Gonna Run Til I Don't Jiggle

As I've stated before, I love to write. Over the past year, writing this blog has allowed me to express many thoughts, questions, and frustrations that otherwise would have tumbled over and over in my mind like yesterday's laundry. My strong desire is to continue to write this blog, however, I'm feeling like I'm no longer living up to its name. Particularly after February 11, my fight with breast cancer will be deferred to the back burner -- or is it ever really low priority?? My fear is that I will bore you with the humdrum of my daily life and many posts may not be about breast cancer -- just life as I know it. After experiencing a year such as this one, my gut tells me that cancer is now intricately woven into the fabric of who I am, and if I ever pulled on that one stray thread, everything may unravel. I'm not seeking approval to write about other things, just acknowledging that I realize if the subjects of my posts no longer interest you, you will bow out gracefully.

*************

My battle with my weight has been life long (I won't go into the gory details). My self-control seems to ebb and flow with the day, the tides, the moon cycle ... you name it! My intention was that as soon as I returned from Mexico, all the indulgent eating I had been doing would end, exercise would begin, and the jiggly bits of me would be no more. Ha! Not happening! Confirmation, once again, that I am a goal-driven person, and with no direct goal in the future, my determination got flushed.

Enter, Coach Trill, the leader of our morning workout classes, and inspiration for the entire town. Thank Heaven I'm on her email list, receiving notifications about all upcoming fitness events. Realizing that my January wasn't going in a pretty direction, I picked up on two events like they were neon-flashing lights. Next week, Vicky is starting a contest called "Beat the Bulge", a 40-day, points-earning, honour-system online challenge. Each day and each week have challenges - both fitness and dietary - and you submit how you did online to get your points total climbing. For example, you receive one point for each day you walk or run one mile (in addition to regular workout classes), or you receive 5 points for helping a neighbour with one hour of  physical yard work. Week one is "gluten free", week two "vegetarian", etc. Sign me up!

Also, Vicky is putting together a team for an April charity run in Kamloops called "Boogie the Bridge". Participants have their choice of walk/running 5 km, 10 km, or 21 km. Vicky is organizing training runs in Ashcroft, and even has a running workshop planned for a Saturday in early February to help us prepare. Yes, I've already registered! Realizing that my surgery is between now and April, I asked Vicky her opinion on whether or not I could be "ready". Her response was, "Well, you're fit now (what?!?), so if you get knocked back for a week or two, you will still have no problem being ready." If all else fails, I'll walk the 10 km I signed up for.

Since making the decision three days ago to try both events, my self-control has soared. I have a specific goal to work towards, I'm not just floundering in lala land knowing I should eat right and be fit. I'll keep you posted on my progress.