Ready for the 3 Day Weekend

I can't believe that we are already into September - and that means a nice 3 day weekend for Labor Day.  I love my internship more than anything I've ever done in my life - but I am so ready for a long weekend.  I'm ready to have more than one day of being able to sleep in, more than one night to stay up late, and more than two days to enjoy a nice, long run.  I get up at 4am during the week, I sleep in on Saturday, but I always get up early on Sunday - so I can prepare for the 4am wake-up Monday morning.  I'm always too tired to stay up late Friday night, and because I have to get up at 4am on Monday - I'm always in bed early Sunday night.  This weekend, I'm making the most of it.

Oh, wait, didn't I mention something about running?  Yes I did.  I know you probably feel like kicking this old record player - because that's what I've sounded like all week... "going to run tonight", "going to run tonight", "going to run tonight" - and then, "didn't run tonight", "didn't run tonight", "didn't run tonight".  How annoying is that song?? This weekend I'm actually excited to run - the weather is going to be cooler, I get an extra day to rest and relax, and on top of my "to do" list for the weekend is a couple of nice runs.  The highs for this weekend are going to be in the mid 80's, the mornings are going to be in the 60's and the evenings in the 70's....I need to be outside making the most of it.  Even if I sleep in until 8 in the morning (yes, 8am is a sleep in for me..LOL) I can still get to the track by 8:30 - and it will still be cool enough to run.  OH HAPPY DAY!! 

I just have to share the great day that I had yesterday.  I wanted to post about this last Friday, but I got caught up in something else.  On Thursdays, I take classes at the University.  I get to see my friends - and last Thursday, I got to see them after not seeing them all summer.  The compliments I received last Thursday and yesterday was enough to really fill up my motivation meter.  Some people were so amazed at how I had changed in just 2 short months....it was a great confidence booster.  I have finally gotten to the stage where I see my changes.  Every time I put on a pair of size 18 pants, and have to use a belt because they are too big, I realize how much my body has changed since squeezing myself into a size 24 back in January.  When I bend over and tie my shoes with ease I remember what it was like to try and reach around the bulge to do it back in January.  Then, when I see friends that I haven't seen in a couple of months and their mouths hit the floor - I know that I look better.  All amazing ways to gauge my progress without worrying what the scale says. 

While thinking about these things yesterday, I realized that it had been a long time since I'd stepped on the scale or taken my measurements.  Yes, I think it's something I should do occasionally just to see my progress, but I also realized that I really haven't stressed that much over doing it.  So, I think this weekend it's time  to step on the scale and drag out the measuring tape.  I really couldn't tell you what I'm expecting them both to say.  If there is a loss, I doubt it will be very much - but there's always a possibility there could be a slight gain.  The funny thing is, I really don't care.  WHAT???  BLASPHAMY!!  How can someone on a weight loss mission not care what the scale says?  Well, I think it really boils down to the fact that after 7 1/2 long months of preaching that I'm "not dieting" I've finally absorbed that mentality.  I set out to change my lifestyle - become a healthier person - and at the end of the day, just making the committment to eat better and exercise (as often as I can) I knew I would lose weight.  As much as I told myself (and you all) that everyday, I still obsessed about what number was going to be staring at me when I stepped on the scale each week.  Things are different now.  Yes, I'm curious to see what the scale says this weekend - mostly because it's been so long since I've done an "official" weigh in...but I don't have the anxiety or worry that I've always had in the past.  Don't get me wrong - I've stepped on the scales a few times, but mostly in the evenings when I know that what I'm going to see isn't the real number and in my work clothes (not the lightest clothes, I might add).  I don't stress about the number I see, I don't panic if it shows a gain from the last "official" result...I have lost the pressure of depending on the scale to give me my motivation.  Is this a good thing?  I hope so.  Just because I'm not relying on the scale to keep me on track anymore doesn't mean that I've given up or fallen off the wagon.  I've just come to the realization that this is me, now.  I eat healthier, I live healthier, and I see the results of my lifestyle everytime I put on my clothes....I feel GREAT!!

OK, so I have to get to work.

Till next time.  ;)