Starting at the bottom of the fitness ladder...

I suppose we each have to start _somewhere_ and in so doing I choose to start here, at the bottom rung of my fitness goals.

Well perhaps not quite at the BOTTOM rung, but at least somewhere near that lowly starting point.

I'm a 35 year old gal who has a few lofty but achievable goals.

1. Finish the next 6 months of my 10 month Certified Dental Assisting course at VCC downtown (its a full time and VERY intense experience).

2. Be able to run 2.4 km in 15:25 minutes or less (13:27 minutes being an ideal goal)*

3. Be able to run 8 km in no specific amount of time.*

4. Be able to accomplish a minimum 7 regular pushups with as many as possible being an ideal number.*

5. Be able to do 12 sit-ups in one minute (achievable now)*

6. Be able to do 2 complete chin-ups from a full dangle all the way to the correct position and back.*

7. To lose approximately 20-30lbs.

8. Have a Handgrip strength of at least 48 (lbs?)*

FORESEEABLE HINDRANCES WHICH MAY TEMPT MY MOTIVATION:

-I only have (at minimum) until July 2009 to accomplish these fitness goals

-I am a full time student on a limited budget living downtown

-I live with a at guy who is the farthest thing from being fit or outdoor energetic

-The guy mentioned above doesn't share my euthasium for a military re-enlistment as a Dental Technician* and thus communication about this avenue are avoided.

*-With additional importance for my military re-enlistment goals, the better fit I am, the easier basic will be during that exhaustive 13 week period. (I've already experienced 5 weeks of basic to know what to expect)

WHAT AM I DOING TO WORK TOWARDS THESE GOALS? (Living downtown without a car on a limited budget)

-I've signed up for a gym membership (Fitness World) - the 24hr downtown location is a block away.

-I've signed up for the LEARN TO RUN program at the Running Room store a couple of blocks away to get me out and motivated. (It starts January 5th)

-I purchased a second-hand treadmill for our livingroom

-I have made resolutions with myself to adopt the same sleep schedule experienced while previously in Basic Training to give me more time for morning fitness/treadmill time

-With previous success in managing my diet, I'll be cooking my own meals once again (my laziness in simply consuming what is available/made by my boyfriend has lead to unwanted weight gain)

PREVIOUS RUN SUCCESS

I've previously finished the Sun Run in under and hour (although I remember quite vividly that it wasn't pain or gasp free). Its been some time since that accomplishment.

IN SUMMARY:

I KNOW I can do this - if you want something enough - then if its important to you - you and only you can make it happen. (I just hope that by being here, even if in text form, that any support I can glean will get me closer to my goals).

I'm starting officially on January 1st.

Karen Ramel