I have been listening to the podcast for 2 weeks now and really like it. I found it fit right in with what I was trying to accomplish on my own so reading about other’s journeys will be great motivation. Summer was busy and derailed my regular exercise routine, but winter is here again and with the shorter days it seems that exercise becomes much more important. I know there are only 24 hours in a day, but the winter seems to last longer than summer My personal goals are for weightloss and also mood. I did not think the lack of daylight would really effect me or be a big deal, but I have found it is much more powerful than I thought and a good exercise and eating plan are essential to avoid the winter blues for me. This is my 4th Alaska winter so I am not a pro, but not new either. I am a stay-at-home mom and have been for 3 1/2 years now. Before children I was an RN and worked a lot of hours and did not struggle with my eating and exercise regimen nearly as much as I do now. I am planning to lose another 28 pounds this winter and get into good enough shape to jog on my treadmill rather than just power walk with jog intervals.  I want to be able to run 2 miles outside when the snow melts in May.  So… that is what I am all about. Nice to meet you all and look forward to sharing exercise and diet strategies.—Sara

Hello again, Sara! I can’t imagine the Alaskan winters and the effects they would have on a person. I’m thrilled you’re here and we’ll do our best to send up some sunshine for ya! Do you use one of those sun lamps?

Bree

I have a reading lamp by my bed that is full spectrum light but I really do not spend very much time reading there. I just installed a couple bulbs in teh kitchen so I hope it helps a little. Exercise is the best thing I have found to keep from feeling so tired and blah.—Sara

Hi Sara, Welcome to the forum!

Now that winter is here for you, do you only do indoor exercise?  What do you do?  Do you have any goals?

Once again welcome to the forum.

Hi Sara!

Welcome to MTMLand!  It’s great to hear you’ve got a plan for getting through your long, cold winter. 

I encourage you to set up a 100 Days of Exercise thread for yourself in that forum.  It’s remarkable how just posting your daily exercise can give you a sense of accountability.  And, it’s also great to get all the “atta-girls” when you do!

I look forward to “seeing” you around!

Hi Sara. Welcome to MTM. Glad to see you have a plan to beat the winter blahs. Exercise is such a great mood boost. Please take some time a check out some of the other threads in the forum. There’s a lot of helpful information and extra motivation in there. I look forward to hearing more about you.

Thank you everyone for the welcome. I am getting great ideas from reading everyone’s workout routine and inspiration as well.  I did start a 100-days of exercise challenge to myself to post daily exercise and it is very helpful. I am late getting started for this year, but I will finish the year exercising and be part of the first wave for 2008 Sara

Welcome Sara

Taking the first step is always the most the critical task, then the next step, then the step… You get the idea.

You’re going to love it here.  You be at your goal in no time at all.

Dave

Hi Sara -

Welcome to the forum!!!! I’m so excited you’re here.

Winter blues are a big problem for me too.  It’s a vicious cycle - I feel lethargic so I don’t work out so I feel more lethargic. It’s worse here in southeast than it was when I lived up in the interior because there is no snow to reflect the light.  This winter I’m using my SAD light (got it at Costco) and working out regularly.  It seems to be working.

take care -

Laura