Thursday, February 24, 2011

Operation FUF

I have been keeping up with a few friends, via multiple social networks, who are working out with specific fitness programs. C25K is a popular program to get folks used to running and working towards a successful 5K completion. Various Boot Camp programs guide participants through four weeks of daily as-the-sun-rises exercises while encouraging success at any fitness level. Some folks are long-distance "diet partners" who share victories and help each other recover after small setbacks.

I've battled my weight my entire life, and the only time I've been successful with any long-term lifestyle change: put together a program, and do it. Just freaking do it. Log your miles, record your calories, know what you can and cannot allow in your daily routine.

This is where Operation FUF comes into play. Certain hoar friends will know the true meaning of that acronym, but let's just call it "Fit Under Forty" or something more clever. After all, in a mere twelve months (and five days), I'll be hitting that four-oh milestone. If I continue indulging in my current lifestyle, there won't be much to celebrate.

At 29, I played competitive tennis 3-5 times per week. I even ran (for fun!) occasionally.

Years 30-38, not so much. Joe and I did complete a 30mi fundraiser bike ride, but that's about it. I blame it on New York. Limited tennis, crappy winters, and a dozen restaurants mere blocks from the house. Nah...as much as I would love to blame NY, it's all on me.

At 39, this girl is going to get busy. Boise is the fifth most active city in the U.S. There is so much to do, the weather is awesome most of the time, and I live a half mile from a 23-mile walk/run/bike heaven known as The Greenbelt. There are winter and summer activities a-plenty, so there are NO EXCUSES for this fluffy gal.

Stay tuned. It all starts with a single step.