Normally, I’m the person who is diligent about my exercise schedule. The person who makes mostly healthy choices, not excuses. The one who tries to motivate everyone else around me to get moving. But this week, I have a confession: This week, I have not been that person.

I’ve only worked out twice all week: A 5-mile run on Thursday and a 1-hour arm workout (shoulders, biceps and triceps) followed by a 1-mile run on Friday. That’s it. Pile on top of that Thanksgiving, the Florida State vs. Florida football game (yes, that equals copious tailgating and somehow way too many mouthfuls of Doritos) and now a 3-day trip to Disney World. Let’s just say my 7-day track record has been less than stellar.

Of course I know that one bad week is ok. One bad week doesn’t derail 51 (ok, maybe only 45) other good weeks out of the year. But it doesn’t mean I feel any better about it.

The thing is, when we’re making good choices – whether that’s getting up early to exercise even during a holiday week or not giving into too much junk during a big social event – we feel better about ourselves. Maybe not in that moment, but definitely the next morning. You feel in control. You feel strong. You feel healthy. That doesn’t mean giving up everything; but it doesn’t mean letting everything go either.

So, I’ve had a bad week. I’ve made some bad choices. I’ve been what I would consider rather lazy with my workout schedule. But that ends today. The great thing about getting back on track is that it only takes a single day … and you have the power to choose.

My goals for this week are as follows:

• Workout while I’m at Disney World at least twice, including a great run around the park(s)/resorts.
• Run at least 3 days (I’ve been running less and lower mileage since the Marine Corps Marathon in an effort to take a break and give my legs some recovery time from a tough 2012 race season).
• Start my second boot camp (I’ve signed up for 3 4-week sessions). Thursday will be my first day of the new camp.
• Run the Atlanta Beltline 10K (for fun) on Saturday.

Sometimes just by writing down your goals and sharing them with at least 1 other person (or in this case, the entire world wide web), it helps you stay accountable and on track. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see how things go this week.

How did you do with your exercising and eating during Thanksgiving week? When you find yourself a little unmotivated from time to time, do you have any special strategies for getting back on track? What would you say to someone looking for a little extra motivation or kick in the pants during the holiday season?