Practicing instead of preaching the message of Get Your Rear in Gear

Over the last year and a half, I went from being fit and health conscious to Forest Gumping.  While preaching about the message of “Get Your Rear in Gear,” I have failed to practice.  In truthfulness, I’ve been not getting my rear in gear since October of 2007 when halfway through the Marine Corps Marathon, I stopped running and walked the last 13.1 miles.

After returning to Minnesota, I vowed to just take a couple of months off as I thought I was simply burned out from marathons and running.  Those months became more months and before I knew it edging on almost two years.  I now host a belly of jelly.  Sleeping in and then thinking about everyone else exercising became my new regiment.

In recent months, I’ve managed to grow out of my wardrobe with the exception of some comfortable sweat pants and one pair of stretch jeans which have been stretched beyond the original design.  I found myself wanting to hide rather than speak at Get Your Rear in Gear events. I was a fraud in my mind.

A good friend, Meshach Weber, sat down with me for our monthly sushi and suggested I become  sushi – “raw.”  He thought I should blog my “not rear in gear” story.  He then contacted a friend of his who owns and operates one of the top personal training centers in the Twin Cities to get myself moving.

Eric Hall, owner of Avatar training studio was intrigued with what we were doing with Get Your Rear in Gear and offered me a discounted rate.  His goal?  Get me back on track and help motivate others to do the same with their training program.  This is not a “biggest loser” mentality, his team offers healthy body, mind and soul.

At age 45, I know this will not be an easy process, but I am committed to the meaning behind “Get Your Rear in Gear.”  Eric and his team have a great program focused on the health of the body.  He plans to complement our other fitness expert, Malia Frey, in helping to motivate all of you wanting to live a healthy life.

My first task will be to log everything I’m eating and start my training.  After two weeks, an assessment will be done by Lori Post R.D., LD on my nutritional habits.  Lori has asked me to be honest and not change my diet until the assessment.  She will also look at my medical history as part of the analysis.

No matter how not in gear you find yourself today or if you are in shape, follow along in this journey for some helpful tips.  See you in a week!