Stay Positive

My goals of posting every week ran off course, but here we go. It really feels like time is flying by and the race will be here before I know it. Yikes! Week three included a staycation so I was able to focus on my training. I also finished a book that I started months ago, a hilarious memoir called “Bitter is the New Black.” Not only did I laugh out loud many many times, it also reminded me of how much writing “freely” is important to me.

As part of my training I’ve also been working really hard at maintaining a “clean” diet. After all, if you want your body to perform at its best it needs 93 octane, so to speak.  Since February, I’ve been focused on transitioning out all the junk and processed food out of my life.  And well it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. I think my body went into withdrawals when I took away boxed food including Triscuits (rosemary and olive flavor, I had a serious addiction) Crunch Berries, and the boxed mac and cheese.  I don’t buy those things anymore. It hasn’t been easy but I’m in a good place now. Once a week I allow myself a cheat day where I don’t worry about calories. I just eat what I want to within moderation.

Once I went back to work it was challenging to keep my schedule. I’ve had to “double up” when I miss a workout day. After one such workout my hair was a soaking mess. And my dark shirt showed clear signs of pushing my body to its limits. At the end of that workout my hips hurt. I talked to a friend Amber who has done a half marathon, and she suggested some stretches. They were a big help and a reminder that I need to do them before and after my workouts. Overall I am feeling good.

Also worth noting about the last three weeks is conversation I had with someone who wasn’t exactly a cheerleader about my progress. Apparently this person thought my 14 minute mile was a turtle’s pace. You know I didn’t give it that much thought then but the next day as I set out on my 40 minutes of cross training on the elliptical then my 2 mile run, those comments came back to me. And you know what. No one else’s opinion really matters. I’m doing my personal best. I’m my only competition. My friend Kris’ advice is also appropriate. Health includes your personal relationships since they affect your well being. Well it’s time to let that person go.

Note to self: “I have respect for my body and for my emotions. I make choices that honor me.”