In 1 Corinthians 9:24 - 25, the apostle Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
These Bible verses really make me think about my life. About 4 years ago I started trying to live a physically healthy lifestyle. Like most women, the journey started even longer ago as I tried every diet known to mankind. I lost and gained the same 20 pounds my entire adult life. I have always been athletic and a bit of a tomboy. I played tennis very competitively before children, women's soccer, softball and lots of other outdoor sports. As a wife and mother, I lost myself. I no longer even really cared about exercise or what I ate, although I did care that I looked frumpy. Not enough though to change anything. In 2001, I went through a divorce and became a single mom of 2. This was a very difficult time, gained weight and lost it just to regain it again. I finally decided that I had enough and started to get serious about my health and fitness. In 2006, I learned about the calories in versus calories out concept and began tracking my food and exercise. This was great. I learned so much, lost weight and began to exercise at my gym. This was the beginning, but I was so far from really changing yet. I still was in bondage to food and struggled with binging and late night snacking. Food was my closest friend. In January, 2007, I again had enough. I gained back some weight and had a horrible experience in a boutique. The sales clerk looked at me with pity and said, "We don't cary anything in your large size". I was a size 16 and weighed 186 on my 5'2" frame. Being a single woman, I think I was hiding behind the weight in fear of relationships. It was weird because I wanted a man, but then I didn't. Within a few months I bought a treadmill and started walking at home. I was still tracking calories and journaling regularly. As I began to lose a little weight, I got little bursts of energy while on my treadmill and began to jog for a few minutes. I thought I would die, but it felt good to sweat. I NEVER sweat, so I was pretty proud of it. During this period of time I met a young woman named Jen. She and her husband were runners, in fact he was an ironman. I had no idea what that was at the time. Jen suggested that we run a 5k together. My initial reaction was that she was out of her mind. I don't run. I hate running. I have asthma, I can't run. But then my competitiveness came out. "Well, if she can, I can". So I began my very first "Learn to Run" program. I did it diligently. There were times that I thought I would pass out, but I was getting better. In May, 2007 I ran my first 5k - Race for the Cure. It wasn't pretty, but I ran the whole way. As soon as I crossed the finishline, I knew that I was changed forever. It put a drive in me like I have never had. For the next year, I began working with a personal trainer - Debbie at Studio Fit. Right before hiring her, I decided that was my new goal - to become a trainer, but I needed to see what it felt like to be at the receiving end first. It was the most incredible thing ever. I learned so much about my body and what it can do. I had muscle definition and strength I didn't know I could have. I continued to run, lose weight and exercise, but hit a plateau. I had lost 42 lbs and felt great, but as the pateau lingered, the weight began to rise. It was not too bad, I evened out at around 150. By this time I had done a half marathon and a few triathlons - a new passion. I became a cerified personal trainer in May. Then, in September, 2008 I met Matt. One of the pastors at my church, Pastor Jay, introduced us. I was trying extremely hard not to be shallow and get to know him from his heart. You see, Matt was a very big guy. When I pictured myself with someone, it was a Lance Armstrong kinda guy. Matt was more of a John Goodman. I really prayed that God would reveal Matt's heart and help me to look at the inside. I really liked him. I felt so comfortable and safe. Things progressed rapidly and we were engaged by Christmas. Matt began to eat better and dropped a bit of weight. I think 20 lbs. We also started to go on hikes together. He has a very physical job and never made the time to exercise. Anyway, we got married on Oct. 17, 2009. So over this past year, I gained a little weight, but continue to workout and train hard. My workouts are a priority. I love it and know that I need them to be a better wife and mom. This past May I discovered Tosca Reno's "The Eat Clean Diet', which is NOT a diet. Basically, it is eating whole foods, lots of fruits, veggies and protein. I eat 5-6 meals a day and am NEVER hungry. My body is changing and I am getting closer to my goal. I am very far from eating clean 100% of the time, but am so excited about how great I feel.
So, where is God in all of this? You see, I am a follower of Christ and am running the race for Him. I want to glorify Him in all of this; because without Him, none of this could have happened. I don't in myself have the willpower, strength or motivation. But I do feel that He has given me a very important responsibility to take care of the body that He gave me. It is His temple. Throughout the past 4 1/2 years, there have been times that I know He was pleased and times that I tried to take control and do it on my own. The verses in 1 Corinthians really speak to me. I know that God wants us to be fit and healthy, to train hard and eat right. But it is not just to look "hot", but to glorify Him. Looking "hot' for my husband is just a blessing.
Well, this first blog went long, but I wanted you to know me. I am very passionate about health and fitness, but even more passionate about my relationship with God. I have been involved in Women's Ministry for a number of years and believe that He is using all my struggles and triumphs to help others. I'm very excited to see where He takes me with all of this.
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