As I stated above, last time I spoke of what I need to do nutritionally to reach my goals and I talked about what I need to do fitness wise to get there in the past. Today, I'd like to talk about the motivational side of things, specifically, the reward system. Or, simply, loot.
(See how happy he is with his loot? Just like that.
Hopefully I don't loose that much weight though)
It's obvious that the biggest reward I will gain from this is losing the weight. However, I have read from multiple sources that setting up rewards for reaching short term goals is very beneficial in keeping a person to stick with their exercise regime. I think that would be a good idea. Here's what I'm thinking.
My rewards should be for weight loss, for now, just pounds lost. I propose a reward every 5 pounds lost up until I hit the 30 pound mark and then rewards for every 10 pounds lost. Perhaps special rewards for the cool numbers like 25, 50, 75, 100. A man can dream right?
Now I am trying to think of specific rewards that will keep me going. The one thing I want to avoid is food based rewards. Like, I lost 15 pounds and now I get to go to Cold Stone Creamery. Seems a bit counter intuitive to me. Here's what I've got so far:
10 lbs - I get to buy an album
15 lbs - Buy a 2 year subscription to Runner's World Magazine (it's only $24 for two years. That's a buck an issue. Cover price is $4.99 an issue.)
20 lbs - I get to buy another album
25lbs - ?????
Do you see the problem there? I'm apparently not that creative when it comes to giving myself presents. So, dear readers, I once again beg your collective assistance! If you have any suggestions please post them in the comments. Help me friends, you're my only hope.
Before I leave you I'd like to briefly talk about how my exercising is going. I walked both Monday and today and, I must say, that it went very well. Another cool thing about the Zombies, Run! app I mentioned last post is that it uses my iPhone's GPS function to track how fast I am traveling to gauge if I'm running fast enough to evade the zombie hordes. I still haven't tried that particular function yet, but, since it tracks my speed, distance, and time it gives me a run report at the end of my sessions. So here are the numbers for Monday and Today.
Monday - 30Apr12 Wednesday - 02May12
Time: 31:38 Time: 30:27
Distance: 1.92 miles Distance: 1.91 miles
Pace: 16:28 min/mi Pace: 15:55 min/mil
Not too bad if I do say so myself. Until next time.
- Louie
Smeagle hair is a deal-breaker! Also, I think loot should be... books, albums, um... take the car in and get it detailed... extra Skype time with me, buy a PG-13 movie, or get a Redbox. Have Melinda watch Brodie and do whatever you want BY YOURSELF.
ReplyDeleteDude if you lose 25 pounds then reward will be some new clothes! Yours will be falling off. OR a new pair of running shoes! Proud I you, Louie!
ReplyDeleteIf it makes you feel any better I am still doing intervals for running. 2 minutes running and 1 rest. I'm incredibly slow. It takes me about 11:30 to do a mile. I think I have a different set of legs for cycling because I never have a problem with that.
ReplyDeleteI've also found that buying new clothes, gym clothes or regular, are a great reward. It's nice being able to fit into a size smaller!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the suggestions. I don't know why buying new clothes didn't cross my mind. I definitely want to clothes that fit me properly. I also agree with getting the siter for Brodie for an afternoon, it's always nice to have that time to decompress and just drink some tea and read a book.
ReplyDeleteMaybe your reward to yourself could be going somewhere fun that requires a bit of energy, like walking the zoo or going on a fun hike. Both would be rewarding (to me, anyway) AND you'd get to see how much easier and more fun it is with the weight gone. :-) So proud of you!
ReplyDeleteGet a massage or chiropractic appointment! (If you're into that.) (And if you don't do it regularly already.)
ReplyDelete