Guys, I’m feeling all sorts of fired up and inspired today.
Between chatting with Ashley about her marathon, seeing how Charlie smashed her PR, refreshing Twitter obsessively for news on Dori’s marathon and tracking Meghan at Ironman Chattanooga, it’s hard not to be inspired, right?
And Shalane freaking Flanagan busting out an amazing PR in Berlin.
Oh AND there was a half in my hometown today, too. I honestly regret not registering for it, but I think I’m about ready to stop running halfs for funsies and start trying for PRs again. (In the spring?)
But in the meantime, I’m switching tacks a bit and really want to focus on strength.
We have a new strength-based program that’s coming out at work next week, and I’m going to either follow that and/or do CrossFit.
Melissa sent me this photo that Women’s Health was sending out as part of their pitch for post coverage of the Run 10 Feed 10. At first, I saw the raw emotion captured on both of our faces: happiness, disbelief, trying not to vomit (it was HUMID), pride. And then I actually thought “hey my legs look pretty good,” and then I zoomed straight in on my stomach and that’s all I saw. Sure, you can say it was a bad angle or whatever, but the truth is that I’ve always carried some extra weight around my stomach, but definitely some more has accumulated lately.
While I was busy having The Best Summer Ever, I was honestly okay with that, but I’m done. (And it is The Best Summer Ever that also caught up with me.)
Last night, I headed out to Brooklyn for my coworker Alex’s birthday. As I sat on the subway, I felt SO bloated from a few beers the night before that I hid my purse in front of my stomach. I’d been thinking lately about making some changes and last night solidified it. I’m done feeling crappy and bloated. I may never have a six-pack, but I’m done trying to strategically arrange clothes to hide my stomach.
Erica regrammed this the other day, and it really rang true to me. When I’m not working towards some goal (as loose as it may be), exercise is a little less enjoyable. I need some structure. I want to work hard and see results.
So, my goal is to clean up my diet and cook more for myself (stay tuned for an awesome work thing I have coming up to share with you that can reward you for cooking at home) and cut back a little on the vino. I did find that I felt better when I cut out gluten, so just laying off on the gluten and processed foods a little more will help, too. Get stronger, feel better, look better.
ALSO, on Tina’s recommendation, I bought a spiralizer because it was ridiculously cheap, and I can’t wait to make ZOODLES.
And a huge congrats to my girl Sarah on launching her own app. You can download it here.
Who else is fired up to make changes this fall?
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I'm with you, Theodora -- my husband & I didn't go away for our summer vacation this year, which led to too many nights at home over indulging to make up for our lack of vacation... It was fun while it lasted, but I'm ready to get back to feeling great in my skin!
I always find your blogs inspiring because you are so active and willing to try anything. Believe me I know the whole analyze every angle of a picture. BUT look at YOU and what you've accomplished with that body - some pretty amazing stuff!!! Whatever you do, do it before 40 because it's harder and harder after that! I am speaking from experience. I'm really limiting wheat and dairy this fall in hopes of getting rid of the belly.
I look forward to seeing your changes and I am getting out my credit card to bite the bullet and order the spiralizer.
Take care.
@Chrissy: Thanks for the kind words :) And I definitely do know that. And honestly, I'm not dwelling/obsessing over that picture, but it did show me that I really want to make a change.
So you're saying I should hang on to 31 forever? That's kind of my plan. And I haven't used it YET but I'm pretty sure this spiralizer is going to be life-changing.
@Theodora Blanchfield: I may be 31, but I'm hanging on to 29 ;)
I like your style.
I was really all about running last year and....now I am all about strength training. I started CrossFit in January and seriously it really is life changing. It really empowers you and changes how you view yourself. Also, I have seen more positive changes from lifting heavy in a few weeks, than all the running I ever did put together. Go pick up a barbell-you won't regret it!
That's what I have heard re:CrossFit...and if you can't beat 'em, join 'em? Running's never been about weight loss or changing my body to me - it's always been about sanity and pushing myself. That said, excited to see how lifting heavy changes things.
I've been reading your blog for about 4 years and have never commented! I find that so many of the things you write about are right in line with how I am feeling and today couldn't have hit home more! After a few months of losing steam, I'm all fired up to get moving and clean up my world (food, exercise, life in general!). Thanks for always inspiring me to do more. Stay fired up so I can stay motivated too :) Much love from a fellow Jersey girl living in DC!
Aw hi! :) Where in NJ are you from? We've got this!
@Theodora Blanchfield: pompton lakes - right around the corner from you :)
aw super close! :) I lived in Wayne until high school.
I started focusing on weight loss a few months ago and I'm ready to kick it up a notch this Fall!
Two things:
1. For what it's worth -- I think you look awesome. I get how easy it is to pick ourselves apart, but from an outside perspective, you should know you look good! BOOM.
2. I can't tell you how much increased strength training has changed my body for the better, so I am ALL ABOUT THIS for you!! You'll feel great and strong -- go for it, girlfriend :)
Thanks for the shout out :) I wish it was the announcement you texted me about haha... I think there will be a different kind of announcement before that ever comes...
Girl, your legs ARE rockin! Summer is actually a really hard time to be at your best, so definitely give yourself a break. Setbacks can be the best motivators and they are also good learning opportunities. And the great thing is, it just takes a few small achievements and positive efforts to feel "back in the game." You got this. I'm excited to see what the cooking at home work project is!
Okay, I love, love, love that quote about training, and it certainly makes me feel better about eating myself out of house and home while training for my half. It's not like I'm running THAT MUCH each week, but I've been so hungry around the clock... I can't even fathom how much I'd consume if I was training for a full.
I also plan on re-focusing on strength training once my half is complete (aka in two weeks). :)
A few months ago I stumbled upon your blog, and I am so glad that I did!
I too am an NYC fitness-obsessed gal, who also appreciates wine, fun, food, and friends. I'll never be a size 0 or have a six pack, but who cares? I'm in the best shape of my life, and I don't care if I'm the only one who knows it.
I'd never have the guts to run the races that you do and your accomplishments are so inspiring. What I see in that Run 10 Feed 10 race photo is a girl that is healthy and fit. Totally understand the desire though to tone up! I'm trying to do that now myself. Even though it will definitely break my heart to limit dessert to only a few nights a week...
Thanks for the kind words :)
Yup, will also never be a size 0 or have a six-pack, but just want a little better for myself than I've been treating myself the past few months. For a while I really emphasized treating the physical self well and sort of ignored some of the mental stuff, and in the past year or so, I've been treating myself so much better mentally...but the physical stuff fell by the wayside slightly. (Ok, really just the nutrition.) Just looking for a little more of a balance, and, really, just a core that ain't like jelly. It's weird, I actually felt more confident in a bikini this summer than I do in a shirt like that.