Successful pain

Great friends from Italy came to visit us this past Labor Day weekend. We accomplished all of the home improvements we intended to do before their arrival and I reached 20 pounds lost that day. (Yay!) One of the reasons I wanted to lose that much by then was so that I could hike with everyone and not be the one who was lagging. 

The hike started out well.  Although I was out of breath after the first hill, I regained my equilibrium quickly and began to enjoy myself.  My husband and I identified the route we would take on the map, so I knew what to expect.  Unfortunately, he deviated from that route which made a 2.5 mile hike a 5 mile hike and, about a half mile before the end I could no longer manage the trek.  My calves were cramping, I was beet red, I was dripping perspiration, and I was beginning to feel like I might cry. Although I felt really betrayed by my husband – because we agreed beforehand and he knew I wasn’t ready for a 5 mile hike – I was trying to remain in good spirits. I didn’t get angry. I did almost cry.  But mostly, I was embarrassed because the other three people were merrily hiking along and I could not finish the hike. Finally, the men went ahead to get the car while my friend and I waited for them.  When we got back to the house I still was hosting a dinner for these friends and I did not want to be a whiner.

Back at the house we had a great time eating and drinking – because I had literally hiked my ass off I felt free to pick and choose my food. However, before I made the menu I calculated the best tasting food with the best calorie counts.  This is something I have gotten into the habit of doing. I made a cheesecake – my first – and it came out great, but I still only had 1/3 of a slice.  Somehow I ended up way below the calorie count I should have eaten and I know that is not a good practice.

Monday morning was a nightmare. I woke up with leg muscles cramped and tight. I was so wiped out that I decided to decline the two lovely invitations we received from other close friends and just stay in bed. I slept, watched television, read, and snuggled with the dog.  As I lie there aching I thought about the previous day and the positive side of everything.

·         I hiked 4.5 of 5 miles

·         I burned enough calories so I didn’t have to think about what I ate (although I did)

·         For the most part I was not lagging

·         My husband – although thoughtless – believed in my ability to hike again

·         Our friends had a great time

·         I was lucky enough to be able to stay in bed all day Monday

Today I am still sore, but I took the dog for a long walk this afternoon and I think things are getting looser again.  I am down another half pound. Ten weeks, 20.5 pounds.  I’m in this for the long haul.