Challenge Cheerleader Checking In and Checking Out
Challengers:
Good morning! I am not sure if y’all have been following my “Talk Me Down From the Cliff” thread in Open Discussion, but I have been dealing with a health crisis this week. As determined as I was to push myself through the rest of this challenge, I had a wake-up call Sunday afternoon. It is clear that the time has come for me to officially withdraw from this challenge and move in a different direction. This is my third attempt at a 12-week challenge with the same results. Thankfully, my Biggest Loser challenge at church turned a corner last night. It was a breakthrough session, and we are focusing on an enjoyable lifestyle now instead of a competition. No more concerning myself with calories, and I am returning to a monthly weigh-in (or less often). Challenges, deadlines, and weight goals pressure me more than they inspire me. I have been coasting spiritually and obsessing over my weight and body. I did great in January when I was simply planning a week of menus (which is very helpful), but I got in trouble when I hit a plateau in February and started analyzing calories, etc. Some people obviously do well with challenges. Gayle is evidence of that. But I am a fun-loving girl. I need to live in the moment and enjoy this journey one day at a time instead of striving so hard and seeing life as a series of 12-week challenges. Not to mention, I have an appointment with a clinical dietitian in the morning. After consulting with 2 doctors this week, I can read the writing on the wall and know what it will take to recover from this latest food allergy attack. For the next 3-4 weeks, I will not be eating enough protein to support heavy weight workouts. I will miss the 4-Day Split, but it is time for a change after 8 weeks of heavy lifting. I am still not breathing well and will gladly do whatever it takes to reclaim my health (physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally).
I will still be around cheering for y’all. Thank you so much for encouraging me for 8 weeks. I just did a search and realize that I reached the same conclusion with my first 12-week challenge here at the same point in time. I wrote in that post that challenges and check-ins like this are not good for me. Clean eating check-ins do not work for me either because everyone focuses on food, and that stumbles me.
I love everyone here, and it has been my delight to get to know each of you. If y’all ever start a generic check-in that is not focused on a challenge, I would love to join you. Otherwise, I am planning to stick with the Road Trippers (PYGFO check-in) and possibly return to the daily check-in. I am not one to disappear from a check-in without explanation as I value relationships. I am in an unplanned recovery week now, and I am looking forward to enjoying my favorite fun workouts in March.
I am NOT giving up on my fitness journey. I am simply giving up the fight, bringing the fun back, and rediscovering the joy of the journey.
Blessings,
Heather B.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).