“Transformation is not a future event it’s a present activity.” – Jillian Michaels

I love that quote. To me it’s a reminder to stop thinking about what could be in the future, and start doing something to get there today.

On the fitness front the past year of my life has been awesome. I turned 40 and I’m in the best shape of my life, I ran my second marathon, added four more half marathons to my list, lost 25 pounds, re-discovered clean eating, and was featured in the January 2012 issue of Fitness Magazine.

I feel good.

But now it’s time to go for GREAT.

I’ve talked about this before and believe it’s one of the hardest transitions people often don’t make. We get comfortable and happy with being good. It’s a safe place to stay.

I don’t want to play it safe anymore.

I want to be GREAT.

I tell my kids all the time to “Go BIG or go home.” Not to settle for mediocrity. I tell them their mother is smart and they really should listen to me. Maybe I should do the same.

Today is day 1 of my new Project Me: Good to Great 26 Day Challenge. It was sparked when Renee told me she ordered Jillian Michael’s Ripped in 30 workout. I’ve done Jillian’s 30 Day Shred and really liked her workout style – especially the length. It’s a 20-30 minute full body workout combining strength and cardio. I need to jumpstart strength training into my routine if I want to see some changes.

Renee and I decided we’d do the program together, holding each other accountable and cheering each other on. We’ll both also be running a lot as we’re training for Disney’s Princess Half Marathon at the end of February. Running coupled with Ripped should yield some great results.

On the food front I’m dusting off my copy of Tosca Reno’s The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped and putting it back into effect. I followed her Stripped principles in April and felt the best I’ve ever felt in my entire life. Don’t ask me what’s taken so long to revisit it.

So, here’s the breakdown:

My Goals:  To get stronger, increase muscle mass and lose fat. While I expect these 26 days to yield big results, I realize this is just the beginning of moving from Good to Great.

My Plan:  To run 4-5 times per week; do the Ripped workout 5-6 days per week; and eat clean for the next 26 days.

I’m not big on numbers but I did step on the scale and take my measurements so I’ll have those to compare; but I plan to measure success by my follow through, effort, and how I look. When I do what I’m supposed to do I will SEE results.

I already did the workout today and liked it. I’ll share more details about the workouts over the next 26 days, but I will say that it made me sweat. That’s a good thing.

My post workout pic!

Afterward, I made myself this beauty …

Soy vanilla milk, chocolate protein powder and frozen blueberries. YUM!

Now, I’m off to get ready for the kids to bounce through the door; and to make a food plan for my clean eating this week.

Enjoy the day and make sure to do something special to take care of you …

Winks & Smiles,