A Gathering Place for Adults Who Love Irish Dance

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Irish dance diet - Working will win

Gone feising with friends at SLC feis, Utah

Working Will Win When Wishy Washy Wishing Won't

I injured myself last Monday in class while practicing for a feis. I've been working very hard to strengthen my body and learn my new dances and with a strained calf muscle I couldn't even go up on my toe.  To add insult to injury, I gained weight last week and was trying not to feel overwhelmed with the fact that I now had to lose a few extra pounds.

When set  backs happen, I struggle with wondering why am I pushing myself so hard and spending so much time working toward a goal that many people view me as too old for. I begin wondering if those naysayers are right.

I decided that I would be as positive as possible. I let my leg rest and I practiced my dances in my head. I stretched each day and continued to prepare for the feis. I ate healthy and walked for exercise.

It worked!

By Thursday I was able to dance full out, after a full warm up. I attended the feis (for the first time since I put my back out last summer) and had a great time visiting with some of my feis friends. And the icing on the cake? I lost the weight I gained plus a bit more.

In reflection I realize that if I had given up to the voices that tell me that I am too old, or I am injured, or I can't lose the weight, I would be right where I started on Monday evening. I now have momentum and confidence that my goals are attainable.

Don't give up your goals. Push forward with faith and perseverance. If your goals are realistic for you, keep at them and don't give up!



Week Four

Weight lost=1.9 pounds
Total weight loss=3 pounds

What do you do when obstacles are placed in your way? How have you overcome setbacks?

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for keeping up a great blog. Reading about your iD goals helps me remember that I'm not such an oddball, starting Irish dance at 28 and trying to find ways to reach big dance goals.
    I agree with your diet methods- do your best and don't beat yourself up about the small stuff. If today wasn't good, tomorrow can be. It sounds like you're in a great place with your dancing. I've found that since doing without ID classes I've been doing better practicing on my own and really fixing some basics. Now I just need to find a way to learn some new steps without a teacher. Good luck in reaching your goals.

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  2. Thank you Megan. I really appreciate your comments. I hope you will be able to find instructions!

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  3. I wish my knees would still let me clog and step dance. I need to lose about 3 stone of ugly blubber...;op

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