My fitness has not always been a top priority, but mainly because I didn't always have to make it one. I grew up with 3 brothers and playing outside and being actively involved in sports was second nature to me. I have always been stocky and somewhat muscular so I never really harped on losing weight or toning up.
I admit I fared pretty well in college and to this day have only put on about 15 pounds from graduating high school 9 years ago. While it doesn't sound like a lot, on a 5'2" stocky frame, 15 pounds can make a huge difference. I can no longer fit into anything from college and have finally succumbed to gathering all my left over size 6 dress pants, readying them for a garage sale.
It is difficult to realize that I may never be as small as I once was, but I also have come to pretty good terms with that. I keep reminding myself that my body, much like myself in general, have come a long, long way since squeezing into 4's. It's okay. I don't need a small number on the scale to feel confident. I need a strong body in the mirror. My goal is to be the best me, not a size #. I want to be healthy, and a positive example for others.
All that being said, here is a little more recent fitness background. For Christmas last year I asked my husband for a treadmill and he complied (gasp!). It truly was what I wanted and I credit him for fulfilling my wish despite other outside advice. This ignited my inner runner that I previously thought retired, along with my cheerleading days of high school.
Although I'm currently going through a running slump, I know that running will be something I continue to do for as long as I can (I'm aiming for my 70's). I don't push myself to the point of burn out and don't set myself up for an impossible running schedule I'm sure to fail (and then feel guilty about). I run when I want and as long as I'm not training for a big race-I'm happy with that. I have successfully finished several 5k's, a 5 miler, 10k, 2 half-marathons, and a half-marathon trail run (definitely the toughest).
On top of running, I've been experimenting with some at-home workout DVD's. Specifically, I have completed Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred (loved it!) and am starting 6 weeks to 6 packs this week. These get me moving without having to think too much, which is ideal since I wake up an hour earlier than normal every morning to workout and shower before heading off to work.
I have found that working out gives me confidence in my body, perfect or not. I know that I worked for it. I will always be self conscious of certain parts of my body, but I think that's just human. So, my advice on fitness, is to do yourself a favor and Do Something! Don't compare yourself to the other fitness gurus-just do what works for you....and experiment with different types of fitness. There is bound to be something that clicks!
Strong Body = Strong Mind
And because a picture's worth a million words, I'll leave you with a few of my race pics!
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| First 5k/race ever! |
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| Color Me Rad |
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| Race for a Cure |
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| Metro PCS / Dallas Marathon |
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| Crazy Desert Trail |
One in a Million,
Jaimie
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