It’s rather crazy how time flies. I was just looking back to a few weeks ago (8 now!) when I started off on my challenge. A few days ago, I hit my 50 day goalpost. I now have 45 more days to go.

So what did I achieve so far and what did I learn?

One thing is for sure—with a bit of determination and focus (okay, more than a bit!), it’s possible to stick to a target. Take for example, my determination to run/walk a 5k everyday. On paper, it did seem a bit daunting. But now that I’ve incorporated it into my routine, I make sure I get it done—doesn’t matter what time of the day.

Though I started aiming to run everyday, one month into the challenge I began to experience a lot of ankle and calf pain. That’s when I decided that instead of stopping all together, I would just focus on brisk walking. At least for a week or two. So, yes—I’ve made a few adjustments, but I’m getting my distance in. 

Besides the running, I’ve been trying to get in 2-3 bike rides a week. Usually along with the Western Wheelers Club, which is very active and has groups for every ride level. I found one I can keep pace with—mostly comprised of riders 60+ but all strong and well trained and I can just about keep up. And it’s been fun discovering lots of new routes in the area—roads, bike paths and bike bridges—which I never knew existed in the nearly four years I’ve lived in the Bay area. 

In terms of my goal to ‘purge’, I managed to clean up my wardrobe and get rid of a lot of extra clothes, which is now lying in a box for me to giveaway. I got rid of some extra pots and pans in the kitchen, reorganized a bit and now have labelled most of my jars (I spend inordinate amounts of time searching for an ingredient because I use ceramic jars and can’t see through them :-). But now, I’m organized, for the moment at least.

I still haven’t tackled my ‘craft’ zone and the patio but I have intentions to get over with both these areas this month. 

And then the most important aspect—food! This is going to be a life long battle for me, for sure. And I always knew it would be challenging. As usual, I’ve grappled with eating too much. I’ve managed to balance my meals better over the last weeks in terms of carbs, proteins, good fats and essential minerals. I’ve been exploring different vegetables and new dishes and eating at home. However, I find myself eating a bit too much of my own cooking—because you can never have too much of a good thing, right?  

This is a glimpse of what I’ve been eating. The attempt has been to fill my plate with colors and to keep it simple (easier said than done though). Over the last eight weeks, I’ve eaten out only a couple of times. And indulged in a few glasses of wine, here and there. And when it comes to dinner, whenever I do venture out, I land up feeling quite ‘full’. When at home, I am in control and I know what I’ve put into the dish. When I’m eating out, I do a guesstimate. But I suspect it might be pretty far off when it comes to calories. Even when I opt to eat salads outside, I do realize that I can make better, more substantial and delicious salads! 

The Instant Pot we bought was a super idea and I’ve been cooking up most of our meals in it. I love it. If you haven’t got one yet, what are you waiting for?! (And no, I haven’t been paid by them). But it’s possibly the wisest investment we’ve made in terms of kitchen gadgets. 

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Overall, despite a few yo-yo weeks when I lose a bit and then put some back on again, l I’ve been able to get back to my ‘tri-training days’ weight. The challenge over the next few weeks will be continue to eat well, exercise and make sure I keep my sight firmly on my long term goal. 

Meanwhile, the journey continues!

NOTE: Image editing, collage creation, graphics, thanks to Canva.com—how did I live without it?!