WLWed: Pushing Forward

I'm leaving the topic open again this week.  Blog about whatever is on your heart in regards to your weight loss journey.  I can't wait to hear how you're doing!

Ok, so I was going to start a series on my weight loss journey today.  BUT it has been a really crazy busy week and I haven't had the time to sit down & start writing it (or even thinking it through).  Plus I have some thoughts whirling in my head from this morning's run.  So you'll forgive me for the change in topic, right?!?!

I started running a little over three months ago.  I wish I could say that I love running.  What I can say is I love what it's done for me physically…and that's what keeps me running.

I am a much stronger runner now.    I am able to run hills in my neighborhood that I could barely walk at one time.  I am able to run longer distances at a time than when I started. 

And I have learned something about running within the last few weeks. 

If I keep pushing forward, my body will eventually recover. 

When I run the hills in my neighborhood, I feel like I am going to die.  I'm panting and gasping for breath.  I want to quit halfway up the hill.  And I have done that.  You know what, though?  It doesn't make me feel any better.  Instead I feel worse.

BUT…

And this is a major BUT…

If I keep running, I can do it. 

I don't run it very fast.  In fact, I almost feel like I'm crawling.  But I stay in that running mode and I keep pushing forward…even though I feel like I'm going to die.

Then when I get to the top of the hill, my body begins to recover.  My breathing returns to normal…well as normal as possible for running   And I feel like I do when I start running…only better.  Running those hills gives me a major sense of accomplishment and encourages me to keep going.

My friends, the same is true for your weight loss efforts. 

Sometimes it feels like you are climbing a hill.  You are working hard, panting and gasping for air, giving it your all.  But you feel like you aren't making any headway.  No matter how hard you try, the number on the scale isn't budging.

That's when it's time to keep pushing forward. 

Think about how far you've come. 

Think about your goals. 

Think about how much healthier you are than when you began.

Think about the difference you are making in your life.

And keep doing what you know is the right thing to do.  Don't think that just because the number on the scale isn't changing that it's ok to quit.  Remember, quitting is NOT an option.

Instead stick with your healthy diet.  Keep exercising.  Keep pushing forward.  And remember what your mother told you: anything worth having is worth working for.  And a healthier you is definitely worth the effort!

How are you doing with your weight loss goals my friend?  Why don't you join us for Weight Loss Wednesday and share?  Remember…we're all in this together!

It's easy.  Write a blog post about this week's topic and link back to this post.  Then register with Mr. Linky below.  Please know, though, that I reserve the right to delete any link that does not conform to the spirit of Weight Loss Wednesday.  You can also join us on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #wlwed. 

Also please remember to visit some of the other participants as well.  It's very encouraging to know you are not alone in this journey.

This week's post leads me to another topic I wanted to discuss:  plateaus.  It can be frustrating to work hard at losing weight and not see any change at the scale.  How do you work past that point and make it to your next goal.  I hope you'll join me next week as we discuss this important topic!

In the meantime, remember….

Quitting is not an option!