Thisclose To Binging
I did not want to go to the gym this morning. In fact, my biggest motivation for going was to keep myself from giving in to emotional eating. A combination of things played together last night, which I won’t get into for personal reasons, and I knew if I skipped out on my workout I would end up in old patterns easily. Also, before I move further, I want to acknowledge that I feel MUCH better already but still wanted to be real with you all on my recent emotional roller coaster. 😉
I’ve mentioned before that my journey to overcoming binge eating never fully ends. Using food to compensate for stress and other emotions is a natural tendency for me. However, every healthy habit I choose to make reinforces my desire to keep on a healthier, happier path…so gym it was!
I have my first 10K race this Saturday (holy cow!) and had one last speed session on my training plan before the race. Once I got going on the treadmill, I knew that the original plan that included only 1/4 mile recovery periods simply would not fly with me this morning. I always strive to complete my planned workouts (remember my spaztastic plan needs), but I also know the vitality of putting my body’s needs first. I ended up forming a compromise and kept the speed work but upped the recovery time between each interval. I ended up with this:
| Mile | Speed | Interval |
| 0.0 – 1.0 | 6.0 – 6.5 mph | warm - up |
| 1.0 – 1.5 | 7.8 mph | speed work |
| 1.5 – 2.0 | 6.3 mph | recovery |
| 2.0 – 2.5 | 7.8 mph | speed work |
| 2.5 – 3.0 | 6.3 mph | recovery |
| 3.0 – 3.5 | 7.5 mph | speed work |
| 3.5- 4.0 | 6.5 mph | final stretch |
I finished my 4 mile run in 35:35…which is an 8:53 pace! Even lengthening my recoveries and dropping the speed a smidge on my last speed interval, I banged out the best pace I’ve ever seen for a 4 miler. Goes to show…modifications don’t have to lessen the effectiveness of a workout!
And even though my legs felt like jello, I went on to finish up the weights portion of today’s workout. I have to have my strength training!
| Move | Reps | Weight |
| stationary barbell lunge | 15, 15, 15 | 45 # |
| narrow grip lat pulldown | 12, 12, 12 | 75 # |
| step - ups | 15, 15, 12 | 10 # per hand |
| overhand barbell row | 12, 10, 10 | 50 # |
| rear delt shoulder raise | 10, 10, 10 | 10 # per hand |
| dumbbell bicep curl | 10, 10, 10 | 15 # per hand |
I left the gym a new woman with my frustrations and sadness left behind in a puddle of sweat! I then continued my healthy decisions the remainder of the day to keep that feel good momentum going. Delicious, healthy eats included. Get a load of lunch!
That wrap is no ordinary wrap. It’s an explosion of flavah! I spread a whole wheat tortilla with a Laughing Cow blue cheese wedge. Then, I topped it off with mashed sweet potato, 1/2 cup black beans, and a drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce.
Three words. Yuuu. Uuuuuu. MMMMMM!!!!!!!! This savory combo even outdid my snack du’jour – an entire mango and Chobani pineapple yogurt. Bring on paradise!
As I ate this snack, I felt at peace again and also so proud that I had not succumbed to the pull to turn to food for comfort. Today challenged me more than any time I can remember in recent history. I was literally *thisclose* to binging. Only by the grace of God did I have the strength to turn away. Little did I know the quote from my devotional would hold so true for me today. “It doesn’t matter what you’re trying to accomplish. It’s all a matter of self-discipline”. Every decision brings us one step closer or one step further from the life we hope to lead. Today, trusting God gave me the strength to choose wisely.
- What healthy decision did you make today?
- PLEASE read this woman’s story and her display of hope and zest for life. Consider donating, as EVERY small act can add up to something amazing!
