Day 40: The Final Countdown

My Entourage with Roberto ~ Suzanne, Lee, Linda, & Jamie

As I was gearing up and getting ready to head to Title, I took a few moments to just reflect on the past 39 days.  It was emotional.  I felt excited and could see the end in sight. Only one problem though...Getting through Roberto's class.  Because I wanted to begin and end at The 7-6, I choose to save Roberto for the Grand Finale.  I had only taken his class one other time on Thanksgiving when he agreed to help us burn some calories before taking in all of Grandma's secret recipes.  At the time, I thought it was such a cool thing for him to give up an hour of his time with his family for the good of continuing our health.  I'll admit I was terrified to attend that Thanksgiving day after hearing all the stories.  He decided that day to go old school and do a long warm-up with jump ropes.  I had not jump roped in years and struggled to find my groove.  The other thing that stands out is there is no talking or socializing.  It's total focus and he means serious biz!

At least I had a previous glimpse of what I was walking into today.  I would just do my best and focus on the task at hand....To hit that 40 days will be an amazing feeling!  I was so excited to see my entourage there to support me!  Suzanne, Linda, Lee, and Jamie were all in the house!  When I approached my bag, I could see balloons and a card.  Kim, our wonderful owner and cheerleader, had taken the time to set this up for me.  I was truly shocked because everyone is so busy and know it takes extra effort to do this.  This is why Kim has been able to build such an amazing business.  She does truly care about each individual!

My Surprises ~ Mom & Dad 

As class was starting, it was time to forget about all the birthday wishes, balloons, cards, and high fives.  It was down to business.  I started to brace myself was we starting running around the perimeter with the med ball.  It challenged everything I had to keep the ball up while running.  Then, to stop with a drill and continue with sprints.  Remember, I'm not a sprinter...I'm a distance runner and pace is my friend.  I could not look like a wimp!  This was it!  It didn't matter if I couldn't walk afterwards because I was at the finish line!

As I rounded one of the numerous laps, I hear Jamie say, "Your parents are here!"  I was wondering how they were able to make it there without me knowing.  Were they playing hookie from work?  My Mom always knows just the right thing to do or say.  Every Hallmark card she buys me is absolutely perfect and makes me cry.  She finds little gifts that hold memories for me.  She is the master of life's little surprises.  Yeah, she pretty much knows me after 40 years!  As for Dad, he is ALWAYS there.  He may not say much, but know I can always count on him!

The heat was on!  I was definitely feeling it while sharing a bag with Suzanne.  She is like a machine that can throw kicks to knock you off your feet!  I struggled to hold the bag for all her power.  We continued to switch off holding the bag while punching/kicking.  I was on the floor for one of the final times doing side kicks while rolling onto both hips with Roberto yelling, "Fight for your life!"  I just felt this surge of energy and started kicking the bag with all my strength.  Then, jumped up and punched the bag as if I were filming a Rocky movie!  Was it some weird adrenaline?  I was just so pumped up knowing we only had a few moments left until the finish.  As we ran the final lap, I threw my hands up in the air and just took a deep breath.  I did it!  All the planning, driving, calling, confirming, adjusting, sweat and sore muscles to make it to this moment.  As we stretched, I couldn't help but smile as this goal was now crushed!  Roberto gave a shout out to the birthday girl to make sure I got my money's worth today.  Indeed I did...and more!  I got closure to the goal I had been kicking around for quite some time.  Then, wasn't sure I could do it after Hubby's medical scare.  But, when I'm in...I'm all in!

It was a truly amazing start to the day...To end the 40 day journey and get ready to start a new one with a new decade of life.  40 felt amazing!  After all, it's only a number.  As I say..."I just never act my age, so I'm never really that old."