My daughter shot this hot , fresh faced picture of me as I went for a morning run. Don't be fooled by the smile. Totally fake. I guess she shot it because the fact that I was actually running was picture worthy. Whatever the case, you get to see me without makeup.
I took the last month off. I didn't pack my running shoes to the beach. I didn't even look at them for most of the month. I didn't feel guilty at all. I thought I was showing my body who was in charge and that I could take a little break.
Problem: This hot girl just turned 38 this week. On her very birthday morning, she came to the stark realization that she could no longer take a month off. It may have been something to do with the fact that her upper arms were jiggling at a faster rhythm than her toothbrush was moving or the fact that she has chosen to wear the "loose" shorts for the past few days. Whatever the case, taking a month off is no longer an option.
On her very birthday morning, she put on the lonely running shoes and hit the hotter than h--- AZ pavement. Hated every minute of it. A little internal whining going on.
However, she was back at it again today and started the internal whining again. Then, she decided to take a moment to think about her attitude.
She was at her 20 year high school reunion planning meeting the night before. Two girls (twin sisters) had just finished their third marathon and were training for the Ironman (whatever!!). Then, she thought some more. Another hero, Uncle Jim. He just battled stage 4 cancer this last year. He is a grandpa. He is running a marathon. Seriously. Whatever was I doing whining at this very moment? I realized.....I really have no idea what it means to do hard things.
I will never run a marathon. I have no desire, ever. But.....I want to have drive and determination and a body that allows me to feel good in my own skin (preferably without underarm jiggles.) I want to be able to persevere in my aging years and kick some serious butt like Uncle Jim no matter what trial comes my way. I want to be able to push myself beyond what I think I can do.
Why? Because taking a month off did not feel good. I thought I was giving myself a much deserved break but in turn, I felt tired, fluffy and unmotivated. What good is that? I was only hurting myself.
Once again, my running post has nothing to do with running. It has everything to do with becoming the best person I can be and doing hard things is all part of the scenario.
The new school year is here. It is time to recommit and get on a program. Grab a sheet of paper. Write down your action plan. Whatever genre it may be and like they say.....JUST DO IT!! No excuses.
8 comments:
I'm all about recommitting myself, seems like I do it a lot. I just started running again this week, it fees fantastic, even though it's incredibly hot. I think my dads pretty amazing too:). Great post.
Oh and I need to figure out how to do the exchange for a cook book. I'll email you.
You go, Shari! And you know what...I didn't take a month off and I have been doing some serious internal (and external) whining myselft - every time I've run since we got home from the beach in fact. I just told Ryan this morning after I got back and was a giant red hot ball of sweaty mama that I might just need to stop running until it cools down or the breeze returns or the humidity leaves, and just stick to P90X or something indoors, because my quasi-love (or at least general enjoyment) in running is started to wane. Lately, it's just been so blasted hard. Way harder than it should be if you ask me. And I'm in shape for Pete's sake!!
I did read a good article on Active.com about ideal running temps and we are about 40 degrees above ideal right now...just so you know.
So it's awesome that you are recommitting...we all need to do that often. I do it all the time. But don't get too discouraged with the July and August runs. They will suck. They will be hard. But you and I will both make it and, yes, probably be stronger because of it. And sometime all too soon it will be November and the temperature will be fantastic for running again. At least that's my theory and I'm stickin to it...
Hope you look cute jogging in your new running shirts!
Way to go Shari! I've been trying to jog in the mornings too and it's so darn humid and the air is so warm and thick. I've been doing my share of whining too! By the way, what do you listen to while you run. Do you find the music makes it easier? I've never done a mp3 or ipod while running and was thinking I might need one.
Happy Birthday. Makeup or no, you look great. Whining should be my personal theme song, but I hear what you are saying. Here's to commitment, of all sorts!
Happy Birthday Shari!! I know I have said it a million times but you are such an inspiration!! Good job on your recommitting. I can;t remember if I mentioned it to you already but I am the race director for a 1/2 marathon, 10K, 5K, and a family fun run. It's on a SATURDAY (nov. 13) at HOHOKAM park/stadium (finish line is on home plate--if you have any CHicago cub fans in your family :)) It is to benefit CANCER mostly skin cancer--but we donate to many charities. anyway you can check out more info on our website shunthesun.org. And you and all your family/readers can use the coupon code shunthesun2010 to save 10 off 1/2 marathon. :) registration. But prices go up Aug. 1st (or I can email you a form and you can email your info back to me and I can put you in the system and you can save the online reg. fee--I think $3.25) Happy Running!!
yeah, i liked this post... I am trying to get it back together...meaning my body, my determination, the part of me that makes and keeps commitments (to myself). anyways, thanks for the inspiration.
Linda,
I couldn't run without music! I have to drowned out the sounds of my footsteps and get into a different world. I like music that has a groove to it to run with. You will love it once you try it out. Great job on running! You looked great, by the way, when you came by. I can tell you are working hard.
I just have to say, from what I know about you, you DO know how to do hard things. Really hard things. And you are an inspiration to me although I've never met you. Good for you that you are running again. I love to run!
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