I had Shred415 mantras to keep me going.
A little over a year ago, on December 26, 2014, my brothers and I decided to run the San Diego Big Bay 5K. Except that they ran it, while I found myself out of breath, side cramping, and walking most of the route.
I decided I needed to make a change. On January 1, 2015, against my rule to not make New Year’s resolutions, I proclaimed to my husband and brothers that I would work out 100 days in 2015. I wanted to get myself to a routine of working out two days a week. I wasn’t looking to lose weight. You see, I fit in my clothes, but I wanted to BE FIT in my clothes. I wanted to feel fit, to be strong and, with young twins, I wanted to make sure that I’d be able to keep up with them.
So, on January 10, 2015, I met my friend for an early Saturday Shred415 class in the South Loop with Jeremy. When I got there, my friend warned me that it was the 2nd Saturday of the month, which meant it was the Mile Challenge class. But instead of being discouraged, it was exactly the challenge I needed!
Soon, Saturday mornings at Shred415 South Loop were just part of my fitness routine, and I found myself going to class two to three times a week. My kids also put a sticker on our calendar for every day I worked out. I felt proud every time I could tell them, “Yes, I exercised today!”
My intention at the beginning of the year to work out 100 days was a goal I wasn’t sure I could achieve—and I had reached that goal by the end of April! I ran my first 10K, the Rock N Roll 10K, in July during the hottest day of the year in Chicago—and I finished in a little over one hour. I had Shred415 mantras to keep me going, “No panic in the lungs,” “Every breath, every step, you get stronger!”
Next, I signed up for the Chicago Half Marathon. On September 27, I found myself ready to run 13.1 miles. I prepared by doing training runs and also cross-training with Shred415 classes. I finished that race in just over two hours, and I never stopped running the entire time. I couldn’t believe it.
I can’t wait to see what 2016 holds for me. I’ve already signed up for two half marathons and I know that I can count on Shred415 for my training.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I ended 2015 surpassing even my own expectations of my goal for 100 days of workouts. My final count? 288 days, with 103 of those at Shred415.
To become Shredder of the Month, submit your Shred415 success story to [email protected]. Whomever is chosen will receive an unlimited month of Shred415 classes. He or she will also be recognized on our blog and social media channels.
