthier - they are impressed! And that means something, so you should enjoy it. Consider it positive polling data.