Getting back on track

***Five years ago I completed an Ironman. And for 7 of the last 10 years I ran a marathon every year. I was a collegiate All-American athlete. And for the last decade I could run a 1/2 marathon with about one-month advanced notice and be relatively well trained within a month. I worked out regularly – daily even.  

Then I started graduate school. And had a baby. And moved states. And bought a house. And tried desperately to keep up on being a wife and a sister and a daughter and a friend. And make new friendships in a new place. And sleep. And work part time. And even do laundry. 

And in the midst of all this I had a sneaky feeling that all of this in combination was probably not so good for my overall health. And then that sneaky feeling was confirmed. 

Last week I got a phone call from the doctor telling me that things are fine now, but I really need to start exercising for my health. Because long term things might not be so fine. I knew this (but I never thought I would get a phone call about it). I tell other people to do this. I berated myself for letting life and my health get so out of control. I focused on what I used to be able to do. I focused on how far I have fallen. 

 And then I remembered I have this blog. 

 And now it is time to put my money where my mouth is so to speak…

If I were my own best friend I would:

1. Be proud of myself for starting to work out again – even if it is only 20-30 minutes 3x a week
2. Not look back at all I have done in the past and berate myself for not being able to do it now – life is different now
3. Be grateful for the opportunity to start getting in shape again
4. Enjoy the process
5. Let go of the end goal (a nebulous “being in shape again” – what does that even mean???) and focus on small, short-term goals
6. Not say “even if it is only” – that is defeating language – I AM working out 20-30 minutes 3x a week and that is WONDERFUL
7. Get a new, fun, colorful workout top because I am a sucker for color and that is motivational for me

So there it is. In writing. For all to read. 

It is time to actually be my own best friend and tell myself all the things I would tell someone else who is just starting out again. Has anyone else been there or maybe even is there now?? If you are just getting back into it (whatever it may be) I just want to say “GOOD JOB FOR GOING AFTER IT!!”