Today is Day 1 of my first DietBet 10 challenge, and I'm feeling optimistic. I have spent more time today planning meals and exercise schedules than I have in years, and I have to admit that the idea of a monthly payout and possible SURPRIZES (!!!!) motivates me more than some of the online (free) support groups that I've tried (and, if I'm going to be honest, blew off).
I'm charging up my FitBit, and tomorrow I will start my daily DVD challenge. I also am going to work on training my dog to walk better on the leash, and we'll build our way up to being running buddies. It will make him happy to get more exercise, and it will help me move toward my goal of getting back into marathon-running.
It is hard for me to see this Day 1 photo from my weigh in, which is the heaviest I've ever weighed. I need to lose 25 lbs. in the next six months in order to win the bet, but I'm hoping to double that. I would love to be back under 200 lbs. at the end of this challenge, and to be fit enough to run a 10K.
It's going to be a big challenge, but as I learned when I ran my first marathon, that it's all about taking it one step at a time, and doing what you need to do do week in and week out to build up your strength and endurance to get to the finish line.
For years I have put other things ahead of my health; now it's time to put myself first.