~Courtney~

I have not always had to struggle with my weight.  Up until the age of 17, I NEVER had to concern myself with calorie counting, carbs, exercise plans, etc.  I was fit.  I was young.  I was in for such a rude awakening.  When I was 17, I quit gymnastics, broke up with a boyfriend, graduated high school, and began a 13 year stretch of poor choices that got me where I am today.  When I turned thirty, I thought my life was over.  I am not exaggerating.  I am 100% over the top neurotic.  I had a mini-midlife crisis at 25 and another this year.  This time around, I have decided to do things differently.  As Shannon always says, slow and steady wins the race.  Yes, I would LOVE to have a hot body tomorrow, however, I know that all of those fad diets have poor long term results.  So, while I want a hot body now, I also want to have it in 10, 20, 30+ years.  I don’t want to just simply lose weight, I want to get in shape; I want to be fit.  I am going through a self discovery phase right now and reinventing myself, inside and out, is very important to me.  I have committed myself to a 5k on November 10, 2012.  I have never done anything like it.  I am excited to do it and proud of myself for committing. 

Like many other people, I have health issues that I need to take seriously.  Losing weight and getting into shape would be very beneficial to my health.  I want to have children one day.  It is a huge fear of mine to be nine months pregnant and just look fat.  I don’t want to look fat; I want to look pregnant.  I want someone to look at me and know that I’m having a baby and not think that I take too many extended lunch hours.  I don’t want to increase my chances for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.  I want to set a good example for my kids on how one should take care of their body.

The following are a few small goals that I would like to reach:

-          Finish a 5K

-          Drink more water

-          Exercise at least three times a week

-          Take the stairs in the parking garage

Now, for some long term goals:

-          Finish a ½ marathon

-          Maintain my new healthy weight and lifestyle

-          Do more outdoor activities

-          Take my health seriously

Some of that may sound goofy to others, but those things mean a lot to me.  I stay indoors way too much.  I do NOT like to sweat.  I need to get over myself and live.  Too many fun and beautiful things happen outside and I don’t want to miss them anymore.  I don’t want to be on my deathbed wishing I had lived more, experienced more.  I want to lie there remembering all of the great things I have done and accomplished.  I want to be proud of myself for making a change and a difference in my life.