Bender

          The day before Whistlestop Marathon, my scale read 134.4.  That’s on the lower end for me.  I tend to fluctuate between 133 and 138, but thanks to running, it usually stays within that range without any effort.  I’ve also gotten very good at dropping weight before a race.  All I need is a short term goal. 

          I don’t have that goal now.  In fact, I’ve been on a bender for the last 4 weeks.  The scale is hanging around 143 and I’m not proud.  How did it get there?  Two weeks in Kenosha talking about cancer.  Being overwhelmed when I returned back home to Minneapolis.  The dark, dreary Minnesota winter.  These are some of the reasons. 

          I need to get back in shape.  Usually, I can get myself behind my health when I have something that provokes me.  Either an upcoming race or seeing an unflattering photo of myself.  I’ve been waiting for this kind of slap in the face since I got back to Minnesota, but it hasn’t happened yet.  Granted, I haven’t taken my picture in a while.  My choices have not been good lately.  Usually, I’m all about ordering healthy at restaurants, for example.  Yesterday, I ordered a BLT with sweet potato fries for lunch and then had a reuben and regular fries for dinner.  Last year, I went months without eating a single fry. 

          Winter might be doing me in.  I even skipped a run last week because it was “too cold.”  I never do that.  (I made it up the next morning at the gym.) 

          Today was a good day, though.  I didn’t work out today.  I wanted to, but I didn’t plan for it.  Regardless, it was a good day because it was sunny.  All day long.  That happens maybe 4 times in the 6 months of winter.  I got a lot done today, and that feels good.  Productivity (and sunshine) to me is what spinach is to Popeye.  Today I had super strength.  I’m hoping it will start a snowball effect.  And I hope telling you about my bender will be just enough provocation to get me back on the right track.