Slow and steady wins the race?

With less than a month away from Tough Mudder, I thought I would be further along in progress. I underestimated the layers of the onion that needed to be peeled away. However, I am surprised and proud at some of the small improvements I HAVE made. I think step one was just being aware of the problem and making active choices to get on the right path. Dedication - I have that too. I haven't given up on my goals. This week I broke my mile run time at 12 minutes (used to be 15 minutes). I'm hoping to be able to run the mile consistently (through my asthma) without losing my pace. That's the next step.

I've also noticed muscle definition in my arms that I've never seen or felt before. It's not something that others can really see because it's not dramatic yet, but with any small changes in your body, you notice first of course.

Unfortunately, people look for the visual cues of progress. I had someone recently grab the fat under my arm and say something along the lines of "I thought you work out now". I'm sure the person did not realize the effects of their poor actions, but it's more common than you would think. You can't help but let things like that get to you - even if you tell yourself that you don't care what others think.

Maybe slow and steady wins the race after all? 

I have to admit, I was also wondering why I haven't lost any weight (now 5 months into exercising daily and eating better). I mean ZERO weight loss. I went to the doctor last week for a physical and she went through the normal health checklist. She couldn't figure it out either. The only thing that I'm truly still doing "wrong" is drinking alcohol. Maybe as I'm getting older, my body is processing and storing it in a different way? I would say I've cut the amount and frequency of alcohol by 75% since starting this endeavor. But for some reason this specific sugar / carb intake is just sticking to me.

My other theory, which I have no proof of, is that I'm genetically disposed to look this way. No one on either side of my family is particularly fit or healthy. Many have struggled with some serious weight and health problems throughout the years. It sounds like an excuse when I say that, but I think there might be some truth to this whole thing being "harder' for me than the average person. Not impossible, just harder.

My husband and I are leaving for a two week vacation in Italy and we plan to stay as active as possible. In the past, we tend to enjoy activities instead of vegging out while on vacation anyway. If anything, we should be even better at it now. Italy involves lots of walking and carrying heavy bags, which will be a natural way to keep moving. The food quality, although carby, is fresh and portion controlled. I never gained any weight in the two years I lived in Italy. We also plan to incorporate swimming and hiking into our plans. Instead of looking at this trip as a negative break from my routine, I'm seeing it as a positive way to reward my hard work and keep active in new and refreshing ways! 

Someone needs to lay off the beer.....but it's summer, and it's so good!!!