A new priority — it's all about 'me'

It's all about me.

Until a month ago I had never uttered those words.

Now that I'm in the midst of the Fittest Loser Challenge, it's about me all day, every day.

Over the years I've had a lot of good reasons not to focus on my own needs. I was taught at an early age to consider others before myself. When I got married, it became all about my husband, our marriage, creating a home, looking out for each other ... all that newlywed stuff that became a habit that's lasted for nearly 30 years.

Then the ultimate “it's not about me” came along. Our daughter was born. As an only child, she was quick to claim the center of the universe as her domain. It's been easy to let it be all about her. She is, without a doubt, the joy of my life. Years of watching soccer games, piano recitals, cheerleading competitions and graduations ... every minute of those memories is precious. And I sat through all of them.

Which brings me to today and the consequences of those years spent sitting in the bleachers. I took myself out of the game, willingly. In the midst of those crazy, busy years the thought of exercise crossed my mind, but I always had something else to do or someplace to go that was more important.

Our daughter is now 28 years old and has been living and working in Scottsdale, Ariz., for several years. Even though I've had more free time, I chose to fill it in a million ways that didn't involve the gym.

When the opportunity to join the Fittest Loser contestants in their quest for better health and fitness came along, I knew the commitment of time and energy would be significant. And I knew that part of the challenge for me would be putting myself first.

The organization and discipline required for these 12 weeks are daunting.

At 5 a.m. three days a week, I work out with my trainer, Tony Figueroa, at Push Fitness. Three days a week I work out at the Palatine Park District's fitness center and on the seventh day I attend boot camp.

Then there's the diet. It takes an enormous amount of time to plan, shop and prepare food so that I can eat five times a day. Before this journey began, my husband and I ate out a lot. Lunch was often a drive-through fast-food run. Meals at home consisted of large portions of comfort food. And pizza nights. Yep, that's a tear in my eye. I really miss pizza nights.

Now we eat at home nearly every night. On Saturdays, I shop and on Sundays I chop ... ingredients for a week's worth of healthy breakfasts, snacks, lunches and suppers.

In between workouts and diet management, I'm working 40-hour weeks, volunteering at church and sleeping.

I feel guilty about the things I'm not doing ... laundry and chores around the house. But I'm getting over it.

I enthusiastically devoted years of time and energy to supporting and encouraging my husband and daughter. Today the tables have turned and they're cheering me on every step of the way.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. But I have to say ... being all about me is exhausting.

• Gerry Alger, editor of the Daily Herald's Niche Publications, has been sitting at a desk for 25 years.