I’m starting to feel it.
I’m starting to get back that joy of running and working out.
It’s been slow coming, but I feel it more and more.
Each time I go to run or bike or whatever, it takes less and less of an effort to get off my ass. I’m so happy! I used to LOVE running. I never competed as an adult, but in HS and College I was all about track & field. After graduating, I ran for pleasure. Can you believe it? I ran, for FUN!
Then early this year I decided to train for a fitness competition and was running and working out under pressure. Under a feeling of necessity, versus desire. It was kinda draining and hard for me to stay motivated since it wasn’t pleasurable. I was starting to get results, but wasn’t enjoying it. Then there was the fear of having to “diet down” in order to compete. (I vetoed competing after seeing how strict the diet would be)
This past weekend was the Jr. Nationals Fitness/Figure/Bodybuilding competition. Quite a few people I stalk bloggy friends competed and did so well! I was so proud to see their months of hard work, harder workouts, dieting and dedication pay off for them. (Check em out Here, Here and Here)
I thought reading their entries, and viewing the competition pics would make me want to get back to training, and just suck it up, dig deep and diet etc…but instead it reinforced my decision not to! Ha! Maybe one day?!
I want to workout. I want to run. I want to eat well and be healthy. But, I want to do it for ME. Competing would be cool/exciting/fun, but as of now, it is just not my path. And I feel no regrets with deciding not to compete. (Thank goodness for that)
It seems I’m light years away from my post-college running days, but now I’m getting back to that old Dani, the one who had feelings of happy anticipation when putting on her sportsbra and lacing up her sneaks. The one who could run for miles at a time without feeling like a cardiac infarction was on the way.
I’m getting there. Bit by bit I’m going to work to get fit and strong (and stay that way). And this time I’ll enjoy the process as well as the results.
OH! Guess what I did today. This morning I woke up, and just went for a run! First thing. And it was fun! And…get this…I want to go do it again tomorrow! ::GASP!::
Good for you! I decided to run a 5k in August as a little extra push…but unlike you I don't love running! Quite the opposite, but I want to get to the point where I am good at running and enjoy it! Thanks for the motivation! 🙂
Congrats girl! That's such a great way to look at working out. And I love that comic!!
Thanks for this Dani!
As you may know I'm also trying to get back to running and although I wasn't a track star like YOU, I did like running and I'm trying to be healthy.
Whenever I need motivation, I will come back to this article FOR SURE 🙂
Kristin – Good luck on the 5k! What a motivator!
Emily – Thanks, and that comic should be plastered in every doctors office lol
Bee – Thanks! I'm glad you're trying to get to a healthier lifestyle too! Good luck with the runs!
Hi Dani, I used to be there… the high of running. But that was in high school I'm inspired by your post though, and love the comic… I'm stealing it for sure!
I stated running a few weeks ago and then had to stop when I sprained my ankle. crap. good luck. Is that you running? If so I am totally jealous.
Tightwad – maybe you'll start again? Please take the comic!
Lori – how's the ankle healing? No that's not me running, it's a stock photo.