the 5K challenge...

One of the biggest things that makes me unhappy is my weight. About five years ago, I lost over 40 pounds...you can read the full story here. In the time since then, I have slowly put the weight back on and am now at my heaviest. Yuck.

A week ago, my husband was going to take our daughters skiing. I told them I couldn't go along with them because I had too much to do. The truth was that I cant fit into my ski pants. Double yuck.

Being healthy will be a big part of being happy. I am looking forward to a summer of biking and running around with my kids and being able to hang out at they neighbors' pool without embarrassment.

So, some like-minded friends and I have begun a 5K challenge for 2014. The goal is to complete three 5K runs or walks a week. For each one completed, we put a dollar in a jar. The plan will be to spend the money on a group activity later...something like a pedicure or a happy hour. (To be honest, I would always choose a happy hour...maybe that's why I'm in the position I'm in.)

Here's the flip side: if you don't make the goal that week you need to put $5 in the jar, plus $1 for every mile you are short. Yikes.

Two of the ladies and I cranked out the first 5K on New Year's Day. Today, I brought my daughters to the gym and completed #2.

I am nowhere near as fast as I used to be and it hurt like hell getting started, but I did it. And, by the last 20 minutes, it actually felt pretty good.

The best part was that my girls came with me. They went to the child center while I was on the treadmill then we all went to the pool afterwards. It was a great afternoon. The girls had a great time and are now hooked on going. Let's hope their enthusiasm continues and that they start begging me to take them to the club. What fantastic motivation that would be!