Introducing Fitness Friday

One of my goals for 2018 is to get myself back in shape. I know it has a lot to do with my self-image, energy levels, and therefore...my libido. In order to revive my sex life, getting back in shape is going to be a priority.

Like everything else, I'm taking this one step at a time...starting small, but progressing toward bigger goals. I chose health as one of my top three priorities (along with my marriage and writing) this year, and to hold myself accountable, I'm going to share my progress here once a week. I'm calling it Fitness Friday, and it will just be a simple update/reflection to keep me honest and connected to my intention.

I'm also keeping this simple. I like routine, and I hate exercise, so it has to be something that can be easily scheduled and done at any time, with minimal effort, preparation, and equipment. I have a treadmill, a yoga mat/blocks/bolster, five and ten pound weights, resistance bands, good running shoes, and a little space in my house.

There are a bazillion programs and possibilities out there, but here's where I am and what I'm starting with:

• 196.5 lbs (EEK! The heaviest I have ever been!)
• Size 16

(see below for current pics)

SLEEP - My goal is at least 7 hours a night (tough for me) and a 10 pm bedtime on weeknights, since I get up at 5 a.m.  I know that sleep impacts pretty much everything else...energy, weight, mood...so it's at the top of my priority list.

HYDRATION & DETOX - My goal is 64 oz. and I'm just starting to use a detox tea (Traditional Medicinals) each night. Like sleep, water is often the answer.

MOVEMENT - Running. Signed up for a 10K and am following the Zombies, Run! 5K training program and then the 10K training program (total = 15 weeks).

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS - Smarty Pants Adult Complete with Fiber, Smarty Pants Probiotic, Adrenal Support with magnesium and hormone stabilizers (just added), and St. John's Wort (I'm currently off anti-depressants...so we'll see how this goes...I've used it before with decent results). I suppose these aren't necessary, but it makes me feel good to take them.

DIET - Of course there is always nutrition, as well. I don't diet...I just try to limit and moderate items that are bad for me. This means watching my sugar and carb intake and limiting alcohol and caffeine. Otherwise, I try to eat three meals a day and avoid snacking. We eat pretty healthily, so I'm not concentrating on this part of my health at the moment.

PICTURE - I'm not comfortable showing unedited photos of myself...mostly because I'm not proud. It's not that I hate my body...it didn't do this to me. I did this to my body. This is truly the most out of shape I have ever been, and though I can focus on my good attributes and only upload those images that flatter me, it wouldn't be honest in this context. So, here it is...this is where I am right now. I'll use the same camera, same underwear, same background, and same collage to show the "improvements" as I go. I've never fully committed to a plan like this, so I'm hoping that promising an audience that I'll keep it up will help me stay on track.