Having drifted away from the world of the workout, Otago Daily Times photographer Christine O'Connor decided it was time to act.
The housework could wait. Instead, solace was sought in my little happy place.
Tired of feeling fed-up, disorganised and well, blobby, I ran the bath, complete with 30cm of bubble-coverage.
Perfect.
The problem was that disrobing added to my discontent.
There was a scream brewing.
Avoiding my reflection, I slid below the blanket of bubbles and lay there, motionless.
For a moment, the customary bliss promised to make it all better.
But then the mental ping-pong match began.
Team ''question'' served straight down the middle: ''You threw away 20 years of being a devoted exerciser, now look at you. Why did you let that happen?''.
Team ''answer'' returned with a predictable defensive parry: ''Because I have four children, a full-time career, a dicky Achilles, and a household to run, for starters''.
Team question: ''Is that all you've got?''
Apparently it was.
I could possibly have gone another couple of volleys, but I knew they were only excuses.
So I resolved to make a change.
A plan was forming.
There was nothing for it.
I pulled the plug.
Now, I've always been a goal setter, so deciding something needed to be done was easy.
Determination has never been an issue either.
But, for the plan to come off, I was going to need the right sort of help.
Enter Pete Mirrielees, personal trainer and owner of Let's Go Fitness.
Having witnessed the transformation a friend achieved at his boutique fitness suite, (''gym'' is a swear word apparently, punishable by stair runs I've been warned) I make an appointment.
It turns out to be just what the doctor ordered, so to speak: a great place to train.
Pete and his team quickly combine to provide me with an individualised health and fitness regime.
Before any workouts can begin I see the house physio, Anne, to have my Achilles assessed.
It will be monitored from here on.
Following this is an appointment with a nutritionist, then finally a fitness assessment with Pete.
Wow, I feel totally ''heard'', even a little spoilt, in very safe hands and all in a fun, friendly, family culture.
My fitness assessment involved sparring.
And I loved it!
So now I am feeling really very confident that the old Christine will be back in time for Christmas: what a gift.
That gives me 30 weeks to get back on track and I can't wait.
During that time, I'll share the struggles and triumphs (I hope), here in The Weekend Mix.
Perhaps you'll join me.
Next week: Joining the group.
