Libby
I write this blog today with the wisdom of a brand-new 39-year old woman. Age is not really something that I focus on, I really think it is only a number. When my birthdays come around I don't think about my life's accomplishments, how my time on this earth is dwindling away, or really anything other than, I wonder what I got for my birthday. : )
As I ring in 39 and leave 38 at the door I am happy to say that this is the year that Libby "gets her groove back". Last year was a difficult year for me, it was one of those, I think I am going to take a break from life for a little while. I was still fulfilling all of my roles as a mother, wife, daughter, community member...but I was not really living life. I put everything on hold that I usually do to take care of myself. I stopped working out, I did not care what I ate, I stopped nurturing friendships...I checked out of me.
My solitary behavior and ignoring my emotional and physical needs was becoming an issue. I was out of shape, over weight, miserable, tired...I was out of control.
I knew I was out of shape, so last week when I started training for the half I expected physical challenges. The surprise for me was the mental difficulties that I faced. There are two components to working out, physical strength and mental strength. The mental part, for me, is the toughest to train. My head is powerful and I am always telling myself, your body is stronger than your mind is telling you, DON'T STOP. I think our minds are powerful in all areas of our lives and overcoming the will to defeat the negativity that enters our brains is difficult but doable. I am not going to run a half-marathon in a week, physically or mentally. I will continue to rely on my family for support. My grandma, who helps watch the kids and cook meals, my sister and brother-in-law to smoke us during runs and my husband who is my training partner and my motivation. When I watch him struggle up those hills, he is my hero. When I see him run back to get me, I know I picked the right partner for all things in my life. I am still working on what my new running mantra will be. In case you are unfamiliar, it is what runners say in their heads when they are trying to override mental weakness. At least that's what I think it is.
Last week was the "REAL" start of my transformation. I am happy to report this is not a do-over Monday...YAY! I weighed myself this morning and I am down from 147 to 144. That is a loss of 3 lbs. Sweet! The diet I mentioned, the Fast Metabolism Diet, is actually working out really well. My husband and I are both doing this together and well he is really my strength through all of this. He is clutch with the meal preparation and planning, I am really impressed with his motivation through this.
Our physical activity was through the roof! We included the kids as much as we could, and that makes me feel double amazing. We are doing the couch to 13.1k and it is NOT easy. Here are the courses that we ran last week, can we say, "no hills please".
We also took an awesome hike along Long Level and it was beautiful. My kids got to explore and I really had no idea this was here. I have lived here for 34 years. We will be doing this again.
All-in-all, I have to say, this week was a success and I am on my way to getting my groove back...watch out Stella.
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