Head Held High!

I have noticed that since I started working out I have been holding my head up high. I am looking forward, seeing the world in front of me and not what is on the ground. I noticed that I am no longer doing the Fat Girl Shuffle. You know, the Fat Girl Shuffle. Where you look at the ground because you don't want to see the disgust in peoples faces as you walk by them. The one where your feet don't really get to far from the ground because shame has made you weak and weary and just going through the motions is hard. Yeah I call that the Fat Girl Shuffle. Well I am not doing it anymore. I am not ashamed of myself. I am learning to love me, see, and that means I can't let the weakness and weariness drag me down any longer. I am walking with my head held high. I am looking life and people in the eye and telling them, YOU CAN'T DEFEAT ME!

I get stressed, I go work out. When I am irritated, I go work out. I want to relax at the end of the day, I go work out. When I step into Anytime Fitness I feel so good. I feel like I am going to accomplish something. I feel like my anger is being flushed away. Every shoulder press, every leg press, every step on the elliptical or treadmill is frustration leaving my mind. I walk out of there with a clear head.

I have noticed that I am not as quick to yell. Things that make me want to scream aren't as bad. Yes, my shoulder hurts when I do my arm work outs. But it's not a bad hurt. Yesterday I was running on the treadmill and I must have stepped wrong because my knee and thigh were in excruciating pain. But I finished my treadmill work out and went home and iced it. I went back today with Becky and did arms. While my leg hurts its OK. I did something today.

I am so excited that Becky is getting a membership. It will be great to have a friend work out with me. She is one of my great motivators. Next week the trainer said to bring Lex with me and she will work with her. For free. Usually it cost, but she said she would be happy to work with her and help her get back on the right path. I am getting to know people at Anytime Fitness. There are people who see me and they ask how I am. I had a weight lifter tell me he was impressed with my dedication. He's part of the night time lifters. When I go during the day there are a few other people who I have gotten to know. I feel like I am becoming a member of a family.

~~~~~CANCUN~~~~~

I am going to toot my own horn here. I have done 57.5 miles in the past two weeks. Dana did 40! Great Job! Micci did 20, sweet! Becky brought 14 to the game. Excellent! And Stephanie rounded it up with an awesome 8! Fantastic. I have yet to hear from my mom and Kristin. That gives us a grand total of 139.5. How great is that!

We have walked a total of 2556.5 miles. We are entering Campeche, Mexico. San Francisco de Campeche’s  history (the state capital) is etched on the remains of the wall used as protection from pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries when the port was still an important trading post. Located in the southern corner of the Gulf of Mexico, the capital safeguards its history with two fortresses, seven towers, and three batteries, representing the period’s military architecture. We have a total of 269.5 miles to go. When it is all said and done there is going to be a Mexican themed fest at my moms. We will have good food, made healthy. I am excited, I've always loved my dads tacos.

Well I think it is time to say a little prayer and be on our way.

Dear God, Thank You for today. Thank You for the stars that see me home at night and the sun that greets me in the morning. Thank You for the friends I have made along the way. I know that everyone comes into your life for a reason, and I am grateful for the people you have put into my life. Thank You for my Grandma Kelly. I love her so much. Please be with her as she fights the good fight. Comfort her, and protect her. She is Your faithful servant. Please watch over those that are struggling. Help them to find peace in a battle they can not control. Thank You for this body that moves me forward and  my mind that keeps me going, even when I feel I am not all there. In Your name we pray. Amen