This week has been a very interesting week as I have been pretty busy but have had a lot of down time, if that makes sense. I was reflecting yesterday when I sat at a hospital for six hours about my journey when it comes to fitness.
Mile 1: Let’s get on the treadmill for my 4 mile run as I need to keep training for the 10K. Ugh I really don’t feel like it all, however you will feel better once you finish.
The word “Fitness” has always played an important role in my journey through the waves of life. I guess in the beginning it started with sports and learning to love the way it felt to compete and the practices/workouts that went with it. I am the person that is never done as I was the person who was at the weight room or running in the school at 6am before school even started. Sometimes the practice wasn’t enough or I didn’t feel complete so the extra time is what I needed. Looking back and knowing how my mind works it was probably a way for me to be in the quiet to sort my thoughts and emotions. The times where I would travel an hour after track practice to complete acceleration training or those times in the summer where a few of us would go to the college to complete programs to get us ready for the school year and last but not least when I tore my ACL/MCL and what it took to come back from that. The knee problems really were the beginning of a more in-depth interest and it also led to more issues. All these moments were starting to prepare me for what was to come.
Mile 2: This doesn’t feel too bad, just keep going. Make sure your face and arms are relaxed. I hope I’ll have time to get the housework done tonight. Now this is a great song (One Thing).
Once I got to college things started to become more clear on where this road was heading. I went from Athletic Training as a career to Exercise Science and began working at the Wellness Center on campus. I also began running longer distances starting with a 5K, then a 10K, and finally 2 half marathons. During this time I had a lot going on and there were some pretty dark times. The thing is my knee has a love/hate relationship with running, however the rest of me loves it so another knee surgery was in order so that I could function. Working at the Wellness Center I saw all different types of individuals trying to reach their fitness goals and was able to become a Certified Personal Trainer along with a Group Exercise Instructor which I absolutely loved. I usually got the “Your not the typical skinny, ripped female trainer” and they were right. If you looked at me you would think the same thing as I see it in the mirror everyday. Managing my weight is something I have always struggled with as you would think I would be 100 lbs. for how much I workout but let’s be honest it isn’t easy. My body image is something I really have to work at everyday as being perfect is what I strive for however, knowing that my body is perfect for me. The balance of exercise and nutrition is definitely a key when it comes to continuing on the right path.
Mile 3: I have such a side ache and probably shouldn’t of had that sushi for lunch. Why does my knee have to start hurting now as I am almost there and I should’ve taken some Tylenol before the workout. Just keep going you don’t have much left.
What we put in our bodies helps so much with everything not only the physical but mental health as well. I am human and have had my issues with food as I’m sure like everyone else. When I was in high school everyone wanted that perfect body as so did I so not eating much became a thing. I was able to balance everything decently well as I lived at home and had healthy meals. Then college came and I had to be on my own and try to have it all figured out but definitely failed. It was easier to hide my eating habits as I didn’t have my parents to watch over me. The thing is I am an emotional eater so going from eating not much on a daily basis and then riding the roller coaster to the point where I would eat everything and anything. I couldn’t figure out how to ride those waves without falling. I still struggle everyday with food but being a mom and having to teach my little to eat right has helped with the day to day.
Mile 3.5: You are almost to 4 miles, awesome keep going as that is the longest you have ran during your training this year. I wish my knee would stop getting worse. Stop complaining you are able to so put one foot in front of the other.
Training for races has been such a wonderful thing for my mental health, however there are plenty of times when I feel like giving up. I have the Fargo 10K in sight and training is never easy and I really need to work for it. Most of my workouts consist of cross-training as I can’t run everyday or my knee would give up, lol. I won’t even run 6 miles until the actual race but I have made it work. I always wonder what it would be like to be able to run everyday again like I used to. I have so many friends and co-workers that are able to run and train hard which is so awesome but there is a part of me that wishes I could to. I’m not complaining and not looking for sympathy as I know I am still able to do something as there are many out there that can’t so here is to doing what I’m doing.
Mile 3.75: Well the treadmill won and here I sit as I couldn’t reach my goal. Tomorrow is another day.
The point of this post is that no matter what you do, find the balance that is right for you. You know your body and what it can handle and do not compare yourself to others. You are all unique and make this world a better place. Here are a few sites/blogs/vlogs that can help out with your training needs so check them out:
www.team-hoot.com : Shawn Francis is an inspiration who is going to inspire you so check out his website which also has training and tons more!
www.jedkobernusz.com: Jed Kobernsuz, Exercise Physiologist, is an amazing person who I was able to work with at the Wellness Center and who is here to motivate individuals at all levels. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed!!
Music this week has been mostly Halestorm as we were going to their concert this weekend but no longer able to, so enjoy:
Until Next Time………
Traveling With Jo 