Confession: I have not been to the gym since Friday.

I know, I know. Please don’t yell at me; I have been so incredibly busy, every time I plan to go, I seem to run out of time.

I have plenty of excuses, including too many responsibilities, not enough time. Today, though, everything is all hearts-and-roses, the birds are singing, the temperature is in the 70s – I woulda/shoulda gone today, but I’m working on three hours’ sleep.

Yep. Had another dance with my old friend Insomnia last night. Didn’t help that all Season 2 episodes of The Wire are now on HBO on Demand. (Idris Elba. Lawdy.)

As I’ve said, I’m working hard on getting at least seven hours of sleep each night and forming a gym habit. Clearly I’ve dropped the ball, and all I can do is pick it up and keep on stepping.

But guess what?

So, I get these weekly emails from my gym [6], which I used to ignore, but now I’m opening them up. Starting Monday, they’re doing a “Biggest Loser Challenge.” I’m not a fan of the show because it’s not even close to reality, but that’s a story for another day.

For a $20 enrollment fee, I’d be in contact with one of their certified personal trainers – guess which one? My fave, Leslie Moraitis! – and get a weekly challenge regarding either exercise or nutrition. I’d also get a weekly healthy recipe to try.

I’m all about the recipes.

Registered participants will have a meeting every couple of weeks that contestants are encouraged (not required) to attend, just to check in and ask questions.

At the end of the eight weeks (May 13th), the contestant who loses the highest percentage of body weight (ME!!!!) will receive eight personal training sessions, free – a $300 value.

Oh, I do love a challenge.

I will be at the gym first thing in the a.m., though. I promise. I’m no longer swollen and bloated from the Prednisone, and am feeling like my old self again. I’m no longer afraid to get on the scale, but haven’t yet. Maybe Friday or Monday.

You’ll know what it says when I do!

Meanwhile, I’ll be sure to register for the Biggest Loser Challenge tomorrow. Wonder how many others will sign up?

I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him. Mark Twain

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Leslie J. Ansley is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur who blogs daily for TheRoot. She lives in Raleigh, NC.