Numbers have a way of trying to take over us -- or at least me. My crutch is that weekly mileage number and when it falls below 20, like this past week, it is hard to not get a wee bit annoyed, grouchy, or other emotions that essentially mean I am beating up on myself.But there are natural reasons for the number to fall -- such as taper -- but that isn't my excuse this time. Neither is being sick, another good and plausible reason for that number to fall. Thank you God for my health!
My reason this past week is plain and simple. Cross training.
A few weeks ago I made the commitment to invest more in myself and start cross training. I was doing a few moves I found in a magazine. I put in 20 minutes one week and 30 minutes the next week spread out between 2-3 workouts per week and told myself I was doing good. Yes, I did feel a bit of something but deep down, I knew I wasn't doing enough. Deep down I felt that my cross training commitment was the equivalent of wanting to run a marathon but only running 7 miles a week. I wasn't really increasing my training load to the level necessary to maximize my personal benefits and to achieve my goal.
And I have a goal. I want to be the best me that I can be and tied with that, I want to step up my game in my commitment to others and to help them along their fitness and health paths. I have always cared about YOU and have a special place in my heart for moms, especially new moms, but in all reality, I am there for all of you. And as part of that, I share my journey of running and beyond and recently stepped out of my comfort zone and made the commitment to be a fitness and health coach. Yes, to actively pursue my dream to help you!
And as part of that I want to reflect on numbers today and tell you my story. Yes, I ran less this past week but I have committed to a new cross training plan. I have been doing 30-minute workouts every day and they can be intense! But they are also fun and leave me wanting to join in the next day…even if some left me walking around aching as much as I may after running a marathon. And that is a good thing!
But before I pull you into all the details -- here is my why.
I want to be a better me. Personally, I want to feel energized. I know diet affects me and I will be working on refining that and that challenge officially starts May 23rd. I am learning my new plan and trying a few things out as I try to correct so many wrongs I have been making and didn't realize.
I thought I had the eating thing down right 80% of the time but I have already learned that I have been overdoing carbs and not getting enough protein and perhaps, not eating enough. I have been grabbing that Belvita bar pack way too much and need to turn to better, cleaner sources of food. I hope this helps keep me energized throughout the day and can honestly tell you that just by correcting my breakfast, which was half the size it should be, I may be less hungry throughout the day and not turning to bad choices.
Many lose weight in this challenge and that isn't my goal. Okay, losing 5-10 pounds could be nice but ultimately, I would prefer to see and feel a stronger and more energized body so that I can be a more energetic and happy mom and wife. That is my goal. An energized better me. Remember, we are more than a number and that includes the number on the scale.
I am excited to share this challenge experience with you and my sampling of workouts leaves me believing with 100% confidence that by the end of my full on three week challenge beginning May 23rd I will be on the way to a better, stronger, more energized me. If you want to join in on the challenge, let me know by commenting on this post or emailing me at [email protected]. If you want to just follow along, I love it and feel free to cheer me on! One great way to stay in touch is to sign up for my monthly newsletter HERE or to follow me on facebook.
Let's stay in touch and be fit!
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for my husband and his support in all I do.
Daily Bible Verse: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11
