Do you remember the good feeling you get when you reach a goal you set? I’ve been getting that feeling a lot lately, and I’m happy to say other folks are too. It started with some not so good news. “Your dog is fat, and he needs to lose weight.” The vet told me this few months ago. I had not been diligent about taking the dogs for walks and then the fat one hurt his leg, just another excuse for me to go run by myself. Something had to change. So I set a goal to take all the dogs for a walk/jog at least four times per week. That, coupled with portion control has helped my fat boy lose five pounds. The vet said he’s still too fat, but at least he’s better, and I have been taking them out at least four times per week. I would like to thank my friends and neighbors for waving and honking to encourage me on these jaunts, it really helps.

Believe it or not, getting out with the dogs has helped me achieve some other goals. I am part of an online challenge to run 300 miles in three months. Thanks to my exercise with the dogs, I am on track to achieve that goal. Let’s not forget another goal - a bargain I had with Clinton police Chief Mike Brim, to sign up and compete in the Take Flight Triathlon. I am happy to report we both competed and completed that event.

I’ve been talking to other people about their goals, like the woman who has an agreement with her husband to go workout three times per week. They have stuck to that agreement, she has lost weight and feels better in the bargain. Then there is the lady who does a water exercise class because she doesn’t want to have knee surgery. “I am putting it in God’s hands, and I’m doing this class.” We both remarked that God can help you through many things when you do your part.

Contrary to what some people might think, I was overweight, just like my dog. I tried all kinds of diets, and nothing worked for long. So I asked God for help. He sent a friend with a program that lets me record what I eat, how much exercise I get, and how many calories I should take in to reach my weight loss goal. In other words, portion control. As the pounds have come off steadily, I have come to realize that we have a warped idea of portions. It’s no wonder I was over weight, I’ve been over eating for years!

There are 57 more days in this year, what goal can you set for yourself in that amount of time? My goal is to see my bellybutton again; don’t laugh! The fat around our waists is bad for each of us. Here are two challenges for you: The Eat Smart, Move More Holiday Challenge and the super mini triathlon slated for March 2010 here in Clinton. Go to www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com and click on “news” to find the challenge and sign up. As for the triathlon, all the details have yet to be determined, but it is going to be doable for most people, so I challenge the citizens in Sampson County to train for and participate in the Holiday Challenge this year and the triathlon next year. You will have about four months to train, and you can partner with other people to train or to do the event as a relay team. Visit our website at www.scpfhc.org to find out more details. When it comes down to it, your good health is up to you, and the Good Lord - now step up and do your part.