Figuring out how to stop the backslide

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

This was a tough weekend. First, there was food, lots of food as there were Super Bowl celebrations at work, then our own party. Second, the damn white crap just never stopped coming down, making it tough to run. So I ate too much a couple of days, and did not get nearly as much exercise as I would like. Now the task is to fight back against that negative momentum.

Strange to say but I actually ate less the day of the Super Bowl. Too busy cleaning and preparing the house, then the nerves during the game kept me away from the grazing to the large extent. The same could not be said when we had a pre-game party at work, or the day we were effectively stuck in the house due to the weather. About the only positive thing I can take away is that I at least tracked it all, so I knew how much I ate. Because that habit is really important, keeping track of what you eat makes a big difference in developing better eating habits.

I have 1 message to the people of the world: shovel your damn sidewalks! I don't really mind running in the cold, I can layer up and eventually my body heat kicks in. But, running on deep snow is a lot like running on a beach. And running on sidewalks covered with snow is really kind of dangerous since you never know if you are going to hit an icy spot just right. There are 2 ways to resolve this issue. First, if people could just shovel their sidewalks properly like we do on our block. Second, I could buy a treadmill or elliptical or drive to a gym.

This last weekend I substituted shoveling snow (when my neighbor with the tractor didn't beat me to it.) But that isn't a real viable option on regular school days since it is dark when I get up. This week I am going to try using the stationary recumbent bike for a few days. But long term I am going to get serious about getting a treadmill or preferably an elliptical trainer as an alternative for days when I am forced to be inside.

The most important thing is to maintain my focus on the good habits. And not let the bad habits that resurfaced over the weekend gain any momentum. I know that is possible. And think of all the things I have to look forward to.