I'm happy to report that my pace is a solid 5 mph now. This is the avg. speed including on inclines and with the resistance cranked up on the machine. I'm sure if I were running on level ground without much resistance, I could
average a faster pace, but I'd rather get the extra calories in this way rather than running for a longer amount of time or a further distance.
Still haven't taken up a weight-training regimen or pilates. Soon I will, though.
I was quite proud of myself this week for squeezing in an extra 4-mile run on Wednesday night. I went straight from drinks at the Tropicana Bar to my gym (across the street). It meant I got home after midnight, sweaty and not at all settled down enough for sleep at a decent hour. However, it also contributed to shedding another 3 lbs. this week, so that's the pay-off.
I'm excited about this week, too. I continue to be able to focus on myself and then, on Friday, a good friend from college whom I haven't seen in 6 (can that be right) years is coming to visit me. As far as I know, he's dating some guy pretty casually (long-distance) where he lives, so we should be in for a rollicking good time in WeHo together. (He more than I, obviously, but I'm looking forward to dancing with the gays. They love me; I love them. It's mutual.) :)
And who wants to join us for brunch next Sunday at The Abbey?
I'm now bringing in 5.33 miles in 65 min, so I'm running just over 21 mi. each week. I think this increased pace must be somewhat attributed to watching the Olympics while at the gym. Time just flies by when watching volleyball (indoor / beach) or really just about any of the games. Then again, since I've started, I've dropped 23 lbs, so that's undoubtedly helped shave seconds off the pace, too.
At some point this week I'm going to start doing pilates again. Time to start toning up the core now that the layer of fat has diminished.
The next two weeks I can really focus on me: fitness regimen, getting enough sleep, bonding with my dog, sorting through stuff at my apartment. I'm looking forward to this. I have to keep telling myself that, because I'm sure that Saturday and Sunday will roll around and I will be feeling some combination of anxious and lonely and bored. (Not sure
how cause and effect works in that trio for me.)
Maybe I can also get some reading done. I've acquired a number of books in the last several weeks and have barely dipped into any of it. I finished Murder on the Orient Express but I've got some Booker Award books and some new philosophy monographs to sink my teeth into.
I should also tend to the garden on my back patio. It's looking a little sad back there.
That old adage about judging a person by the company she keeps, I think, is a good one. I take it as a good sign (about myself) that pretty much all of my good friends are themselves involved in committed loving relationships , be it marriage or something like it. I say it reflects well on me, because it suggests I have a similar disposition: to be attached in such a way - the ability to love and be loved a sign of emotional maturity. Even though I never have been. No one's ever wanted me that way. (What *that* suggests about me is the great puzzle of my life. Also, why the hell processed cheese food product with jalepenos over corn chips is so tempting at the cinema. But these are for other posts.) The thing is, having friends who are happily coupled up means that when I make plans with them, they must always be underwritten as "tentative." See, the married/otherwise involved person can always take or leave another social engagement with a friend. They live with their best friend, and everyone else is sort of supporting cast. If plans get canceled, it doesn't mean that they won't have to wait a whole week to potentially spend time with people other than those from work / school. They get that connection all the time, so it doesn't matter, really, (I guess) that they bow out at the last minute.
I guess all plans in life are like this. Nothing can be counted on. I suppose it's kind of good practice to be reminded of this on a weekly basis. Just about everything is out of one's control - especially the people one cares about the most. It's best to make plans assuming they're going to fall apart for one reason or another and be prepared to cope and go on - alone.
I guess I'm still learning, because it's awfully dull and tiresome being on my own. There's only so much entertaining of myself I can do. I miss being with and getting to know another person. I miss trying new things and sharing new experiences with another. I miss walking beside someone in the world. I miss being known and understood by someone else. Assuming anyone ever did...
Now eight weeks have passed since I first started my new health regimen. Today, I was pleased to take measure, literally, of the last month's success. This is the only area of life where loss feels like a good thing. Every other loss aches to varying degrees, but taking control of one's health - to the extent one is able - has to be one of the most empowering feelings.
Most of July, my mother was visiting me, so we both encouraged each other along. (She lost 6 lbs while she was here, too.) It was also nice to have her doggie-sitting for me, so I could go straight to the gym from work instead of stopping at home first. The last week has taken a bit more discipline, because I'd go home, walk / feed the dog, eat dinner and then go to the gym, usually getting home around midnight. I've been sleepy all week. Maybe I'll start getting used to it, though, and my circadian rhythms will adjust. I hope.
Anyway, all the running (20 + miles/ wk) has paid off. In the past four weeks, I've shed another 10.4 lbs and lost another 5.5 inches. My BMI is down another 1.7 points. The good news, too, is that I haven't lost any muscle mass. That value held steady this month, which means nearly every ounce of that was fat (and 0.5 lb water)! Yay!
People at work - even the ones who didn't know that I was embarking on this mission - are starting to notice the results. I'd put on some weight from January - June, but now I'm more slender than when I first started at this current job last September, even. So that's nice. I feel really great. (If sleepy.)
Total weight loss: 21.2 lbs
