Accomplishment

My Journey Continues

As MOMs we are constantly riding roller coasters, experiencing highs and lows, things that make us smile and things that sometimes make us want to scream.  It can be hard watching our bodies stretch out and then eventually (after that sweet little baby meets us on this side) sag down.  We’re no longer pregnant but we don’t look like our former self.

I was on bed rest the final month of my pregnancy, my strength slipped away fast and the girl who could power through workouts was LONG GONE.  Plyo felt like a joke, running a mile sounded like a marathon and my pre-pregnancy weight was a mirage as I circulated two outfits out of my closet that (kind of) fit.

When I started my post-baby journey and signed up for Body Back I had a list of goals I shared.  I was 184 pounds, couldn’t do a real pushup, dreamed of my wedding weight and longed to run a half marathon again.

Guess what, ladies?  Done.

I posted about Change two months ago, and now I’m doing it again.  I am so proud of my strength and this accomplishment.

But, as always… actions speak louder than words (and to be honest, these pictures just make me really, really happy):

Mile 9, Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon

With fellow ActiveWoMOM, inspiration and Friend: Hilary Storey

Owning the Pushup

I said that if I moved every day, everything would fall into place… and it has.  I’m 150 lbs, I didn’t just do one real pushup… I did SEVEN, and I ran my best half marathon time to date.  I feel unstoppable.

There is nothing, NOTHING, like the feeling of accomplishment after sweat and tears.  I cried when I failed my second test of pushups, 16 weeks into trying for the damned things.  My heart wanted to push my body back up, but that test cup crumpled beneath me as my muscles gave way.

A pushup may seem silly to some, but this pushup means the world to me.  I injured myself pretty bad after my first was born.  My head and neck were frozen to my shoulder, it took a couple grand in physical therapy visits, strong medication and loads of rehab before I was able to regain full motion.  I was told to stay away from over the head work and that I couldn’t do a pushup again.  HA.  

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this process of returning to me, its that you should NEVER listen to the doubt of others and always to focus on your heart.  I was told I was crazy to want to run a race so soon after having Maile.  I was told I was crazy to start Body Back when I did.  I was told I was losing weight too fast.  I was told I shouldn’t do so many pushups.  I was told I was working too hard and I should indulge.  Instead of focusing on all of them, I tuned them out and listened to myself.  I told myself that if I ran smart and ran to finish I could complete the distance, and I did… without injury.  I told myself I could do Body Back, I could do anything to the best of my ability.  I told myself my body would do what is best for itself as long as I kept feeding it the healthy fuel it needed to stay strong…. and I’m still able to nurse.  I told myself my goals are more important than crap food.  It wasn’t always easy, but I did it.  And I swear to you, if this (semi)reformed party girl who loves wine, beer, and really REALLY good chocolate… movie dates and lazy mornings… if she can do it, so can you.  I swear it.

Accomplishing something you want, doing something for yourself that makes you feel good… that makes all the yucky muck stuff we deal with daily more manageable.

Don’t listen to others.  Listen to yourself.  Don’t compare yourself to others.  Compare yourself to the person you want to be.  She can be yours, just be honest and don’t cheat the most important person that matters on this journey… you.

Now it’s time to make some new goals… here we go again!