TGIF! I am so happy it's Friday. We're supposed to have great weather this weekend, and hopefully we can get outside with the kids and do some fun stuff.
I ran another 4 miles yesterday, and my time was much better-- 44:19, which is pretty fast for me. I realize that 11 minute miles are not fast in the running world. I'm taking walk breaks to drink water and catch my breath about every mile or so, which means I'm running faster than 11 minute miles, but who knows how much faster. It really doesn't matter, but I still enjoy improving my time. The first time I ran 4 miles it took me 50 minutes!
Wendy commented on my last running post that the weather is "all mental. Disregard the weather and eventually it goes away." That totally explains how she is able to run the miles she does every week in South Florida's heat and humidity (and recently, the pouring rain). And it's great advice that I will have to repeat in my head over and over and over when it feels like I'm running through pea soup.
Dieting and maintaining (which I'm thinking about more and more, the closer I get to goal) are all mental too. How many times do those of us with food issues salve our mental hurts with food? When we are strong mentally, our bodies follow.
It takes a lot of energy to get mentally strong and do what's right for your body. This year has been about me finding that energy reserve and getting strong--putting myself as a high priority, making time for exercise, choosing healthy food at the grocery store and at restaurants, not letting work or kids be an excuse for failure.
I've had to give up a lot this year to gain the energy I needed to make this happen. I gave up antidepressants. I gave up donuts and ice cream as daily crutches to cope with my emotions and feelings of failure. I gave up cereal and milk, a food combination that's been my comfort since I was in my early teens. I gave up the martyrdom of motherhood-- no longer would I feel guilty about putting my kids in day care at the gym and leaving them for an hour, an investment in time that pays all of us back ten fold with my added energy and mental stability (at least, most days I'm stable).
I can't say I give 100% every day. I'm just not built that way--some days, I give 60% and I'm a failure. But the majority of my days have been about consistently being mentally prepared to stay on plan, to log my food, to exercise, and to avoid junk food at night. And all those days, built one on top of the other, have added up to what I am today.
Here's to making TODAY count!
10 comments:
It was 74F and 90% humidity this morning and it felt so AMAZING. Once it gets below 60 I'll be wearing a wool hat and mittens. I'm sure you listen to a lot of Ice Cube (with the kiddies, of course), but even he will tell you "the warfare is mental." What the mind believes the body achieves...have a great weekend.
Here is to making today count!!
Thanks for being a constant inspiration, teacher and friend... its helped every second!
You on this close to goal. How wonderful is that?!
No more diet blog - Life of L - Runner Extraordinaire!
15 minute miles kick my a$$!
"I gave up the martyrdom of motherhood-- no longer would I feel guilty about putting my kids in day care at the gym and leaving them for an hour, an investment in time that pays all of us back ten fold with my added energy and mental stability (at least, most days I'm stable)."
I absolutely agree with this :-)
You've done phenomenal so far!! ;D ;D
Wow, fantastic post. I should bookmark this one for motivation. You sound so strong and centered. I constantly have the food battle. I'm making the exercise happen but the pounds are not happening yet.
You are doing great!! Thanks for visiting, we will definitely keep in touch.
PS does everyone meet everyone through Marcy?? :D
Wow, all of these things you have given up and all of these things you've EARNED because of it. I'm so proud of you, Laura. I love your whole post!
It's absolutely true that running teaches you about your own mental power to overcome obstacles..that being said sometimes your body knows more than your brain. :)
to answer your question: They are giving tickets to cyclists? I can't imagine what you could do on a bike that warrants a ticket...
you can get a ticket on a bicycle for everything you can get a ticket for in a car. you pay the fine but there are no points involved. generally they can be negotiated but that's just a pain.
I don't know if the weather is all mental, or if you just become acclimated. After awhile, I get so used to heat and humidity that I just don't notice it; however, I don't know if that ever makes running that weather easier.
You have such a wonderful story to tell! The weight you have lost and the speed you have gained. That is some serious acceleration in the last few months. Way to go!
Post a Comment