Marian Hicks Challenge Photos & Essay

Before Front / After Front / Before Side / After Side

The very first challenge I had to overcome was my own insecurities of going the distance. Although I had been doing a good job of sticking to my nutrition schedule, after the first week, it became a struggle. Many times I was tempted to give in, but I didn’t. I had resolved that this was one time that I would not quit. I would not give in. I would stick to the goal I had set for myself.

To be honest, I had a few “proud moments” during the challenge: The first one, was an unexpected business lunch with my vendors at Taco Diner. I LOVE Mexican food and was not sure how I would handle the meal. But, I was able to get a fajita salad and basically had them hold everything but the LETTUCE and CHICKEN!!! (Well, I had a few more ingredients, but that’s what it felt like anyway!) The second proud moments came during our trip to California for 7 days. I packed enough fruit to last me the first few days. When we got there, as soon as I saw a grocery store, I went shopping! I loaded up on grapes, apples, water, cheese sticks and nitrate-free turkey, etc. This really helped me throughout the week. Lastly, I just tried on a smaller size of jeans and GOT IN THEM! Hallelujah!

The biggest contributor to my success was my family. Whenever I was headed to bootcamp, my husband always had two words for me “BRING IT!” And I tried every time. Additionally, when I did my home workouts, my daughter (who is 7) was a great supporter. She would come into the room where I was working out and say “You’re doing great Mommy!” It really encouraged me because each time she came in was at a point where I really wanted to stop the workout early.

Lastly, I do have a few words of encouragement and support to those other busy ladies out there. YOU CAN DO IT! Plan the Work and Work the Plan! I travel 3 days out of each week. The best way to combat any obstacle is to plan for it. Fix your meals on the weekend for the week ahead. Make sure you have healthy snacks with you at all times. Make sure you keep extra bottles of water in the vehicle. Make exercise an actual appointment on your calendar. This is about your good health and you are worth it! If you don’t take care of yourself, how will you take care of your family? And lastly, I want to share a favorite quote of mine…so that when you hit your goals you can join me and say this:

I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. – Vince Lombardi



EMBRACE THE BURN!