Health and Accountability – Part 2

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

— Thomas Edison

Three months into 2025, so it’s time for a fitness update. How’s it going for you? I’ve been rather reluctant to write this post, not because I experienced any major setbacks, but because I haven’t progressed as much as I hoped. Is it worth the time it takes to write several hundred words – all to say “nothing new to report”?
The importance of being transparent is what brings me here. Writing about the temptations and the struggles, and the victories – small though they may be – provides a mile marker of accountability on this journey. It is a catalyst to refocus, reevaluate, and renew.

True Confessions

Since my first post, my weight did go up about 5 lbs. I can easily blame it on traveling, a family wedding weekend, and moving. I mean, if you’re on a road trip and you don’t buy ALL the snacks your inner 12-year-old desires, are you even doing it right? If you are gifted a pack of mega-stuffed Oreos for your birthday, it would be rude not to eat a few (or several), right? Honestly though, just like everyone, I had good days and bad days. There were moments when knowing I had made my aspirations public did keep me accountable and helped me make better choices. And there were moments when the tacos, margaritas, and chocolate-covered peanut butter pie ruled the day.
My average gym attendance has been about 2-3 times/week – pretty good, but not enough to make the kind of progress I’m looking for. There were also a few scattered weeks where I did not make it to the gym at all – mostly because of traveling.

Goal Updates and Small Wins

1. Weight Loss -Barry and I started following a Whole30 eating plan a few weeks ago, and all of my road trip junk food weight gain has come off again and a few extra pounds as well. So, I am currently below my starting point and encouraged enough to continue on the journey. There are so many different diet theories and eating plans and weight loss strategies it can be overwhelming. Finding the right balance and the program that your body will respond to is a series of trials and errors. Whole30 consists mainly of meat and eggs, fruits and veggies. No dairy, no grains, no legumes, soy or corn, and no added sugar (or fake sugars). It is not for the faint of heart, and best done with a buddy! I am so grateful for my husband’s support, and he is certainly reaping the benefits of a changed diet as well!
   Also, for the last 2 weeks, I’ve made it to the gym 5 days each week! Strength training is a key component to weight loss, and to maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. A few times I was able to go to the gym while being out of town, and I was able to have a close friend as a workout partner. That was a morale boost, and some new workout clothes have provided additional motivation. 😉
2. Hiking – New York is experiencing the tug-o-war between winter and spring. Snow falls on newly emerged daffodils, and rays of sunshine warm the earth between blasts of icy wind. But spring will inevitably prevail, and then I will hit the hiking trails. In the meantime, I am in full preparation mode – walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes at a 10% incline 3 times a week, and doing exercises to strengthen my knees. These next few months I will be adding movements to improve my balance and ankle stability, and probably some sessions on the stair climber (a necessary evil!)
3. Push-ups – No full push-ups yet, but I am doing a variety of strength training to work toward this, and am seeing myself getting stronger.

“Never give up, never surrender!”
-Galaxy Quest

Fitness is not just a physical undertaking – it’s a mental game too. I’m analyzing what my triggers are, and I’m planning for “cheat meals”. When I walk through the bakery section of the grocery store, I’m reminding myself that those chocolate chip cookies will not help me reach my goals. I’m convincing myself that black coffee really is fine, and I’m gathering the determination to brave the swirling snow and head to the gym this afternoon. (Yes, it’s well into April. Yes, it’s snowing heavily. Gotta love springtime in New York!)
And I’m giving myself some grace. This is a road I’ve traveled frequently, including all of the hills and valleys. With the commitment to making this a lifestyle, I’m optimistic I will eventually reach uncharted territory. Or at least fit into some smaller clothes!
So, no momentous achievements to report, but I do want to thank everyone who has been supporting me in this. Even if you’ve just read this post, thank you. Hopefully you’ve found a little encouragement to keep moving toward your own goals and dreams.
The quest continues… one day, one step, one rep at a time!

Til next time, shine bright friends!
-Dawn 🌻