^^This is great news to hear - way to go taking advantage of a last minute adventure!
We did Angels Landing in Zion NP.
It was definitely mentally challenging for me due to the height and the exposure on both sides. I wish I could tell you that the views were amazing, but really, I had to keep my eyes on my feet and hands and the path directly in front of me. Anything else made my mind race in uncomfortable ways. Music in my ear and kind funny people on the trail traffic jams helped.
I couldn’t even stand at the summit. Butt down on solid ground. Eyes down. You can take my picture if you want, but I’m NOT standing and barely looking up. 
Here’s one of many videos of the hike on YouTube, if anyone is interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy6K0KoMrco
OMG I literally cannot even watch that video! I have terrible fear of heights and while amazingly beautiful I could not finish the video! How do people take their kids on that?!!
I did that one. Yep, scary as heck. I stood and looked up, but where I could, I hung on for dear life. My family was a no-go for that one.
Yep. It was not easy for me, even though I “knew” I was safe. Of course, no one was forced to go or shamed for staying behind. We had three in our group who opted for the alternative hike that day.
I did not like anyone being close to me when on that trail, but it was unavoidable due to traffic jams at certain spots.
Thank goodness for my earbuds + music.
Wow - that is terrifying! I can’t help but wonder who had to install the railings.
I was surprised to learn the trail was originally constructed in 1926! Isn’t that something?
It’s approximately 1500 feet above the canyon floor. Uh, the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) in Chicago is 1450 feet tall!
Hoo-boy. No wonder I felt so scared!
Wow @Midwest67 thanks for the video link as I don’t think I will be brave enough to give it a try. Which is scarier/harder? Up or down? I would guess coming down is harder?
I think it was easier to “not look” when I was going up. It was hard in the sections where there was no chain – going up or down. It was hard to have to go around other people because it would stir up fears of being bumped or jostled.
I felt more relaxed when I was around others who were relaxed or making funny banter. When I could see other people white knuckling it, it made me more tense. Anyone who was going fast and/or too confident made me nervous too.
I don’t think I would have been able to handle it with my kids – both in their 20s. That would have sent my scared brain into overdrive (worrying about them).
It definitely felt like an accomplishment! Especially so because I’m not the risk-taker adrenaline-seeker type. I’m boring and like it that way! Hahaha!
If you are boring @Midwest67 then I have to find another word to describe myself. Lol
Holy cow. That’s all I have to say about that. I would have to crawl on my hands and knees and I think I’d probably still be out there. Absolutely terrifying! You should be so proud of yourself, @Midwest67!
Getting back to a routine, finally - definitely can’t compete with Midwest’s adventures!
Working through some issues with my coach which has been really helpful. I had been internalizing all of these feelings that the world would end if I didn’t eat perfectly or didn’t get my workout “for that day” in. So, I’m trying to have a more relaxed approach and being more oriented toward a goal of “run three days a week” instead of “run M, W, Sa”. Trying to maintain that perfect schedule was a real stressor for me. Over the weekend, everyone I saw asked me about running. They also knew me when I was 100+ pounds heavier, so I heard the word “inspirational” over and over - how inspirational it was that I’d lost all this weight, got active, yadayadayada - and then I realized how much pressure to be “perfect” I felt when people said that to me. I was fat and I lost weight. End of story. There are a lot of people with truly inspirational stories. I guess I’d rather think of myself as motivating! Don’t get fat like I did but if you do, you can lose weight!
Yesterday morning I got back to Pilates which was a lot of “gentle” Pilates as I felt like I’d been hit by a truck. Emphasis on core and oblique work and I definitely felt better when I was done.
Beautiful morning here today. Mid 40’s for our run. 5.5 miles over some hills made for a good start to the day.
Yep. I can really see how excessive comments on one’s appearance can fuel anxiety & rigidness (about diet & exercise).
Good for you to recognize it & continuing to work with your coach.
Looking back at the weekend (congrats by the way!), would it have been easier for you if there were almost no comments on your weight loss & appearance?
I have the unrealistic wish that people would not comment on the size of my body, or what I eat or don’t eat. I also have the unrealistic wish that people (women usually) would not apologize for eating dessert, or not exercising in my presence.
It’s an awkward common thing to do. I don’t know if men do something similar.
I think “inspirational”and “motivating” are very close, in my opinion, and I wouldn’t sell yourself short. Successes and failures are how we learn from each other.
I don’t comment on anyone’s weight. Ever. Even if it’s a positive change it is such a personal issue that it’s best not to.
@Midwest67 - wow! That is some hike!
So today I ran 5.5 miles without any walk breaks which is the farthest I have ever gone. Not a bad pace either. Seriously thinking of signing up for another 10K next month to see how I can do now that my hip feels better.
I think a lot of these folks just didn’t know what else to talk to me about. Most of them are family, but I hadn’t seen a lot of D’s friends recently so that was evidently the conversational starter!
I don’t think men do this or anything close to it.
All I did Thursday - Monday was a lot of walking. No formal exercise. I had a great time enjoying all the food I ordered. I drank a lot of very good champagne and definitely had cake. It was terrific.
Great run, @FallGirl - I completely understand wanting to test yourself with another 10k.
Midwest- that is quite a hike and looked terrifying to me! Congratulations on a huge accomplishment.
Sabaray, I hear you. I’m have always tried to hide myself and the comments from people about weight loss make me body conscious in a way that terrifies me. It’s very much a mental battle.
I was much bulkier/heavier when I was younger and could, and wanted to, carry the weight. I played various sports and the bulk helped. But many years ago, I decided to slim down, so later in life, I would have less weight on all my joints.
Obviously, friends and family noticed over the years and gave me compliments about the weight reduction. And I still occasionally receive nice comments at various outings/events, including at the gym now, which is nice. I even received a nice comment last night; however, I have a hard time just saying “thank you” and not being self-deprecating. My return comment last night was “Well, if I was a real athlete…” Terrible of me. Just say thank you and shut up.
@FallGirl Sign up for the 10K, as long as your hip is up for it. I have signed up for the same Turkey Trot that I do every year on Thankgiving morning. Even though my mileage is down, somehow, I/“you” just muddle thru it. 
Post 1:
I posted up stream that I was doing well maintaining my weight loss for the first time ever. I look st the good before eating and ask myself if it is healthy etc
Well after 3 weeks of eating gelato in Italy I am struggling with carbs at night and weight is up almost 10 pounds. So bummed.
So following AA and saying to myself, you don’t have to go forever without this (insert trigger carb), just go the next hour. It usually takes me 2 weeks to detox