Introduction:
Welcome to my new blog, “Lace Up”. Allow me to briefly introduce myself. My name is Courtenay, and I’m nearly 42 years old. My inspiration to change my life began with a meme that you see below.
What do I want to be when I’m an old lady? I’ve never been married, I have no kids – nor do I wish to have any. Who’s going to take care of me when I’m 70?
I’ve learned from experience that the answer is that I have a choice. I have watched so many people become helpless at an early age, due to life choices. Chain smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diet, or even just plain laziness. Although there is something to be said for genetics, some things are a choice. My family has a history of disposition to stomach and brain cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory issues. I’ve already received the “gifts” of hypertension and asthma. However, I truly believe that if you take care of your body, you can greatly improve your odds of beating or even avoiding these conditions.
In the last year or so, I had been *thinking* about taking up running. But, I had genetically bad knees and asthma. A few months ago, a beginners running course became available to me. And right around this time, I saw this meme, and realized….I HAVE A CHOICE! It was time to stop making excuses. Use then inhaler, buy some good knee braces and hit the streets! I recently ran my second 5K.
It wasn’t enough though. Needing to lose about 35 lbs, I also decided to change my diet. But I didn’t know how to cook! Well guess what? I’m learning how to cook too! It’s actually amazing how empowered this makes me feel! I cut out alcohol, cheese, bread, fruit juices (how deceptive those are!), and pasta. Two months later, I’m down 20 lbs, and I’ve never felt better.
You will never EVER get a cup of coffee out of my cold dead hands, however. I’ll take it black, thank you.
Lace Up 