Thanks to Miss Selena G, I've adopted this as my new running mantra.
When you're ready. It's there. Waiting for you.
What is?
Everything and anything you ever dreamed.
One of my favorite Mumford & Sons songs was playing.
I was just cresting a long, but gradual incline, and I could barely see my loose fists pumping, rhythmically.
Right, left, right, left.
My legs were answering, strong and powerful, in opposite rhythm.
Left, right, left, right.
I glanced at my watch.
14.41km.
My last split was a 6:47km, so I was putting on the gas a little bit, shooting for 6 minute kilometres for my last 4.
The song begins to crescendo and I can feel the smile start across my face, because this, this is perfection.
I turn the corner onto the busy highway and I know I'm on the home stretch.
My smile grows bigger as my Selena song comes on.
I'm ready and I'm pouncing on it.
I am a runner, and I AM a distance runner.
It's around noon on a Sunday and I'm just out for an 18km run.
No biggie.
Seriously.
In just a few short years, I am able to run a half marathon a month.
And also keep up with bi-weekly crossfit classes and a handful of bike rides every week.
When you're ready come and get it.
I am so loving this right now because it represents so much for me.
To me, it means that we can all be whatever we dream to be.
It is up to us, and no one else.
It's up to you to go and get it, to become it.
Triathlete? Train for it. Register. Do it.
Want to be fit and healthy? Find something. Anything. And go do it. Get up and go. And. Do. It.
Aspire to change careers? Be courageous and find a way to make it happen.
It is so simple and it's all right there in front of you.
As I finished up my last kilometre, which happened to be my fastest, at 5:15, because I REALLY poured it on, I felt like at that moment in the universe, I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing. Running.
I realized that I probably could have held a faster pace, more consistently, but really, it was a great run, on an absolutely amazing day and I knew I had come a long way.
An 18km run isn't a huge feat for me anymore, and I need to aim higher.
And that's what I'm doing.
Goofy, you and I have date on January 11 & 12, 2014.
Bring it on.
I'm ready for it all.
Sunday 14 July 2013
Friday 28 June 2013
Goodbye 31
At the bottom of this post is a link for a song.
Do yourself a favor and click on it so it can play while you read this post about how grateful I am for my life. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with this post, but it's a picker-upper and it will surely make you smile!
Today is my 32nd birthday.
And what do I have to show for it?
Everything.
Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that this would be the life I would be living at 32 years old.
I am married to a man who is my perfect match. Who encourages and supports me while I dream crazy big dreams and register for "goofy" and spectacular races. Who thinks I'm beautiful at all the different sizes I've been during our time together. Who is the most incredible Daddy to two of the coolest broads I've ever known. And who I know loves me. Unconditionally.
Even when I'm not-so-lovable.
I have a billion dollar family.
By traditional standards, we don't have the "million dollar family", but we do have a billion dollar family.
What does that mean?
It means that we are perfect just as we are. Our girls are perfect (mostly). Our family is perfect (generally). And our life is as close to perfect as can be.
And we could live forever with nothing but the clothes on our backs and each other and be the happiest people on the planet.
Not only do we have a pretty perfect (did I mention that before?) family, but our extended family is pretty phenomenal as well.
We have two sets of parents who support us and want to spend as much time as possible with our girls and we've got siblings who are nearly as cool as us. ;)
We also have Aunts and Uncles who are like second sets of parents to us and we have grandparents who have always tried to give us the world.
We really are a lucky bunch.
My Dad and I competed in our first triathlon on Father's Day.
It was a sprint distance which included a 750m open water swim, a double loop 20km bike and another double loop 5km run.
It was one of the best racing experiences of my life.
I was shocked at how I was able to endure and how I felt like a real athlete in my tri wetsuit.
(I finished 16th overall in the swim and I am so proud of that!)
Isn't it cool that I get to share in so many race experiences with my Dad?
 |
| We're done! And we're still wearing our ever-forgiving tri suits! (NOTE:sarcasm) |
I have great family, friends and a very hard fought, but battle won, for my health.
This has been the best year of my life and to everyone who was involved in all of my victories and challenges overcome, thank you.
This entire year would not have been possible without you and although many of my 32 years have come and gone with not much to show, this year will always be close to my heart and a memorable one.
 |
| These girls are so friggin' cool! So glad we get to be roomies! |
Friday 7 June 2013
The Big Relay
Today, I have not eaten clean.
Like, if there were an opposite of clean eating, today would be the picture beside it in the dictionary.
I say this as I lick the fake cheese-like-substance that coats a deep fried corn flavoured chip that I am repeatedly reaching for out of a yellow label bag.
Yes, folks, these are no name brand chips, at that.
I'm sure you're wondering what else I had for lunch.
Fret not.
It was balanced.
With a handful of m&m's.
I will not feel guilty about this day though, because it was most definitely a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day and there is always food at a good pity party.
I also went to crossfit this morning and sweated my ass off.
So if you're wondering where the calories went that I burned off between the hours of 7 and 8am this morning?
I ate them.
Already.
Now, for the purpose of this post.
Last weekend, I participated in a relay race that started in Banff,AB and ended in Jasper,AB.
There were 15 runners total, running legs anywhere from 14 to 19+km.
This is not a race for the faint of heart.
It's a road race and it never leaves the boundaries of a mountainous National Park, so you can imagine, there's a hill or two.
We ran this race to raise funds for Brain Cancer research. We also ran to celebrate a relative who was taken far too young as a result of this disease.
I think we succeeded in both.
Our team consisted of brand-newbies, one of which was informed on Thursday before the Saturday race that he would be running 16km, (thanks Tyler!) as well as long-time veteran runners, (thanks John!), and everything in between.
It was a beautiful day and the energy surrounding the race was palpable.
Our team ran, that is, travelled from Banff to Jasper, every single step, on foot.
I'm pretty damn proud of us!
It was probably my best run, ever, and also a personal best as I ran 19.2km in 1:57.
And I am JONES-ING to do a half so I can prove to myself that I can do a sub 2 hour race!!
Now, I'm not going to let this entire day be a bust as far as my nutrition goes, so I'd better go eat a banana or something to help soak up the cheesecoloured flavoured snack...
Not every day can be squeaky clean. I'm human and I cave.
Some days are like that.
Even in Australia.
Like, if there were an opposite of clean eating, today would be the picture beside it in the dictionary.
I say this as I lick the fake cheese-like-substance that coats a deep fried corn flavoured chip that I am repeatedly reaching for out of a yellow label bag.
Yes, folks, these are no name brand chips, at that.
I'm sure you're wondering what else I had for lunch.
Fret not.
It was balanced.
With a handful of m&m's.
I will not feel guilty about this day though, because it was most definitely a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day and there is always food at a good pity party.
I also went to crossfit this morning and sweated my ass off.
So if you're wondering where the calories went that I burned off between the hours of 7 and 8am this morning?
I ate them.
Already.
Now, for the purpose of this post.
Last weekend, I participated in a relay race that started in Banff,AB and ended in Jasper,AB.
There were 15 runners total, running legs anywhere from 14 to 19+km.
This is not a race for the faint of heart.
It's a road race and it never leaves the boundaries of a mountainous National Park, so you can imagine, there's a hill or two.
We ran this race to raise funds for Brain Cancer research. We also ran to celebrate a relative who was taken far too young as a result of this disease.
I think we succeeded in both.
Our team consisted of brand-newbies, one of which was informed on Thursday before the Saturday race that he would be running 16km, (thanks Tyler!) as well as long-time veteran runners, (thanks John!), and everything in between.
It was a beautiful day and the energy surrounding the race was palpable.
Our team ran, that is, travelled from Banff to Jasper, every single step, on foot.
I'm pretty damn proud of us!
It was probably my best run, ever, and also a personal best as I ran 19.2km in 1:57.
And I am JONES-ING to do a half so I can prove to myself that I can do a sub 2 hour race!!
Now, I'm not going to let this entire day be a bust as far as my nutrition goes, so I'd better go eat a banana or something to help soak up the cheese
Not every day can be squeaky clean. I'm human and I cave.
Some days are like that.
Even in Australia.
 |
| I really am happiest when I'm running. And when I'm with my family. Yeah. |
Thursday 6 June 2013
The Value of Beauty
Are you like me?
Do you really have no idea how your beauty compares to others?
I have absolutely no problem, whatsoever praising my children and seeing their stunning beauty, but when it comes to myself, I'm my own, personal, #1, hardcore critic.
I think most people are their own worst critic, and although we can recognize that, we are unable to change it.
Maybe for a day or two we can consciously see our own beauty, both inside and out, but it doesn't take long for the old, negative self doubts to creep into our innocent minds.
I realize that physical beauty isn't anywhere near as important or valuable as our spiritual and emotional beauty, but there is no denying the fact that our appearance has grips on so many aspects of our lives.
The biggest, and most important decision of our lives, choosing our partner, is initially based solely upon one another's outward appearance.
Don't even try to deny it!
We are first attracted to our significant other's beauty, and then we are able to fall in love with all the other bits.
Now that we've got two little girls, I feel it's important that I not only take careful steps to reign in my own lousy self-esteem in regards to my weight, but also to my appearance.
Do they need to see me scrutinizing every wrinkle? Is my nose too fat? Does this shirt hide my muffin top? Am I pretty?
Who frickin' cares!
They certainly don't, and I've got much better things to do than teach them how to hate themselves.
For a very long time (at least I hope!), my girls will think that I'm the most beautiful person in the world.
I may not believe this to be true, and, of course, it's not, but fake it til you make it, right?
My older gal likes to play with my hair, and I've held off cutting the whole lot of it off, because I adore this.
Our children will look at our faces, and have nothing but an innocent, confident smile. A genuine, all-knowing, smile.
They love us, and they don't know any better.
We. Are. Beautiful.
 |
| I will never tire of looking at these two gorgeous faces! |
Is it good for them to hear us criticize ourselves?
No.
Is it good for their hearts to know that their mother or father thinks that they're ugly?
No. Because one day, they will learn that they are created in their parents likeness, and they will let those same mental recordings start to happen in their own beautiful little brains.
I cannot let this happen.
So, what is the value of beauty?
In my opinion, it's whatever you make of it.
Do you think you're beautiful?
Like I said earlier, I have no idea how I compare to the rest of the world, but comparing myself to others is about as effective as, well, it's just not. And I'm far too lazy to spend time on that anyways!
Is it important?
Yes.
How important?
Well, that's up to you and I.
 |
| She loves to hang out in the carrier. Who needs a double stroller anyhow?! |
Thursday 16 May 2013
Summer 2013
Running, biking, swimming, crossfit-ing and dreaming of adding a yoga class to my schedule.
This is a typical week.
Yep. In one week I must fit in one bike, one swim, one crossfit class and two or three runs.
Up until last week, I was also going to one physio appointment every week.
It almost sounds like a recipe, doesn't it?
Add, five or six workouts and a physio or yoga session, subtract equal amounts of family time, also subtract date nights and any semblance of a social life and you will have one awesome race-filled summer.
Well, I'll tell ya in September if it was an awesome summer!
On my current agenda, I've got planned:
A 19.1km leg of the Banff to Jasper relay
The Summerside sprint triathlon
Color me Rad 5km
The Moose is Loose half marathon
The Devon sprint triathlon
The Derby Edmonton half marathon The Derby Edmonton full marathon
The Barrhead Queen of Hearts triathlon
Melissa's Road Race half marathon
And all of this will be followed up with a heavy running-only training schedule to get ready for the Goofy race in January.
I have never, ever in my life planned to (and I know I'll finish all of these races!) compete in so many races. The financial investment is enough to ensure my rear gets to the start line, which, in turn, ensures I will get to the finish line.
Now, for the interesting part.
Goals.
I'm not just planning to run and triathlon my way through the summer, but I plan to end with two PRs, or personal records.
I am going to run a sub 2 hour half marathon, and I'm sure that the Derby will be the race to do it.
REVISION Since I've decided to do the Edmonton full, then the Moose is Loose is my ONLY opportunity to do a sub 2. *breathe in, breathe out, breathe in...*
I'm also planning to have two improved times on my sprint triathlons. The second being faster than the first, and the third being faster than the second.
Those are my goals.
If your dreams aren't big enough to scare you...right?!
Heard that before?!
Well I'm not scared of any of the races I'm doing this summer, but I am a little scared for this Goofy race.
63.3km over two days.
This race scares me because the last time I trained for a marathon (and only a marathon, not a marathon and a half!) I injured myself so badly that it took over two years for me to do another half marathon.
For a runner, that's a huge, huge setback.
I was productive, though.
I had a baby.
My get-ankle-ready strategy includes as-needed physio with my fantastic therapist, who also happens to be an ironman athlete, and crossfit. Loads of dynamic moves and one-foot jumping. This damn ankle has no choice but to comply!!
I've also got an appointment to see a Naturopath about Prolotherapy.
My physiotherapist suggested it to help strengthen and rehabilitate this bum ankle that continues to plague me.
I've done my research and found a clinic, so we'll see in June if this stuff is hulabaloo, or if it's going to help me.
I have a feeling 60+ less pounds on this body of mine is going to help in preventing injury. ;)
The most unfortunate part about this summer is that I've had to give up my twice weekly bootcamp classes. I just can't fit in these classes and my work schedule includes shift and so that makes it hard to get to these classes.
I'm planning to return in the fall, and I'm also hoping to continue with crossfit as they both bring a different dynamic to my fitness regime.
GAWRSH I love working out!
(I'm channeling goofy. Did ya get that?)
This is a typical week.
Yep. In one week I must fit in one bike, one swim, one crossfit class and two or three runs.
Up until last week, I was also going to one physio appointment every week.
It almost sounds like a recipe, doesn't it?
Add, five or six workouts and a physio or yoga session, subtract equal amounts of family time, also subtract date nights and any semblance of a social life and you will have one awesome race-filled summer.
Well, I'll tell ya in September if it was an awesome summer!
On my current agenda, I've got planned:
A 19.1km leg of the Banff to Jasper relay
The Summerside sprint triathlon
Color me Rad 5km
The Moose is Loose half marathon
The Devon sprint triathlon
The Barrhead Queen of Hearts triathlon
Melissa's Road Race half marathon
And all of this will be followed up with a heavy running-only training schedule to get ready for the Goofy race in January.
I have never, ever in my life planned to (and I know I'll finish all of these races!) compete in so many races. The financial investment is enough to ensure my rear gets to the start line, which, in turn, ensures I will get to the finish line.
Now, for the interesting part.
Goals.
I'm not just planning to run and triathlon my way through the summer, but I plan to end with two PRs, or personal records.
I am going to run a sub 2 hour half marathon, and I'm sure that the Derby will be the race to do it.
REVISION Since I've decided to do the Edmonton full, then the Moose is Loose is my ONLY opportunity to do a sub 2. *breathe in, breathe out, breathe in...*
I'm also planning to have two improved times on my sprint triathlons. The second being faster than the first, and the third being faster than the second.
Those are my goals.
If your dreams aren't big enough to scare you...right?!
Heard that before?!
Well I'm not scared of any of the races I'm doing this summer, but I am a little scared for this Goofy race.
63.3km over two days.
This race scares me because the last time I trained for a marathon (and only a marathon, not a marathon and a half!) I injured myself so badly that it took over two years for me to do another half marathon.
For a runner, that's a huge, huge setback.
I was productive, though.
I had a baby.
My get-ankle-ready strategy includes as-needed physio with my fantastic therapist, who also happens to be an ironman athlete, and crossfit. Loads of dynamic moves and one-foot jumping. This damn ankle has no choice but to comply!!
I've also got an appointment to see a Naturopath about Prolotherapy.
My physiotherapist suggested it to help strengthen and rehabilitate this bum ankle that continues to plague me.
I've done my research and found a clinic, so we'll see in June if this stuff is hulabaloo, or if it's going to help me.
I have a feeling 60+ less pounds on this body of mine is going to help in preventing injury. ;)
The most unfortunate part about this summer is that I've had to give up my twice weekly bootcamp classes. I just can't fit in these classes and my work schedule includes shift and so that makes it hard to get to these classes.
I'm planning to return in the fall, and I'm also hoping to continue with crossfit as they both bring a different dynamic to my fitness regime.
GAWRSH I love working out!
(I'm channeling goofy. Did ya get that?)
Sunday 28 April 2013
Preschool?!
This evening I will wait in line to register my daughter for preschool.
Is it just me, or does every Mom feel like they're an imposter?
My oldest gal is almost 3.5 years old and it still feels strange to type a sentence like the opener.
I have a daughter? Actually, I have two! Now that, my friends, is still unbelievable.
Two little people are fully dependent on Blake and I.
I can't even keep plants alive.
You can breathe out now. My children are fine.
Back to the school thing.
Vitamin A is so, so ready for school!
We visited Nana and Papa K, Auntie and Uncle K and Great Aunt and Uncle C last week.
Actually, truthfully, we went to snuggle with brand new baby Hailey. (Love you guys too!)
She is so sweet and lovely and I couldn't love her more! Great job Garth and Mel!
While we visited, the girls and I went to Nana's school.
Audrey absolutely adores Nana's school! She loves the kids, she loves playing and she really just loves everything about it!
She was sitting at her desk, chatting with the kids and carpet and put up her hand when asked if she had packed her math homework.
She is so, so ready for preschool in the Fall, but I'm not sure I am.
I feel like the older she gets, the cooler she gets, and the more time I want to spend with her.
How selfish, right?
I totally get why people homeschool their kids.
They're selfish. ;)
Audrey's speech is improving in leaps and bounds. Basically, she will climb up to a seat at the table, where we're seated, and say, "OK. Guys. What are we doing today?".
Clear as a bell.
And it friggin' cracks me up everytime.
Not everything she says is appropriate though. Really, though, what toddler is entirely appropriate?
Ellie is a crazy vocal kid, and she can talk the ear off anyone, so Vitamin A has started addressing this.
"Shut your piehole, Ellie!".
This is a problem.
Just try not to laugh at that, though!
Not only has Ellie really found her voice, but she's become a crawling beast!
She pulled herself by her arm and pushed with her power toes for a long time, in a zombie-like fashion, but one day, a couple weeks ago, she figured out how fast she could move by crawling and hasn't looked back!
Her older sister never, ever crawled, so this all took some adjusting to!
Our house never had to be baby-proofed!
Ellie will be 11 months old in 6 days and still doesn't have a tooth!
That doesn't mean she can't take down a half a chicken breast though! That girl can eat!
She out-eats her older sister!
All these milestones being met, moved on from, makes my gut ache.
I really, really want them to stop growing.
It pains me as much as it makes my heart swell, and I feel like these emotions are at the root of motherhood.
Becoming a Mother (or Father!), brings so many unknowns. Constant change.
Do we every really know what we're doing?
How many children does one have before they're considered an expert?
IS there such a thing as an expert in Motherhood?
Is it just me, or does every Mom feel like they're an imposter?
My oldest gal is almost 3.5 years old and it still feels strange to type a sentence like the opener.
I have a daughter? Actually, I have two! Now that, my friends, is still unbelievable.
Two little people are fully dependent on Blake and I.
I can't even keep plants alive.
You can breathe out now. My children are fine.
Back to the school thing.
Vitamin A is so, so ready for school!
We visited Nana and Papa K, Auntie and Uncle K and Great Aunt and Uncle C last week.
Actually, truthfully, we went to snuggle with brand new baby Hailey. (Love you guys too!)
She is so sweet and lovely and I couldn't love her more! Great job Garth and Mel!
While we visited, the girls and I went to Nana's school.
Audrey absolutely adores Nana's school! She loves the kids, she loves playing and she really just loves everything about it!
She was sitting at her desk, chatting with the kids and carpet and put up her hand when asked if she had packed her math homework.
She is so, so ready for preschool in the Fall, but I'm not sure I am.
I feel like the older she gets, the cooler she gets, and the more time I want to spend with her.
How selfish, right?
I totally get why people homeschool their kids.
They're selfish. ;)
Audrey's speech is improving in leaps and bounds. Basically, she will climb up to a seat at the table, where we're seated, and say, "OK. Guys. What are we doing today?".
Clear as a bell.
And it friggin' cracks me up everytime.
Not everything she says is appropriate though. Really, though, what toddler is entirely appropriate?
Ellie is a crazy vocal kid, and she can talk the ear off anyone, so Vitamin A has started addressing this.
"Shut your piehole, Ellie!".
This is a problem.
Just try not to laugh at that, though!
Not only has Ellie really found her voice, but she's become a crawling beast!
She pulled herself by her arm and pushed with her power toes for a long time, in a zombie-like fashion, but one day, a couple weeks ago, she figured out how fast she could move by crawling and hasn't looked back!
Her older sister never, ever crawled, so this all took some adjusting to!
Our house never had to be baby-proofed!
Ellie will be 11 months old in 6 days and still doesn't have a tooth!
That doesn't mean she can't take down a half a chicken breast though! That girl can eat!
She out-eats her older sister!
All these milestones being met, moved on from, makes my gut ache.
I really, really want them to stop growing.
It pains me as much as it makes my heart swell, and I feel like these emotions are at the root of motherhood.
Becoming a Mother (or Father!), brings so many unknowns. Constant change.
Do we every really know what we're doing?
How many children does one have before they're considered an expert?
IS there such a thing as an expert in Motherhood?
 |
| Caught in moment of weakness. Playing with her sister! |
Tuesday 16 April 2013
The Cost of Weight Loss
First things first.
Yesterday was the Boston marathon and would have been a regular running event, had it not been for the waste-of-skin-douchebag(s) who planted bombs and in effect, caused pain and suffering for hundreds of families.
Are we safe nowhere?
The Boston marathon. Probably the most famous running event in the world, and a race for the elite, as you must qualify (I would need to run a 3:35 marathon - *choke) and also be chosen from a lottery, as there really are THAT many people who qualify. The Boston marathon. And instead of it being a joyous day, filled with victories and successes, it was marked by a terrorist attack.
But the running community, and the world, are strong, and resilient, and will bounce back and not let this tragedy become a defining moment, but rather a day to remember victims but also to continue to run this race and create everlasting, happy memories.
On to the seemingly petty subject of this post.
Though yesterday's events eclipse any of today, I think it's important to talk about the little things because it helps us to move on, and focus on the mundane, yet happy moments that occur everyday.
Weight loss is such an incredible journey, and I feel so fortunate to have had so much success and continued motivation to reach my goals.
BUT...
I'm finding that my budget is taking a big hit in order to replace my old wardrobe.
If you consider, for a moment, I need to replace almost everything.
Many people have a second wardrobe from when they were a small size, but I've never been this size in my adult life, so had I kept some of the clothes from high school (which was 15 years ago - um, what?!?!), I would be able to fit those clothes.
I must replace underwear, workout gear, jeans, shirts, summer wear, coats and swimsuits.
Basically, I can still fit into my pajamas.
I also think it's important to get rid of the old clothes, because (as I'm sure everyone knows!) it's so very easy to slip back into old habits, grab an old, larger pair of jeans, and carry on.
If this isn't an option, then one has no choice but to be accountable to one's wardrobe.
In addition to the cost of shopping - and I know many would think, "what the HELL is she complaining for!" I started thinking about the cost of weight loss, in itself.
If I start thinking about how much I've spent in my lifetime on gym memberships, fitness classes, workout gear, running shoes, sports leagues, etc., I could come up with a rather large number.
Do I consider any of that expenditure in waste?
Nope.
Not even a little bit.
I've never been that gal who signs up for a gym membership, pays the $30 or $40 or $50 monthly fee, only to not spend a single moment at the gym.
I've always, always, found the value in money spent on my fitness and health.
And you should too.
Do you have a gym membership you don't use? Do you pay for yoga classes you don't attend?
If it's not something you like to do, then don't do it! But find something else that you do enjoy so that you can easily take care of your body, because at the end of the day, health is on the very short list of things in life that truly matter.
Taking care of our health is so very important, and if the government offered tax breaks, or subsidized the means by which we have to look after our bodies, then maybe more people would do it.
Is it not proactive to gain and maintain health and fitness, rather than lean on our healthcare system when our bodies fail us?
Will we never learn?
Yesterday was the Boston marathon and would have been a regular running event, had it not been for the waste-of-skin-douchebag(s) who planted bombs and in effect, caused pain and suffering for hundreds of families.
Are we safe nowhere?
The Boston marathon. Probably the most famous running event in the world, and a race for the elite, as you must qualify (I would need to run a 3:35 marathon - *choke) and also be chosen from a lottery, as there really are THAT many people who qualify. The Boston marathon. And instead of it being a joyous day, filled with victories and successes, it was marked by a terrorist attack.
But the running community, and the world, are strong, and resilient, and will bounce back and not let this tragedy become a defining moment, but rather a day to remember victims but also to continue to run this race and create everlasting, happy memories.
On to the seemingly petty subject of this post.
Though yesterday's events eclipse any of today, I think it's important to talk about the little things because it helps us to move on, and focus on the mundane, yet happy moments that occur everyday.
Weight loss is such an incredible journey, and I feel so fortunate to have had so much success and continued motivation to reach my goals.
BUT...
I'm finding that my budget is taking a big hit in order to replace my old wardrobe.
If you consider, for a moment, I need to replace almost everything.
Many people have a second wardrobe from when they were a small size, but I've never been this size in my adult life, so had I kept some of the clothes from high school (which was 15 years ago - um, what?!?!), I would be able to fit those clothes.
I must replace underwear, workout gear, jeans, shirts, summer wear, coats and swimsuits.
Basically, I can still fit into my pajamas.
I also think it's important to get rid of the old clothes, because (as I'm sure everyone knows!) it's so very easy to slip back into old habits, grab an old, larger pair of jeans, and carry on.
If this isn't an option, then one has no choice but to be accountable to one's wardrobe.
In addition to the cost of shopping - and I know many would think, "what the HELL is she complaining for!" I started thinking about the cost of weight loss, in itself.
If I start thinking about how much I've spent in my lifetime on gym memberships, fitness classes, workout gear, running shoes, sports leagues, etc., I could come up with a rather large number.
Do I consider any of that expenditure in waste?
Nope.
Not even a little bit.
I've never been that gal who signs up for a gym membership, pays the $30 or $40 or $50 monthly fee, only to not spend a single moment at the gym.
I've always, always, found the value in money spent on my fitness and health.
And you should too.
Do you have a gym membership you don't use? Do you pay for yoga classes you don't attend?
If it's not something you like to do, then don't do it! But find something else that you do enjoy so that you can easily take care of your body, because at the end of the day, health is on the very short list of things in life that truly matter.
Taking care of our health is so very important, and if the government offered tax breaks, or subsidized the means by which we have to look after our bodies, then maybe more people would do it.
Is it not proactive to gain and maintain health and fitness, rather than lean on our healthcare system when our bodies fail us?
Will we never learn?
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