Keep Moving Forward

As you all know, I have not been as faithful on my blogging as I once was.  I am going to get better, I promise.  The reason being is that I have been in the process of a career change.  I took a leap of faith and left my job with Gannett.  I knew I was going to go nowhere with them, and the newspaper industry is a dying industry.  I do not care what they say; just ask all the people they have had to lay off and enforce furloughs on.   

So, I took a job with Expedia/Hotels.com in a sales team.  They are a growing company and great to work for, but I was not made to sit on the phone 8 hours a day doing nonstop sales.  I also did not agree with some of the methods they use to sell hotel rooms.  I asked to be moved to another department, because I did like the company and the benefits. But they would not do it, so I am no longer working there.  

So naturally, I panicked and had no idea what I was going to do to pay for my bills.  I put a note out on Facebook asking for prayers and support for my family.  I had an overwhelming amount of support and love sent our way.  Lots of people sent me job leads and ideas, and I was excited to venture forth and see what would happen for my family.  The next morning, I got a call from a good friend who was a State Farm agent.  He just had an opening in his office and offered me the job.  It felt like our prayers had been answered.  I came in the next day and worked.  So I really only had 2-3 days without work.  We felt extremely blessed.

Now I am working at State Farm and trying to figure out how I fit in and how I will do my work there.  I have really enjoyed working with Jim and feel really fortunate to have work.  So if you are in Missouri and need some insurance, you can come to me, and we will take care of you.

I am telling you all of this so you know what has been happening in my life. You also know how many changes and challenges I have been through.  Most people who have gone through something like this when trying to stay fit or training for something tend to become distracted and lose track.  I want to share with you some of the things I did, or should have done better, to stay on track with my weight loss and fitness goals.

Here are some of the challenges I faced and what I have done.

I want to eat when I am stressed! 

I am an emotional eater, and let me tell you that when things get stressful, I turn to food. So I did a couple of things to help me.  I gave all my extra money to my wife. You could leave it at home or lock it up; I just give it to my wife because she doesn’t spend money for anything.  I am now not tempted to go get fast food or even Subway.  Subway isn’t bad; it’s just that I already packed a lunch, and my lunch + subway = way too many calories.  

Plan your meals for the week.  Write down your healthy meals, ALL OF THEM! I try to stay around 2000 calories, because I am working out a lot.  Go shopping and get what you need, not what you want. Maybe get one treat for Saturday that you can look forward to.  Now you are not trying to snack and pig out at a buffet.  Trust me, this works!

Now I don’t have time to work out or run!

A really good friend of mine, Shannon, once told me, “If you want to run, you will run.” Who really has time?  I know I do not.  When I was training at my new job, I had to be at work at 7 am.  So I woke up at 4 and was running by 4:45 am.  I would barely make it to work on time, but I made time.  I am training for a marathon, so all my training runs are very important to me.  So when I was working until 2 am, I would just stay up and run after work. Why?  Because I knew if I didn’t, I would not get my run in.  I am not trying to toot my own horn, because there were days I did not get up and run or I missed a workout. 

I have also been doing my 21 Day workout from the book Working Out Sucks.  If you haven't already, go take a look at my book review.  I know that cross training is a very important part of my lifestyle.  It will make me a better runner and just all around stronger person.  Make the time to work out; don’t give excuses.  If that means meeting someone at the gym or having me call you at 6 am.  Make a plan and set it in motion.  If that means setting your clothes out before you go to bed, do it!  Like Shannon said, “If you want to run, you will run.” How bad do you want to reach your goals?  Do not give up and get into the habit. MAKE THE TIME! 

This is too hard! Why me?

There have been several times when I was out on one of my long runs, and I thought to myself, “What the heck am I doing to myself!  This is too hard, and I should be in bed.”  It is hard, but this is work, and work is not easy.  I just remember how good it felt when I was done.  Sometimes that was the only thought that kept me going!  Also, remember to take a look back and see what you have done.  Even if you just started or have been doing it for several years, you already have made big changes.  I go look at my before and after pictures.  It motivates me to keep going and never get back to where I was.

Just remember life does bring stress, and a lot of people have already given up on their new year goals.  Don’t be one of them.  You can do it.  I am here for you!  I will help however I can.  I need your help as well.  If you don’t see me posting, call me out.  I need it.  I am still working out, but I need to get back in the habit of blogging every day.