Last week was pretty exciting for me. I finished a 10 day nutritional cleanse and started a workout plan! I am always thinking and reading about health and how to be more energetic, thinner, and set up for a long active life. Sometimes I even act on all this thinking!

Actually I do pretty well on Step One – my healthy, clean eating routine. I have access to delicious and nutritious clean, green food sources and my husband, Paul, is an awesome cook – lucky me!

Working out and moving my body is another deal for me. I’ve never been too involved in sports. Well, not to short-change myself, I did participate in one short season of 6th grade, parochial school, girls’ basketball, and one rigorous, and terrifying, season of indoor women’s soccer with my 55 and Change blog-mate Helen. Soccer with these awesome go-getters clarified my place in the world of athletics – that place being low on the totem pole of strength and motivation! That’s ok, I keep testing out other less aggressive, and less injury prone pursuits, and as usual for me, the search is 90% of the fun.

Last week I revisited an earlier activity at a gym that is right down the street (convenient) that conducts group classes with modifications for all fitness levels and ages (doable) and has really early classes that fit with both my work and energy schedule (no excuses). To add to the perfection of this opportunity, my sister-in-law, who is strong, coordinated and inspiring, wants to play too! So dark and early on Tuesday morning we met at the gym, had a great time and made it back on Thursday! So, I’ve taken another Step forward on my way to health, muscles and a sleek physique!

First thing Friday morning came the SPLAT! In a hurry for no particular reason and moving 90 miles an hour across a tile floor, I somehow caught the heel of one cute black pump in the decorative bow of the other – I know, how is that even possible!!! I went down in spectacular stop-drop-and-roll fashion and despite the drama and hoopla that followed, I’m totally fine. For a moment as I checked out my elbows and knees I wondered if, after only two visits to the gym, I might be in for a forced hiatus!

I kind of feel like there has to be a message here – but what is it? Or is there some demotivating, evil faction in the universe that likes me soft and wimpy? Well I’m sure that it’s neither of the above! A little coincidence – and perhaps a reminder to pace myself.  A good friend sent me a text later on Friday, reminding me of a saying by a wise old woman – the grandmother of a friend we never met but whom we often quote.   Her gentle words, “It don’t do to over-do” will serve as a guideline for me each Tuesday and Thursday as I run around the track and perform a series of crazy and challenging moves, like burpees and wall-balls, in the company of those much fitter than I.

Modify, pace myself, smell the roses, and enjoy the moment, rather than rushing toward the next — not an original but, for me, one that apparently needs repeating. I’ll keep you posted on my progress!