Finding the time...

I was the queen of excuses when it came to taking care of myself, focusing on a healthier lifestyle and finding time to exercise. Note the word...WAS! Week two of this program was extremely challenging for me because reality set back in and my schedule was back to normal...meaning, completely crazy and hectic! Basketball games, volleyball practices, Board meetings, three Holiday parties (yes, THREE!), and a family celebration that consisted of eating twice within a 3 hour period (YIKES!)...a challenging week to say the least!

However, while my workout schedule was more segmented, I still found a way to get in my exercise each and every day. Sometimes that meant getting on my treadmill at 20-3o minutes in the morning, walking during the lunch hour or 20-30 minutes at the end of the night...even when I had a thousand excuses for why I really needed the extra sleep or that there just wasn't enough time in the day, I made it happen. Thanks to my co-workers for helping push me through those busy days. Erin got me out to walk during lunch one day and Laura headed to cycling class with me after our holiday party at work! What a great team I have in my corner! :)

I was even able to eat in moderation while surrounded by sweets and treats the entire week! Another challenge for me, because sweets are one of my biggest weaknesses. I wasn't able to completely walk away but I was proud of myself for not completely going crazy either. It's amazing how much pride I take in those little accomplishments.

Imagine my disappointment when I got on the scale at the end of the week to find that I had only lost 0.2 pounds and I had not lost any inches. Definitely not what I was hoping for...however, after my inspirational meeting with Jennifer Carson, our stress management coach, I was able to reflect on her PACE motto...Positive Attitude Changes Everything. And she's right, I hadn't lost weight but I knew I had accomplished a lot that week. I ate less and still found time to exercise and despite all the temptations I faced, I did not GAIN any weight back! So at the end of the two weeks of the Go Red Better U Challenge, I was down 3.7 pounds from my starting weight.

I also know that I'm getting stronger, I'm adding weights each week I lift and I'm not as winded when I walk, run or cycle. Hopefully, week two was about building muscle. I'm not sure how accurate my scale is but it does measure body fat as well and I was down 2% in that measurement so I'm hoping that means something!

I'm enjoying the journey so far, and the women who are on this journey with me. Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive...I can't wait to see what the next week holds!