Spinning Wheels

It's January in VT. That means cold temps and snow, usually. This year it's meant inches of ice. And because I think its ridiculous to invest 500 bucks in studded snows, for me the ice means my wheels spin from time to time. I was thinking the other day that I could compare my drive in to work on an icy day to my health journey.

The trip takes about 20 minutes, 30 in bad weather - with the ice, my wheels spin a little out of the driveway, and sometimes a little bit when you hit an icy patch. My health journey is not unlike this. You get out the gate with some hardship (leaving from home), spin your wheels a bit, move forward, sometimes they spin again, but eventually if I keep a firm grip on the wheel, I'll get to where I'm going. It might take me longer because I'm cautious. I don't want to race through it.

Right now, I'm essentially spinning my wheels on ice. Meaning, it's been a solid six months since I've dropped a pound. Am I frustrated - yes, incredibly. I've been doing what I know to do to lose and it's just not happening. Sometimes a little voice in my head asks me what the point of it all is. But I know exactly how to answer. Just keep on the path, keep making small adjustments to see what works and what doesn't and eventually the wheels will stop spinning and get a good grip on the road. And I'll get to my destination.

That's the point. I have to keep going. There is no reason to give up. The answer will always be to keep going because I know that in time (hopefully soon), I'll be rewarded for my efforts.

With the scale battle aside, here's some cool things that have happened since my last post (I know it's been forever):

• I was awarded the 'Life Earthing of the Year' by my peers at work for my commitment to health and for inspiring others.
• I came in second place in the 'Fittest Earthling' competition - Women's Elite division.
• I can deadlift 145lbs
• I can clean 105lbs
• In 2014 I lost 45lbs, bringing my total weight loss to a little over 105lbs!!

Here's some simple changes I'm making this month to work towards losing weight again:

• Only one coffee a week. Tea on the other days
• With meals, multiply my green veggie intake by 2, cut carb (rice, potato) intake by half
• Limit dairy & gluten as much as I can

As an inspiration to keep moving myself further, pictures always help. Here's a two year review, what I looked like at the start of 2012, 2013 and 2014:

I also turn 30 this year, and this is my big motivator. I want to be in the best shape of my life when I hit the big 3-0 in July. Although I feel like I'm definitely the strongest I've ever been, I'm not the lightest I've ever been.

I'm taking on 2014 with new motivation and new steps to get to my goals!