Sometimes the truth hurts

One of the greatest things about young children is their honesty. My youngest is almost 6 and she is just starting to figure out what fibbing is. This past weekend she made a comment that went along the lines of my ass being too big. Wow. What a slap in the face. It was painful. And no, she didn't really say "ass". She said "butt". But it sounds better in my head if I say "ass". But, actually, it's not funny at all because it's true. My ass is too big. She was just being honest.

After I was done being hurt and the stinging lessened, I realized that she was completely right (although she doesn't really get it). And I took an important lesson away from what happened. I learned that how my girls view me and my habits is really important. I'm supposed to be setting them up with good examples of healthy eating and exercising. I need to live through that example. And not make up excuses for myself.

I will try harder now. To work out more often. To work out more intensely. To eat better. To set a better example. Because I don't ever want my girls to be hurt by those words that sting so bad. I want them to love their bodies and to feel strong and confident and fit. I don't ever want them to be insecure like me.

Beginnings....

Today was my first run since getting injured in late September. I did a five minute run, a five minute walk, a five minute run, a five minute walk. It was only 1.57 miles, but that's the most miles I've done in nearly four months. I had absolutely zero foot pain and I am beyond excited about that. My new running shoes felt great. I went into it thinking I wouldn't be able to run for the full five minutes, so I am really glad with how it turned out.

The next several weeks will be spent doing interval training like today's workout, attending physical therapy sessions to gain back some strength, and doing cross training like spinning and strength exercises. I hope that it won't take too long to get my distance and endurance back to where it was.

I'm excited for all the amazing opportunities and adventures that this year has to offer. I'm looking forward to running more races than last year, training harder than last year, and running more total miles than last year. I'm just excited about it all!

A New Year = New Opportunities

I'm so excited for this new year. I don't make resolutions. Because they never stick. But I am in the process of making lifestyle changes and I'm so excited to get started. I really feel like this year is going to be amazing. I have a lot of fun races planned out and I can't wait to lace up my new running shoes.

One of the biggest things I'll be doing this year is changing how I eat. I want to get away from the processed crap, and eat cleaner. If you read about it, it makes perfect sense. And I wish that everyone I knew would try it. I'm not saying I won't ever eat a fast food meal again or that I'm gonna turn into some crazed health-food junkie. I just want to treat my body better, so that it will treat me right for the rest of my life. After all, you are what you eat, right?

My friend Sandra introduced to me an amazing website called The Gracious Pantry. I'd like to share that link with you here:

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/

There is a boat load of information about clean eating including the basics and amazing recipes. I plan on spending a lot of time on this site. And I hope you will, too!

Happy New Year!