So, the exercise part of my life is going pretty good. I am walking at least every other day and am trying to make it every day. I do feel that I need to get some toning exercises included into my routine. Like today is going to be difficult to walk. I have time sorta, but don't want to get all sweaty before I go tutor, then I eat dinner, and don't like going out after I am home. This isn't really a problem, as much as a rock in the road. I have to figure out how I can handle this.

I did 16 minutes on my Tony Little Gazelle on Sunday. That was huge...one month ago I could only do 3 minutes at a time. Growth is awesome.

The food part needs alot of work.....lots!!!!

first blip

So this weekend I took a small trip to my sisters and then a roadtrip from there to my friends. I had it in my head that I would walk each day....that didn't happen. I did a little bit of walking on the roadtrip, but didn't take a single walk at my sisters. I was really busy all day. It did cross my mind, but it didn't happen. Bummer! I was hoping this would be a good time to test my committment. I am disappointed in myself, but not defeated. I am planning to do something tonight, just don't know what. It is hotter than I prefer today, but know I want to move..

thanks to my friends

Yesterday, my friend and I went for a walk and then I watched her 2yr old while she mowed the yard. We then had a very healthy dinner of chicken and asparagus. It is really neat, how us walking helped me, and me watching her daughter helped her. God is good giving us friends.

Then today didn't look like a day that I would have been able to fit a walk into. But as soon as I got in this morning, a coworker came for a walk. We walked ~2miles and it was a great time. She needed to vent and we both needed the walk.

I am loving seeing how my focus on walking is helping other people too. Thanks God!

Just the beginning

I just took a 8 day vacation to Burlington, Vermont. I went for my cousins wedding, which was amazing and such a blessing! I left with an exercise plan. Pretty cool.
My Aunt Judy had a book, "Walk off Weight", and she wasn't sure if she wanted to keep it or not. So I read it. Most of the ideas are online, so she why keep the book, but it was very motivating to me.
I have been at the beginning of this "Health Journey" for a little more than a year. June '09 I did a cleanse through "Standard Process". My friend Abbe suggested it for some health issues and I LOVED it. It wasn't that hard. I was doing the 90 day bible reading with my church and the cleanse at the same time. I really think that is why it was so successful and easy. The second time I tried the cleanse wasn't a good experience, so that is why I think the bible reading helped. I ate fine for a while, but fell off the wagon quickly. I also never really incorporated exercise into my life.
So here we are 15 months later and heavier by 15 pounds. Shoot!!!! That was not the plan. Oh well, time to refocus and get my life on track. Being single, people might think that I put myself first all the time. That isn't true. I do things for other people and that is what keeps me moving. I learned sign for the fact that it helps people communicate. Yes, I personally love this language and learn it for my benefit, but that is the side note. I can use my language skills in church and that is most important to me. I teach children to help them understand life and how to work in this crazy world. Again, I love teaching, but it isn't a selfish thing really.
My mantra during this journey is that I am finally putting me first here. I will always put God as the center of my life, but I am understanding that if I don't prioritize myself here, I won't be able to serve God long. My health is great right now, but I see myself 10 years from now and am petrified and embarrassed. What does "me first" look like then? Well, not committing to many evening activities during the week so that I can go walk. Just because something is good to do doesn't mean it is the best thing for my health. As exercise becomes a natural part of my life maybe I can fill my weeknights again, but for now, NO!
I have lots of friends and family that have said they want to help me become healthier. Well, now I am putting them to the test. If you care about me, I see you supporting me in this journey. I will be asking you to go walk with me, teach me a new activity, encourage me in "nature", cheer me on as I do this. Ask me to join you for a walk after dinner. If you don't like walking, fine. I totally get that. Teach me what you do like. I love learning. Be there for me at the start and finish of a long walk. Call me, check up on me. Join me in some of the charity walks I want to do. PRAY for me. This is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical.
This isn't going to be a sprint. It is going to be even more than a marathon. It is for the rest of my life. I saw myself at 70 last week, unless I change now.