Reflections on Past Races

When I got home from work Yesterday, my boyfriend had constructed a Shelf to proudly display all our medals from different races that we have done throughout the last 4 years. It was so thoughtful of him to be so proud of me and my accomplishments. (that is what he said anyways)

I am so grateful that I am able to have done the many races I have done and receive some very awesome medals in return.

As I was looking at them, I noticed my 2 marathon medals from Lake Placid. My 3 year winning my age group streak at the Tour De Loop 30 mile bike race (which I am pouting because I gave it to someone else this year as I didn't do the race), My Iron Girl Medals, My 3rd place 10k medal, My 2nd OV Tri medal, and of course my first 70.3 medal.  All of which brought back so many happy memories. Its like a photograph, you begin to tear up thinking of the day, the moment.

7 years ago I would've never thought I would proudly hang all these medals right in the entryway to my living room. 7 years ago I was an overweight woman just trying out a run walk program at the local YMCA, trying to be consistent in my efforts. Fast forward 7 years and I am still as active as ever. I love what I do, it gives me the runners high, the feeling of freedom, the stress reduction.

When I look at this self, this wonderful warm sensation of gratitude and happiness comes over me that I can say I have acheived so much and will continue to achieve that much more!!

"Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner"- Les Brown

Nutrition

I Have been Reading Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook for the last couple of days and have gained some insight into eating right and properly fueling.

I am currently on Chapter 13: Assessing your Body: FAT, FIT or FINE?? I thought great! Im going to find out if I am Fit. (Of course I think I am)One of the topics is Body fat and exercise, which is talking about myths and misconceptions. I loved reading that my cellulite, which I have been obsessing over on my thighs and butt this year, Is not from my yo-yo dieting over the years but from me (as a women) having thinner skin, a child (which makes fat deposits more on the hips to help feed our babies), and my Mother (a genetic predisposition).

Next Sub topic I read, BODY IMAGE. I have a visual disturbance when it comes to this. I find myself comparing my body to my other friends who are athletes as well as other women my age. Of course our bodies are genetically predetermined, (I can thank my parents for my body), I need to accept that I come from a family with large thighs and be realistic in my expectations. Rather than obsess over my flaw, I am going to let go of my dissatisfaction and accept myself for the caring, strong, sincere person I am. I am appreciating that my body has taken me this far and beauty comes from inside. (Not that I didn't know that already)

I loved reading that men Have distorted body images as well, feeling the pressure to be lean and muscular in todays world. BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) is so common believing everyone around then is seeing their flaws and judging their appearance.

So in closing, I DECLARE from this day forward, I will live by the following tenets.

- I will accept my body in its natural size and shape

- I will celebrate all my body can do for me each day

- I will treat my body with respect, give it enough rest, fuel it with a variety of food, exercise it as my schedule says, and listen to what it needs.

-I will not use food to mask my emotions

- I will not avoid participating in activities I enjoy simply because I am self conscious about the way my body looks. I have the right to enjoy any activity regardless of the way my body looks

- I WILL believe that my self-esteem and Identity come from within!!!!

NANCY CLARK, you hit the nail on the head with this book!!!