After having Xia I was nervous that I would have difficulty losing my baby weight because of past history. In my teens and early twenties I struggled with weight loss. My senior year of college (2005) I was committed to eat healthy and workout consistently. I managed to lose 35 lbs that year. The following year (2006) I joined Weight Watchers and lost an additional 24 lbs and met my goal weight... the same weight I weighted when I was 12 years old. I was finally at a healthy weight range for my frame. Even though I've totally changed my habits and way of life, there will always be a fear of gaining that weight back. So naturally after giving birth to Xia, I was nervous that I wouldn't meet my goal weight again.
Following the months after Xia's birth I walked and squeezed in an occasional run here and there. In August my Aunt Amy was in town and I started running with her. For the first time I yearned to run. Between Xia being big enough to fit in the jogging stroller and Xia sleeping through the night (ie, I was getting a full nights sleep!), I started running regularly. I signed up to run the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll half marathon in November and starting thinking really competitively. I know I'm not going to break any records, but I want to competitively finish 13.1 miles. I want to compete in a marathon or two next year, and I eventually want to qualify for the Boston marathon. I have a new found confidence in my ability to run and to actually compete. Mentally, it's a good place to be. I came across this article, Why Do I Run?, a couple weeks ago and was blown away. This woman took my thoughts and penned her article! Besides a few of her reasons that I also claim, here are my reason why I run...
1) To stay fit and set a good example for my little one
2) I love getting out of the house away from my to-do list, the TV, the laundry, house work, etc and just focus on my breathing, putting one foot in front of the other, feeling the morning breeze on my face, hearing the birds chirp, and waving at the neighbors.
3) Running makes me feel so good and helps me focus mentally, physically, and emotionally
4) I like to set goals, I like list, I like to track...I plan my running routes, I know exactly how far I run and my exact speed (using Daily Mile). Running allows my type A personality to shine!
5) I'm not very coordinated when it comes to traditional sports, but give me 2-3 weeks to train for a run and I'll excel and succeed. Running is the one thing I can be competitive in.
6) I have my sights set on running a marathon one day and... eventually qualifying for the Boston marathon
7) Running makes me feel powerful and strong.
8) Running keeps me accountable to myself...I make sure I eat right, drink enough water, and get enough sleep
9) Running outdoors with Xia gives us both fresh air, silence, and calmness...we return home energized
10) Running outdoors in my neighborhood is way cheaper than a gym membership!
Xia and I after our family run this morning at the park
2 comments:
What a great post, Annah! And very inspiring as well. You are setting a fantastic example for Xia that she will recognize and follow.
This is something I need to read, as I've lost my motivation of late. But I feel it coming back to me and this was a great post to inspire others as well!
Good luck at the 1/2 - you'll do great - after all, didn't you complete this one PREGO?!
fabulous Annah!!! you are so motivating! and you are doing a wonderful job!!!
Colleen -- you are also super fabulous.
But like Colleen said -- thanks for the motivation.
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