the courage to make a change.

the courage to make a change.

good morning!  happy saturday, friends.  it is absolutely beautiful here in chicago.  a rain storm last night sent the temperatures down about 15 degrees providing a much appreciated respite from the unusually hot mornings we've been having.

i was up relatively early with the dogs.  still stuffed from a late night ice cream run last night, i leashed up the dogs for a long walk in this lovely morning breeze.  in total we covered just over 5 miles.  it was a great morning workout!

reflection

as i was thought this morning, had you asked me a year ago whether a long morning walk should be considered a workout, i would have answered unequivocally no.  a former marathon runner, a workout (even a run) did not "count" unless it included running 4 miles (preferably 5) at a speedy pace.  for about 3 years i ran every. single. morning.  yes, i was in unbelievable cardiovascular shape, but i had no muscle definition, no upper body strength, and was constantly bloated from all the salt and carbohydrates i consumed to fuel my intense running schedule.

last summer i made a conscious decision to back off of running and focus on other forms of fitness.  this was not easy.  as any runner can attest to, running is hard to give up, it's a hard habit to break.  i had the same fears we all do: i would gain weight and lose all of my endurance.  as hard as it was, though, i threw myself into yoga and supplemented with long walks.  i practiced yoga consistently 5 - 6 times a week and walked around 3 miles every morning (mocha loved me!)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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and a funny thing happened: i felt great.  instead of worn down from a demanding morning run i felt energized from an inspiring yoga practice.  my biceps and triceps slowly began to pop.  i ate consciously instead of ravenously to fuel my body.  my skin glowed and gone was the puffiness.  after 6 months of this routine i can honestly say i was in the best shape of my life.  more importantly, though, i was content.  my days of running brought anxiety: when would i squeeze in a run, did i eat properly to feel good during my run, did i do enough today?  albeit slowly and unwillingly, those feelings subsided.  i listened to my body and it thanked me.

this vignette is not to say all will find peace and contentment, or even physical fitness, through yoga and walking, but it is to say that if you are scared to make a change, take a chance.  you have nothing to lose.  life is short  and none of us are meant to live it confined and constricted by fear.

• have you made a significant change to your daily life recently?
• do you feel constrained by routine?

well, i'm off to rouse matt from bed and figure out some breakfast.  just enjoyed a cup of coffee outside with the dogs.  

have a beautiful day.