Kayaking and Dining Out

Hey y'all, today was another good day. I'm sore and exhausted but I had fun today and I feel good about what I accomplished. I'm learning to take the small accomplishments and be happy rather than berate myself for what I didn't do. That's a huge step for me.

I did another 5k this morning, my last while I'm here. I was hurting so much this morning that I almost didn't go. Yesterday I did a lot of strength training, and my knees are still hurting, so this morning was very painful. At the last minute I decided that if I chickened out and didn't go that I would regret it. My shirt said 'Never Give Up', so I made that my motto. I figured completing it with a slower time was better than giving up. So I went knowing that I was going to be slower and that was OK. The first half was really hard and hurt like heck. The beach is on a slope and my left leg was killing me. I told myself that it was going to hurt and that's ok but as soon as I finished I'd be proud of myself (Never Give Up). After I hit the half way point and turned around I got a second wind and hauled butt. I jogged back more than I've ever jogged before and made up some time. My final time was 48:52, only about 40 seconds slower than last time. I was proud of myself, not only for not giving up but for pushing so hard at the end. Another small accomplishment.

Later I went on a Kayaking excursion. Pictures above. It was cold and I got dripped on and I wasn't enjoying myself as much as I was hoping, but I'm glad I did it. I'd like to try it again in warmer weather, I might like it better then. Parts of it were fun, but after I got wet and cold I was ready to be done. When your with a group of other people, you just have to shut your mouth and try not to ruin everyone else's time too! :) My good deed for today! HAHA

Tonight a group of people went out to the Bonefish to try eating out. It was fun but very loud and I had a headache. Our main objective was to do better than we would have before the "Institute". I had 1/2 of a scallop appetizer, ordered dinner first, then 1 glass of wine. I got full, put my fork down and asked to have my plate removed. I savored the 1 glass of wine thru the whole meal and saved a little for desert as well. The whole eating out seemed to be hard and confusing to a few people, but it was simple to me. I did realize that I didn't need to eat the most healthiest thing on the menu and be perfectly on my diet. I just needed to do BETTER that I would have done before. That was huge for me. If I can make better choices without the restriction and deprivation of being perfect, I can be happier than either failing and eating the most unwise meal, or suffering thru and obsessing about what I really wanted. It was good for me to learn that lesson. Besides the scallop app, I had a 6 oz fillet, steamed green beans and steamed asparagus, and didn't even finish any of it. I also drank 5 glasses of water, so it may be a long night! Another accomplishment... I dropped my napkin, bent over to pick it up without using contortion and grunts. Anyone who has been overweight knows how fun that is!

The final calorie burn yesterday was 3189, and so far today it has been 3000+

Friday is my final weigh and measure day. They will also check my blood and blood pressure. I'm on the home stretch and excited to be checking out soon!!