101 Days of Summer Challenge Recap

With the advent of Labor Day, Biz's 101 Days of Summer Challenge draws to a close.  This is the second year she's hosted this challenge, where the participants choose to focus on whatever they want, to have a happy and healthy summer.  My goals were three:

1. To eat super healthy for 5 out of 7 days each week
2. To fit back into my smaller-sized shorts by the end of summer
3. To make my body fit and toned by swimming 5 out of 7 days each week

So how did I do?  On number one, I would put that as a success.  What helped was that Jeff traveled so much and I didn't have my frozen yogurt enabler around rarely bothered with making much for dinner since it was just me.  A big night would mean a couple of Pam-fried eggs and toast, or some black bean tacos with pico de gallo and avocado.  Many dinners consisted of greek yogurt and my homemade granola...which was also my breakfast, too.  Yeah, I could have done a lot better with getting more veggies in during the week, but I did make up for it on the weekends with big salads or grilled vegetables.  Still, not always the most balanced way of eating.

On number two, I did lose weight.  About 8 pounds.  And I can wear my smaller-sized shorts, but they are not as comfortable as they were last summer.  But you know what?  I was really thin (for me) last summer - and unless something drastic changes (maybe adding running, if I ever get there?) I'm not sure I'll ever get to that point again...and actually, that's ok.

On number three, I would give that one a big hell's yes.  I can see the changes that swimming has done for my body - my legs are MUCH firmer and they are getting shapelier.  My arms are muscular and I feel strong.  One thing I realized recently was that my bra bands are uncomfortably tight - and my cups do not runneth over, if you get my drift...which seems right, since I've lost some weight.  I finally figured out that my back muscles have gotten bigger with all the swimming!  Makes sense, if you look at the big-time swimmers - they usually have a triangular look to them, from their extra-broad shoulders, down to their waist.  And while I'm nowhere near that exaggerated look (nor would I want to be), I am seeing that change from swimming.  I guess you have to take the good (hello legs!) with the not-entirely-desired (really?  do I have to buy new bras???  argh!).

As for my bonus goal, which was to fit into my sheath dress and possibly wear it to my 30th high school reunion - well...first, I didn't end up going, because for one, none of my buddies were going to go.  NONE!  And many of them live in the area, too!  And then with all of Jeff's travels, he didn't have the time to take off so we could drive there (1500 or so miles each way), so the whole trip out to California wouldn't have been a vacation like we were thinking.  After seeing the reunion pictures on my class ('81 has more fun!) Facebook page, I'm a little wistful, but really, only about 35 people ended up going ('81 - we're apathetic!).  Maybe we'll get it together for our 35th...or 50th.  As for the dress?  Still a little too tight.  But gorgeous.  I'll get there.

Anyway, this is pretty much the only challenge I ever do - it's a good way to keep focused during the months where the words "summer" and "treats" seem to go hand-in-hand.  I'm grateful to Biz for her weekly encouraging emails to us challengers, and to the group for all of the enthusiasm and encouragement shown.