Monday, July 28, 2014

Diet Motivation

I think it's a fair thing to say that most of us have some sort of motivation in mind when we decide to diet - better health, looking good for a special occasion, or wanting to fit back into a smaller wardrobe that you already own.  Right now, my motivation for losing weight is to make running easier for my upcoming half marathons.  To help me remember this, I've been looking at the route map for the Houston race quite often:
Last year's route - the one for 2015 hasn't been certified yet, but it will look very similar to this one.

Having something specific to focus on is really helping me stay on track.  I'm exercising a lot, I'm eating less (and have had a couple of VERY HUNGRY DAYS to show for it), and I'm visualizing myself on the course...in my mind, I'm having an excellent race, I'm feeling great, and I'm loving the entire event.  That's what I want - please note I'm not saying that I want to finish in a specific time, nor am I saying that I'm looking super skinny.  I just want to run well and have a great race.  And right now, having a strong visualization of that goal seems to be helping me put in the work to get there.

I don't remember being this focused on a goal when I was losing weight back in 2008.  Maybe because I had so much to lose, I couldn't be very specific?  Or, maybe the combination of having lost that weight and gained such a different life as a result has opened me up to being able to see myself having success.  I'm not entirely sure why this feels different, but it is - and it feels right.

21 comments:

  1. it's those FINAL THREE WORD too.
    in food fitness family life---EVERYTHING.

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  2. As you know my wellness workshop has placed a lot of emphasis on visualization. Create your vision then
    1. "Act as if" you are already at your end goal
    2. Concentrate on that vision several times a day, which leads to
    3. Making the choices that will have your vision come to reality

    Sounds to me as if you've got a good grip on this already!

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    1. I guess I do - interesting how strong the hold is for me, seeing that route and going over it again and again.

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  3. What a smart idea! I'm going to use that when I start watching my weight again because I never had a goal in mind, something to look forward too and helps you make it through the hard parts. Great idea Shelley, thanks! And I can't wait to see you finish on that half with a big smile on your vace.

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    1. You're welcome for the idea. :) As for finishing with a big smile, not only do I want to do that, but I want to have that smile at mile 11 as well!

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  4. I woke up this morning thinking, I wonder how Shelley's doing on her diet? I wonder if she's going to talk about it?

    Golly, seeing a half-marathon mapped out makes it look even longer! Its the same distance as it it from my house to the town of Jackson. Hey, that's a race I bet you would like--its downhill the entire way!

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    1. You know I'd love a downhill race! But egad, when you put the distance like that...it seem like a really long way!!!

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  5. How exciting! I have never used visualization techniques, but I think it sounds really cool!

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    1. It's new to me, but seems to be working well. :)

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  6. I am right there with you. They have changed our half marathon course this year and I find myself checking out the map and visualizing myself there. Last year, it rained so hard the entire race that there were many times you couldn't see across the street. I had a horrible finish time, but I finished. It may sound crazy, but after I finished that course, I had the feeling that there was nothing I couldn't do and that attitude has carried me through the last year. I am hoping that the weight I've lost since last year combined with the fact that I never stopped training will carry me through to a better finish this year. You have such a great attitude about this whole journey - it really inspires me!

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    1. I love that you came off of such an intense race with that powerful feeling!!

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  7. I love you visualizing the race - such a positive thing to do! Love the focus :D

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  8. Losing weight can be a vague motivator. Looking at that race route, you know exactly what to expect (well, almost exactly) and what the outcome will be. (And why is it I'm usually always eating when I read your blog? I hadn't really noticed it until you said you were eating less. No big epiphany, just an observation :) )

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  9. Ooh, the blog ate my comment I think! Happens to people on my blog all the time, and perhaps it's there somewhere, but it's probably karma for all the times I've said I'll look into the problem and think about switching platforms but never do.

    Anyway, great that your goals are so vivid and specific! Works much better than vague "shoulds" especially when temptations are not nearly as vague, and are in fact sometimes RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE. (I'm talking to YOU, trail mix....)

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    1. Ah geez, I hate it when a comment disappears! Sorry about that. :(

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  10. I am so looking forward to your Houston race and all the photos and adventures that will come from it! Who is all on the team??

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    1. Me, Jeff, Julia, Scott, Amy, Andi, Cary, Brian, and Cristy (Cary's sister). We are the JFR Crew and we are ready to rock Houston and have some fun!!! :)

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  11. It seems you are in such a great place, Shelley. I love it.

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  12. I learned a long time ago through my job that specificity is one of the keys to making a goal stick, so it's no wonder that you visualizing yourself having a good race is helping!

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