Telling Loved Ones YOU Want to Get Healthy

We have all been there before. Whether it' s looking in the mirror and wanting to lose a few pounds. Or taking the first steps towards a 5k.

It's striving towards better health. Optimum performance for your body.

When I decided (the 2nd time around) to train for a full marathon, I knew I had to make some changes in my life. Not just the adjustment in my schedules (um, hello 4:30am.... ihateyou so nice to see you again), but also my nutrition and mental game. I needed my friends and family on my side to help take it on.

First, I talked with Finn. Obviously talking it over with him and just letting him know in that 'hey, I'll be running and training, but I still wanna hang out with ya cuz you're kinda cute' way. I then casually mentioned it to friends, while probably over a beer and an appetizer that was filled with grease. I'm not sure I was not taken seriously at that point.

I started to talk about it. People listened. I announced it on Facebook through the charity I was fundraising for. People listened. They wanted to hear about my training and support me. I joined Daily Mile. I tweeted. I found friends within my running group. I smiled at the gym. Working out became another persona. I loved it. It became me.

See. I always worked out. I used to workout at 4:30am my Junior and Senior year at high school. I lost a bunch of weight and felt great, then enter college and living in two really cool places afterwards (Key West and Portland, Oregon). I ate mostly healthy throughout my life. But I was never fit, despite swimming D-3 in college. I didn't fit (pun intended) the description of an athlete. Well, damn it. I am reclaiming my territory. Now.

yep. that's college. currently, I am approx 40 lbs lighter

I want people to see a runner. I want people to see me. 

So the 2011 RnR Savannah came and went. Why I waited until after that race to really overhaul myself. Don't ask. Because I don't have an answer. But I am in the process of cleaning up my diet and working my training plan. 

(This blog is my way of having friends & family involved too! And great accountability!)

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How to get F&F on the Bandwagon

Words of Wisdom from a few FitFluentials

1- Nicole from Making Good Choices  suggests that you bring a healthy dish to a party that suits your needs (gluten, dairy, etc). "Make sure it's delicious and don't make a big deal about what you did or did not use to make the dish. Just tell people it's delicious and most likely they will like it".  Always bring 7 layer bean dip, why not make it healthy?

2- Keelie at Sweat Equals Success says to reiterate to your friends and family that ''you are doing this for yourself because you want and deserve a better life''.  Make sure not to judge others habits or eating styles, focus on your own journey. 

3- Dawn at Running at Dawn suggests "be prepared to meet them halfway (i.e., the family still gets mac & cheese night for dinner and you make something else for yourself)".  Whole wheat, thin crust pizza night.... load up the veggies, y'all!

4- Alexandra at Fun and Fit tries to bring FUN while being reminded from her peers that maybe she is "doing this (fitness) thing so you can keep up with (her) university students." Whatever your reason. 20 year olds or 2 year olds. Keep up with your friends and family. Don't get lost in the dust!

So my friends. Just make it known to your peeps and get out there and do it.

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On an unrelated note. Today's lunch consisted of this....

Santa brought a ton of stocking stuffers. Among them was some of Hammer's soy protein in vanilla. So I decided to bring a packet to work-  mix with Strawberry/Banana Chobani, non-fat milk and a few ice cubes. Jury is still out to whether or not I like Hammer's Soy Protein. It did keep me full for about 2 hours though.... so that's a start!

Stay tuned to my blog in the new few days.... my FIRST GIVE-A-WAY!!! Trust me ladies (or guys to get your tuckus out of da dawg house), you don't want to miss it!

QOD: How did you 'announce' that you were starting a health kick?