Help, I Have Fallen . . .

. . .and I desperately want to get up!

I don't know what happened - I lost it. 

Not running.

Not eating healthy choices the majority of the time.

Not counting my points.

Not tracking my food intake.

I didn't stop reading my Bible though. I love that daily Bible reading is a part of my life.

I found this encouragement online this week. This morning I took that first step. We ran three miles. After the 2.5 mark, it started feeling great. We couldn't go longer though because Fred has work. I'm going to weigh in later, and I may be up (or down), but I haven't quit!

Little Rock 10k

The photo we are ordering!

 

 

After we signed up for the half-marathon in Pensacola and selected a training plan, I was on the lookout for some races that would fit with our training. Little Rock isn't too far of a drive for us; thusly, proving to be an inexpensive option.

 

We drove in to Little Rock Saturday morning so we could pick up our packets from the expo. This was only our second official race, and we'd never been to a race expo before. However, we have been to several educational expos that were similar in nature with booths of wonderful vendors and tantalizing goods.

 

Packet pick-up couldn't have been simpler. Actually, there wasn't even a line. The expo, however, was congested; we really didn't get to enjoy it to the fullest because we had our kids with us. I enjoyed being able to see the Beecause charms up close. I had seen them somewhere and had just checked them out online. I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting a couple though I didn't at the expo. We ended up getting SPI belts. I had been wanting to try one. (And it stayed put during the race!) What I liked most about the expo was being able to see and touch items I'd previously heard such great things about. It was so wonderful. If I would have had the money, I would have taken one of each item there.

 

We didn't stay long at the expo because we had plans to visit the local Fleet Feet. We (or at least I) have wanted to visit a Fleet Feet since we started the C25k to get fitted for ideal running shoes. The closest ones are both two hours away. We purchased some good things there, but it'll have to wait for another post.

 



Source

 

While Fred was getting us checked in at the hotel, our oldest son and I noticed a Japanese restaurant and Starbucks across the street. We have neither of those in our hometown. We decided we wouldn't tell Fred, and would see how soon it would be before he discovered it on his own. 

 

After we had gotten to the room, Fred asked if I thought we had a good view or not. On the way in I hadn't seen much of interest so I thought he was referring to the restaurant or Starbucks. No! He could tell I was excited when I looked out of the window. There was a Barnes and Noble and a Life Way Christian store. He hadn't even spotted the Christian store but knew I'd love to go in Barnes and Noble. We ended up spending so much time in Life Way that we didn't have time for Barnes and Noble. (I picked up some items for our VBS this June!)

 





We don't watch much tv and I recently closed my facebook account, so we had no idea that a storm was headed for Little Rock. Oops! Well, at least we had brought clothes for just about any kind of weather! Before going to bed we had some yummy sushi, checked out the weather and tried to pick out suitable clothes. 

 

The next morning getting ready was pretty simple. I NEVER eat in the mornings before a run. Typically I get up, drink some water so I can have a BM, dress, and head out. With races, you get up and WAIT. I definitely didn't want to be hungry while running. I've never had the feeling and never want to. I ate half of a mandarin and a vanilla Honey Stinger waffle. Even though I don't drink water on my training runs (so far), I took a bit with me because I didn't want to experience dry mouth either.

 

As soon as got downtown we realized it was congested and finding a park would be time consuming. We opted to park in a garage near where we saw people assembling. This was the best decision ever (especially since we were wet and tired afterwards - I would not have liked to walk a mile to the car!)

 

I had to go find a restroom as soon as we arrived. I knew this was the best my choice. We ended up  finding port-a-potties before a regular restroom so we got in what appeared to be a short line. It took a while though! I HATE port-a-potties. They were absolutely disgusting! I had to hold my breath.

 

As we were making our way to our corral it started to sprinkle. It didn't last too long, but we decided to take cover under the awning of one of the local shops. It seemed like it was taking forever for eight o'clock. We entered our corrals with  about ten minutes to go til eight. It was really cold and windy, and it was raining. My poor husband didn't even have a jacket. He was dressed warmly though. Some people had on shorts and were without shirts.  

 

As we waited over forty minutes to get to the start line, I realized I wasn't nervous at all. I knew I would t be winning anything. But I was to the point where I just wanted it to be over with already. I was so thankful that I'd remember to go back into the hotel room to get the rain jacket I loathe. The best thing about it is its large hood. The material is a thin plastic that makes me sweat something awful. When we finally started, I was relieved. Fred did exactly what I knew he would do and started too fast for ME. I was annoyed, but he had already let me know he was going to give it his all. The start of a run is always most difficult for me. This race was no different. I had anxiety about running alone. I wished Fred wasn't faster than me. 

 

The first mile was rainy - just a constant drizzle. I was encouraged by the many people who came out, but I was mostly battling thoughts of wanting to give up and quit. I was throwing myself a pity party. I started feeling better in the second mile, but the bridge nearly wiped me out. We run  in the flat Delta and hills are foreign to us. We don't even train on treadmills. I felt every single incline. My adrenaline helped push me over the bridge the first time. I don't recall it being that bad. During the second mile we were passed by runners heading back across the bridge. I recall some of them shouting that we were doing a good job.

 

I had only run six miles once prior to this race. At the end of that run I felt drained. I was thinking I could benefit from some kind of nutrition during the last mile or two. I didn't get a chance to test this theory before the race, so the race was my trial. After I passed the mile three marker, I started munching on the pack of Honey Stinger chews I had in my SPIbelt. They tasted okay and went down fine. I ran about another mile before I reached the bridge. I remember the mile five marker being on the bridge. It seemed like that bridge would NEVER end. It took forever to get to the downhill portion. Nearly everyone around me was walking up the hill. I didn't want to walk because I knew I didn't have to. I feared if I would have started walking, I wouldn't have the drive to start up again.  Almost immediately after coming down off the bridge, there was another small hill. Uugghhhh! My legs were so tired by the time I reached marker 6. I knew the finish was so close, but it seemed harder than ever to push myself. Nevertheless, I did it. Fred was right there at the finish line waiting for me. 

 

Fred showed me where to get my medal and then where to get my shoe tag cut off.  We got some post race snacks and had our picture taken together. Then we were out of there. I didn't want to stick around because of the weather. We were really glad we had parked in the nearby garage. It was just a short walk and so worth the five dollar fee.

 

• chip time:   His - 1:19:15;   Hers - 1:30:14
• avg pace:   His - 12:47;   Hers - 14:34
• gender place:   His - 282/403;   Hers - 585/889
• division place:   His - 30/41;   Hers - 104/129
• overall place:   His - 683/1292;   Hers -  912/1292

 

 

I brought up our upcoming half-marathon, and Fred quickly put an end to that. He said he didn't even want to think about that race on such tired legs. That was too funny to me. I had a pretty good race experience, but I really have nothing to compare it with.  I've seen a lot of negative feedback online and on the race's facebook page concerning the race.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our First Official 10k

We're still at it here; we simply haven't had time to blog as we'd like.

Marathon Winner

This morning we finished the 10k that's part of the Annual Little Rock Marathon. I must say, it feels good to be finished.

I'll try to give a detailed account of the race tomorrow. Right now  we just want to get out of town as a winter storm advisory has been issued for the area. Pray for our safe travel home.

Up and Running Again!

We've signed up to run a half-marathon! We're running the one in Pensacola.

The race date gives us 14 weeks to train. We've already gotten in our first run of 2014! After our first 5k, we ran sporadically then stopped altogether (except for our Thanksgiving day run) to do INSANITY. (Boy was that a mistake. We ran what seemed to be the hardest two miles ever on December 31, our anniversary.) We completed the first month of INSANITY as written and started month two. Now, however, we are going to use INSANITY as cross training on non-run days. We might end up fitting in more, but I doubt it.

So, Fred and I are running a half-marathon. I pray we have an injury free training and a fun race. God has blessed us thus far, and we give all glory and praise to Him for our success and accomplishments.

We chose this race because we have adequate time to train. The race is close to family though it's a six hour drive for us. My sister and her husband intend to run with us, and we hope they are able to.

I know I have some difficult runs ahead of me; however, I'm not scared, and I don't think it's impossible. Note to self - 

       

All throughout my C25k training I would recite a verse that comforted me: "For God has not given me a spirit of fearf, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV) I think I'll need it again!

                                    

Thanksgiving NSV

We had decided last week that we would run today in addition to doing our INSANITY workout. (I have REALLY missed running while doing INSANITY.) This morning I realized that I might not have the motivation later to run. I rarely workout in the afternoon. So we decided to get a run in and skip INSANITY.

Going out I knew we would get one mile in and I wanted to do at least two.  We haven't run in about four weeks so I didn't know what to expect.

Mile one was a typical first mile for me. It takes me a mile to warm-up. Half way through mile two I wanted to quit. My heart rate was at 180 and the twenty-five degree weather was making it hard to breathe. However, I went home with several NSVs:

1) I exercised on a day when I normally focus solely on food.
2) I stuck with a decision to run today even though it meant missing a scheduled workout (I might still get it in).
3) I pushed myself to finish mile two AND three.
4) I finished my 5k in one of my fastest times ever.
5) I burned one and half times as many calories in my run today than I do in a typical INSANITY workout.

We are INSANE!

This morning we completed day one of week two of INSANITY! The program really pushes us, but it's not so extreme that it can't be done. It's just fast-paced cardio with short, strategically placed rest breaks. We both agree that if we hadn't built or cardiovascular endurance with consistent running in the months prior, we would likely be pretty wiped out during the workouts. After the first workout, we knew what to expect and . could hang. Of course we don't look like the INSANITY workout crew - we do get tired and we have to build up to higher, faster everything. Still, we aren't discouraged, we pace ourselves, we know when to modify, and we know to never give up.

I am reluctant to take a break from running, but we want to know for sure how we benefited from INSANITY. I do believe we might go for a short two to four mile run on Thanksgiving Day. I am so grateful for the growth God has allowed in our lives, and I want to show my thanks by running - not stuffing my body with food.

The workouts we complete in rotation are below. Every two weeks, we complete a fit test. Other days, we rotate through discs two through five. The other discs will be used during month two. Each week we are to workout six days and rest one day.

Recap of Week 1

Our 1st Official 5K Run

This past Saturday we finally experienced our first official 5k run, "The Halloween Hustle". We were a little nervous about the race since we really didn't know what to expect. Upon arriving at the check-in site, we saw many individuals dressed up in some awesome costumes. At this point, I thought the race would be a joke. I wondered how those people were going to take the race serious dressed for a Halloween party.

As we got out of the car we could not help but notice how chilly it was. We checked, and the temperature was about thirty-eight degrees; I began to think that maybe this was a bad idea. After checking in and drinking a cup of coffee, I was relieved that some of the tension and nervousness were beginning to die down. I noticed one individual with some ultra-short running shorts on warming up; I thought, "Wow, either he is serious about running or he is seriously crazy." Well, come to find out he was seriuos about running. More on that later.

As we lined up to begin our race, I tried to signal for Bridgette to come up to where I was. She wanted to stay back, so I went to where she was. It was crazy to see so many people taking off with costumes on, but my attention was quickly turned away from others and to the race. We began at a pace that was faster than normal for us; however, I felt pretty good about it.

About a half mile into the race I have to admit that the inner competitor in me wanted to come out. I wanted to blaze  through the crowd and compete, but I know I would have not made it far and would have burned myself out. I found myself about twenty feet ahead of Bridgette but I was happy to see her still pushing on behind me. I knew in my heart that I could have finished with some of the runners who were ahead of me. Still, I didn't want to finish without Bridgette being that it were our first race.

After Bridgette caught up we finished our last mile or so together. Right before we made it to the finish line we heard a runner quickly approaching. And who did we see? Yeah, the individual dressed like it was eighty degrees out instead of forty. I found out that he was a very serious runner: he actually was one of the runners racing in the 10K run. Yes, he finished his 10K before we finished our 5K. This made me feel motivated to continue with my healthy lifestyle because one day I want to be in the same position as that fellow. In the end Bridgette and I cross the finish line together with her time being a couple of tenths faster than mine.

We finished our first official 5k run without walking. This was an anticipated non-scale victory for us both.

Running Alone

In working to achieve a healthier and fitter self, it's important to have more than one way to measure success. Since I'm trying to lose weight, one of the ways I measure success is with a scale - pounds lost of course. I'm grateful that I am wise enough to want more than to weigh 150 pounds (or whatever magic number). I want more! I want to naturally gravitate towards healthy food choices. I want to become stronger and lift heavy weights. I want to run longer AND faster. I want to look good in my clothes. I want to feel great and be grateful each morning I wake.

I didn't actually run SOLO, I just went for a 3.1 mile run WITHOUT Fred. One of the anticipated victories on the NSV tab is running without Fred. (It was mean that I would run alone. If there were a indoor track nearby, I'd be all for it!)

It was this past Sunday: we had eaten lunch and Fred was absorbed in NFL games.  I suited up and enlisted our twelve-year-old son who is interested in running with us. I had to warn him that I was slow and that he would need to proceed slowly as he had never completed the distance. At times he was ahead of me; other times, he walked. I ran without walking though and finished four minutes faster than my typical pace for the distance. It was slow, but progress nonetheless. Go me! (Fred has gone without me several times already.)

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In No. 17

This week the scale was up one and four tenths pounds. I do NOT believe I gained this in one week. I'll blame the dill pickle sunflower seeds I ate Thursday and Friday evenings.

Fred was up two and two tenths pounds. I don't know what his problem was - it wasn't sunflower seeds.

The number on the scale was motivation to me. I was in bed by 10:30 last night; 9:00 was my goal. This morning, we got up and got a run in. It sure felt good since we hadn't been able to in two weeks. We ran two and walked one.

This week we are looking forward to getting enough sleep and exercising six out of seven days.

Labor Day 2013: Family Fun

A typical holiday in the past was celebrated by lounging around with family, eating, watching television, and more eating. Physical activity, if any, was limited to a leisurely splash in the pool (think July 4th).

Labor Day 2013 started before breakfast with a four mile run for the adults (Fred and I). The kids had to cut their run short due to pouring rain, but they ran between two and three quarters in a light drizzle.

I am definitely looking forward to fall temperatures when it will be practical to get outside and exercise any time of the day.

Non-Scale Victories

We have some!

When we started running earlier this year, one minute at a time, I was hoping we would stick with it. I was hoping we would progress. I was hoping it would become a part of our lives, I was hoping, but I could not see it. Now a few months later I can see the fruits of our labor. These results have come by hard work and were by no means instantaneous.

This week we have

• Run three miles in under forty-five minutes (a goal I can cross off)
• Run two miles in a constant light rain (in the past we would have heard the rain and rolled over with relief, but this day we got up )
• Run three miles with negative splits (now, we didn't set any world records, but each mile was a bit faster than the previous - never thought I'd have the energy for that )
• Run three consecutive days (each of the above victories occurred on a separate day )

Celebrate the victories that make your life better no matter how insignificant they may seem. Growth is great!

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In No. 12

Because our church had VBS this past week, I had to miss my regular meeting. This morning I got a chance to attend a meeting. The scale showed a loss of . . .




seven pounds and six tenths!  

Shut up! I know! When I heard all of the dings from the bell and the clapping from the members, I felt like I was on Biggest Loser! The leader was like "You must have worked really hard this week." Um. . . Not really, but it's 'bout time! I've weighed every morning this week since I missed my meeting so I knew the number, I just hadn't done the MATH.

My weight loss has been a bit slow, but I know it's because of the steady increases in exercise. We've been running and doing Chalean. But this past week I didn't slack in exercise - I didn't complete one single exercise. I really am a believer in rest weeks (though this one wasn't planned), and no, it's not the laziness in me. Oh, I did run two miles this morning! (Early to bed, early to rise - makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

This week we will move on to a new phase of Chalean; therefore our bodies will have to make adjustments that might negatively impact the scale. However, this journey is not all about a scale.

I don't know what the future holds, but today I will bask in this scale victory!

1 Mile Run

This morning we went out for a run with a different mindset than usual. Since we were pressed for time, we decided that we would run only a mile today with the goal of running it at a much faster pace. According to my run keeper app I ran 1 mile in 12 minutes 23 seconds. Although I know I could have beaten this time as done before, I did not want to get too ahead of Bridgette. I am not sure just how accurate my app is. I am definitely looking to upgrade. (HINT)

This woman has made such a huge improvement I can't just say with words how proud of her I am.  I know that I am not one to talk too much because I'm no Hussein Bolt, but I once was an athlete. There is still that competitiveness that runs through my veins that gives me the mind frame that I can do it all. But back to Bridgette, she has never really been an athlete and for her to accomplish the things that she has over the last three or four months is truly my inspiration.

I won't get into the time that she ran today and will let her update you when she posts, but believe me when I say that you will be surprised. I told her that we will set this as a once a week goal to run 1 mile as fast as we can to improve our breathing and leg strength. This day definitely has non-scale victory written all over it.

Bridgette here:

I ran my mile in 13 minutes 08 seconds according to my Garmin. It's NOT all that. I was faster than this past Thursday though. Thursday was easier, today I had to huff and puff through those thirteen minutes. Though I didn't post it on my non-scale victory page, I do have a thirteen minute mile as a goal. For me, that's an accomplishment. I might not ever run a mile in 6 minutes, but I will break ten one day. (In the distant future!)

I love my husband. He's the best. This summer has been my first one off in FIVE years. I might have put a dent in the couch (taking a much need rest and relaxation time), but I am NOT a couch potato. Even though he's supposed to drag me out of bed, I sometimes have to push him out.

Victorious!

I got my three (point one) miles in today.

I wanted to get a fast(er) mile in at the start since I'm not a strong finisher yet. Near the end I have to up my mental game not to quit.

I completed mile one in 13 min 46.8 seconds according to my Garmin.  Of course this is no where near fast, but it's an improvement over my usual 15 minute average pace. I pushed myself, (praised God), and succeeded. It takes HARD work and effort to pick this body with all these pounds up, go running, and not take a single walk break.

Fred said he was really proud of me. That's all he kept saying - like I did something near impossible.

I also finished my 5k distance in 1 minute 50 seconds faster than my fastest time.

So I can say that in spite of the scale going up, I have something to be proud of. I'm glad for these little victories and pick-me-ups along the way. If I didn't have NSV's to brighten my way, I might quit.

Our First Nonstop 5K Run

Last night as we were getting ready for bed, Bridgette asked me how I felt about running a new route. I told her that I was just fine with it. After she told me which route she had in mind, I told her that I could see myself running the full distance. I never actually thought it would happen today. Our goal distance for today was to run a 5K or 3.1 miles nonstop. This goal was at the top of the list of goals that we've set for ourselves, and we've been on a mission to accomplish it for a few months now.



Victory is Ours!

Taking a look back at our accomplishments over the last three to four months has given me the encouragement and the will to add to our list another non-scale victory. I actually crossed one off the list about two weeks ago when I ran an eleven minute mile. I beat my anticipated time of a 12 minute mile by one whole minute. Knowing  that today I could actually cross off another non scale victory was plenty enough encouragement for me.

As each quarter mile of our run passed, I felt better. I was concerned for Bridgette and how she was doing because I knew that this would be an anticipated victory for her as well. I'm surprised to say that every time I asked her how she was doing she could answer me, "I'm Okay Baby," with free flowing words. Usually she would answer with heavy breathing and pauses between each word, but not today. She was doing great; it motivated me even more.

Around 2.5 miles Bridgette told me she was tired and needed to slow down. I was okay with that; I just didn't want her to stop. When Runkeeper signaled that we were at 2.75 miles I told Bridgette we have a little over a quarter mile left and I could hear the change in her voice. "Really?" she asked. Next thing I know we were on our last leg and she gave it all she had down the stretch, even speeding up a bit, and I sprinted to the end. 3.16 miles was my final time, and I felt like I could go another mile or two. (Bridgette stopped at 3.1 miles, but I raced to the nearby stop sign.) We gave each other a high five, and thanked the LORD that we made it.

I was an athlete up through high school, but I have never in my life run this far without walking or taking a break. It feels so good knowing that I can run a 5K nonstop. I'm motivated more than ever.  PRAISE THE LORD!

And we're off!

This post will be quick since we're about to head out to weigh-in.

Last week was a fairly relaxed week as it relates to exercise. Believe it or not, one of us overdid it with some late night Wii Sports! Not Chalean Extreme or running, but boxing. This coupled with late nights and an out-of-town baby shower left us with little energy for anything. But today we accomplished great things (at least for beginners anyway). We ran for 2.38 miles without any walking (then walked a bit). This is our longest distance to date. At times I slowed way down, but I didn't stop. YAY!! 

This week will be business as usual since we've set our eyes on being able to do 3.1 miles without stopping.We are getting there one day at a time. I can finally see the finish line!

Hard Work + Dedication = Great Results

     Today was another successful day of Chalean Extreme. Its only our 2nd official day and I know that we will continue with our success because we are totally committed to this new way of life. I know I won't see any changes in our bodies for a while as it relates to seeing some muscle definition, but the dedicaiton will definitely pay off big time.



Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 2 - Deadlift with Double Row

     I know how it feels now to hear the stories of people saying that it took a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve their goals. The one example I remember most vividly is the time when LL Cool J stated that people criticized him by saying that he was on steroids. He stated that he had not used steroids, but he had worked extremely hard to get the body he has acquired. LL also stated that he stayed away from sweets and other foods that he knew were unhealthy and would be a detriment to his progress and would undo all the sacrifices that he had made. That has always been one big motivational story for me although it was years and years ago. I now understand that it takes hard work for sure. Hard work AND dedication.
    
    One day I hope to share a similar testimony with others and use this blog as the proof to show how far we have come and that our lifestyle (of healthy habits) has truly changed for the better. Hopefully we will inspire others to change their lifestyles for the better also.


Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 2 - Triple-Threat Push-ups

     Oh, I almost forgot about our run yesterday. We worked on our speed again, which turned out to be successful as we both improved our average time and pace. Although we have improved some we agreed to run longer times even after the app is done because we still have lots of energy once we get finished.

Finishing with a definite non-scale victory -  I did some swimming at our annual family reunion and did not have one alcoholic beverage. And while I may have eaten more than I planned, I ate nowhere near what I would have eaten in the past.

July Goals!

We probably should have posted our goals for the month on the first; nevertheless, they have were established prior to the start of the month, and here they are for all the world to see:

Bridgette's Goals

1. Drink two cups of water with each meal and snack
2. Increase push ups from two to ten at a time (Up until about two weeks ago, I couldn't do a single one!)
3. Read the Bible daily (as part of my 90 day plan)

Fred's Goals

 

1. Refrain from drinking pops/sodas at work (We don't even buy them for the house!)
2. Track food intake daily (on paper, not in head)

 

Shared Goals

 

1. Do 3 training runs a week AND 3 Chalean workouts a week
2. Continue to be active with our kids

 

C25K W9D1

Done! (6-26-13)

Running still doesn't come easy for me. I am looking forward to the day it does though. When we finished and were on our way home in the car I asked Fred, "What in the world made us want to do this - couch-to-five k . . . running?" I was so tired and sweaty and he had pushed me to go much faster during the last thirty seconds.

He replied, "We were tired of seeing the scale go up."

"Oh."

I was about to call it quits and throw in the towel. I was going to undo all the HARD work I'd done. Not! (maybe)

 

 

Even though Fred and I have attempted C25K in the past, this time we FINISHED it! All the while, we both shared a goal of finishing the program. Even though it took longer than eight weeks, we've kept at it. Not only have we made it a part of our lives, we are determined to keep going. (We completed the app this past Sunday, but wanted to another week of thirty minute runs to mimic some written C25K work-outs I've seen online. We also might redo C25K or move on to C210K.) We are looking to do a 5k in about seven weeks. 

Our non-scale victories this week are 1) completing the C25K app as written and 2) continuing with running after completing C25K. Yesterday, was our first non-prescribed run. I hope we never stop running!

Giving Thanks

After embarking on this journey for a healthy lifestyle, I find myself wondering about the future that GOD has planned for my temple (body). Only HE knows when I will accomplish the ultimate goal of complete physical fitness. Only HE knows why I am going through these difficult times of trying to get back into the physical shape that I once acquired. GOD has always known that I would take what HE gave me (my temple) and do harm to it. It has always been HIS plan to give me leeway, allowing me to do as I as desired. Only by HIS will have I been given a chance to redeem myself and leave behind the ignorance of thinking that I did not have to acknowledge the GOODNESS of GOD.

GOD has been so good to me in my life, and I acknowledge HIM more today than ever. I now know that the LORD has allowed what has been my life's journey for one reason and one reason only, and that is to see that HE is Sovereign and MIGHTY and that I will never successfully make it through any challenges without HIM being present in my life. One way that the LORD has been good to me is by placing in my life at the right time a GOD fearing young lady who I am proud to call my wife. If HE had not given me Bridgette only HE knows where I would be at this very moment.

Bridgette says that since we have started this journey toward a healthy lifestyle I have been an inspiration to her because I push her to achieve goals during our C25K program. However, I want to say that she has been an inspiration to me since we first began to court. The Lord knows that without his gift, my wife, none of this would be possible for me. I promised her that I will be responsible for our future in all ways with an emphasis on health. I told her that even when she doesn't feel like going out to walk/run,  she would for the sake of my promise to her. She believed at the time that I was doing it for the both of us, but I was only doing it for her. As time has gone by I have found myself enjoying the challenges that we are facing because we are facing them together. I thank her deeply for being my motivation for getting up off the couch to stop wasting time when we could have and should have been doing this all along.

I give HIGH PRAISES to GOD for giving me GRACE and MERCY during all of my hardships and also for giving me my BABY. Thank you and HALLELUJAH!