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Intentional:

1. done with intention or on purpose; intended   2.  of or relating to intention or purpose

Synonyms: designed, planned. See deliberate.
Project One Work | Week 3 | Kim Lowry Photography

This is a picture of my husband signing us up to for the 2015 Honolulu Marathon in December.  It makes me sick to my stomach and a bit light-headed just thinking about it.

My plans to be more intentional with how I treat my body are something I started last year, and I am excited to be carrying it over into 2015.  In June 2014, I decided to hire a trainer to help me become healthier.  I didn’t want to go on a diet, I wanted to make healthy lifestyle changes that included eating better and exercising.  I could have gone and gotten a gym membership, but just having a gym membership doesn’t make you go to the gym.  I needed to be accountable to someone, and I needed a program tailored specifically to my needs and goals.  Working with a trainer was the best move I could have made toward being healthier.   She wasn’t as expensive as I thought she would be.  I went to her home once a week, she worked out with me, and showed me how to correctly do the workout moves she was sending home with me.  She talked with me about my food choices, and taught me how to plan my week for the greatest success.   All the exercises she gave me were things that I could do at home, I didn’t have to go to the gym for anything.  I made a lot of progress and she taught me so much.  I began to have the confidence in myself that I really could loose weight and feel great.  I found I was tougher than I thought I was and that I can do anything I put my mind to.

About that time, I told BFF Amy, that we should do something fun together like a bike race or maybe a 10K.  I was thinking something that I would have to train for but that wouldn’t have to work too hard for.   Amy dreams much bigger dreams than I do and she suggested we run a marathon.  While we were discussing what and where over the phone she googled marathons for 2015, and after looking at several, we settled on the Honolulu marathon.  There were several reasons why we chose Honolulu, not the least of which is: what better motivation could there be to train for a marathon than a trip to Hawaii.  As we were discussing all of this and making plans, my stomach started to churn.  Could I really do a marathon?  It sounded too crazy, and like WAY too much work.

I stopped working with the trainer in November, and then slacked off of my workouts.  The cold, dark winter combined with all the good food at the holidays about did me in.  I was disappointed in myself for backsliding, but was having trouble getting back into the habit of exercising and eating like I should.  Then my sister suggested we do an 8 week fitness challenge.  It has been just what I’ve needed to jump start the new year and get me back into the habit of consciously working on my own health.   I’m exercising and eating well and I’m feeling good.

A few days ago, Amy called me and said that registration for the Honolulu marathon was open and that she and her husband were signing up.  My stomach dropped.  Thinking about doing a marathon and actually signing up are two different things, and signing up makes it all so much more real.  As I thought about it, I knew I had to do it.  I need a goal to work toward so I don’t give up when our family fitness challenge is over, or when things get crazy or hard.  I have to push myself.  I have to value my health and make it a priority, and even if I walk 100 percent of the race, I will be there, and I will be better for it.   Wish me luck!

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