Waiting....

Probably one of the most difficult things about getting in shape is waiting. Whether you're embarking on a journey that involves losing 100 pounds or perfecting a six-pack for summer, the results are hard to wait for.

One of my biggest flaws is being impatient. Sometimes, a little impatience is okay. It gets you motivated and determined. Most of the time, though, it's just an unnecessary stress.

It's difficult to look in the mirror and see very little change. You're surviving on twigs and berries and going to the gym more often than the kids on Jersey Shore, but nothing seems to be happening. It gets so frustrating that you find yourself doing stupid, foolish things like pigging out.

But nature likes to take it's good old time. Let's face it: you didnt gain all that weight in a week, so why do you think you're going to be able to lose it that fast? Sometimes the changes are so gradual, you don't even see them. (Ever see someone you haven't talked to in a couple of weeks and she asks, "Wow! Did you lose weight? You look great."?)

So while I'm cursing the scale for being stuck on the same stupid number, I am actually noticing a few changes. For one, my resting heart rate is lower than it was a couple of months ago. Also, when I'm cooling down, my heart rate returns to normal faster than it did 60 days ago.

These sound like terribly insignificant changes, but they actually aren't. It is a sign that my cardiovascular fitness is improving.

I've also noticed that since I've started exercising on a regular schedule (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the same time every day), I've been sleeping better. Not a lot better yet. But I am having fewer sleepless nights.

Again, I am terrible when it comes to being patient, but hopefully I won't have to wait too much longer to start seeing fabulous results!