Fitness Goals 2013

Last year at this time I was not at a healthy weight and I had just taken the brave step of joining a Couch to 5K class. I can't tell you how life changing that step was. I was scared. I didn't think I could run a minute... let alone 3.1 miles. I'm even feeling a little nervous just sharing that little bit of information with you- but I am because maybe, just maybe someone is out there like me- thinking.... "What if".

Well, one year later, I'm here to tell you-- don't be afraid to answer that question with action. You will never know what if- if you don't just try. Hey- you may fail to achieve your goal- the first time or maybe even the second- but its the simple act of trying to achieve it and focusing on it that is the true reward. You will find you are stronger than you think. You will find that hard work trumps dreaming about it. You will find some days you are stronger than others... and those are the days that give you the strength to get through the weak ones.  

I ran that 5K. One day I will tell you more about that story- but spoiler: It was the most amazingly scary and exhilarating experience ever and created a snowball effect to today's post.

I am training for a triathlon. EEEK! In fact- my first toe dip into the water takes place next Sunday! I have been taking a triathlon training course for almost 2 months. I've been learning how to swim strong then get dressed and go bike and run. Next week's tri is just a little warm up. It's 15 minutes in the pool, 15 minutes on the stationary bike and 15 minutes of running on a treadmill. It's all indoors and neat and timed. But it is preparing us all for the outdoor tris that will begin shortly... and yes, I'm going to do one of those this year!

A tri training course starts in April that will prepare my body to swim 325 yards, bike 11.5 miles and then run a 5K. If you asked me last year if I would be doing a triathlon this year I would have laughed. This was never on my radar but somewhere along the way to health I found my inner athlete. Am I scared? You bet yah! But I'm willing to put in the work to get myself to the starting line... and barring any injuries- I will get to the finish line too!

Have you had a secret goal that you've kept buried deep down inside? When are you going to take the step to achieve it? My advice- is take that first step today!