This is my first attempt at blogging, and I'm sure I'll screw up a few times. So, overlook those parts. My name is Tracy. I'm 37 years old, 5'7" and weigh around 170 pounds, so my lucky number will be 7. I chose the nickname Peachy, because I"m from Georgia, and I thought it would be kind of cool to respond to the question of how I'm doing with a hearty, "I''m just peachy!"
For those that know me, that statement is more than meets the eye. I have always said that I'm just me. I'm not special in anyway and I do what I do to help others because its the right thing to do. That's just how I am. I'm just me. So, imagine my surprise when a friend tells me that I have inspired them. It's a shame that the crazy-eyed, "What you talkin' 'bout Willis" looks I gave upon reading that statement didn't make it through the computer screen and onto the social networking site we were chatting away on. Nor did any emote accurately display the level of 'Whaaaa?!?' that I felt. Perhaps one day we will get more realistic smiley faces, until then, back to my story.
I'm married with teenage son, and we are all three from Georgia. Yet, we are currently stationed in Belgium. My hubby is a soon-to-be-retired Army guy and my best friend ever. We've been through a lot of shit, and still came out on top and together. He thinks I'm crazy for wanting to do these races, and I'm not sure he knows how to show support for me. In his defense, he doesn't complain too much when I make him try my smoothies or new cooking recipe. However, he still won't consent to me building an obstacle course once we get home. Damn it!
Now, onto the real reason I started this blog. Earlier this year, I decided to start preparing for obstacle course races. I've sat and watched a good friend of mine do this for while now, and it just looked like a helluva lot of fun. But, I've never been into fitness. Sure I've went on diets before and had quite a bit of success. Yet, this is different. This isn't about just losing a few (ok, 25) pounds. Its a lifestyle change. I can't just eat different, I have to BE different. This is incredibly difficult for me since I like good food, I'm not a fan of early mornings spent sweating at the gym and I certainly don't enjoy the next couple of days barely able to move. However, I realized from the beginning that in order for me to reach my goal of being in a race, I'd have to get off my ass and start working for it.
What I didn't realize was how alone I would be. Now don't get me wrong, I have friends here, but they have their own lives, babies and health problems, etc. I don't hold that against them. Besides, this was my crazy idea. I still try to get more people involved, but it just isn't happening. Thankfully, I have the support and friendship of a very special group of people, (shameless plug) the Corn Fed Spartans. At any given time I can ask the dumbest of questions and get a real answer. I read their stories and see the similarities as well as the differences. I read of their struggles and their victories. I know that if I am feeling down or lack the motivation, I can go to their page and get instant support, motivation, and tons of laughs. The keep me sane, they just don't know it.
Looking forward, I can honestly say that I have no intentions of boring you with tales of my amazing feats at the gym( its ok to laugh, I did). What I do foresee telling you is how hard I'm fighting myself to get up and go. I'll tell you things that give me hope and inspiration, and probably throw in a joke or two. There will be days of sadness and anger, smiles and laughter. Just remember, no one is perfect, and who would want to be? Perfect means never making mistakes, and if we don't make mistakes, how can we learn?
