A Way of Life

The other day a friend of mine asked me to talk about changes that have occurred during my journey to healthy living that are not weight related. I think this is something that a lot of people struggle with. Many times we determine our success by what the scale says but there are so many more indicators of the changes - from wearing smaller sizes to having more energy for playing with kids or just having a more positive outlook on life. Endorphins are well-known mood lifters and at the end of a great workout we generally feel energized - tired, but energized!

The largest change that has occurred for me that is not based on the scale has to do with physical fitness and the role that it plays in my life. Although I may not want to exercise everyday, it is rare for me to go more than two days without exercise. Exercise has become a constant in my life, it is almost as natural as breathing. As much as I sometimes hate to do it, I am compelled to move my body.

No longer can I sit on the couch on my computer for days on end without moving. My commitment to moving my body has rubbed off on other people too. Now when I plan on getting together with friends, I often suggest physical activity - my friend Diquita (pictured above) and I regularly meet to walk/run with our children. We use the time to exercise and catch up with each other and although things sometimes come up, we meet at least once a week and are working on making it 3 times.

I talk to my girlfriend Chiquita about running a 5K together. She is further along in her running than I am but she can help push me to be better. We haven't coordinated a race together yet but it is in the works. Meanwhile, as I prepare for the Race and Relax 5k event in June, I am getting inspired to push myself.

I've had running shoes professionally fitted (a must) and realized I spent money on a pair of sneakers that I was told were running shoes but are not! Now I have the right equipment for my feet and tomorrow I face my longest run - 25 minutes. I am going to run the entire time and I am running the route for a 5K that is this Saturday. Depending on how I do, I may just register for the race, or not, just completing the loop equals success for me.

My life has changed dramatically and I can't imagine living my life any other way. People may say I make it sound easy but once I developed the habit of exercising, saw my body changing and felt better overall, I push myself, even on days that I don't want to because I am doing the best thing I can for me. Loving myself - being healthy and influencing others.