The above is WAY easier said than done.
If you run long enough, eventually you fall out of a groove, out of a routine, and struggle to feel the love. Sometimes it’s after a difficult period in your life, after sickness, or after an injury. Sometimes you just don’t want to anymore.
It’s a normal part of running and life to go through the ebbs and flows, but it doesn’t make it any easier. The same pertains to our body images. In elementary school, we want to be taller; as teenagers, we want to be thinner; in our adult years, we would sell our voices to Ursula to be the size we were in our teens. It’s a vicious cycle that never stops and oftentimes just gets worse.
In this week's episode, we get vulnerable and talk about our body images, and I share especially how I’ve been struggling to accept my body, where I’m at with my running, and overall not loving myself even when I know my body does so much for me. Let me be clear: I am thankful for my body. I am healthy, I’m able to move/be active, I grew/carried/birthed a baby, and it’s done more for me than I could ever ask for. Yet here I am finding myself wishing I could change certain parts. It almost doesn’t seem fair to have those thoughts, but the more I try to suppress them, the louder they get. So it seemed only fair to let the words flow and share them with you all.
So what do I do when I feel down?
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming.
But seriously,
I list things my body can DO, not what it looks like, weighs, or fits into.
Go for a run even if I don’t want to—push myself out the door and I try not to let myself skip more than one day of workouts. It's not a perfect science, but even if it's a 50% success, that's progress.
Put in an outfit that makes me FEEL good. It could be my favorite dress, comfy shirt, or the shoes that you ran your last PR in. All of it counts and can give you an extra little bright spot!
Reflect on how far I’ve come. I remember when I wasn’t healthy when I need to make hard changes, when I couldn’t imagine where I’m at now. I haven’t failed; I have progressed, lived, and learned a lot along the way.
Focus on what makes me feel good with movement and fuel. I feel my best when I focus on my water intake when I pick foods that respond well with my body vs. what just seems like a good idea, and I stop telling myself negative thoughts and give myself compassion instead.
Dress for yourself---kinda like an every day super hero outfit!!
Coach Christine and I both also share out go-to's that we put on and rock when we need a little extra outward motivation and reminder that we can kick some asphalt!!!!
"Power Pick Me Ups"
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Brooks Ghosts 14- I have the multi-colored version, and by far, this is one of my favorite shoes ever. They are just cushy enough and make me feel like I'm flying!
Bolder Athletic Wear Skirts- No surprise that Christine isn't just a great runner; she also is adding in style points! Keeping a little flair with functionality, these skirts keep her smiling all the way through.
Handful Sports Bras- As we covered, these have Coach Christine's heart and chest. While we all need a little moral support, actual chest support goes a long way. Make your run a little easier and keep the "gals" in check every mile.
Sarah Marie Design Studio Shirt- While the shirt is no longer available, there are tanks, sweatshirts, and more! The simplistic design and comfy materials let the MARATHONER title shine and wrap me in a warm hug.
Sparkle Athletic Visors- Was anyone really surprised when Christine said she loved sparkles and wore them on her visors? Why NOT sparkle? These visors are cute and practical and come in a style for every occasion.
Erica Sara Engraves Necklace: Mine has my go-to saying, but you could put whatever you want!
What is something that makes YOU feel fabulous?? Send us an email at Info@timeforbrunch.com!