Reduce or Lose?

On Monday, the 15 Finalists for the Gazette Healthy Challenge were brought to the Gazette Building in Montgomery County and told that they had in fact been selected. Up to that point, they thought that they were coming in for a 2nd interview. The same thing happened to me the year before, and I cried when I found out... yes, I am emotional.

It was so cool to meet all of the contestants and see their reaction when the news broke. During the orientation, Cliff, the publisher and creator of this challenge 6 years ago, corrected himself. He said, "I want to lose the weight with you. I mean, I want to reduce my weight because when you lose something, you find it... so I want to reduce my weight instead of losing it and finding it again."

I was so moved by this I borrowed a pen and wrote it on my hand - yes, I still do that - REDUCE my weight NOT LOSE it.

I think without knowing it and focusing on it, this is what I have done this time around. Every other time that I lost weight, I found it... plus some. I am so happy that I am below 145 now. I seriously cannot remember when I weighed that before. Even when I was running regularly years ago, I never got that low... and eventually reached my peak of 197.5 (or was it 198.5). I realize that my peak may be greater or lesser than yours, but in the end, we ALL want to REDUCE our weight.

Their official weigh in was last night and I know some of them were NOT happy with the number that glared back at them on the scale. My advice - make it be the last time you see that number - FOREVER.

As a Christian, we are taught not to live in fear... but I have to admit, I have been living in fear since the competition ended in June. I am fearful that I will see that number again. I am fearful that I may get injured and not be able to train. I am fearful that I won't secure a spot in today's registration for the Marine Corps Marathon. I am fearful that I will be all talk and no action.

For 40 days, I gave up my scale. I was fearful, but God provided. Doesn't God always provide? It may not be what we were hoping for, or wishing for... but it is ALWAYS more than enough. And all of my fears above are silly.

A new challenge for me is finding time to run. Now that it is getting hotter - we reached 90 yesterday - in April, I need to schedule my runs. Working 3 part time jobs, taking care of 2 children and finding time to run is getting trickier. My husband leaves at 5am, so running before he leaves is not ideal because it is still dark. Running in the evening when he gets home is still too hot. I have to come up with a plan - I need to be created. I know it will be easier come June 17th and June 30th - when 2 of my 3 part time jobs will end. But until then I need ideas. Got any?

I leave you with another "cruise" pic - I look like a dork but this was the kids first complete "meal" - McDonald's in the Bahamas - we actually took their food to a local joint and ate Conch - It tasted like lobster to me:



And a view of my hubby and kids in the ocean - the water was gorgeous and warm: