Why *I* Am Doing This.....

I have a confession. A part of the reason I am doing this challenge so I can have the experience of looking in a mirror and feeling "pretty".

Now lest you think I'm shallow, let me explain. "Pretty" means lots of things to me. For me, it encompasses confidence and being healthier, as well as the aesthetics of being more in shape and having clothes fit better. In junior high and high school I played softball and enjoyed not only the sport, but also being part of a team and feeling like I was a part of something bigger than just myself. Near the end of my first year of high school I ripped my rotator cuff during a game. After months of physical therapy, one surgery and many more months of physical therapy, I was still experiencing pain and a loss of motion. My doctors proposed having a second surgery, but the odds were slim a second one would have any significant improvement so I decided to forgo the additional surgery and stopped all my after school activities. I took the loss hard and not only was that the end of my active lifestyle, but also the end of my confidence in myself. I've gained weight steadily in the past 15 years and haven't felt "pretty" since that time. My goal for myself through this challenge is to find that strong, confident beautiful woman in the mirror again.

Week 1 update: I did my first 30 minutes of cardio last night (and was rewarded handsomely). I needed something dropped off at one of our studios for work and instead of using a messenger, I decided to make the walk there and back myself. I took it at a brisk pace and even walked in place at the stoplights to keep my heart rate up. Upon arriving at the studio I was greeted by the man waiting for the materials I was dropping off and he was EXTREMELY attractive. Needless to say, my heart rate didn't return to normal until well after my meeting was over and I made the walk back to my office. It's too bad my meeting didn't count towards my cardio total or else I'd be way over the 30 minute mark!

Thanks to all the Active Academics for letting me be a part of your challenge!