Well, here we are — almost a year later and I am happy to say that on June 28th I will complete the last of my 3 goals. My first goal was to finish my dance recital. Dancing has taken a back seat since then. I will always love it and it will forever be a part of who I am but I have so many more things I want to try. I am just a once-a-month-for-fun kind of girl at the moment.
My second goal was to learn how to eat better. I fall off the wagon at least a couple times a week but what I have learned is this: Eat every couple hours and make healthy choices instead of a Coke and a candy bar. I also got the family cookbook from the Biggest Loser and make great low cal dishes like chicken parmesan for dinner. Last year I would never have taken the time or even read the ingredients to see if it was good or bad for us. Colton has become interested in cooking as well and we plan on taking some lessons together this summer.
Last but not least, my third goal was the triathlon! I had to learn how to swim. I can now swim the length of four football fields very easily. This from the girl who thought she was going to die when she first tried it. It is actually all about the breathing, and once I learned that everything else fell into place. I am learning how to ride the 10-speed bike. Now remember, I know how to swim and I know how to ride a bike but this is a little different. You have to know how to change a tire if it goes flat, dodge a dog at 30 miles an hour, etc. This still makes my husband a little nervous. And the running…I have maintained running at least two times a week (3-5 miles). I originally said I wanted to do the one in Gulf Shores, Alabama, but that has changed. There is one here in Nashville and I plan on doing that one. It’s a 400-meter swim,10-mile bike ride and a 6-mile run. The swim will be in the lake, so for all of you who were concerned about me getting eaten by sharks…worry no more:).
My ultimate goal was to learn something new, to challenge myself and finish what I started. To me that is what it is all about — being healthy and always growing. I feel that I would have stopped without the accountability to all of you. So thanks. Thanks Hannah and all of you at NAILS Magazine. Thank you CND family for encouraging us all to be healthier. And last but not least, Holly, here is a pic of the swim cap I have been promising. I wish you all much success and can’t wait to see you all in person.
— Jen
Editor's Note: Jen actually didn't send the illusive picture of herself in her swim cap...I guess we're still waiting for that one!
Print | posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 10:49 AM