John is traveling tonight, so I am home alone. I had a beer with the guys at work, went for a short 4 mile run and I am currently cooking myself dinner. I've noticed that since going to bed 1/2 hour earlier at night I have so much more energy and I'm more focused at work. I guess I really do need a full 8 hours. Although I'm a little embarrassed to say I go to bed around 9:45.
It is now less than 2 weeks until my first ultra marathon and I'm feeling better about it. The Fear has been replaced with Excitement, which is a much better emotion to have. I was talking with an old high school friend not too long ago and it got me thinking about where I am and how far I've come.
When I started training for my first triathlon, I couldn't run 2 miles without stopping. I had never swam competitively. The longest I had ever biked was about 10 miles. I wore size 10 pants and weighed 146 lb. I was embarrassed in a swim suit.
As of today, my longest run is 20 miles, my longest bike is 110 miles, I have completed 5 triathlons, 4 1/2 marathons, and too many "fun runs" to count. Most of the pants and skirts in my closet are now a size 6. I had to 2 expensive suits to Goodwill because the cost to have them taken in was almost as much as buying one new. Ironically enough, I now weigh about 142, but I think it's safe to say my weight has been redistributed. If I had body fat numbers, that would probably be a better comparison. And as for swim suits, I wear what works and what is comfortable. I own more spandex now than I care to admit.
The biggest difference for me is that I am finally comfortable in my own skin. I ran in just a sports bra the other week and I NEVER would have done that a few years ago. I don't care if I get funny looks in my running tights. My body isn't perfect, but I am grateful for what I have and what I can do with it. I think that has been the most rewarding experience in all of this training. I don't care about my size or weight, because there are other numbers that are more important.
Like 50k.
1 day ago
2 comments:
Well said! I believe if more people appreciated and focused on what their bodies can DO, they would be much happier and healthier.
Great read. Agreed. Having a body that can swim, bike and run is such a blessing. The numbers on the scale will always change, just as our PRs will always get faster. We can get super thin or super fast and still always want more. So yes, to find comfort and acceptance now, is life-changing.
Good luck this year,
Sara
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