Thanksgivings

Looking down at the metrics screen for the Adaptive Motion Trainer or AMT, the frustration I’ve been fighting over my injured heel and lack of weight loss vaporized, only to be replaced by happiness.

The first time Michelle showed me the AMT I was only able to make it through 3 or 4 minutes on the lowest setting. Begging for mercy, as I stepped down and tried to walk, my legs literally collapsed under me and it took several moments before I was able to steady myself and move with ease again.

My happiness now was in recognizing that even though my weight loss has plateaued and that I have had to relax the intensity of my workouts and the type of exercising that I can do (really, I shouldn’t do ANY time on the AMT so that my heel can heal) I am now able to work out longer, harder and faster than I hoped for when Project Purpose started.

It takes several minutes for my heart to reach the target heart rate and it drops almost immediately when I back off the intensity of my workout. It can be a challenge to remind myself that my project purpose was to gain health, and fitness, and be able to sleep well again. Weight loss was never a consideration – just an added bonus.

Otto, our snuffle-puff hedgehog.

We are 19 weeks into P2 with only six or seven remaining. My Achilles heel is doing a lot better, and I have come to terms with my body’s need to slow down a bit so that it can ‘catch up’ with where I want to be.

The holiday season is definitely underway, and with it an even busier schedule. I’ve been spending more hours listening to music for ‘The Nutcracker’ as my daughter rehearses for Canyon Concert Ballet’s performances at the Rialto and Lincoln Center than I have spent at the gym. Yet, the semester is winding down and we are all looking forward to having a bit more free time when winter break arrives.

I’m so very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Project Purpose. Thankful that I’ve been able to set aside time to move. Thankful to regain all that has been put on hold while my little ones grew old enough to have independence and the ability to care for themselves. Thankful that my little family encourages me to keep going on the days after a session with Michelle and every muscle aches. I am thankful for having such a fabulous team at The Coloradoan’s Mind + Body, at Miramont, at home, in work, and in life.

So we, Karl, Caleb, Meghan and I - along with big dog, little dog, and hedgehog wish you, Kind Reader, a very Happy Thanksgiving from our “House of Chaos” to yours.