The Physical Challenge, just like Double Dare

One year ago at this very moment, my sister-in-law and I were running at the beach in New Jersy for our first half-marathon together.  Racing crowds are so energetic and positive.  As I finished the race, I damn near burst into tears.  Definitely a triumphant day!  Reminiscing got me thinking about what I'm working toward now when it comes to healthy eating and exercise.  I currently work with educating people about natural foods, and I'm working toward my Registered Dietician's exam, ultimately landing me in a position to help a lot of people modify their eating habits.  Awesome. 

But how about exercise-and training-wise?  Yes, I'm always striving for more comfort in that adorable bikini in my drawer - and that is getting to be a stronger motivation every day we inch closer to summer weather.  But wow did that half-marathon feel good.  Crossing that finish line let me leave a lot of crappy self-esteem issues in my dust.  My sister-in-law has since finished a full marathon and another half.  Ed and Dr. Ben are in training for the Half-Ironman in August.  (I'm surrounded by impressive people!)  If you haven't tried a race yet, sign up for one.  You won't regret it.  I considered another race myself, and I'm pondering running the Philly Half in September.  While I consider running-based training again, I've found a challenge that really excites me.  The Transformation Challenge, endorsed by my favorite IFBB competitor Nicole Wilkins Lee.

Yesterday I picked up a copy of M&F Hers and happily found an article featuring Nicole Wilkins Lee, who swept up wins left and right at the Figure Olympia 2009.  Every girl who's serious about training and fat loss can benefit from having a favorite fit model or athlete who inspires you - when you read the magazines over and over, you're bound to develop some favorite role models.  I don't want to be as muscley, nor do I want to compete in the IFBB, but Nicole is amazingly fit, positive, adorable, and has really helped training click for me. Who inspires you? 

Most recently, Nicole is the fit model for this diet & exercise program contest being sponsored by M&F Hers & Nutrigenix called the Transformation Challenge.  The deal is you have to send full-body before pics and measurements by May 14th, and then the end results on July 12.  They provide 8 weeks of training plans and menu ideas, and you work it.  If they think your results are Win-worthy, you get to travel to meet Nicole and train with her and superstar trainer Kim Oddo.  Intimidating, but sweet!  Since she's been such an inspiration to me.. and because I happen to need some specific focus (and some fat loss!), I'm signing up.  Ooh scary!  Talk about accountability. 

What I like is that signing up for this plan will take the thinking out of training.  So much of the time I wonder if I'm training enough, or which part I should train.  Should I train my back or my chest or my shoulders this day or that day, or if should just do some cardio?.. I feel a little haphazard.  What brings it home for me is that I love the food plan they lay out - it's pretty much a continuation of the ten-day I've been doing, so signing up will force me to continue it.

Think I can hack it?  ..Think you can hack it?  Maybe you could sign up too.  If you leaned out by July 12th, wouldn't you be a happy camper?  I will be.  I want to wear that damn bikini!, and be healthier, and more confident, and set a good example.  Depending on my success, maybe I'll post my before and after pics, though that may be one tic off the deep end of the bold-o-meter. We shall see.  Stay tuned.