Unrealistic goals?!
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| Thu, 05-06-2004 - 8:57am |
I look in the mirror and I'm content with what I see, even though I wish my pants would fit me better. But I'm starting to wonder... Perhaps my goals are still in their 20s while I'm in my 40s? Last year I was exercising an hour a day 5-6x a week, and I've not been able to set that pace this year (I seem to burn out easier this year, or I fear burn-out). I know I was eating less portions in meals, less sweets/desserts and more fruits - and I felt on the edge of hunger, which I don't feel like being this year. Yet I don't want to gain anything, either, and it seems I always do in November/December. Is it my *thinking* I need to adjust here?

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That's a milestone in itself; I haven't been content with what I see in ages, and I know I still have a way to go. All my latest medical tests were awesome, but I don't feel that I was meant to be my current weight (158) - and I don't think reaching about 143 lbs is unreasonable for my age, height and build.
Honestly, with the level of fitness you've reached, the workouts you do, and the care you take in mostly eating smart, and the discomfort your hip keeps causing you, maybe you should work out to maintain your current weight, and train harder for the races you want to run.
I'm curious - have you had your body fat measured lately by caliper?
Donna
3 pounds?
Lori
"Remember, I'm pullin' for ya. We're all in this together." --Red Green
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Deb
Debbie
Miss P
If you have no health issues and are comfortable, I don't think I'd worry about the *number*. Besides, you will be busy and active over the summer. I won't be surprised if it comes off anyway!
Shar
Oh, to be within 3 lbs. of my goal weight... Truthfully, I'm more concerned with inches and muscle tone, both of which I am not happy about, than I am with the number on the scale. I haven't been happy with what I see in the mirror for a long time, and it only gets worse with time when you do next to nothing about it as I have the last year.
I think you've been doing great. Only you can determine what is right for you, but I do think that a goal of being what we were in our 20's is fairly unreasonable. I know that even if I could get to that point, I would look gaunt and unhealthy now. As we age, we need a little more
~~Rhonda~~
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Anyway, my point is that everyone is different & that you should do exactly what you want to do especially since you are in great shape and health!!! You are progressing so much in your running!
Wow...what a loaded question! Your whole post sounds like me except for the running part. I think it is great that you like what you see in the mirror...I haven't gotten there yet. Some days I do and some days I don't.
I think we have to realize that we will never have the body we had in our 20s and/or before having kids. We can just be the best we can be right now with smart workouts and eating healthy most of the time. However, for some of us, it is easier said than done. We really don't have good role models to look up to. When you get those "you're looking good" compliments...you have to keep them in the forefront to remind yourself what others see too.
I find I have to look around at others my age and see where I am in relation to them. I will be 55 on my next birthday and I can't believe how many of my peers are in such bad shape physically and mentally from not taking care of themselves. I truly believe in "fitness for health" and that is why I use that for my email. working out smarter and not harder. Your plan of running 3x a week plus another workout sounds good to me. I think anymore might be a problem with your hip unless you do things like yoga or pilates. Stretching is really important as we get older and I think it changes our body and posture for the good.
It is good to have a goals...like running 5 and 10 ks. As far as the weight, I have a magic number too. When you are scale addicted like I am, it could make or break a day the number on the scale. I understand that the number is a goal and the number you don't want to go over no matter what. It is a signal to "do something" before it all gets out of hand ( at least for me ).
The important thing is to feel good physically and mentally. Exercising helps physically and mentally. And hey, you just have to live sometimes and have that treat or two. Life isn't about deprivation and feeling on the edge of hunger all the time. I sure hope we can enjoy some good eating in Asheville and not feel guilty about it!!!
I think you are where a lot of us here are. That is why it is good that we have a place for us here at FOF. No one understands better than someone in the same boat.
I guess I went on and on here and it was about you and not me...but you had so many points that hit home with me too. Maybe it will help knowing you have company.
Hugs
Grace
cl-grace_50
fitness4health@yahoo.com
I am tired of the monitoring that I've kept up for 20+ years. I quit doing that daily a few years ago, but the "magic numbers" haven't changed. If I'm finding that frustrating, I think I need to set my sights on routines and continuing to eat properly rather than numbers. Easier said than done - old habits die hard! Thanks again.
Cussette
Visit the href="http://pages.ivillage.com/familyfinances/">Family Finances Website
for links, tips, reading, tools and answers to your financial
questions
and the href="http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppplaynov98n">November 1998 Playgroup
Visit our Who's Who
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