Overcoming Fears

I am registered to do a Mud Run next weekend, and I'm terrified that I'm not ready for it. I've been working out consistently for a few months, but something about running this race has got me shaking in my boots, or rather, my Nikes. I hate to admit it, but I've begun to question myself and if I am truly capable of completing this race. I've even considered what excuses I could make to get out of it just to prevent the possibility that I might fail.

I've had to shake myself back awake and out of the fear that I've put myself in. I may not be the best runner. I may not be completely successful at all of the obstacles. At the end of the day though, I know that I will be thrilled with myself for completing the race, even if it's not perfect. I'm going to put on my big girl panties and lace up those sneakers and dive right into it!

Moral of the story today: You don't have to be perfect, you just have to believe in yourself enough to try.

Beginning My Journey

A few months ago, my husband deployed. I found myself in a new town where I didn't know many people, a brand new house that I had no idea how to take care of, and no job to be found in this small town. I was lonely, depressed, and significantly heavier than I had ever been. Upon printing the pictures that were taken of our "see you soons" (you never say goodbye in the Army), I realized just how bad it had gotten. I was looking at a person that I didn't even recognize. I was crying into my heaping helping of macaroni and cheese with extra hot dogs and feeling like my life was over.

Yikes! Falling into a self pity spiral and heavier than ever.

A lot of military wives I have met over the years seem to fall into this self pity phase. Some remain stuck in that miserable place until their loved one comes home. I chose a different route. I chose to throw out that stash of Cheetos and Snickers bars and face this thing head on. I wasn't sure where to start exactly, but I knew I couldn't spend the next 9 months feeling miserable, so I chose a new path.

I chose health. I signed up at my local gym and tentatively began to attend classes. At first, I started with Zumba. That first day of class, I thought I wouldn't make it out of there alive! I was shocked at how out of shape I really was and how in denial I had been about it. Once I got a little more brave, I started trying different classes, including Spin and Pilates. I loved the rush that I got after each class I completed. I felt so alive!

We're almost halfway through this deployment now and I am happy to report that I am just shy of 20lbs lighter. I am no longer pre-diabetic, and my overall health has improved drastically. My new found love of fitness has changed my life for the better.

I'm taking it to the next level now. I have recently started running and am participating in a Mud Run in 10 days! Eek! Once that is over, I am starting BeachBody's Insanity program. I have also signed up for my local Half Marathon in a few months and can't wait to prove to myself how far I've come. I never would have imagined doing these things just a few short months ago.

I am currently working towards my certification to teach fitness classes and have become a BeachBody independent coach. I am thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to help others do the same as I have done and put down that spoonful of mac and cheese and become a happier, healthier person.