From strangers to a family: Let's talk about the Questers

I'm going to do something dangerous. No, my Quest hasn't led me to bungee jumping off the Casco Bay Bridge or anything, but this could actually have even greater repercussions than that. I'm going to write about my fellow Questers.

Six weeks ago, we were complete strangers. Now - as Jeff has stated - we are like a little family, caring for, nurturing, and cheering on each other every Monday and Friday. Six weeks ago, our paths would have crossed (as all paths seem to in Portland), but we would never have touched each others lives.

I'll start with Alex. As the "old" man of the group, I look at Alex as great "kid", as I am her elder by about eleven years, I think. I can just imagine how old my thirty seven years seems to her. But hopefully it shows her that it's never too late, and as I said in my last entry, being who you want to be is perpetual work in progress. I have seen great changes in Alex, both physically and emotionally. When she walked into The Landing on Monday, I thought to myself, "Wow, she's really changing!" Walking taller, looking more confident. Looking happy. I'm also seeing a competitive side to Alex, which wasn't so prevalent six weeks ago. She's a great "kid", who even though she doesn't know it, she pushes me to work harder. Thanks Alex, keep it going.

Then there's Jeff. Jeff and I have really formed a bond throughout this endeavor. In addition to being the only dudes, we have much in common; from where we are at in life, and most importantly, we're both Red Sox fans. Really, enough said, but I'll trudge on. Jeff and I both have much of our glory days in sports behind us, but are enjoying rekindling those competitive feelings. Many days after class, Jeff and I will "bond" in the Heat Suite at The Landing, and really just chew that fat about life and The Quest. I've found a great friend in Jeff.

Rachel. The other day in class, I was shaking uncontrollably, trying to match Jeff's endurance performing the "plank". For those of you who don't know what it is, all you need to know is it's hard. As I struggled through this exercise, Rachel called out to me "Way to go Jon! You can do it!". Despite not getting a chance to tell her so, this meant a lot to me, for a couple of reasons. First of all, because we all need encouragement, and more importantly, because it came from Rachel. Rachel and I are probably the most different of people in our little family, but at least in my little brain, our bond (and trust) is getting stronger by the workout. There's something about Rachel that makes us all want to desperately cheer for her, and there's no one I want to see succeed (in whatever definition of success Rachel sees fit) in this thing we are all going through. I got your back, Rachel!

And of course, our Editor in Chief, Shannon. As you all know from her blog, she makes us all laugh. We so desperately need this humor on early, unmotivated Monday and Friday mornings. Her personality lights up the room, and really helps us get through what we need to get through. Really, being a hired gun from the paper, she could have just gone through the motions for ten weeks, but not Shannon. She's in there, going through all the same sweaty experiences we all are. In a way, I'd dare say she's the leader of this pack, as she's been there for all of us, in one way or another. I hope by the end of our ten weeks, I can exchange the favor.

Lest we forget Catherine. Although she's the administrator of our blood, sweat, and tears and not a recipient of the punishments (I mean workouts), she's a huge part of our little Quest clique. Her demeanor, encouragement, and wisdom to give us all what we need, when we need it is nothing short of amazing. It would be impossible to quantify our gratitude for what she has given us. And what she has given us, in essence, is ourselves. Is that confusing? Well, come to The Landing, start your own quest and you'll understand. I'll meet you at 26.2, Catherine.

Blood, sweat and blogging

Mind. Body. Spirit. On my Quest, I'm working on all of these areas. I'm learning (and remembering) a lot about myself, and I've been totally surprised with some of the revelations. Outside of The Landing, our work continues, and while much of the sweat and physical manipulations occur within those friendly confines, I've discovered another challenge in my life, and it's writing this blog.

No, I'm not complaining about knocking out four hundred words or so once a week, the time required to do so or anything like that. I've actually found it really hard just to write outside the sphere of business writing. Throughout my educational career, I always loved writing, and especially writing creatively. In college, I would have much preferred writing a paper to taking a test. In fact, I used to trade a preview of my papers to a select group of desperate/lazy classmates for getting my clothes laundered. They took intellectual liberties with my writing, and I got clean underwear. Not a bad deal, for me at least.

I have found that in the years since I left collegiate life and entered the working world, I traded most of my creative writing style for a much more business-like technique. Succinct, to the point, an economy of words. Adjectives have given way to bullet points. If you look back at my entries so far, you'll get the point. I convey my message, but elicit no emotion from you, the readers.

On the contrary, if you read Shannon's blog, you'll see how a pro does it. She writes with the wit and humor that makes you want to check back. It makes you laugh, and say to your friends, family, and co-workers "Hey, read this, she's so funny!" You feel as if you know her a little bit by reading her blog. Not so much with mine.

So, the surprise that my Quest has brought to me this week can be filed in the "Mind" category. I'm working a creative part of my brain that's been dormant for a long, long time. And you, dear readers, have been witness to my brains really tough "get back on your horse" workouts. But this blog, much like my next weigh-in, will be better than the one the week before. Maybe in a couple of weeks, I might even make you laugh. Stick with me, I'm a work in progress.

Not a changed person, but a changing one

Three weeks down, seven to go.

Believe it or not, I'm already dreading "life after the Quest". Despite the early wake-ups, and tremendous finagling with my schedule to fulfill my commitment, I don't want it to end.

It's a lot of hard work. It's a lot of new experiences that are out of my comfort zone. And there's nothing I'd rather be doing.

I know that three weeks doesn't make a new person, but I'm starting to feel it. The approach we are taking is so unique compared to any other fitness or weight loss program I've ever tried before. I'm not entirely consumed with what I see in the mirror or on the scale. Rather, I feel my core getting stronger. I'm remembering to breathe properly throughout the day. My running form is getting better every time out. I'm sitting up straighter. In addition, my patience with my children is lengthening. I'm remembering to do the little things for my wife to show her how much I appreciate her support throughout these ten weeks.

Inch by inch, I'm becoming more of the person I want to be.

I'm sure I'll repeat myself many times over the course of this program, but I truly am so very grateful to have this opportunity.