It’s So Easy

Falling off the wagon, that is.

I’m not sure exactly when it started, in the time between the Spartan Race back in April and the beginning of summer I slacked off of my fitness program.

Daily workouts became every-other-daily workouts.

Three runs per week became one. If that.

My diet went out the door, too. Cheat Day on Saturday became Cheat Weekend. An evening glass of wine turned into an evening beer.

Or two.

I started sleeping until 5:30 or 6:00.

Then comes summer vacation and the total disruption of my routine. We took the kids to the beach for the weekend - lots of junk food and no exercise.

When Julia and I spent last week at the beach the wheels damn near came totally off the wagon. Seven days of whatever food and drink I cared for with so little exercise that it may as well have been none.

I can’t say it hasn’t been fun, but the effects sure are noticeable. I don’t own a scale, but I’d bet I’ve gained at least five pounds.

Back in the gym this morning I found myself struggling and unable (unwilling?) to complete today’s workout. I probably could have pushed myself, but I still need to get a short run in today, and I don’t want to risk an injury because my next Spartan Race is in two weeks.

[Side note: I’m totally not ready for that race but I committed to it, so what choice do I have?]

My consistency has lagged and the results are nothing more than what I should have expected.

Roughly two months off of my routine has set me back probably four months.

In April I felt like I’d climbed a mountain. Today, I feel like I have a mountain to climb. The next Spartan race happens to be in the mountains of Asheville so in 12 days I will literally be climbing one.

8 miles and 25 obstacles won’t be so easy.

It’s going to be long and painful.

Good.

Serves me right, and I’ve got nobody to blame but me.