Transforming Lives: Two Women’s Journeys to Health and Fitness

Overcoming Fears and Doubts

Darby and Adrienne faced their share of fears and doubts when they embarked on their six-week journey to establish healthy habits and run their first 10K. Darby was nervous about changing her eating habits, while Adrienne worried about her knee situation.

Healthy Eating Habits

Darby took the first step by cutting back on snacks and fried foods, making a conscious decision to drink less. Although it was tough at first, she soon found herself not missing those unhealthy options. Instead, she opted for salads and lean meats, which led to a remarkable weight loss of five pounds over six weeks. The better she ate, the better she felt.

Finding Alternative Exercises

Adrienne, on the other hand, had to find alternative exercises that wouldn’t put too much strain on her knee. She started swimming at her local pool, doing 45 to 60 minutes of freestyle strokes, and later incorporated vinyasa yoga at her local yoga studio. Her physical therapist guided her on which strokes to avoid, and she used towels or extra mats to support her knee.

Regaining Athletic Confidence

For Darby, running the 10K race was a major confidence booster. It reminded her of her tennis training days in college, and she felt athletic again. Adrienne, too, was excited about establishing good habits, which helped her create a sense of routine amidst the chaos of moving and starting a new job.

The Power of Scheduling

Both Darby and Adrienne credited their weekly schedules for their success. They set aside rest days, cardio days, and strength days, with Monday being their designated rest day. However, they soon learned to be flexible, as unexpected events often came up. Darby would exercise after work, waking up early if she had plans, or doing quick workouts like jump rope or jumping jacks if time was scarce.

Advice for Future Challengers

Adrienne’s advice to others is to:

• Make a schedule
• Be realistic
• Always have a plan B

Darby adds that it’s essential to:

• Be open to trying new things
• Step out of your comfort zone
• Make sacrifices to achieve your goals

Looking Ahead

As they reflect on their journey, Darby and Adrienne are excited about their future plans. Adrienne wants to explore more alternative exercises, like yoga and swimming, to reduce the impact on her body. Darby, on the other hand, is eager to do another race, drawn to the idea of timing herself and competing with others. For both, the journey has been transformative, boosting their mood, confidence, and overall well-being.