Spring – 09 Get Fit Challenge April 6, 2009

It is hard to believe that it is already spring 2009. So much has happened in my life since I was in the first Get Fit Challenge. First things first – although I haven’t lost a whole lot more – I have maintained my final weight on the challenge. I started a new job where I travelled a lot and had an Italian boss who liked to eat and drink. And like others before me, I put on the “Capetto” (my boss) 10 – only in my case it was 15. So I made my peace with that about mid way through the year and started changing my ways when I traveled. Thankfully, I am back down and on my way further down. I loved the job – channel management for software company called Autodesk. Loved my co-workers and my parters that I managed. It was a very time consuming job – but I loved every minute. When I was recently laid off, it was sad,  This was my favorite job – a perfect fit. (Except for the lay off thing!) But – I spent so much time working, that I did not pay as much attention to me and my fitness. So I immediately signed up for aerobics 3 times a week, Yoga and Pilates once – so every day I have something I am doing just for me (oh and it certainly benefits my family!). It reduces the stress and I am getting really Fit – just like this years contestants.

During my year of the get fit challenge, I found the same obstacles: eating while traveling, making time to work out, not giving in to the stress and eating (and drinking) too much. Couple that with well intentioned friends (and relatives) who would really rather you just stay as you are. I learned to just nod to those folks and do what I need to do – but it will always be a challenge. It is still and it was then! But I keep the goal in mind: being the healthiest, most productive person I can be. The best I am capable of – and that’s what you need to keep in mind too – Have goals – and stick to them. When you fall, pick yourself up (no yelling at yourself!) and start again – right then. I did it – You can too!!