Feeling the Change

It's crazy how different I'm feeling these days. For years I've dreamed to look skinnier and weigh a certain amount.  I wanted to be that "perfect size".  I think about how many different things I tried for a period of time.  Some worked, some I gave up on.  Some made me loose weight, some made me gain weight.  I guess I never really thought I was going to succeed, or my success would last a little bit, and then I'd go back to the point of starting to dream about it once again. And it would be a "cycle"... a never ending cycle that tore me up inside.  Disappointed that I didn't achieve what I wanted.  

During the months leading up to No Boundaries starting in February 2014, I started to slowly change some habits. After I signed up to walk a 5K @ Webster's Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day, I knew I needed to incorporate the treadmill and track to build up some endurance so I could participate walking that distance. I wasn't worried about it, but still wanted to feel prepared for the race. After completing the Turkey Trot, I realized that learning to run would be so beneficial, terrifying and truly rewarding. Then, I found out about this program through Fleet Feet and it was a done deal for me. I signed up. I committed going to the gym more, just for the mere fact I was terrified my body wouldn't be up to par to even begin the No Boundaries Learn to Run program.  Plus, I needed something to counter act with the holiday cookie eating season.  I wanted to be "ahead" of the game.

3 months have passed in this new year as I greet today, April 1st, 2014. And in just a few months, I feel a change.  A change where I'm more confident then ever, and the drive I have for myself far surpasses anything I have felt in a long time.  I feel tighter and more pulled together, if that makes any sense.  Plus I've been able to make more of a workout routine that I think is definitely shaping my body, my self esteem and the way I greet each day.  It's hard staying  home with two kids and fitting this all in... but I think it would be harder if I worked full time.  I joke and tell people that this is MY time to do it. MY time to raise my children, but also to be able to fit in a Pilates class at 8:30am, or Body Pump at 10am.  I won't be able to do this in a few years, so I know taking advantage of this now is KEY!

I don't want to feel like I'm bragging or insinuating that I deserve people to recognize this and say "Great Job" or "I'm so proud of you".  I think I'm getting this and more, on my own, from my inner SELF.  It's ME who's noticing, and ME who's for once excited that I've beaten that "cycle".  That I'm at a point where I'm excited to complete 5K Running Homework and Group workouts because it's proof I'm getting stronger.  I was so eager to get out there yesterday to complete my 4 minutes of running / 3 minutes of walking intervals. The race on Saturday made me so excited to keep with this program, and is also allowing me to think about the future!  

This feeling, this change, is so much more rewarding that any number on the scale or dress size could offer.  I feel that this CHANGE is something that couldn't have happened at a better time in my life.  I'm young and have two beautiful kids I want to grow old with.  I have a husband who's already a skilled runner that I can now participate in races with.... and this is just the BEGINNING!  Just today at dinner he showed me 10+ races he'd like to do by the end of the year.  It was so exciting to talk about them with him, and to also set goals for myself to even join him in some.  Change is good.  Not all like it, but THIS girl, right now, LOVES THE FEELING!