During my third week of the Facing My Fears 2012 Challenge I decided I would properly train for a half-marathon and stick to the plan. In all my life, I’ve never followed a training plan to a T and realized this would actually be a significant challenge for me. I’m also excited to see the benefits of the follow-through since I usually wing it.

I’ve decided against running a marathon this season, so I’m making the More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half-Marathon my main race for the springtime and it’s on April 15. I’m following a twelve week training plan beginning today.

I’m looking forward to taking on a fitness project outside of my element and seeing what sort of results culminate.

On a completely unrelated topic, I’m sort of in love with this hairstyle below.

Two weeks ago I began my yearly documentation of facing my fears. I missed writing my post last Friday so I will do so today.

Last week I conquered the act of taking cheese out of my diet. My stomach was a wreck, my allergies were off the charts and my ears were so clogged I could hardly hear out of them. I decided that was the sign I needed to give myself a break and stop destroying myself.

I feel much better already from just one small modification in my diet. It’s amazing. Now I just need to remember this feeling.

Around the same time I decided to axe cheese (most dairy for that matter) from my diet I also scheduled a colonic. The procedure can be costly but I noticed the location I had visited previously was having a sale. I couldn’t pass up the offer.

I’ve gotten a colonic once before about three years ago at a center in the city called SanaVita. The location was recommended to me through a friend who knows I am a complete neurotic person when it comes to worrying about cleanliness and safety for myself. Having not been too familiar with the process of Colon Hydrotherapy I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into at the time. Ultimately, I’m glad I moved forward with the experience. Now with the knowledge behind me, I realize I was doing something positive for my body.

Colon Hydrotherapy is the practice of gently infusing water directly into the rectum to internally cleanse and restore balance. Colon Hydrotherapy works by softly flushing out that which can’t be naturally eliminated. A colonic also hydrates the body and helps to restore the body’s optimal PH balance. The basic concept of colon irrigation remains the same today as in antiquity, but medical understanding and technology have evolved dramatically.

I’ve also been including more green tea in my diet and less coffee. I’m integrating even more fruits and greens on a regular basis. A new frame of mind and a few small changes is all it takes to head in a positive direction for oneself.

This may not sound like too much of a dramatic fear for me to face but in all honesty it was easy for me to sit in comfort and eat foods that didn’t agree with me. I even became immune to my body being uncomfortable and bloated. I’m being patient and more mindful of what foods work best for me in terms of feeling my most energized, positive self.

**Author’s note: I realize I sound part-robot in the above post. I’ve been suffering from a case of writer’s block but decided I needed to push through it so it didn’t continue on to infinity. Please be patient. My fabulous self will shine through again shortly. Promise. 

One of my New Year’s Goals is to do something every week that pushes me out of my comfort zone. It’s #14 on my list.

I originally came up with this idea a few months ago while stumbling upon the book My Year With Eleanor by Noelle Hancock.

I thought the book was such an interesting concept. It all began with a quote the author read in a coffee shop by Eleanor Roosevelt stating “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Ultimately, Noelle decided to make her 29th birthday the start to her yearly challenge to do something every day that scared her. I actually only just began reading the book so I cannot provide my full review quite yet, only my adoration of the concept.

I found myself relating to the author when she seemed to have discovered that she is more fearful now than her younger self and she found herself to be less social now than before. It struck a nerve with me. I don’t think I’ve realized some fears that have sort of snuck up on me through the years. It’s nothing that would be blatantly obvious, more so under the radar.

On the other hand, my twenty-three year old self would never think twice about anything. I would jet set anywhere at any time. I would make plans with friends at the drop of a hat. I wouldn’t worry too much. I thought I was invincible. Now I feel myself contemplating things over and over. I am hesitant in situations I would never have dreamt of being weary about ten years ago.

So, one of my goals for 2012 consists of me doing something that scares me every week. I thought each week may be a little more feasible and manageable for me rather than every day and I don’t want to set myself up for failure.

Every Friday I’ll keep myself accountable by posting what I’ve accomplished each week to move past any given fear.

This week I’ve focused on the “be more social” aspect of my existence. I opened myself to accepting invitations that came my way. I’ve made some plans with friends that are now on my calendar. It’s funny as more than a few plans came to fruition as soon as I opened myself up to receiving the opportunities.

I can say with certainty that this little project will assist me to grow as a person. I look forward to the discoveries and the adventure.

Have a great weekend.

Would you ever consider this type of challenge? What fears would you like to overcome, if any?