Realizations and Revelations: lessons from my vacation

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Back from vacation today, although we got back home Friday night. As it turned out I didn't get in any official workouts the entire week, until my run yesterday (Sunday) morning. But I did get in some exercise, strolling around a very big mall and Sea World 2 of the days, and got in a lot of swimming with the kids, which also included some good breath control. On the flip side I didn't over eat the way I expected I might (Kim's family does not entertain the way mine does).

But all of the above is just fine with me, because I feel good, and I feel really good physically, mainly due to 2 things.

1. I realized as we were trekking out of Sea World, that 2 to 3 years ago if you had asked me to spend a day walking around a theme park, including wrestling with a wave pool, and riding some rides, all in 90+ degree temperatures I would have been simply drained and exhausted at the end of the day. Instead I was energized enough to throw in another hour of horse play in the pool with the kids. That realization was big, to see and feel the real bonuses of everything I have done as far as weight loss and fitness.

2. I did put on a couple of pounds over the course of the week (mostly due to all the time spent sitting in the car and the day of fast food at the end of the week I am sure). But I did not have any troubles with digestion, everuthing worked just like it normally does. Leading to a personal revelation: I need to make my main dietary focus on eating right, rather than on simply eating less. Make sure I eat small meals, spread out my eating, get plenty of fiber. If I can just do that, along with returning to my exercise regime I should be good, and continue feeling better.

3. Missing the regular training did make me feel a little more sluggish, at least until I did something physical. I found that I felt more energetic after I got in some exercise than I did before. Which just reinforces what I have been hearing all these years, and makes me want to keep up with my morning workout regime.