Superwoman

Yesterday at the gym an older woman (older than me by quite a few years) approached me as I was working out on a machine. She asked about the amount of weight I had on the machine. I wasn't really sure, I just know that I use one big weight and two small ones on each side so I turned around and added them up.

Forty-five on each side. I turned back and stated, "One large and two small so 45 pounds a side." She nodded, said that was great, and please leave them on for her when I was done. I thought 90 pounds seemed like quite a bit for someone who was probably pushing 70, but when I was done I left them as instructed and moved on to another machine.

A few minutes she charged up to me and barked, "Do you know how much weight was on that machine?" I nodded. "Ninety pounds, ninety pounds," she said, shaking her head. Apparently she had misunderstood what I had said earlier and had expected a much lighter weight. She then stated, "I tried to use that machine and could not budge it. You must be a super woman!"

A few minutes later, when I told my husband the story we both laughed at the notion of me as a super woman. Later, however, as I thought about the incident I thought, "Damn straight, I am a super woman!" I get up every morning and work at a job where I am verbally abused on a regular basis (customer service), I work out on a regular basis, I'm a pretty good wife, stepmom, daughter and friend. I eat fairly healthy, do volunteer work, vote on a regular basis. I don't litter, I use my blinker when I drive and I am a pretty good tipper.

I also hang out with other super women. In fact most of the women I know are, in their own way super women. My friend Lynn who has signed up for the Body Challenge at a local gym is kicking butt. My friend Denise who has lost 30 pounds while running a highly successful business. Dana, who has joined me in many fitness adventures, teaches special education and has devoted a huge amount of time to fostering dogs and cats rescued from shelters and puppy mills. Patty, a teacher, grandma and someone who is willing to join me in some of my 12 in 2012 adventures. Connie who is helping to raise her grandchildren. My mom who is learning how to live as a widow. My pregnant daughter-in-law who is growing my granddaughter (a future super woman).

All strong, powerful women. None of whom, if asked, would claim to be a super woman. Who, if called a super woman would probably react as I did -- with laughter. You too are probably a super woman.

So as a part of my 2012 fitness adventure I am going to own my super woman status. I am going to kick some butt. Go for the gusto so to speak.

Up next, Zumba. I've never tried Zumba and have been reluctant to give it a try. I am not very graceful and am rather afraid of looking foolish. But now as a super woman I realize I have nothing to fear. Then in February, snow shoeing. Another first.

I can't wait.

Why 12 in 12 in 2012

Before I talk about the why and what of 12 in 12 in 2012 I should tell a little about myself. I am a 50 something, slightly overweight, married woman who works for a community mental health agency and is about to become a first time grandma. I tend to work better when I have well defined goals. I am also, according to my husband, a little bit crazy.

That said I have decided to make 2012 the year I finally become a truly fit person. The year I finally lose that final 7 pounds. The year I lose my little belly. The year I gain a body I feel good about wearing. The year I finally become a lifetime member at Weight Watchers.

Knowing myself -- my strengths and my challenges -- I know I have to have a more specific goal than "get fit in 2012" for this to happen. I also know that, for me, exercise is an important part of me losing weight. The fact is -- I LIKE TO EAT. I am not one of those people who can eat 1000 calories a day and be ok. I also need to have a reason to push myself or I just won't do the amount of exercise that I need to do.

So 12 in 12 in 2012! My goal is to do some sort of fitness event every month in 2012.

I have already signed up to do the Warrior Dash (a 5K through an obstacle course).in July. For my January event my husband and I signed-up for a walking program at Chippewa Nature Center (a local nature center --duh --with miles of trails). The goal of the program is to walk 100 miles on their trails during 2012. I know, kind of cheaty since the whole event does not take place in January, but the sign-up did and this is my goal, so my rules.

Also I had planned on spending some time in December planning this out a little better. That plan went by the wayside on December 13th when my Dad unexpectedly passed away after emergency surgery. Grief has a way of ruining good intentions.

February -- I found a local 5K. Or maybe the snowshoeing event at the Chippewa Nature Center. I have never tried snowshoeing but have heard it burns up tons of calories. The Alpharace is coming to my town in June. Who knows what else will come along.

So onward to 2012 and my big fitness adventure!!