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Introduction Text Maintenance of a lifestyle, that's what this is about, for me. Updating for the start of the 5% 2020 Fall Challenge. There are various pictures in the photo gallery, including a "really, really before". For several years I titled this page "A little old lady in training" "Little" because I had become physically small. "Old lady" because that is my goal, to live to a ripe old age. "In training" because that's how I intend to make that goal happen: by training my mind and body. But I am now retired, for nearly 3 years (December 2017 was my last working month). During training, I became comfortable calling the 120's "home". I had found a comfortable way of eating healthy, a comfortable calorie range, and a training goal to keep fitness level alive. This is how I want to live the rest of my life, or so I told myself. Since retiring both from work and from racing, some adjustments are needed. Basic biographical: I am a 68 year old empty-nester. I have one grown son. Two cats. I have had some regain of the pounds I worked so hard to lose since retirement and becoming less active. So I'm working on it from the nutrition angle again. No single program or diet is the "final answer" for me: I'm a compulsive over-eater. The plan I choose to follow must be balanced nutrition and activity, because it truly is about living LIFE, as fully and with as much vibrant health as I can. The end goal is to keep working at developing and maintaining healthy habits.

Stay on track, live consistently, be healthy. That means a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Nothing says you have to curl up in a ball just because you're past the half-century mark.

The two pieces of my program when I started: 1) Reduce my intake of saturated fats, while eating a balanced diet with my favorite fruits and veggies prominent. 2) Keep moving at the rate of 20 minutes of walking almost every day, and two strength training days a week. Athletic dreams that came true: In 2011 I walked my first half marathon, with HOT4FITNESS. In 2012, I completed my first Sprint distance triathlon. In 2014, I completed my first Olympic distance triathlon. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, I participated in the age group national triathlon, at the Olympic distance. In short, my basic program morphed into training for "big" (to me) events, over time. It takes modification of both nutrition and activity to do this, but it made me feel alive. After the death of my brother (MOBYCARP) in July 2019, I vowed I was done with racing events, and ran/walked my last 5K in NYC in November, 2019. I have not signed on for any races since. But I am conten

Obviously, from my groups, you might infer I'm from Nebraska. You would be right. I grew up around here, moved away while my son was young, and moved back when he was a teenager. Love it here, it's home.

As of September 2020, I am STILL an active Sparker, and it is my intent to continue this for as long as God grants, to offer encouragement to others, as well as to remember why I did this, and why it remains a priority for me. Never forget your roots, but do NOT stop at the goal line, either! I am slowing down now, but I am committed to doing what I can to have the best quality of life by making wise choices.

Add a Link - Barb (Nebraska - US CST i.e. UTC - 6) Defeat is temporary: giving up makes it permanent! Never give up! Max lifetime weight 224.5 (1989)
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