I recently saw this phrase while I was looking at running gear. This phrase, these three little words, made an impact on me. Funny, how the littlest phrase can come to mean so much to someone. This phrase holds two meanings for me, a physical one and mental one.
Strong Is Beautiful: Physical
As I gain strength and endurance during my fitness routine/marathon training, of course, I’m losing weight and creating a shape I’ve never had. Yet, I feel I look the best I ever have, and getting better everyday. I feel strong. Every part of my body exudes strength, not the overdone, muscle-bound body builder look, but everywhere, there is shape, tone, and definition. Strength equals beauty.
Strong Is Beautiful: Mental
The strength I now see in myself is different that the strength that people always told me I had. Over the years, many people, especially those I hold near and dear to my heart, have shared with me that they think I’m one of the strongest people they know. For the things I’ve been through, things I’ve encountered, things I’ve endured. I always wondered what they saw because to me, it was just doing what I had to for others, for what I thought was for myself. At the end of everyday, I prayed, wished, and hoped for someone to realize that I didn’t want to be strong anymore and offer to take my load.
I no longer feel that way. The transformation that has happened over the last six months hasn’t been just physical; actually that’s just a benefit. The transformation has been within myself. Daily, I feel empowered, strong, confident, everything I was when I was 18, fresh out of high school, ready to conquer the world. Running gives me plenty of time to think. I think about everything I want, don’t want, and need. Running gives me a chance to step back from myself and realize what’s in my best interest. It lets me sort out my thoughts and ideas before I come up with a plan of action. Who needs a shrink? Just give me my New Balance shoes and an mp3 player, let me loose, and cancel my therapy appointment.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Texas Autumn Morning
Autumn has descended upon the Texas landscape. This morning as I leisurely drove to my office, I took in the sights nature provided, grateful that I get to drive through countryside every day. The rich, velvety purples intermingled with crisp, green grass, all basking in the morning sunlight. The commingled grasses led up to rustic wooden fences on which trees laden with golden and burgundy leaves draped. Smoky blues covered the rolling hills in the distance with bursts of brilliant golds, deep crimsons, and vivid greens creating a line of pigments, like candy for the eyes, as far as one could see. The rosy sun breaks through the defense of nighttime blues, reaching his fingers languidly over the hills and fields, gently nudging the world awake.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Fitness Update and Goals
I've been doing well on my "back to healthy" journey I started back in March after the loss of my step-brother and putting on weight I never imagined I could get. I should track my calories more frequently but I'm in such a pattern and I can eye my portions almost perfectly. I know when I eat too much and know how to balance my calorie intake on days I need to if I go over. I've officially fit into my lifestyle change, I think.
On the soccer front, the rainy fall has only let us play 4 games so far, so over the next few weeks I'm (hopefully) in for a good amount of soccer if the weather cooperates. My foot injury is doing well as long as I rest when I need to and actually listen to my body. I'm currently in the hunt for off season conditioning without crossing over into indoor soccer. I like it, but I prefer outdoor. I have found incredible Les Mills classes, but I'm also looking into a possible mixed martial arts (MMA) gym to do judo with my son.
As for working out, I keep on a regular schedule of running, weights, and yoga. As the colder months approach, I have to decide either to suffer the cold or get into a local rec center to have a horrendous affair with the "dreadmill". I only hope my neighborhood streets and park track will understand.
I have officially completed my first 5K. Saturday, I ran the Susan G. Komen in Dallas. 40.05 minutes, pretty impressive even with my foot aching almost the entire time. I got to run with one of my Calorie Count friends that I've made through that site, and the motivation we both had kept me fueled. I've always hated running, but now it's a need, a craving my body has almost daily. The endurance I have proven to have came through and I have never felt so empowered in my life. Well, except for giving birth twice, but this accomplishment is solely mine. I'll continue to do 5Ks until I feel I need to do more.
As for weight loss and management, I hit 145 around October 1st. It's been almost four years since I've seen that weight. I still think I need to lose just about 5 pounds, but my workouts are about toning, definition, and self-esteem. Of course the adrenaline/endorphin highs are fantastic as well.
I have shared my journey throughout all of this with several, many actually, people and will continue to do so. The fact that I inspire and motivate others keeps me motivated. Truly motivated for every day to stay with it and encourage others to do whatever it takes to start or keep them on their journey. Honestly, I wouldn't have been able to feel this way, to help others and myself without Calorie Count. That site, the friends I have made there, the constant challenge and support have had an intricate role in my journey to become happy with the new self I see emerging on a daily basis.
After evaluating several factors in my weight stabilization, I have set a couple of new goals. They seem a bit paltry, but they are new and something new to work towards is always a good thing. New goals keep me motivated. I just work better that way. Work to see results, kind of gal.
1. Adjusted goal date to hit my "happy" weight to December 1st. I've already passed a goal date, several actually, but I hadn't realized what I really needed to do, to drop the last few pounds.
2. Try something new every month to get out of the "routine". Classes, weight workouts, swimming, the "dreadmill" (ugh), whatever I can do to jump start the loss again.
3. A new perspective and attitude. Even though I will most likely always be working towards a number, I'm trying to remember that now it's about shape, feeling, overall health.
With that said, I say to you that just can't seem to get started or find yourself lacking the motivation, just do something. Anything. Make that start, commit and stay strong. Just like with children, consistency is key. Be consistent, make a routine, make an appointment with yourself and the rest of your new life! Grab this opportunity with both hands and do not let go. Carpe diem to the fullest extent!
Staying strong and happy health.
On the soccer front, the rainy fall has only let us play 4 games so far, so over the next few weeks I'm (hopefully) in for a good amount of soccer if the weather cooperates. My foot injury is doing well as long as I rest when I need to and actually listen to my body. I'm currently in the hunt for off season conditioning without crossing over into indoor soccer. I like it, but I prefer outdoor. I have found incredible Les Mills classes, but I'm also looking into a possible mixed martial arts (MMA) gym to do judo with my son.
As for working out, I keep on a regular schedule of running, weights, and yoga. As the colder months approach, I have to decide either to suffer the cold or get into a local rec center to have a horrendous affair with the "dreadmill". I only hope my neighborhood streets and park track will understand.
I have officially completed my first 5K. Saturday, I ran the Susan G. Komen in Dallas. 40.05 minutes, pretty impressive even with my foot aching almost the entire time. I got to run with one of my Calorie Count friends that I've made through that site, and the motivation we both had kept me fueled. I've always hated running, but now it's a need, a craving my body has almost daily. The endurance I have proven to have came through and I have never felt so empowered in my life. Well, except for giving birth twice, but this accomplishment is solely mine. I'll continue to do 5Ks until I feel I need to do more.
As for weight loss and management, I hit 145 around October 1st. It's been almost four years since I've seen that weight. I still think I need to lose just about 5 pounds, but my workouts are about toning, definition, and self-esteem. Of course the adrenaline/endorphin highs are fantastic as well.
I have shared my journey throughout all of this with several, many actually, people and will continue to do so. The fact that I inspire and motivate others keeps me motivated. Truly motivated for every day to stay with it and encourage others to do whatever it takes to start or keep them on their journey. Honestly, I wouldn't have been able to feel this way, to help others and myself without Calorie Count. That site, the friends I have made there, the constant challenge and support have had an intricate role in my journey to become happy with the new self I see emerging on a daily basis.
After evaluating several factors in my weight stabilization, I have set a couple of new goals. They seem a bit paltry, but they are new and something new to work towards is always a good thing. New goals keep me motivated. I just work better that way. Work to see results, kind of gal.
1. Adjusted goal date to hit my "happy" weight to December 1st. I've already passed a goal date, several actually, but I hadn't realized what I really needed to do, to drop the last few pounds.
2. Try something new every month to get out of the "routine". Classes, weight workouts, swimming, the "dreadmill" (ugh), whatever I can do to jump start the loss again.
3. A new perspective and attitude. Even though I will most likely always be working towards a number, I'm trying to remember that now it's about shape, feeling, overall health.
With that said, I say to you that just can't seem to get started or find yourself lacking the motivation, just do something. Anything. Make that start, commit and stay strong. Just like with children, consistency is key. Be consistent, make a routine, make an appointment with yourself and the rest of your new life! Grab this opportunity with both hands and do not let go. Carpe diem to the fullest extent!
Staying strong and happy health.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
My Random Thoughts Today
1. One full day of cartoons can make you feel like you're losing IQ points.
2. If you kill two bugs that you see mating, are there any karmic repercussions?
3. Why can't I take chances in life like I do in computerized Farkle?
4. No one tells you that after the age of 30, ice cream may no longer like you, even if you like it more than ever.
5. No matter how much I love the rainy weather, consistently yucky weather is wearing on the soul. That...is the main reason I never moved to Seattle.
6. How can 9 year old boys take longer and hotter showers than their mother, who has four times as much hair to wash and condition and has to shave her legs?
7. Emotions are a funny thing...and often come out of nowhere.
8. I'm realizing things I wanted 10, 11, even 12 years ago...are nowhere close to things I want now.
9. Having only boys as your children is quite remarkable. When you're not feeling well, one will draw you flowers and the other will jump all over you.
10. Romance equals effort.
2. If you kill two bugs that you see mating, are there any karmic repercussions?
3. Why can't I take chances in life like I do in computerized Farkle?
4. No one tells you that after the age of 30, ice cream may no longer like you, even if you like it more than ever.
5. No matter how much I love the rainy weather, consistently yucky weather is wearing on the soul. That...is the main reason I never moved to Seattle.
6. How can 9 year old boys take longer and hotter showers than their mother, who has four times as much hair to wash and condition and has to shave her legs?
7. Emotions are a funny thing...and often come out of nowhere.
8. I'm realizing things I wanted 10, 11, even 12 years ago...are nowhere close to things I want now.
9. Having only boys as your children is quite remarkable. When you're not feeling well, one will draw you flowers and the other will jump all over you.
10. Romance equals effort.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My 9 Year Old's Christmas List
In order to get a head start on Christmas shopping, I had T, my 9 year old son, sit down and make out his Christmas list. Considering I don't remember in the slightest what I wanted for Christmas when I was 9, his list is pretty impressive especially since he put some pretty practical things on it.
1. Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25 with tripod
2. LEGO Indian Jones Xbox 360 game
3. New play shoes
(I, the cool mom, am thinking about these...)
4. HALO3 ODST
(Because of the mature rating...this is something we'll have to think about.)
5. A cell phone
(I seriously do not think so.)
6. A new pair of biking gloves.
7. The Beatles, Rock Band.
8.The Universe (the whole series)
9. Electronic Toss Across
10. My own ATV
(I personally think this is awesome as all get out, but considering we don't have the land for this...it's just not feasible.)
11. Just Kidding by Andy Griffiths.
Added by Mom
12. Goosebumps Series by R.L. Stine
13. MP3 Player
14. Digital Camera
1. Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25 with tripod
2. LEGO Indian Jones Xbox 360 game
3. New play shoes
(I, the cool mom, am thinking about these...)
4. HALO3 ODST
(Because of the mature rating...this is something we'll have to think about.)
5. A cell phone
(I seriously do not think so.)
6. A new pair of biking gloves.
7. The Beatles, Rock Band.
8.The Universe (the whole series)
9. Electronic Toss Across
10. My own ATV
(I personally think this is awesome as all get out, but considering we don't have the land for this...it's just not feasible.)
11. Just Kidding by Andy Griffiths.
Added by Mom
12. Goosebumps Series by R.L. Stine
13. MP3 Player
14. Digital Camera
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What I Love About Today
Top Ten Things I Love About Today
1. I had the chance to run in the quiet mist of the morning.
2. Cooler air is moving in on this new fall day.
3. It's officially fall! Even though I absolutely love the summer, fall brings so many things that summer just can't.
4. My goal skirt...fits in the waist finally, but my legs have refined into bulk muscle to a point where it's a bit too tight to walk in.
5. I'm 4 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight before my second son, and in the best darn shape of my life.
6. I've fallen in love with a couple of songs that I can't get out of my head. Thank you, Lady Antebellum.
7. I realized that I have made some of the most awesome friends via the internet.
8. I also realized that without internet (mainly through Facebook, thank you) I would have never reconnected with many people that I thought I had lost forever or had never truly found before.
9. I love the fact that I have a job that I'm darn good at, and I still have it, despite this rollercoaster economy.
10. I have a great family, and I love the fact that I've helped them be great!
1. I had the chance to run in the quiet mist of the morning.
2. Cooler air is moving in on this new fall day.
3. It's officially fall! Even though I absolutely love the summer, fall brings so many things that summer just can't.
4. My goal skirt...fits in the waist finally, but my legs have refined into bulk muscle to a point where it's a bit too tight to walk in.
5. I'm 4 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight before my second son, and in the best darn shape of my life.
6. I've fallen in love with a couple of songs that I can't get out of my head. Thank you, Lady Antebellum.
7. I realized that I have made some of the most awesome friends via the internet.
8. I also realized that without internet (mainly through Facebook, thank you) I would have never reconnected with many people that I thought I had lost forever or had never truly found before.
9. I love the fact that I have a job that I'm darn good at, and I still have it, despite this rollercoaster economy.
10. I have a great family, and I love the fact that I've helped them be great!
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Muno Birthday Cake Test
This past weekend I crossed over from a bakery cake consumer to a home cake maker. The process was fairly easy with a minor hiccup (whipped frosting), all in an effort to make my youngest son a Muno birthday cake for his Yo Gabba Gabba birthday party. Here is the final outcome.It was a hit, only one piece left. Guess that triple chocolate fudge cake was hard to resist. :)
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