Back in the Groove
Posted on 1/23/2018 by dsjohndrow
I am finally back in the groove. I confess, I don't like how I look, how I feel, or how I am progressing. I am running and eating correctly (for me). I can only say that I am back in the groove.
They used to say if you do it for 30 days, it will become a habit.
Right now, everything is still a struggle. Walking past the goodies in the breakroom, packing my own lunches, caring about portions, scheduling my runs... I am tired before I start. It is not automatic.
I do have excuses.
Life is real. My mother-in-law passed away last weekend. We traveled the 5 hours south to be there for family, friends, and to express our own grief and sorrow. Part of my job was to support my wife, and do what I could for her family.
You don't think about logging at times like that.
Planning to eat was more trouble than it was worth. I skipped a few meals. I found the treadmill a couple of times and got the job done. The in-room hot tub was nice, and despite the circumstances, it was nice to see everyone.
Then it was off to New York City.
If it was just a regular work week, I would have taken bereavement time. Unfortunately it was very specific training for my job. The conflict was tremendous. Do I stick around and support my wife, or take this very expensive, no refund, one-of-a-kind training.
The stress piled up as I tried to be in two places at once.
On top of all that, I had to plan transportation, cancel one hotel booking, find one in NJ and rebook at a new place in New York City. I missed the first day of training. I got up at 5:15 the next day to catch the limo service to NY.
I arrived in Times Square and rolled my suitcase and laptop to the 42nd floor.
At least I could relax a little in class. I settled in and tried not to worry about the outside world. I only had to find my hotel and grab something to eat.
My low stress moments disappeared not long after.
It seems my back-up at work went missing. This is the person that should be able to do what I do if I am not there. On top of that, two subcontractors turned in some horrendous programming code.
My phone blew up. Texts and emails came in simultaneously in the middle of training along with a voice mail.
Really, you have to text me to say that you sent an email and then call me to say that you texted me and emailed me?! I skipped breakfast and got a small lunch for the rest of the week. It was just too much trouble and I didn't feel like eating anyway...
...well, until Thursday night. That is where the filet mignon was.
All bets were off. I ate the meat, had a non-alcoholic beer - no wait, two. And the sides were fantastic. I probably didn't go over my calories, but I felt bloated.
It's time to refocus.
I am back up to 6 miles running. They were ugly, but I did it. I didn't hurt and I didn't die. Come to think of it, I didn't chafe my boy parts or chub rub either.
Life it good - well worth living.
I am looking forward to meeting a long time MFP friend in London (and her family)! It also turns out that my best friend and best man is going to be visiting his parents on race day too. Of course Ruth will be there.
I have a lot of support.
I am logging again. Well, I started back and missed doing that for a week or so. Hey, I had excuses.
Thanks for the votes and comments. You can do both.
I know we've got this, but right now, everything feels like tar, and I'm tied to a brick.
Best wishes as you pursue improvement, but not perfection. :)