Marathon Runner?

Okay, I know it's been awhile since you've last heard from me. I have no excuse other than being a slacker. It's harder keeping up with my blogging than it is with my diet or exercise program. I have continued to push my pace with my workouts and the results have been positive.
This challenge I'm finding out is more like a marathon race. A race that continues to go on and on and on.... It's becoming clearer to me that this is more of a process of changing your lifestyle and getting into healthy routines than it is about just losing some weight.

I will say that I'm not reallylooking forward to my next group workout because I am physically tired and sore. Micah really worked us last week. The group workout reminded me of one that Jillian or Bob would put their teams through on the biggest loser. I was so impressed with how hard the gals on my team pushed themselves. My teammates are awesome. We are constantly encouraging each other and it helps when we're struggling with one of Micah's activities that he's having us do. I also enjoy having Joe there too. He's really taking his own training serious. It's nice to have him there. His presence makes me push myself and work harder. He brings out the competitiveness in me.

My diet has been like a roller coaster ride at times throughout this challenge. You know, up and down! The first two weeks were okay but then I've had a couple of days in between where I ate things that I probably shouldn't have. I know I'm going to have to be more strict at watching my calories, carbs, and sugars as I progress in the challenge and then for the rest of my life!

My first official elimination weigh in took place this morning and I was very pleased with my results. I have lost weight, inches, and body fat %. I can tell the difference in my cardio and strength training. My flexibility is better too! I know that this wouldn't have happened if I wasn't involved in this challenge. I've had plenty of days where I didn't want to go to the gym and I probably wouldn't have had I not been in this challenge. The support have had from my trainer, Micah, my teammates, and especially my wife, Kim, have helped keep me motivated to work out.

My next "challenge" will be to keep the pounds and inches coming off. I'm weary about "hitting the wall" and not progressing like I should. My mindset is becoming more focused on my little goals instead of my overall goals. I will also continue to draw strength from 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Not matter what happens to me in this challenge I will continue work towards better the body that God gave me.