Fit by Labor Day Challenge - Half way there!

While out on the lake yesterday and as I was swimming a lap around the boat, my friend commented that I had caught the exercise bug. And she's right! It's funny because I resisted so hard to getting back in shape. I knew that if I really wanted to lose weight and get fit, I was going to have to change the way I was eating and get my butt off the couch. Frankly, I liked eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. And exercise? Ugh. Running would do the trick but the thought of running was so unappealing. I had a hate/hate relationship with running.

I needed some motivation. Then I came across the 8-week Fit By Labor Day Challenge over at Mama Notes. It was perfect timing. So I began my quest to get fit by running following the Couch to 5k running program, started doing little exercises throughout my day, and began watching what I was eating.

Now, 4 weeks later and 9 pounds lighter, I am hooked. In addition to running 3 days and doing my various exercises throughout the day, I try to find additional opportunities for exercise. For example, while on a mini vacation/business trip this week, instead of just hanging out in the pool with the kids, I did laps while pushing Bubby in his float. Talk about a leg workout! And taking walks after dinner has become the norm. We all love our daily walks and it's great family time.

What I am learning through this challenge is that getting healthy and losing weight is not only about making a lifestyle change, it's about changing your view of exercise and healthy eating as a positive rather than something you have to do to lose weight. In the end, it's really not about the number you see on the scale, it's the results you see in your health and your life. The smaller jean size is just an added perk!