Oh, the Blessings

Sorry for the delay. It has been very hard to find inspiration lately. It's that time of year when we all just need a break, and thankfully, I finally have one! A full week off for Thanksgiving Break is just the right amount of recharge that we all need. This morning, I slept in until 6:30 am, which is sleeping in for me, had coffee, did laundry, and brushed Oliver. I am now on my second cup of coffee as I FaceTime with my mom to discuss our Tuesday plans. A pedicure and shopping for holiday decorations is in store. Oh, the joys of a Tuesday when you're off. The weather is perfect outside and I am going to go for a run soon. I love the mornings where you don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to have good weather for a run. Breeze, sunshine, 60 degrees and fall. Bring it on baby! Enjoy it while it lasts because I live in Texas and who knows what tomorrow will bring.

This past weekend I ran 15 miles! That is the most I have ever ran in my life. And surprisingly, I felt great. Last weekend I was unable to run the mileage required since I was on my death bed. But this week, I came back stronger than ever. I was able to train throughout the week and run my long run. This is an easy time of year for running because the weather is great, but it is not a good time of year for my physique. Man, holiday parties galore. I'm usually really good about eating the lunch I brought, but the temptation this year was out of control. It also doesn't help going to a health screening for your insurance and being told you're overweight. From previous blogs, you know I have struggled with my weight since the day I was born. I remember shopping for dresses when I was little and crying in the dressing room about my body. My mother and I were out looking for an Easter dress and then going to a baby shower. I stood in the dressing room and cried out that "I am the one that looks pregnant."

Throughout my entire life I have worked really hard to just maintain. Post college when I worked really hard to lose weight, I once again just wanted to maintain. When there are all these work parties and family gatherings this time of year, I always have the thought of what the indulgence might do to me. I am running like crazy and I know it helps a lot, but your body is 90% of what you eat and only 10% of how you work it out. It's easy to get down on yourself. It's the time of year when you are supposed to be thankful and enjoy the weather and family, but a lot of people are really struggling with how they appear on the outside instead of the warmth they should feel on the inside. I always try to stay body positive and indulge in family time instead of food, but if you are going to eat until your pant button pops, make sure you do it with people you love while memories are being made. For my family, quality time is spent in the kitchen. Cook and eat healthy when you can, but don't shame yourself for the rare indulgence. You can bounce back. Five or even ten bad meals wont set you back. I know I can be way too critical of myself and I don't always practice what I preach, even though I know should follow it like the Bible. Before the big holidays, I always give myself a pep talk. "Don't eat too much. On Thanksgiving, just get vegetables and a little turkey with salad. You don't need dessert. During meals, skip the bread. You don't need a glass of wine or two throughout the day. Stay clear of Cider. Bring healthy snacks. If I just drink coffee, wine and run, I will be good. Run every morning while you're away." This is my pep talk. I completely agree with the being healthy part and I definitely should stay clear of wine and Bloody Marys and Mimosas, but maybe I should change my game plan this year. I want to change my way of thinking before the travels begin. So, let's rewrite my pep talk.

Laugh a lot while you're with the ones you love. Eat enough to nourish your body. Enjoy the time with family. Run to feel the morning breeze and to have a clear mind throughout the day. Hug often. Snuggle with Travis while you get to spend the time together. If you eat too much, take a nap and relax. Cheers to a happy life and be thankful you are with the people you care the absolute most about. This is life. These are the moments we need to cherish. Don't waste time on the negative thoughts. If something happens you might regret, forgive yourself and move on. The more you dwell on the past and your regrets, the more time you are wasting in the present moment.

Happy Holidays,

#Holiday #Thanksgiving #MarathonTraining