We've come to the end of the six week EmpowHER BodyMedia FITness Challenge! Time sure does fly when you're having fun - or when you're participating in a nationwide blogger's challenge!
As I mentioned last week, this challenge did not go as I had originally planned. When I started I had not been diagnosed with my overuse injuries and I was still training for the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon (which is this weekend). Just a week and half into the challenge, my doctor told me to stop running (and doing all other weight bearing exercises) to allow my shin splints time to heal. This was not the news I wanted to hear, but I had to adapt to the situation and continue on with the challenge.
At the end of the day, that was purpose of the challenge. It was to show that women - regardless of their circumstances - have the power to control their health. With the knowledge and the tools, we can make healthy decisions everyday regardless of our ability to run 10 miles or walk 10,000 steps. Athletic abilities are relative, and we can't judge our performances on what every one else doing. We have to judge it based on our health and fitness levels.
Let's see how I did with hitting my own goals for the challenge:
Increase my awareness of the amount of calories I'm consuming versus burning. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! This challenge definitely got me back into the habit of monitoring my calorie intake. Admittedly I had become pretty lax in this department during the off season, and the armband really helped me get my focus back.
Increase the amount of sleep I get each night. MISSION - SORT OF - ACCOMPLISHED. While I never was able to get to my goal of 8 hours of sleep per night, I did get better about going to bed earlier. Also, I think gaining the awareness that I was getting too little sleep was definitely an eye-opener (pardon the pun).
Lose 6-8 pounds. FAIL! I lost 2 pounds, and I'll take it. However, I'm not where I want to be. Being injured for the past month has definitely put a damper on the increased weight loss, but I'm confident I will eventually get there.
Hit all of my scheduled training sessions in preparation for the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon on March 17. OBVIOUS FAIL! This fail most definitely breaks my heart. I had such high hopes of setting another PR at the 13.1 mile distance, but that dream will just have to wait a little longer. My fingers are crossed that all my injuries have healed, and I"ll be able to run again very soon.
A big thanks to EmpowHER and BodyMedia for asking me to be a part of this challenge! I had such a great time, and I really did learn a lot about myself. And, an added bonus of this challenge was getting to interact with the other five all-star bloggers who also participated. If you haven't checked them out, you should get on it!
About the BodyMedia FIT armband:
BodyMedia FIT automatically tracks the calories burned during your daily activities — from pumping iron to using an iron — and monitors the quality of your sleep, an important factor in weight loss. Add in the easy-to-use food log and you have the information you need to improve your weight loss. The 3 part system includes:
An Armband that automatically captures data.
An optional Display device or free downloadable mobile apps that give you up-to-the-minute readings throughout the day.
An online Activity Manager* that analyzes raw data, allows you to log food and presents info in an easy-to-understand way.
(*subscription required)
I’ll be updating my progress with the BodyMedia FIT armband each Tuesday here at EmpowHER and on my blog. I encourage you to check out the BodyMedia FIT system for yourself and take the challenge with me!
Disclosure: Device and accompanying online Activity Manager subscription was provided by BodyMedia via EmpowHER. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of BodyMedia or EmpowHER.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Hi Emily,
What a very motivating post. It's true we can't prevent the unexpected. You did a great job of controlling your health despite the obstacles.
I hope you are able to get back into running soon. Best of luck with your goals.
Kristen
March 14, 2012 - 6:32pmThis Comment