Happy Birthday to Me!!!

I know, I know. It's been awhile since I posted and I know that I didn't post my training last week. I'll get after it this week.

I had a busy 4th of July and holiday weekend. All weekend my thoughts were with my friend Kate who was racing a 70.3 Ironman in Lake Stevens, Washington. She was looking to secure a spot in the World Championship race. She did it, no prob Bob! She finished 5th in her age group. AND she had a great run, the element that she has been working so hard to improve. So congrats Kate Monster!

With my birthday coming up, I was a little more philosophical in my thoughts instead of straight-forward. I've been thinking about how much my life has changed in a decade. 10 years ago, my first child Conner was a baby. I was just starting a new teaching job at the college where I now work, and I was in bad, bad physical shape. I don't have any digital pictures of me from then, but I do have pictures of me from five years ago, three, two, and one. Here's a few of those:

March 2003 - Las Vegas

August 2005 - On my brand new Harley

August 2006 - Pictured with Arlen Ness in Sturgis

January 2007 - Just started with Brad Nelson

June 2008 - Snatching the 20 kg

Since January 2007, I have lost 25 pounds and 10% bodyfat. I want to lose 10 more pounds and 4-5% more bodyfat. I almost can't believe that I've come as far as I have. I never thought I would lose 25 pounds. I've never been able to lose more than 5 or 10 pounds before. I don't think I was ready before. You have to be ready mentally for it to work.

I've learned that I need to take responsibility for my well-being. I need to put my energy into what makes me feel better. I've built a network of resources that I trust. That all started the day I made contact with Brad Nelson. He took me seriously and seriously kicked my butt when I needed it. He never sugar coats or lets me off easy. He holds me to task, which is critical because there are times I can't hold myself to task and need that outsider to do it. I know I would not be where I am on this journey without Brad.

People do come into your life for a reason. Brad came into my life to push me and support me in a way no one else could. Brad also doesn't take this responsibility lightly. His wife-to-be Jordan has to be very understanding to watch Brad connect with his clients like me. It's pretty intimate since I tell him things I can't tell others like how much I weigh, what I really eat, and how I'm feeling. I cry in front of him almost every time I get new Z Health. (It's a Z thing!)

It's powerful when someone sees your potential. Brad sees it and took the time to understand who I am so he could help me in the ways I need to be helped. Thank you, Brad, for making me see my potential and for all of your time, energy, and support. I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Oh, and by the way - I'm 37.