Friday, February 22, 2008

Motivation looks a lot like a bikini

In a couple months, my husband and I celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. It’s been a great 5 years, and we have a lot to be grateful for. There have been ups and downs, but many more ups than downs. To celebrate, we just booked a trip to a beach resort in Mexico.

Now there’s a reason to lose these last few pounds!

I tell ya, going to Mexico feels a liiiittle bit like a cop-out. Typically we like to visit places we’ve never been before; we like to go, see and do … we like to sight-see and learn and experience local culture and change hotels every night or two to see more of the countries we visit. Not this time – this time we are going to a region we’ve been before, we’re staying at one place all week, and we may never leave the resort. We talked about doing an interesting go-see-do vacation, and decided that isn’t what we need right now. This vacation is all about relaxing. As far as sightseeing goes … well … been there, done that, pass me a cocktail.

I can’t wait!

This upcoming vacation definitely gives me a motivation boost. Knowing that I’ll be in a bathing suit … knowing that I’ll be in PUBLIC in a BIKINI… that’s definitely going to keep me focused. Plus, most of my nice clothes will only fit when I’m at goal. And won’t it be nice to look at pictures of myself on our honeymoon and look at pictures of our 5 year anniversary trip and be able to say I’m the same size?

Heck, I may even be able to say I’m in better shape. We leave for our vacation exactly one week after the 5k I’m planning on running.

Yay! If I wasn’t focused before, I’m definitely focused now.

How are things going, you ask? I’m still on track in my “back to the basics” week. I drank all my water yesterday, journaled everything yesterday, and managed to make healthy choices eating out last night. Even after splurging a little on Tuesday night, I still have plenty of flex-points left for the weekend.

From an exercise standpoint, I finished Couch to 5k week 3 day 3 on Wednesday. It was hard but not impossible … it was easier than Week 3 day 1, but harder than Week 3 day 2. (Even though all three days were the same – isn’t it odd how the difficulty seems to vary even though the workout doesn’t?) Tomorrow will be much nicer weather than today, so I’m planning on doing my couch to 5k week 4 day 1 run tomorrow, along with a strength training session. I’m still on track as long as I do it before Sunday. I’m nervous about week 4 (it looks a lot harder than week 3), but I’ve surprised myself before doing these runs so maybe I’ll surprise myself again.

I’m going out to dinner again tonight, but based on what I hear about this place I should be able to make healthy choices. If all goes well I may even be able to get a little popcorn at the movies tonight and still be on plan.

All in all, things are good! The only challenge is that I still haven’t made it to the grocery store. To get my fruits and veggies in, I’m dipping into the cabinet and freezer … applesauce, edamame, and other frozen veggies are my friend right now. I’ve got to get to the store – I miss fresh produce!

22 comments:

Hanlie said...

That's what I call motivation! Go for it! T'is a noble goal!

Sonya said...

Wow, a relaxing vacation sounds great!!!! I'm planning a trip for May and I know what you mean...it sure does increase the motivation a little!

Anonymous said...

Wow, you're doing great!

I think Mexico sounds like awesome motivation. Sounds like it's going to be a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable time. Definitely worth working toward! :-)

V.

Kate said...

Bikini's are always good motivation! I am really hoping to be at goal by June for swimsuit season!

watchinmyweight said...

Great motivator you are...love your site! I am leaving for Mexico in 2 1/2 weeks...for an all-inclusive... can't wait! :)

juliabjerke said...

Wow, Mexico sounds amazing and perfect for your anniversary! I definitely agree that it will spark your motivation, as well. I'm going to be getting back to basics, to borrow your words, this week and will be starting week 3 of C25k so I'll let you know how that goes! It sounds like you're doing really well, even with all of the added temptation of eating out. Keep up the great work! (Oh also! In regards to bikinis, I was browsing the victoria's secret site for some exercise motivation-don't laugh-and they have some really cute and flattering bikinis this season! Not that you'll need a "flattering" bikini; you'll be showing off your new and improved body!)

Susie said...

Ohhhh. nice..What part of Mexico? We went to Neuvo Vallarta a year ago--it was AWESOME. I made a little page of clothes I'd like to wear on my motivation page..like something sleeveless for once...maybe a pic of that BIKINI in your mind would work for you...or on your page. You are jammin' with the water, food logging and exercise! Way to go! Keep it up. Have a nice evening out!

MomOf4 said...

Wow! What a fun way to celebrate your 5th anniversary! Good motivation too! :) Bikini is a scary word for me right now - maybe someday I will be able to say it without shuttering! Ha ha!

Nicole said...

Mexico sounds lovely! My husband and I are celebrating our fifth anniversary in June. We don't have anything exceptional planned, but I do intend to go to Italy for our tenth! :o)

Grumpy Chair said...

Your vacation sounds wonderful! I would be booking massages and treatments.

You have done so well!

Carleen said...

great motivation.... that should be a great trip- you'll enjoy everyminute of it...

Thanks for stopping by my blog
*go to the grocery store...

Jaxx said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog - a holiday in Mexico sounds bliss.....

healthy ashley said...

Look at your progress! Good luck with the motivation. You have a plan and determination- keep it up!

And your vacations sounds like it'll be so much fun! Can I ask where you're staying in Mexico? I've been there twice and stayed in amazing resorts. My favorite was Xcaret.

Good luck with Week 4!

Heather said...

that is definitely a good motivator! I know that you will enjoy yourself no matter what, but use this to help fuel you on those days you feel like eating off plan or not exercising.

good luck making healthy choices tonight..I know you will do fine.

Katy said...

It's amazing what can happen with that darn scale when there is a bikini on the other side of it!

Roni said...

I'm super jealous! For me it's the Jersey shore in July. LOL

sauchagirl said...

Mexico is great motivation for you! I can't wait to here about it. It is strange to me also how the same workout can vary in difficutly from day to day. I guess it all boils down to what we have put in our bodies previously and how much sleep we've gotten, etc. Sounds like the basics are working for you!

Anonymous said...

Yep, a bikini is definitely motivation.

Sounds like a great vacation. Hubby and I are going to Southern Cali in a few months. I am eagerly trying to get down to a siz 12 by then.

healthy ashley said...

You are at goal. AT GOAL! Hello bikini! And maintenance!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You're very brave! But I say use whatever motivation keeps you going. Good for you. It's great to have something so lovely to look forward to. Keep up the good work!

j

Trisaratops said...

Sounds like a perfect vacation! And you're going to look fantastic too - hooray!

Holly said...

Woohoo on the trip!!! Sounds wonderful!