I'm ready

[magenta321]

to lose some weight.

Someone hold me accountable for walking. Please

I walked today. I want to double that distance tomorrow.

Next week maybe we can talk about adding other things than just walking. If I go crazy all at once I never stick to it. If I start changing my routine little by little, I'm more likely to do it.

My second job wants to know my measurements, my height, my weight, and if I'm small, medium, or large. (XL is not a choice...) I'm not thinking I'll get this weight off by the time I submit my paperwork, or by the time they get me a uniform or whatever reason they could want this info. I just realized that if I'm embarassed by those numbers, I need to do something about it.

[mtomm[$]]

I applaud your efforts to lose weight. Walking seems to be the best way to get started with changing behaviors around exercise. Making the time and sticking to it is key.

But weight loss is 90% diet. I know this to be true because I am the exercise queen. I lift weights, treadmill, walk outside, ride a road bike, jump rope, do sprints... and I'm still 10 pounds too heavy because of my diet. I'm great during the week but the weekend usually derail my efforts during the week.

Do you have any set dates for when you need the weight off?

[magenta321]

No dates set. I did weigh myself yesterday. I'm a fatter cow than I realized.

So, I'm going to make a manageable goal for now -- 20 lbs off. If I get there, I'm going to buy myself a table I want for my place.

This morning, like usual, I woke up at 4:30 and couldn't go back to sleep. I started to think maybe I do this for a reason, so I got up and did my yoga. Then I decided to go for a walk, and I doubled my distance that I walked the previous two days.

I'm kinda relieved I walked in the morning. I have a lot to do tonight, and if I couldn't fit it in I might have felt like a failure. If I find time to do it tonight I'm +1 but if I don't, I'll still break out even

I really need to clock what I walk so I know how much I've walked. And buy a new pedometer... I know I've seen mine when I moved but damned if I can find it.

[lynnzop[$]]

Congrats Margaret, sounds like you are on the right track. Walking IS a great way to lose weight, and for many people, early morning is the perfect time to do it. Just make sure it's safe (well lit, safe places to go to if necessary) if you are going before daylight.

Weight Watchers sets your first weight loss goal at 10% of what you currently weigh. I think it's a good goal - very attainable and something to shoot for. The thing they DON'T do that I wish they did is to set a target date to attain that goal...I know the reasoning (if you miss the target, then you may see yourself as a "failure"), but I need to have a date to keep myself on track. After that, it's a matter of setting additional goals - stepping stones - and when you attain them, you get a reward (like your table!).

Good luck, and I'd love to hear about your progress!!!

[magenta321]

I behaved again tonight and walked for a half hour. It's not a ton, but, I'll keep buiding up I figure. This is the most activity I've done since I got struck by the SUV, so it's a big improvement. Today I put on my ipod for the first time in about 2 years... it's amazing what a difference that makes.

I stopped using my ipod around the time when I got satellite radio, because my ipod will always be limited to what I've downloaded. With satellite radio I never run out of options, and I can groove to almost every station on that damn thing! Basically I'll just keep it on one station til something sucky like ZZ Top comes on, then I'll change it to another til something else sucky on... etc. all the way through the dial.

The problem with the ipod now is that I know all my music way too well. So I was having to fight the urge to sing along to Guns N Roses' Appetite for Destruction. It's amazing how much faster I walked with them on I think if I was singing along I would have upset my neighbors. Not just for the fact that I would sound like a cat in heat, but also because there's quite a few taboo subjects and words that I'd be singing along with.

The sad thing that occured to me today was that I remember Mrs Wilson's class in 5th grade when it was too bad outside to have recess, and she would let Chris P. play his G'NR cassette while we played board games inside for recess. That means I've now been listening to this album 2/3 of my life. That's scary...

I guess walking will give me time to think about these scary things. It gave me time to notice that people are driving to my complex, parking their car, and going for a walk. They're treating it like a public park! Now I'm wishing it was gated

As for the safety thing, I know you're right. I'm doing as much as I can to stay safe, and it is lit up better than most parks at night. I do want to take a self-defense class, though. I know the basics, but it would be good to practice more.