I am not a strong goal-oriented person...rather, I usually just let things evolve. Like my weight loss: I didn't start out with a particular number in mind that I wanted to lose
(or weigh) - I just got going, and the next thing I knew
(ha, if you count 18 months later the "next thing"), I was down 100 pounds. Same thing with running - I just wanted to run, and then I wanted to run a mile. And then all those races happened - but it's not like I woke up one day and thought
"I want to run a half marathon" - it just progressed toward that. The non-goal person that I am can frustrate other goal-driven people, especially Jeff. He doesn't quite get how I can go through life NOT picking something and working toward it, but after so many years of marriage, he's used to my ways by now.
So why am I writing about goals if I don't have one? Well, I thought I didn't have one, but like everything else, it's been unfolding while I wasn't really aware of it...beginning with my successful
No Candy November, building with my
"being too busy to notice if I was hungry" diet while at work in December, finally receiving
(after months of being of my library's waiting list) the book
Wheat Belly, and last, being sent this book for review:
It's like the universe is telling me something...it's time to strengthen my core and maybe, just maybe, see if I can make my stomach smaller. Because even when I was at my all-time lowest weight, my stomach size still bothered me. Now, in full disclosure, I haven't read much of
Wheat Belly (what? you mean I can't just have the book in my posession, I actually have to READ it?!?), nor have I read the abs book
(again with the reading!), but now that work is almost over, I'm going to give this a go. I mean, what do I have to lose, right?
Oh, and Jeff is going to be doing this with me. He doesn't know it yet, but I'm sure he'll be game. I'll sell it as something to help with his running
(which having a strong core does do, as a matter of fact). So this is the plan...that I don't really have. But it's a goal. I think. I'll update you in a few months as to if it actually happened.
ok I adore that jeff is doing with you and does not know this yet.
ReplyDeletethere are a few things my hubby is doing with me in 2012 and has nary a clue...YET :)
Sounds like a great plan/goal to me! I'm also looking to focus on my core as I start exercising more; not just to trim down my belly, but to strengthen my spine and, well, core muscles so I will bounce back easier and have fewer issues with my bulging and slipping disks.
ReplyDeleteI'm very interested if you like the new rules of lifting for abs and when you do it, if you like it.
ReplyDeleteI bought the new rules for lifting sometime last year but I never used it.
I do agree on strengthening your core. Something I need to work on too. I read it again somewhere this week: a strong upper body gives you benefit with running so Jeff has no excuses (and neither do you because you will run again).
You go(al)girl! Ha! I crack myself up. Seriously, strengthening your core WILL strengthen your back and make you a better runner. Just don't get mad at Jeff if he gets a 6-pack before you. Men.
ReplyDeleteYay for strong cores! Yoga really helps with core too - have you been back since the ankle saga? :) Happy New Year, Shelley!
ReplyDeleteI asked for and got Wheat Belly for Christmas. Nope, haven't opened it yet as I'm currently in the middle of another book. I would also like to have a much smaller tummy. At my lowest weight in the past year, I still am not happy with the size of the belly. :(
ReplyDeleteAll my core work did at first was make my core seem bigger... thicker all the way around... THEN after a while, the total size starts to change... I guess the muscles underneath take up room - that we are not used to seeing, and feeling!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to add strength training to my routine - I am the cardio queen, but not so much with weights!
ReplyDeleteI know you'll do great! :D
You go girl. Show us how it's done so I can copy you.
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo--great minds think alike? Anyway, I was very pleased with myself that I came home from my walk Monday, made the dogs stay outside, and did some crunches. And I agree about the running (even tho I only walk.) Just doing the exercise makes you more aware, and makes me feel better when I walk.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say, very comforting to know there's another non-goal person out there in the world. And a non-goal person who has accomplished great things!!
ReplyDeleteI want to read Wheat Belly. And the NROL for Abs is on my amazon wish list.
ReplyDeleteLove that Jeff is on board and he doesn't even know it! LOL
I have enjoyed reading your blog and hearing about your adventures. I wish you a very happy and healthy New Year. re: Wheat Belly--the condensed version. If you don't want to read the entire thing, just read the last chapter (chapter 13). I bought the book and read the entire thing. The last chapter provides the practical advice; the preceeding chapters provide background and well reasoned rationales for eliminating wheat from the diet (this is my recollection from reading the book 2 months ago). If you don't want to read the last chapter, (then just stop eating wheat and wheat products, and eat other items in moderation. Note--I still have not read the appendices nor the recipes. I like the concept, and I'm seeing how it will work out for me.
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
"Wheat Belly" is a good read. The writer has more than a few biases, most of which I happen to agree with ;-) At least he gives the science behind his rationale. The antecdotes are just that - antecdotes - but improve the reading. Going this route will decrease belly bloat and improve your cholesterol profile (if you bother to get a full blown profile, which most docs NEVER order). Remember no well-designed study has shown that low risk women benefit from lowering their cholesterol with meds or diet.
ReplyDeleteEek! I'm rambling. Go for your goal. Or not. Happy 2012!
Jan
Lovely plan! I'd also like to copy you like (Just) Trying is for Little Girls. ;)
ReplyDeleteWheat Belly really annoyed me. While there were things I agreed with, he was all "the sky is falling" about it. I am going to write a review on it when I get around to it.
ReplyDeleteI am curious about the New Rules. I did the New Rules for Women and loved it.
I think that sounds like a great plan! I really need to strengthen my core - sometimes it's like abs...what abs? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome route you are taking! :-) (not a goal...just a route you are on!)
ReplyDeleteLaughed at the line ,"Oh, and Jeff is going to be doing this with me. He doesn't know it yet, but I'm sure he'll be game. I'll sell it as...."
Great Plan Shelley. Or here is a better one, I'll trade you a bit of core strength for some of your arm strength. Deal?? :)
ReplyDelete