Accepting a New Challenge

"There is more work.  You're not supposed to get comfortable.  You're supposed to progress.  You are supposed to continue to be challenged.  It is going to continue to be hard."  Jillian Michaels, Biggest Loser, February 11, 2013

That's what happened - I got comfortable.  Lacing up my running shoes and pounding out my two-mile block got easy.  I accepted going to my Zumba class once a week instead of two.  My turkey burgers began to taste routine.  Without my recognizing what was going on my energy level dropped, I began to eat three slices of pizza instead of two, I gained eight pounds and grouchy stressed-out mom was showing up more often than happy-creative-isn'tlifegreat-Mom.  My journey of leading an active, healthy lifestyle had stalled.

Thank goodness for supportive people who see us from the outside and are willing to intervene when they recognize we have veered off our path and are heading in the wrong direction.  Thank goodness for my sister!

Meg: Happy 40th Birthday!

Me: My birthday is still months away.

Meg: I know.  But I just bought your birthday present and I need to tell you about it now.

Me: Oooooo . . . I like surprises!  What did you get me?

Meg: I just registered us for Pittsburgh's Half-Marathon!

Me: . . . . . . . . .

Meg: Isn't that exciting?!?  You know you can do it.

Me: . . . . . . . . . . 

Meg: You've been talking about running it.  I knew you were too nervous to sign yourself up, so I did it for you.  It will be great!  You'll be great!

I was truly speechless.  And completely freaked out!!!!  But after letting the idea soak in for a couple of weeks, I was ready to accept this new challenge.  I have more work to do when it comes to pushing myself to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.  So training officially starts today.  This part of my journey is not always going to be comfortable.  It's definitely going to be a work in progress and it is going to be HARD.  But I can do it.  I will complete the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon.

Has your journey stalled?  Are you still waiting to get started?  Challenge yourself!  I'm not suggesting that you sign-up for a half-marathon - everyone's journey is different.  Look outside of your comfort zone and set a goal for yourself.  Strive to take a walk three nights a week.  Try a new exercise class.  Determine that you will try a new health recipe once a week.  If I can get back on track, then I know you can, too!

Here I go.  I'm putting on my running shoes and heading out the door for my first official training run.  What are you going to do today?