(Image by Kei Rothblack from Pixabay)
“Change is inevitable, but transformation is by conscious choice”.
(Heather Ash Amara)
I’ve been able to experience a lot of new and exciting things during my current Walk into the Future. Didn’t have a complete idea how this walk would transpire but happy to report it is going very well.
I get to travel and experience new places and adventures, see friends and catch up, write and network daily and work on my mental and physical fitness. We will dive into my physical fitness to highlight an important transformation that I’m adjusting to. Not complaining about this transformation but it has a funny side effect.
My normal body weight when I started this Walk into the Future adventure and blog was in the 205 – 207 pound range. Was always happy with this weight range because I concentrated more on lifting weights during my gym sessions to build muscle. I wasn’t a power lifter, but I made sure to add a few additional plates to maintain my muscle volume and fill out my shirts.
My workouts still focus on overall body symmetry with designated days for each body part (chest day, leg day, back, etc.). The big shift with my fitness program is the cardio components I’ve added as I pursue my half marathon goal to finish under two hours.
I’ve documented in multiple blog posts the increased mileage I’m running to improve my endurance and speed for my races. I continue to look for ways to get faster as I extend my runs and weekly mileage. Set a 2020 goal to hit 1,200 miles this year!
The one thing I really didn’t notice was the effect running was having on my body. No, I’m not going to report aches and pains, that comes with running, that’s normal and should be expected.
The big impact the extended running program has on my transformation has been my body weight. I registered 194 pounds on the scale last week. Let’s put that number in life context. The last time I saw 194 pounds on a scale was 1996—my niece Jayla wasn’t born yet! 😊
Believe I should have known the transformation was happening because my belts all appeared to be getting longer. I know this can’t happen—it was me getting more toned because of my running and gym activities. Spent last weekend shopping for new belts because I didn’t want to have that old dude with a too long belt look anymore. Happy to report all belts have been replaced to keep me somewhat fashion relevant.
Never intended to lose a specific amount of weight when I started running more. I realize weight loss and body transformation can and do happen when you run a lot. Figured my weekly cake tasting sessions, pizza and the beer/chicken wing outings would hinder any weight loss goals.
Please read the last sentence again—yes, I still eat cake, pizza, wings and drink beer and still lost weight. Imagine what would happen if I cleaned up my diet! 😊
My disclaimer is, I run and workout so I can eat what I like. It hasn’t hindered me so far. Will look to eat a bit cleaner in 2020 to enhance my overall fitness and race endurance.
What transformation have you had recently? What can you transform in 2020? Thanks for walking with me!
“Transformation isn’t a future event. It’s a present-day activity”.
(Jillian Michaels)
(Left: December 2018, 205 pounds / Right: December 2019, 194 pounds)
Walk Into the Future 
You speak my language. I enjoy eating and diet is a four-letter word. When my weight starts to creep up, I add some days or miles to my running schedule. I do eat reasonably well. But, I have wondered what impact cleaner eating would have on my body and performance. This is your year to break the 2-hour barrier.
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Thanks, looking forward to meeting my running goal this year. Agree, running let’s me eat like I want. Good luck with clean eating–think it would have a positive impact for you.
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Wow, that’s an awesome side effect to your training!
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Enjoying it–thanks! 🙂
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