I'd better get back on track with this weight loss / getting fit project quick! It seems my concert / drinking session last Monday, my indulgent break to County Clare, the Easter egg overload, kids off school making it difficult to get out exercising, and a meal out with the girls last night, has resulted in a 2 steps forward, 326 steps back. That might be a slight exaggeration but I don't really know because my weighing scales has decided to stop working . No, I did not break it. It just needs a new battery but I am in rush to fix that slight problem to be honest.
Last night I took Bobby to his football training and I usually relax with a book for the hour. But I decided to be healthy and jump start my 'weight loss / getting fit project' again by going for a walk instead. It was a lovely evening, still bright but cold and crisp, and I walked as fast as I could for twenty five minutes before turning around. I had no music with me so I just talked to myself - I'm a great conversationalist! Now even though I was walking I was trying to work out what I was going to order in the Chinese later on that night, but it was a start, right? And better than sitting down, reading a book and scoffing more chocolate!
While walking, I heard footsteps slapping the pavement behind me. Then I could hear panting, and a heavy woman jogged past me. She was wearing loose black tracksuit bottoms, and a black top. Her hair was long and covering her face. She was red and sweating and breathing heavily. She was running bent slightly forward, like someone had their hand placed in the centre of her back and was pushing her. She looked like she very badly wanted to stop running, but you could feel the determination coming off her in waves - there was no way she was stopping until she was done. I don't know what was pushing her - a determination to reach a certain distance, time? A determination to lose weight? A determination to just meet goals she has set for herself? Either way, I actually felt like clapping and applauding her. I wanted to shout out 'Fair play, you're doing great!'. (I didn't of course, I'm not that weird!) But I felt '
If she can do it, I can do it!' and I walked that bit faster. Instead of planning my Chinese I started thinking about a meal plan and exercise schedule for the week ahead.
Then from the opposite direction, coming towards me, was an Amazon woman. Tall, sleek, blonde hair up off her face in a pony tail, fluorescent yellow jacket and tight leggings, leaping down the road. She was running, not a drop of sweat disturbing her perfect make up, and bouncing, no - jumping!, up in the air with every step. (I actually wanted her to trip and fall, but I digress...) I guess she had to start somewhere too - maybe at the point I am at now. Again, '
If she can do it, I can do it!' Obviously not right away - but you get the point. (and I'll be leaving the bright yellow jacket at home).
Each journey starts with a single step. And I'm back - walking for now.
