Parting Thoughts...

Before I wax poetic and all that about this experience, I really want to express my gratitude to . . .

1. My halfside, Pacato, the best teammate EVER (who never broke a sweat no matter what kind of mood I threw at him)
2. Patrick and Chen, who ran the show and led the way (particularly, Patrick, in the areas of enthusiasm, knowledge, encouragement, and balance)
3. My core group, Shelly, Naomi, Denise, and Jonti, for their empathy, humor, and wonderful example
4. The past PCPers whose presence and accomplishments were inspiring
5. All of you who have been reading, commenting on the blog and other online outlets, and offering your support in person—your presence has made this experiment that much more worthwhile

You will all be handsomely rewarded at the end of this post with a

GRATUITOUS BIKINI SHOT.

Leading up to the end of the project, Patrick issued a challenge: visit the gym. I confess to giving the gym my money for the past three months without actually popping in to say hello, and it was with some trepidation that I met this assignment. It felt to me like “go forth to the locker rooms and judge.” I’m in no position to cast stones. I tripped up plenty on PCP (minor addictions to cookie-baking and dried fruit.) Just three months ago, I was a hamster on the treadmill, plugging away, thinking “Not much seems to be changing, but at least I’m here.” But let’s be fair. We do the best we can with the information we have, and we’ve gotten ourselves into quite a pickle. What started decades ago with the best of intentions—processing foods that will feed your family for less money and time—has backfired into a costly cycle of obesity and disease. (To really hammer this point home, check out these maps.) How can we begrudge anyone who is trying to reverse the damage?

The problem is, the real workout isn’t in the gym. It’s in your kitchen. Change your diet, and you will change your life. Three months with no other choice isn’t a bad place to start. If you’re thinking about signing up for PCP, do it. Three months go by so quickly. It’s not easy, and it’s not always fun. But in the end you come out with a real prize you can show off—yourself. And you’ll probably get a bonus reward of seeing the changes you make influence the people around you.

Ultimately, I saw Patrick’s challenge (Observation #1: the gym smells), and I raised it: I cancelled my membership. By now, I am confident I can get a complete workout at home. Even better, I plan to spend my monthly gym money playing capoeira, revisiting the horseback riding lessons of my childhood, and trying to make yoga a regular part of my life. I’ve always been a serial hobbyist, and why shouldn’t I have fun with my new physique?

Which brings me to the Big Reveal. Let’s take a look back at Day 1, shall we?

And finally, what we've all been waiting for . . .

THE GRATUITOUS BIKINI SHOT.

If you're curious, I weigh only two pounds less in the bottom photo than in the top . . . so THROW YOUR SCALE AWAY.

I started this challenge intending to become a TOTAL BADASS. And you know what? Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

Thanks, everyone!

P.S. Patrick? I believe this is the point at which you COMPLETE me. I've always wanted to have a reason to say that.