5 Things Running Has Done for Me

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What Running Has Done For Me

1. My appetite has exploded. I am always eating anyway, but I'm especially crazy after a long run. My appetite is unbelievable the day after I run more than 7 miles! Crazy I tell you! I think running long distances is the worst thing for a diet!

2. My legs are rockin'! My legs have always been thick and undefined. I never had ankles. Now, I love the shape of my legs. I have actual ankles (!) and a tight bum. Weight aside, running is good for your body!

3. I've learned to appreciate how to slow down. Running can be intense, so during my half marathon training I began to cling to yoga and Pilates. I need more balance when running.

4. I'm more in touch with my body. Since I began training I've learned to listen to my body when it comes to fuel, pain, sleep and exercise.

5. I've gained confidence. If I can run 13.1 miles and still live, anything is possible. My whole mindset has changed since my race.

Is there any exercise (running, yoga, walking, strength-training...) that has transformed you? Tell me about it! (Maybe I'll steal your exercise program :) )

(In case you missed it before, check out my Real Life Running Tips!)

wtf Orbitz?

I've seen ads like this from Orbitz before. It really makes me upset.

The product is chewing gum- and drawing the eye to the chest of a half-naked woman is 100% unnecessary.

No thanks, Orbitz.

The Challenge

One of my “fitness” magazine subscriptions arrives in the mail. Quickly I scan the photos taking note of their clear skin, trim calves and tight abs. More than anything else I begin to compare myself to the “perfect” image depicted in those photos. Without a second thought to my own beauty, strength or accomplishments I am criticizing my blotchy skin and always-too-big legs.

How does this happen?

I’ve been writing in this blog about health and fitness for almost a year now. I’m always the first to speak encouraging words to friends when they get down about their looks. Heck, I’m a huge health-and-fitness-guru-wannabe.

Yet I criticize my own physical condition whenever given the opportunity.

I am ashamed.

We talk about it day in and day out. “Most models are unhealthy and too skinny.” We cry that magazines don’t include ‘normal’ women. Bloggers proclaim their commitment to loving ourselves how we are. But how many of us still critique ourselves with negative thoughts?

I don’t want to do it anymore- whether the subject is a magazine or another woman.

Image snagged from Women's Health Mag's silly Swim Suit Tester here

The Challenge
So what would a month without all of those negative thoughts be like? Not necessarily a month to lose 10 pounds, hit the gym 6-days-a-week or spend more time at the spa... but a month believing that I am good enough just as I am (and regardless of what another woman looks like)…

Join me this next month to find out. To be honest, I think this challenge will be tough. Since I was a little girl I’ve played the comparison game. To change my thought pattern from criticizing to uplifting will feel just weird, but I’m in.

Join me?

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Since I'm on my road trip, my internet, posting and blog-commenting will be sporadic for the next two weeks... but I can't wait to be 100% back and catch up with you all!

In Hollywood, You Can Be Whatever You Want To Be

Looking around this blog I noticed photos the following billboards:

Typical... super-skinny girls, buff guys, sexy poses and very little clothing.

But how about the next one...


Notice anything funny? It's Photoshop crazy.

So keep this in mind next time Hollywood tries to dictate the way you should look. A lot of distortion is involved and it doesn't need to mess with us.

Be strong. Be fit. Be beautiful you.

**This is my 200th post. Thank you to all my readers. I love what we have going on here :)

Huh?

Really, it's a great concept Women's Health came up with. Here, you'll find an interactive tool that has models testing out bathing suits that you should buy for your shape. Funny, though- none of the models looked like me. Take a look at the models they selected and let me know what you think. I understand some women are in great shape and have that build, but when you set up a feature designed to include all women, you're going to have to realize that not all women are 5'10" and 120 lbs. Let me know what you think.