[By Carrie Nowak]

Here we are! I was given a chance for a Fresh Start and I am embracing it! Even if every muscle in my body–muscles I didn’t even know existed–hurt. I’m embracing it, damn it. I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in the Fresh Start Challenge at the Kroc Center, so I’m going to take full advantage of it. If you haven’t been to the Kroc, I would highly recommend checking it out. We had been members before, but let our membership expire because, well, babies and life just happened. I have felt welcomed back from the first time I walked in to start this course; I have never felt  intimidated or judged here, and there is something to do for everyone in my family.

Now I am a stay at home mom (this is the role that takes up most of my time) to three amazing girls (1,3 & 6) and as most of you know, life with small children can be crazy and leave moms with little or no time for ourselves. This Fresh Start challenge couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I was beginning to lose myself. Everyone else, everything else came first in my life. I somehow ended up coming in last and it was beginning to affect me in more ways than one. So I decided enough was enough–I’m going to start taking care of me so I can be the best mom, wife and all the other hats I wear!

The Fresh Start Challenge started with a weigh in. That’s always fun to do in front of another person…said no one EVER. But, I will only get closer to my goal during this challenge. And let’s not forget it’s a competition! Speaking of goals, we had a great session with one of the trainers that was very positive and made a bit of a spark for me. I wrote down a few goals that I will share:
1) Take 2 exercise classes a week
2) Do not be intimidated to try new things, so what if it’s hard or awkward.
3) Lose weight
4) Take it out of the gym…go tubing, snowshoeing or try fat tire biking.

I’m very excited about this challenge. I’ve met some great people. The two other “let’s go mommy” moms participating in this challenge, Marcie and Stephanie, are amazing and I think together we can keep each other on track and make this fun! It’s a bit easier trying new things when you have a buddy to do it with. We can laugh together as we try to figure out the bikes at spin class and then try to walk up the stairs afterwards because are legs are so sore after class!! 🙂

Stay tuned next Friday for another update from one of the other moms!