Spring In My Step

 Oh what beautiful weather we have had for the past 4 days. I am privileged enough to be just blocks away from an absolutely beautiful state park, and have reintroduced myself this week.  It is loaded with trails that wrap around bogs, creeks and lakes.  I have walked the yellow trail year after year at least a few times each year.  But this year is going to be different.  I am going to explore and hike every trail in that state park.  Being a Southern California girl, it can be really hard dealing with the harsh hand of winter.  It is truly sad that when I see the leaves falling off the trees in the fall, instead of being awed by its gorgeous palette of color I am instead depressed at the thought of what is coming, "WINTER".   Winter has become an excuse to eat what I want and hide it behind jackets and big sweaters.  This winter started the same way.  I enjoyed my holiday feast and my body was not a worry for me.  Creatures of habit we are.  What made this winter different, was my Christmas present.  I have asked for Bob Harper for Christmas year after year.  This year of course, I saw the ad for Fitness Ridge and quickly I stated that is what I want for Christmas!!!  "Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge"  When I opened it Christmas morning, I was shocked to learn I was booked for an entire month.  I knew as soon as I was reading it that I would change that to 2 weeks.  A month? Is he kidding??  He will never survive and the world will not survive without me.  I can't leave my gigs for a month!  My family without me for a month???  My dogs without me for a month????..........Although I knew I would inevitably change the length of time I was there, I graciously accepted my gift.
I spent the next month, trying to heal from an injury I had in October where I kicked my vacuum cleaner so hard it chipped my toe.  January was nearing end and I had not prepped at all for Fitness Ridge.  It started to become real that soon I would be in Utah getting my butt kicked.  I didn't want to be towering near 200 pounds when I arrived.  I always can take off the first 10 pounds or so when dieting, it's getting passed that number that is hard.  I always hit walls, that make me give up.  I have been writing about my journey since the day I took charge of my body and my life.  And now a little over 2 weeks away from heading to the Ridge, I have managed to lose just under 17 pounds.  I am hoping for 20 total before I hop on that plane on April 4th.
My weigh in was yesterday for week 8, and the scale only showed a half pound weight loss.  There is no turning back for me.  I see the weight loss every where.  My face is smaller and my pants size have dropped from a size 16 to a size 12.  I am not worried about the scale telling me I didn't do enough, because I did do enough.  I am exactly 16.3 pounds lighter, than January 21.  Next week I intend to have a smaller number on that scale.  No longer am I discouraged by the number in front of me, I am on the right path!

So Spring is in the air, and I am a new me.  I am working towards my goal of an additional 40 pounds of weight loss.  I am 1/3 to my goal or close enough.  I will continue to make healthy choices and move each day.  Changing the workout keeps it fresh, and right now I am enjoying exploring new trails, yesterday was the blue trail.  Wow was I missing some beautiful scenery just sticking to the yellow trail.  Today, who knows? 

I believe, nothing will really prepare me for what I am embarking on in just over 2 weeks, but making steps at weight loss and exercise is a good start.  If I could suggest one thing to everyone, it's to "move" and keep "moving" everyday you can.  Little steps in the right direction are that, "steps in the right direction" to a healthier happier you.  "16 Days till Fitness Ridge"  Oh yeah...and I will be staying for a month!!