The last 6 weeks or so have been an adjustment period for me. I’ve had to give up gluten, wheat, oat, rye, all dairy except hard cheeses, tunafish, potatoes (THAT was hard!), tomatoes, all nuts except walnuts, soy (limiting, super hard to find almost any product without it), along with a few other things….so I’m doing things like having coconut milk over some interesting gluten-free cereal….
Needless to say, my entire world was flipped upside down. As I adjusted to my new eating patterns, I pretty much stopped doing anything. I wanted to focus on one thing specifically. It didn’t take me long though to get it together. After about 2-3 weeks, I was ready to get back on track.
I’ve been lifting weights with a trainer 1-2x a week (based on my schedule) and I love it. I did this a few years back and loved it then as well. I’d like to maintain 2x a week for awhile after I get back from a big trip I’m going on with my son. I’ve also gotten myself back to running – and am once again struggling with consistency. It’s funny, because I love how I feel after I run, and I like that I’m doing it as I’m going through the process, but in my head – I dread getting started.
I’m trying to change that perspective in my mind…I’m usually pretty good about that. In fact, with all the food changes, by changing my perspective and having a great attitude, it made it so much easier and not a struggle. And yet, with running I can’t get over the hump.
I have a half scheduled in late August and one in February. I am very much looking forward to the one in February, as it has a long time limit, and I can do what I can do without feeling rushed. As for August, I like the course, but will wait to see if I’m trained enough – I won’t go in way undertrained and injure myself. I’ll be away for a couple of weeks, and when I return, if I get back on track with consistency, I may be able to still pull it off – just going to wait to call it. I’d love to get another half under my belt – to help with my confidence, but I also understand what’s involved, and if I don’t put the work in, I won’t push that day just to prove a point.
If I work for it, I’ll do it…thank goodness I’m getting the weight workouts in, so I’m still exercising. I also wonder if in my brain I let myself off the hook, because I all ready got a work out in. Not sure what’s going on – but I’m not finished yet – that I’m sure of.
As for the gluten and other food intolerance issues – I hope to retest in about 6 months to a year and maybe I’ll get some of those foods back. Gluten/wheat will not be allowed back into my diet at all, but hopefully potatoes will be allowed again at some point! I can say I feel amazing. My joints no longer swell at my ankles or hands/fingers, and the heavy bloat I always feel is completely gone! I hope it helps me lose some weight over time. I’m down 8 pounds, but it will be a long, slow journey. Thankfully running has taught me perseverance!
