26.2 miles

You may be wondering why I haven't yet talked of weight progress or what I've been eating. Well, I was wondering that too. I was meditating this morning, and I realized that I am looking at this like becoming a marathon runner. No one (well that I have ever heard of) can just decide to run 26.2 miles, tie on their shoes and go out and run 26.2 miles without extensive, intense training. I'm looking at these first few weeks as part of my training to be a "marathoner" for the rest of my life.



I do know that those elite few who are marathoners rarely stop running. It gets in their blood. Sure, over time they may not run full marathons, but they never stop running. I want this journey to be like that for me. I want to go through extensive, intense training to become a marathoner of good health. I want it to get in my blood. I want to never give up on habits that I create over the next 52 weeks. I've already given thought to the fact that at any given time I have 52 weeks ahead of me - I pray I continue this blog all the days of my life. I pray it becomes such a part of me that I never want to turn back to my old ways.



What does that mean for today? It means I'm just starting out - just feeling the waters. If I stick with the marathon analogy - I'm just shopping for shoes! I didn't know what God wanted of me when I listened to his call to do this - I just knew I wanted to be obedient to the call. So during this first week I'm shopping around, checking things out, pondering what it all means. Sure there might be an awesome looking pair of running shoes on the shelf that would make me look cool - but it doesn't mean those are the right shoes for me. Its that way with making life changes - seeking transformation - what works for some might not work for others.



I can't change overnight. I can't wake up tomorrow and run 26.2 miles. I also can't instantly have good habits just because I want them! Sure, I want them - I have a vision in mind of what life might look like in 51.5 weeks, just as a runner can visualize crossing the finish line of their first marathon. This is going to take time - not just the 52 week goal - time to get ready, time to have the proper equipment, time to get advice from those who have gone before (God primarily!), time to get a feel for what works for me, time to adjust to a new outlook and lifestyle.



Several of you have asked "Can I join you on your journey?" The answer is YES!! I wasn't expecting that... but God is so good and knows me and my love of fellowship with others. I believe he is calling those of you who are interested. I don't know what that looks like, but for now I would encourage anyone wanting to join to read the blog daily and post a comment each day. For now I think that would work, don't you! Reading the comments gives me energy and courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other, I'm grateful for each of you who want to come along for the ride!



Back to marathons - brainstorming on what I need to start training:

• resources (books, health professionals, recipes, information, etc)


• equipment (my Bible, my body!, healthy food, exercise equipment, etc)


• support (God, family, friends, etc)


• courage (continued willingness to take each day and give it my best)

Any other ideas on that analogy? I'd love to hear them!

My plan today - prayer, walking, and making good food choices. I also need to bring my husband up to speed (he never opens his FB, so isn't aware of my blog).

Onward!

PS: no photos today - we're on island and my weak connection gets upset if I try to upload! :-)