I.M.120 Helping you to BE YOUR BEST SELF

You can either let aging depress you, or inspire you... This past year, as I stared down the day that I would turn 40, I made a choice to embrace it in a big way!

I hear so many people talk about how they can't do or achieve the things they want to... Or how they are unhappy with something about themselves or their lives. Well I was one of those people for years too... Stuck in an overweight, unhealthy body, wanting to do more and have more opportunities. But I finally got tired of just complaining about it and decided that I was going to use my 40th birthday as a goal to finally make change. So to make sure that I wouldn't fizzle out, I signed myself up for a half marathon two days after my birthday... Because nothing motivates you quite like fear!!

So after a year of dedication and commitment... progressive buildup and support from an amazing team, I proudly embrace 40 today... Healthier, happier, and much wiser!

I've learned that the key to achieving anything is consistency. You have to make a commitment to yourself and not give up... You can't make excuses or let other things take precedence over what you need to do to accomplish your goals. Lord knows there's a million things that will keep us from doing what we need to every day... But you have to keep your focus... Even if that means reworking your schedule to accommodate. Just remember that you and your goals are important... Don't give up on yourself!

And don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone! Being too comfortable is probably what got you in trouble to begin with... So you have to be willing to face some discomfort to bring about change. But the good news is that, over time, that discomfort will fade... And the momentum you have gained will inevitably inspire you with a new sense of happiness!

Today I am thrilled to be celebrating my birthday with my family in my very favorite place... I am so thankful to have that opportunity. But the nerves are definitely building... Saturday I face that 13.1 miles! It seemed like such a great idea a year ago!! I've always wanted to do a half marathon, but with a torn meniscus, and all the extra weight I've always carried, I just never thought I'd ever see the day that I'd be able to actually do it! Fingers crossed that I can make it to that finish line!!

When I went through security at TF Greene airport yesterday morning, the gentleman checking my ID realized it was my 40th birthday... He joked and said "39 again?". I explained how I was proud and owning my 40th... He persisted and said, "you come see me again after you turn and see if you still feel that way!" Well, you know what... I do! We SHOULD get better with age. After all, we can't stop time, so we might as well let go of any bitterness and make it work to our advantage right? I think my 40's are going to suit me quite well in fact... But a lot of that has to do with the choices I've made... And I'm happy about that!

And as for those personal goals... Go make some... Inspire yourself... Inspire someone else! You never know what you can accomplish until you try!

Special thank-you's to my "team"... Adam Adam, there simply are no words. You have literally shared EVERY moment of this with me... I'm so lucky to have a partner like you! And we will own every moment, painful and prideful, of the race tomorrow! To Shannon Shannon and Stephen Petteruti... Your guidance and support is invaluable, you unlocked so much for me about my health and weight loss on this journey and I couldn't have done it without you! Michael and the team at Foundation Performance... You saw me through some of my toughest moments with my injuries and your expert physical therapy helped me to rebuild and get on the road to running! And to my friends and family... I love you all so much. We shared countless workouts, laughs and memories... And I wouldn't trade one minute of it! Thank you all so much... The journey is far from over... Onward we shall go!

Oh... And the photo... the left was my 27th birthday. I think I like getting older! -Gina