Nepper's Landing: Goal Reached!

Today is an anniversary of sorts around Nepper's Landing. Actually its an anniversary for me. It was one year ago today that I walked into a Curves. It was one year ago today that I started taking my health seriously. One year ago today that I started making an effort to get into shape and start taking better care of my body.

It was a long road, and I think the most important thing that I've learned is that its a day by day, choice by choice process. Its not a one-off thing. Its a lifestyle choice I have to make time and time again. Some days were just plain bad, some days were easier than others, and some days were great. It was the great days that kept me going.

I've learned to appreciate myself more in the process, and recognize my own strengths and determination. I did this, for myself, and I'm pretty darn proud of it. I feel far more confident than I ever have, even compared to my 20 year old body. Sure, I have a few more stretch marks and bumps and lumps than I used to, but I now I see my (healthy) body as something I've had to work for, and therefore I appreciate it more.

When I started out, I never had a number in my head. And I'm sure all those goal planner types would say that's all wrong, but for me, I couldn't stand the pressure of an exact number. I started out thinking, well anything has to be better than this! The BMI told me I was overweight. My doctor told me I was overweight. The gals at the gym told me I was overweight. And most importantly, my body told me I was overweight.

At Christmas when we visited our friend's at Camp Caroline, we took the kids out tubing one day. For the most part I stood by and watched my good friend Katrina (who is the exact same age as me) and my kids, have a hoot. Running up and down the snow bank. Her whipping them around on their snow tubes. Chasing them all over. Not me, I could barely get to the top of the snow bank without being out of breath. I think that was when something started to change inside me. Seeing what my kids would miss out on if I didn't start taking my health more seriously. It wasn't until 5 months later than I fully committed to the process, but I believe that experience was what really initiated my journey.

Over the year I tried to be open to trying out new things, and challenging myself along the way. I mean spin classes? Me. That was sooo out of my comfort zone, but I walked into that first class, hopped up on that bike like I owned it, and never looked back. I would read little bits here or there, or watch a show, but for the most part, I think the plain old common sense saying "portion control and increase your activity" was what did it. I also did do a bit of weight training. I also took up running which was fairly painful at the beginning, but I stuck it out, and I'm back at it this Spring, and it is definitely my go-to fave way to burn off the calories and stay in shape.

All in all, the time was right for me, and I was determined not to give up, and see it as a process. I still believe that today. Its a process. Its not something you can necessarily "accomplish," I think its something you plug away at for your entire life. But finding joy in it, and purpose, is what makes it worthwhile. Not only do I enjoy running, but I love how my body looks, and how I feel. Seriously. I want to shout it from the rooftops, I feel GREAT!

This is me. One year later. 30 pounds lighter. From a size 16 to a size 11. From 175lbs to 145lbs.