Way excited!

A bout with Rheumatic Fever when I was 11 or 12 has kept me fairly aware of heart health and my particular need to take care of my own heart.  My grandfather died in 1985 of heart failure--and as a child, he also had Rheumatic Fever.  Grandpa was extremely limited in his last years and required supplemental oxygen.

I'd prefer not to have to pack an oxygen tank around with me

But I also want to be able to look as good in swim trunks as grandpa did at 62.

Sorta.

So, I was pretty excited when I got the news I was in the 100-Day Hearth Challenge.  To be honest, I really didn't think I'd ever be selected because I'm already fairly active: I run.

Marathons.

Where I totally stink at the heart health is in my eating.  And there's a reason for that--but no good reason.  My marital status went from married to not 8 years ago and suddenly I had to fend for myself.  Fending for myself, at least in the food category, for much of that time has involved a close and personal relationship with Del Taco, Wendy's, sometimes McDonald's, and more recently, In-N-Out Burger.  That and the 32oz to 64oz (and beyond) daily Pepsi habit I've had since high school (all hail the Big Chill!).  Even with all my running I have been unsuccessful in getting my weight and cholesterol down to respectable levels.

So, here I am, 3 weeks in and only one Double-Double and 3 plain old bean and cheese burritos from my old stand by's.  Oh!  And zero carbonated beverages!

And exercise.  If I thought I had been (exercising) before, I was sorely mistaken.  Apparently I need to exercise muscles other than those used to run.  Who knew?

My trainer is awesome.  Props to McCade.  I'm very excited and hopeful for what we'll accomplish before this thing is over.

Most of all, though; I'm looking forward to making changes to my dietary habits.  Already I've found that it doesn't have to be a difficult process fraught with bothersome calorie calculations and confusing conversion tables.  Just a little time and a willingness to get out of the drive-thru.  Plus, I figure I can save a few bucks here and there too!  Bonus!

Here we go!  Join me on this journey, will you?  And who knows--maybe I'll set myself up for a BQ opportunity as an add on.