There are numbers beyond weight

I have been frustrated recently because I have been doing all the right things - eating well, working out, relaxing. OK, maybe not relaxing. But I have been eating well and working out. So why, then, does my scale not move for a week? How is that possible?

Guess what - the scale isn't the only number to think about.

Since I started my weight loss journey (and to paraphrase Mark Twain who said quitting isn't difficult, I've done it many times - losing weight isn't difficult, I've done it many times) I have kept track of my measurements - bust, waist, hips, thigh, biceps. I track the measurements once each month. I have lost 9 pounds since starting Jan. 2. That's awesome! I have also lost a couple inches in most places. A couple inches off my waist and hips, one from my bust, half an inch from my thigh and biceps. That was wonderful news!

So now I can stop obsessing about the damn scale. It isn't the only measure. Thank God!

Obsessed with the Scale

I think one of my problems is that I am completely obsessed with my scale. I know that the key to sustained weight loss is to just lose 1-2 pounds per week. I don't know why I feel the need to get on the scale every morning to see what changes were wrought overnight. I am continually disappointed when I don't see major changes or when - egads - I see a gain!

I have now vowed to not get on the scale until my Mon. weigh-ins. That's it. No more checking mid-week, just to see. Once per week and that's it!

Weight Watchers

OK, I know it seems a cop out. I should be able to figure out how to lose weight and get in shape without resorting to a regimen. But guess what - I CAN'T! And I am okay admitting that.

This is week number 4 on the online version of Weight Watchers and I have lost 9 pounds. I am quite excited about that. What is unfortunate is that since I started dating Jamie, I gained 25 pounds. That's a full 10 pounds over my heaviest weight yet! I love him - in fact I tell him I'm fat, dumb and happy - soon to be fit, dumb and happy. I just want to fit into pants that don't have elastic waists. I want to button pants and be able to breath, sit, walk, etc. Soon. Very soon.

I also started my new job at St. Bonaventure University. I love that they have this awesome new fitness center - the Richter Center. In fact, I set off the emergency exit alarm yesterday. Hey - I have to make my presence known. This center offers everything you need to get and stay in shape - and I get to use it free! Now I have no excuse. I bring lunch to work with me, I have access to the best fitness center, I want to be fit.

Check back for more information on my progress. I will post pitfalls, tips, triumphs. All of it will be here. And - the original purpose for this blog was to document my marathon training. With any luck, I will be back in the saddle (so to speak) by summer and in training again!