Lose Weight While Living Life!

This past Fourth of July weekend was unlike any other for me: I did something I never envisioned myself doing. This 35-years-old mother of three slid into a wet suit and hit the salty waters of the beach, entering the world of surfing: a fantastic world I knew absolutely nothing about. As I made my way into the ocean, and the water reached my calves, and then my thighs, the reality of what I was about to do shifted my heart into overdrive. I bravely tried to conceal it from my instructor, Phil, who smiled and said, “Are you ready?” I mustered up a smile in return. As we made our way further into the swirling blue water, I listened carefully to his instructions and could only hope that all of my days in the gym up to this point would pay off. I knew I had a relatively strong upper body and was hopeful that would be useful as I held on for dear life to the surf board. Each wave that smashed into my body seemed to do more than leave me breathless when I surfaced. Although I was tossed to and fro, the waves also washed away layers of doubt and misconception that I did not belong in the world of surfing. Each wave seemed to further strip me of the idea that a 35-year-old mother of three had no business trying something this crazy. Each time I surfaced from a powerful wave, I felt myself transforming into a stronger woman; an athlete, a warrior that that was going to physically challenge herself and come out victorious. In addition, this new adventure was also going to help in my weight-loss mission!

The truth of the matter was that I had not been in the ocean for many years. My girls love the beach, especially the 9-year-old, but our visits to the coast usually consist of me keeping a watchful eye on her as I play in the sand with my toddler and 1-year-old. My previous idea of getting wet was holding one of my little girl’s hands while the small waves splashed our feet.

When I first began my weight-loss mission in January of 2008, I decided that this time the process was going to be different than any other attempt I had made. I NEEDED assortment of activities in order to ensure longevity and remain motivated. The thought of exclusively running on a treadmill or doing the SAME cardio machine every day at the gym was unappealing. I was at a point in my life where I craved variety. I wanted to enjoy life – to live life - as I lost weight; not afterward. I chose to view exercise as much more than a means to get in shape. It would become a vehicle to have new life experiences, perhaps live out some dreams!

In addition to crazy ideas like surfing, one of my early dreams was to participate in some 5k races. So prior to even considering surfing I logged onto the internet, found a race near me, signed up, invited some friends to join me, and then began training. It was that simple...or so I thought. A couple of my girlfriends, Trisha and Virna, who also happen to be engaged to two of my brothers, began training with me in early February. We kept at it, and by early April that same spring I completed my first 5K race, “The Carlsbad 5000.” I was not concerned about the time, but rather crossing the finish line with friends and a smile! Later in April, I completed my second race for the year, the “Coronado Bay Bridge.” I am amazed that if all goes according to plan this year, I will have participated in at least three 5K races and one 10K race! What a life I’m living! It is clear to me that had I simply began this weight loss mission only to lose weight, I would have missed out on wonderful experiences! In the past few months I have felt fortunate that in addition to making my dream come true -- of becoming a lean, strong, vibrant, energetic mother -- I am also checking off some life long dreams from my list!