A Fitness challenge~ you game????

Okay all my fellow Junebugs, it seems like many of us are down in the dumps about stalled weight loss, food demons, and lack of exercise. We know how hard this journey has been!!! Let's take back control! I would like to throw out a challenge out there. How about finding a race, cause, etc. that you would like to participate in, register for it, and complete it. I HATE to run, but starting to do these events has brought such a measure of pleasure in my life that I have gained a lot of self esteem by setting the goal and completing it. And, since many of them are for charity, you feel doubly good! What do you say... a 1K (less than a mile), 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), or maybe even a half marathon (13.1 miles)? Almost everyone, barring physical issues, can do a 5K if you work at it. I just signed up to do another half marathon in February at the beach. Am I excited about it~ NO! But do I know how it makes me feel~ YES!!! Having that goal out there for me is a huge motivator! Check out local events at www.runningintheusa.com or google it by type of activity like 5K in Phoenix, AZ. I know that this is a big stretch for a lot of us. I just know that accomplishing a goal like this might really raise our spirits. Anyone want to join me??? No matter what~ we have ALL been winners at this journey. It doesn't matter if we're at goal weight or not! Hang in there! Remember why we did this, and how much better off we are than carrying that extra 100 lbs. or so. For me, 171 is sure a whole lot better than 358!!!! I still have 20 lbs. to go~if I never get there, then so be it. Life is a huge blessing, and I want to take every advantage that this new body is going to afford me. Hugs to you all, Kerri

Winter time is here in MI Kerri! No walks or runs scheduled right now. Maybe in the spring. However, my dh and I are going to start walking and I am going to commit myself to 30 min a day of something. Walking or doing my dance dvd. I think the last 20 lbs will start to come off of me faster if I do this. Wendy

Sorry Wendy~ I forget that the rest of the country isn't basking in 80 degree weather right now! Sorry!!! But maybe you can plan one for the spring! I think the calendar on Running in the USA will go month by month up to a year away, so you can check out what's available in May or June in your area. All that really matters is moving. Congrats on commiting to start walking/ dancing/ or any other activity that gets ya going. My hubby and I bought those Dance Dance Revolution pads for the Play Station, you know, the ones kids always do? It gives us quite the workout and we do the versus mode so we can compete against each other. It's almost embarrasing to admit we have those, the DDR or the Play Station since we don't have any kids! Enjoy your day! Kerri

Kerri, I am in the beginning stages but will except your challenge. My first step is to just get moving. I am not a great walker as my legs are different lengths. As i lose i hope that will finally be able to take a measure so i can get shoes to be even. So last week i started walking in the mornings. I live 1/2 a block from the forum so i do 2 times around (2 miles) it take me 45 to 50 minutes and man was i impressed i could even do it. I deal with some back pain (unrelated to weight) and leg pain because of the difference in length. but i am no letting it stop me. so week one down and i plan to continue doing it monday through friday. when i can increase my distance a bit i plan to sign up for my first 5k. baby steps Oh and of course i hope to lose some weight in the process. thanks for being an inspiration. Monica

Hi Monica~ Good for you!! You should be so proud of yourself! What a great mindset not to let anything stop you! You'll be up to 3 miles in no time. If you're interested, the 1/2 marathon I just signed up for is in Huntington Beach on February 4th~ Super Bowl Sunday. They have a marathon, 1/2 marathon, and a 5K. That's 3 months from today~ maybe you'd like to consider that for your first 5K? It's supposed to be a very flat course, right along the beach. Something to think about... Congratulations to you for all of your hard work and determination. Keep the faith! Hugs, Kerri

Kerri that sounds doable my mom lives in HB and she was talking about doing it with me. If you have the info could you email it to me please. Monica

**HIJACK** What's up sexy lady? Glad to see you are walking. Those lbs will start melting away before you know it. Sorry I've been so busy. I'll call you real soon!! Sharyn

Hi Kerri, Funny that you should post this today. I just decided yesterday that I want to do a 10 miler. There is a half marathon on Thanksgiving here in Atlanta but I dont feel like I am ready for that so I am doing a 10k that morning. But there is a 10 miler on Dec 9th about an hour from me so I think I am going to try that one. I have done 7 miles but I have never done more then that. I think that I can do it though. I like having the races to keep me motivated. I did some strength training with these bands and a yoga tape with an exercise ball this week and I can really feel it in my muscles. Well hopefully we will all keep moving. Lynn

Lynn!! Doing a 10 mile event is awesome!!!! We don't usually have those around here, or I might be more tempted to do those rather than a 1/2 marathon. The races keep me, too, motivated. Otherwise I tend to get kind of lazy about my walking! Way to go! Hugs, Kerri

Okay Kerri, I took the plunge and signed me and my mom up for the 5k so there is no turning back now. I am excited. Hope to see you there. Monica