52 weeks later...

We did it!

It's the one year anniversary of the workout journey that started with four friends, $80 and a jar.

I'm happy to report that the money and the jar are gathering dust in a bottom drawer in my kitchen and that we are all still standing.

[Fine print: well, technically, B is taking a brief hiatus until the arrival of Baby Girl O. But she did make it through week 30 of her pregnancy and she will be rejoining us right after her six-week postpartum check-up, right B??]

Our story started one cold, dark, snowy December night when we said yes to something that sounded crazy at the time: work out five times a week, 15 minutes minimum for as long as it takes...for what, we weren't sure. All we knew was that our money, pride and extra mommy pounds were on the line.

52 weeks later, we ended up with way more than we bargained for.

Yes, we are more fit and we're better runners, swimmers, and yogis. We're stronger, we breath easier and our pants fit better. We've met some goals, crossed some finish lines, and made some memories.

More importantly, we've learned some lessons that reach way beyond the realm of the workout world. Life lessons learned:

Yes is more fun than no. I'm a logical sort of gal and if something doesn't make tons of sense to me, I will probably say no. 5:30am swimming, you say? No, thank you. Errr, I mean, OK. Laughing hysterically with your best friends before the sun rises and then flying high on swim endorphins for the rest of the day?? Yes, please. Case in point: yes is more fun than no. The next time the word 'no' is on the tip of your tongue, try saying 'yes' instead. (Unless someone is asking you to jump off a cliff or bake four dozen cookies for a bake sale. In those instances, you should still say 'no.')

We were created to live in community. Stop trying to do things on your own. Seriously. Stop it. It's exhausting and not near as much fun. In a group, you can push each other, cheer for each other, lean on each other, celebrate together. Gather up some sisters, neighbors, MOPSers, same-church-section-sitters or random strangers and start living life. Together.

You is kind. You is smart. You is important. OK, maybe I learned that one from reading The Help, but it applies here too. It's easy in MommyLand to get caught up with everyone else's needs - which is admirable - and in the process we forget about ourselves - which is not so cool. This past year, I have realized that MeMyself&I have actual goals and dreams, and I have done things just for me. Revolutionary. It might sound selfish, but I would argue that taking care of yourself will in turn make you a better wife, mother, friend, worker, etc.

Be the change. I know it's cliche, but it's true. You can complain about being bored, unhappy or unhealthy. Or you can get up and do something about it. Which option will you pick? Do you want to run a 5K? You're going to have to get off the couch. Do you want to start your own business, make some new friends, or find a way to serve in your community? Make a plan, set a goal, and for goodness sake, just start.

Choose grace. Some days you're feeling it and you can run the extra mile. Some days you're not. Mama said there'd be days like this and (all together now) it's O...K... When you can't quite get it all together, extend yourself grace. And when you have extra love, energy, encouragement to spare, extend grace to others. Stop beating yourself up, stop judging others. Tomorrow is a new day. I promise.

* * * * *

One of my favorite pins reads: A year from now, you will wish you had started today.

It's one year later {260 workouts each, for those of you keeping track at home} and I am so, so glad we started.

Year Two and the journey continues...

{Previous Posts}

The post that started it all

Eight week update

Holy Exercise

Morale Boost

5K

Six month update

10K

Paddleboarding

Mud Run

15K