Gettin' my walk on!

What a beautiful, crisp fall day it is! I just came in from getting my walk on. Those of you who've been following the blog from the beginning know that walking is how this journey of self-discovery/weight loss began in 2009. Whenever I'm feeling sluggish or need to rejuvenate -- I return to that place, that starting point. I'm a true believer in looking within for self-motivation. Chatting with loved ones, reading self-help books, and coming up with a game plan from trainers, are helpful tools and they all can play a role. At the end of the day, however, there's just me. So I lace up my tennis shoes, and put one foot in front of the other and try to figure it all out. How to maneuver from one point to another in this obstacle course called life.

For me walking is not so much about the physical exercise, but more about my mental health. Walking for me is cathartic. Taking in all the beautiful sights of nature, the fresh air, and just spending time with myself, thinking. Really thinking. Reflecting is what my walks are about. Walking does the mind and body good. So whenever I need a reboot, I get my walk on!

"5 or 50" Changing Lives

Our NEW poster

Have you ever thought of an idea and without much forethought -- just went for it? Well, I have. Three months ago, an idea came to mind. An idea to start a women's group to support, encourage, and motivate.

After years of blogging about weight, health and fitness -- I've talked to a number of women.  Sadly, there seems to be the same common issues among us. Often times, women will come to me for advice, support and I'll exchange a few words with them on the blog, FB, at an event, maybe back and forth via email, but that would be the extent of our dialogue. I started feeling like there was more that I could do to help. More that I wanted to do to help. It's one thing to hear from a doctor, nutritionist, or trainer, but it's entirely different to hear from someone who lives it every day.  And so I created "5 or 50" Women's Sustainable Weight Loss and Healthy Lifestyle Group so the dialogues could continue. So we could share, grow, support, encourage, inspire, and motivate one another. So we could cast out negative self image, look beyond physical attributes, and stop obsessing over our weight and every bite we put in our mouths.

Last night, we held our third meeting, had our second guest speaker, welcomed five newcomers, and had a nice time sharing our "Outside of the Box" changes we've been making. At our August meeting I asked the ladies to think of things they could do differently that they would normally not do "Outside" of their comfort zone.  It warmed my heart to go around the room and hear the ladies comments. Here's a few of them:

"I've started walking in the evenings even on the nights I don't feel like it." ~Maria
"I volunteered to be the President of TOPS. I would never have done that before, but something just came over me." ~Jaleit
"I had my hair cut and colored." ~Jennifer
" I mowed my lawn. I wanted to see if I still could." ~ Carol
"I really have been trying to eat less packaged food. I cook at home a lot more." ~Toni

And then this morning, I received this FB message from Debbie (it just about killed me over): " I have so much new information from last night! Can't wait to check out the books mentioned and the Costco 21 spice idea."

My heart is full. It's such a beautiful feeling to know that I'm creating an environment for women to share, bond and realize their potential. My short sighted idea is working, I'm helping change lives.

Read the blog that started it all: "5 or 50"

Sue sharing her story -- she's lost 100+lbs.

Debbie sharing her juicing recipe/tips

The ladies

Next Level

Should working out be this fun?

I've been at this for a long time -- battling obesity. The finish line is within sight, but the closer I get to it the harder reaching it seems. I'll admit, I'm at the point where I need help. I can't do this alone. My tool belt is empty and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Nor am I afraid to seek help. I started thinking...Hmm...A personal trainer is what I need. Someone to guide me, challenge me, gently kick my butt, and push me to the Next Level.

Score! Not only did I find a trainer, I found a team. I'm super-duper excited to be training with Northwest Personal Training. A small, upscale studio with a team of awesome certified personal trainers led by Sherri McMillan a leader in the fitness industry.

I'm confident that I'm in good hands with these folks. There are no gimmicks. No frills. No magic pills. Just them working me to my maximum potential. In turn, I'll give them everything I have every time out. But, my work doesn't stop at the studio -- when I'm away I'll fuel my body by eating fresh, wholesome food and getting plenty of rest.  The team will help me stay on track by reviewing my food diary periodically. On Friday, to jump start my bid to the finish line we recorded my weight and measurements. Now, we have a clear idea of our starting point and it's time to do this!

I got my dukes up!

The finish line seems closer with the help of my new team at Northwest Personal Training. I'm committed to my health and fitness and with their help it's time I push myself to the Next Level.

Check out their website for more info on their Vancouver and Portland studios :
http://www.nwpersonaltraining.com/