~Training! Scratch that!~

The duel IS on with me and my body and mind...8 weeks to my reward of a trip to New York...or so I thought!!  Coincidently, the start date mimicked my entry to the 8 week Sleekgeek Winter Transformation Challenge.  Fate had other plans for me though and my training and working out came to a grinding halt following a rather passion-induced rib injury that has stopped all training, workouts and daily walks in in its' tracks...zilch exertion in any form said the doctors!! Today marks 2 weeks since the injury and this week I enter my second week in the challenge which ends 5 days before I leave for a vay-cay in the city that never sleeps...I never thought that not going to the gym would have such an impact on me - my body, and soul is crying out for the machines and gadgets that I have become so accustomed to - did I actually say that???

So with a heavy heart and mind and soul, BUT, after chats to a few truly inspirational folk, some of whom provided a wealth of wisdom in their advice and knowledge, all hope is not lost.  While the injury may take up to 12 weeks and more to heal, it is not the be all and end all.  Keeping on the plan to eat healthily and as I've been advised to exercise my gut and mind [hearty laugh]. 

This takes me back to my first 6 weeks of the beginning of my Utopia-seeking journey where I did not exercise and concentrated on the weight loss instead...however herein likes the problem - I don't want to concentrate on losing weight...After what seems like an age with no weight loss but experiencing a large cm loss and dropping in clothes sizes, weighing in for the challenge last week and then again soon after at my doctor's, there was a loss of over a kilogram and a half in weight!  So sticking to the plan works, even if there is no exercise...again BUT how do you keep toned during this time?  I am thinking skin elasticity - with no budget and much fear for any knife work, and the instructions from the Emergency Room medic who said no exertion for 6-8weeks and realise that I have to rely on the advice from my trusted Physio guy...which vary actually from light walking, to light cardio, to low impact weights, and some yoga and pilates - the only No is contact "exercising" which I have no intention of participating in hehehehehe.  However, he did warn that I should wait three weeks and low or slow being the operative word in how I attempt these.   So all is indeed not lost, and totally scratched off.  I know my abilities and limits though and I'm also guided by the trip that I will be taking in 7 weeks time and will work hard to ensure that I play by the rules.

So what is the plan during this go-slow-no-exertion period?  For me it's more a mental challenge that often comes to the rescue in my time of doubt and need...inspiration to keep the focus and stay on plan is always about my bigger picture and as the days inch towards my ONE YEAR TO ME anniversary in almost 8 weeks time, that bigger picture is all about maintaining the health improvements - keeping the resolve to eat relatively clean to save my health status kind of plan.  I realise that I have been mostly consistent in this quest during the past 10 months but it is indeed constant work in progress.  Losing focus for me means losing faith in myself and my abilities, forsaking the passion, indulging and then feeling sorry for me has no place in my bigger picture - staying motivated is often difficult but there is no other way or rather no option to slack off...

This blog entry was actually titled The Get fit for NYC Self-Duel and I'd written a few paragraphs already in anticipation for beginning my challenge....it seemed apt to add scratch that seeing that only a portion of the challenge will continue and although circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, I know that I should never lose sight of the bigger picture and while this set back will add to my journey and lifes' experience, the opportunity to pick up on my training is going to happen soon!!!

What has been critical in keeping me going is my Recipe a day Challenge for the month of May which totally excited me and pushed my boundries and mind (and culinary skills) to rise to the challenge - it's what has made me tick during this past month with fierce determination and stamina to continue with my lifestyle change and inspire and motivate others by demonstrating that anything can be done if your heart and soul is in it - even those who don't particularly like cooking have let me know that they value my sharing.

So while all may not be lost and while I continue to keep my blood sugars stable, and my blood pressure within normal limits, if anything, these few weeks have taught me that you can turn your life around, armed with positivity and a very healthy mindset - just look at me, pinning for exercise where a mere 10 months ago, I could barely walk up the front stairs to my home entrance without panting!

So yes, if you're reading this and think you don't have what it takes to tackle anything you desire....think again!!!

ALUTA CONTINUA....