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Starting again...with a little help from my friends.

Writer's picture: Museum Geek TriathleteMuseum Geek Triathlete

A few years back I wrote about Quitter's Day--the day that 80% of people who have set a New Year's Resolution have quit on that resolution. Research puts Quitter's Day on the second Friday of January.


This year that was January 10.


For me, it was starting over day.


I haven't set a New Year's Resolution for a while now, and this year is no different. However, I did promise myself that I would be more active this year. I want to hit my goal of riding my bike (for now indoors) either 30 miles a week, or 3 times a week. This is a pretty easy goal to meet in the summer time, but much more difficult in the winter. But the bike is set up on the trainer, and so far so good.


I met my goal before Quitter's Day.


I biked 3 times, and walked twice.


My friends have been supportive as usual. We have been trying to get together since our Erie Canal trip to start running again.


Life has gotten in the way.


We are all in the season of our lives where we are more bus driver and personal secretary than ourselves. Throw in full time jobs, being wives and running households, and its a wonder we have any time to sleep.


And every once in a while...we get sick too.


For my friends and I, exercise isn't just about healthy habits. It is also about time to ourselves.


We have dates on our calendars to go run, but so far we haven't be able to make it happen.


And I have I mentioned that running is my least favorite activity? But I'm willing to give it a go.

I've already gone running this year!
I've already gone running this year!

Ok, so back to starting over.


This past Friday, Quitter's Day, one of my friends texted me about starting together on a healthy eating program using a well known app.


Ok, it's a weight loss app, but whatever.


It was one I had used prior to Covid and peri-menopause with some success.


She asked if we wanted to do it together so we can hold each other accountable.


Why not? It can't hurt.


First of all, she does not need to lose weight, and she eats super healthy. And she's a medical professional with a background in nutrition.


She doesn't need to do this.


But she knows me. She has seen me struggle, and is a great friend.


So we both signed up -- on Quitter's Day.


One of the nice things about starting over, is that things have changed, even though they have stayed the same.


The app has a new interface, new graphics, and a new way of instruction. Even though a lot of the information I know, the way I interact with the app is a little different.


I struggle with logging food. The app now "reminds" me to log. And, many foods, even recipes I use regularly are already uploaded in the list of foods.


This makes it a whole lot easier.


Plus, there is nothing "off limits".


Some people have suggested working with a nutritionist, or doing a meal planning service. That is fine, but I also don't want to have to make 3 dinners every night.


J only eats burgers and fries for dinner.


My husband and B will eat whatever I cook, but in greater quanities, and sometimes, what I am "supposed" to eat isn't enough for them.


So being able to make dinner for the 3 of us, and just watch my portion size, is a better option for an already full out busy mom.

The app shows my progress, and shares it!
The app shows my progress, and shares it!

The app also encourages you to set goals, and unlike a BHAG (which they also encourage), the whole point is to set small attainable goals.


There's a lot of psychology and habit forming and slow measurable changes. So, I am hopeful that this will help me.


Now, this doesn't take into account stress, peri-menopause and family life, but it does acknowledge these things can effect my progress, and encourage me to not overthink it.


Life happens. Acknowledge it, move past it, keep going.


There is also the option to "share" my progress. This is where my friend comes in...we will share our food logs and other things. Every night.


Which is kinda cool.


So, we shall see how it goes. I am cautiously optimistic. As I keep saying to myself, I know what I have to do, it is just doing it. Maybe this time it will stick.


I have one week down...many to go.


So what is my BHAG for this program that they asked me to list?


Well it isn't anything like an Ironman.


It is to loose a significant amount of weight before a trip to Scotland this year.

My avatar in Zwift sporting a Leader's Jersey during my ride.
My avatar in Zwift sporting a Leader's Jersey during my ride.

According to their algorithm, I should be able to make it.


Now to make some mini goals. I guess I already made my first...30 miles on the bike.


Now my next mini goal...log my workouts.


I'm going to continue to work with my PT doc. She has been sending me strength workouts weekly ever since I messed up my shoulder. They are part PT, part strength.


I had been very good at doing them, and logging them in the app.


Lately, I have been very bad.


I haven't been doing them at all, and when I have, I have not been logging them in the app.


So...mini goal #2. DO and log the workouts.


Mini goal #3 is to log all my meals.


I've been doing pretty good with that one so far.


With a little help from my friends, and more will power on my part, I know I can do this!

Photo Credit: mybaitshop/Bigstock.com
Photo Credit: mybaitshop/Bigstock.com

And as for Quitter's Day?


I quit quitting.


I'm going to start living!


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