Goal weight: 195 lbs.
Today’s weight: 222.8 lbs.
No man is an island -John Donne
As part of my morning workout, I’ve been blessed to be in two great groups . The first two weeks, I was in the beginning group. Then on my 9th day, I was moved up to the advanced group. Both have been encouraging and supportive — but in different ways.
The first group was extremely verbally supportive. They’d cheer me on as I stumbled and bumbled through the exercises. The second group inspires me by making me want to keep up with them. I don’t want to let them down. Both groups have lifted me up. And to be honest, I wouldn’t be seeing the results I’m seeing without them. The group dynamic works. It makes it a difference. If you’re going through something tough, you instinctively pull for those around you through it. No one else but the group quite understands what you’re going through. I’ve discovered it to be true with cancer. And I’ve discovered it to be true with exercise. Never underestimate the power of a support group.
I trained (successfully) for a marathon in 2010. I made it about halfway through the training by myself. Then I hit a mental wall. I stumbled and nearly stopped. Luckily a couple of friends of mine were training for another marathon and I jumped in with them. That made all the difference in the world. We shared our victories and commiserated about our setbacks. They kept me accountable. I knew I couldn’t sleep in if they were out running a long run early on a Saturday morning.
My son started a fitness program last night (it’s a requirement for his Fitness Merit Badge). We went and ran a mile in our neighborhood. And even though my legs would have preferred to have stayed on the couch, I wouldn’t have missed it for world. I know his chances of success are much greater if we exercise together. I’ll be there every step of the way. While we were huffing and puffing through the neighborhood, he said, “this is fun.”
It was music to my ears.
Awesome, truely awesome. I need to find that support area. My needs are different , but the same mentality has to be present to keep from hitting that same brick wall.