Editor’s Note: Susan McCreath has been selected to participate in the Year of You, a fitness challenge hosted by The Manteca Bulletin and CORE Athletic Performance. McCreath is keeping keep a weekly journal, highlighting the strides and struggles of her fitness journey. These are her thoughts and feelings shared with you.

Day 71

What an incredibly long day! Another full day of volleyball in LA before we get in the car at 4:30 just in time for rush hour traffic. We are driving straight to San Francisco though where I will be dropped off for a work conference for the next couple of days. The only exercise I got today was when we would stop for restroom breaks! Then I always feel guilty using a restroom and not buying something.....so, I ate unnecessary food out of compassion and boredom! 

Day 72

I love these conferences where all you do is sit for 8 hours straight. They even provided us with breakfast and lunch! The breakfast consisted of tons of muffins and other bakery items....ugh!  Lunch was a bit better as I scraped the sauce off of the chicken and just ate that. But then came the end of the day and happy hour....let’s just say the hotel had a great happy hour and our group followed that up with a trip to a local pizza parlor! This week is not shaping up to good! 

Day 73 

Another day of being fed at the conference.  I am really trying to watch my portion sizes and choose wisely, but it’s really hard! The other bad part is that I haven’t exercised now for a week! 

Day 74

I feel like I am on a downward spiral....like I have lost my routine and sense of control! Too many days away from home, too many days of eating out, too many days of sitting all day! 

Day 75

I find it interesting how a week or so ago I was feeling great, but now my body is in disarray.  I am sluggish, I am not sleeping well, I am jittery and cranky. It is really becoming apparent to me how desperately I need to follow my diet and exercise program. 

Day 76

Bad food, no exercise , and poor sleep have taken a toll and now all I want to do is take comfort in food. I tell myself that it will only make me feel worse, but the train has derailed! I am angry and disappointed in myself.

Day 77

Sunday, the day I prepare myself and my food for the week ahead. I am ready. The train might have derailed last week, but tomorrow is Monday and I will be back on track...eating right and exercising!  Plus, I have to weigh in tomorrow night....I am not looking forward to that at all.