It would be easier to not share my progress journey so publicly and avoid the commitment, chance for negative comments, and weird feelings about discussing my body’s changes in an open forum…

 (from the shirt shop!)

…but then I wouldn’t have the chance to receive such encouragement from all of you! Your comments and support in my recent Body After Baby progress post made my day yesterday. Thanks!

It would be easier to not be a mom, so I could have more free time, only have to work things around my schedule, and not have two individuals’ welfare dependent on me…

…but then I wouldn’t get welcomed with the biggest grins every morning, receive the coziest cuddles every night, feel my heart bursting with love on a daily basis.

It would be easier to eat frozen pizza for dinner every night…

…but then I wouldn’t provide my body with all it needs and care for it with proper fuel to run efficiently and effectively. Plus, who wants to be deprived of twice baked protein potatoes on the menu for dinner tonight?

It would be easier to not be a Christian, so I wouldn’t have to find ways to set aside my natural selfish desires for more selfless ones, work on growth in my faith through study, trust someone over myself, or wake up early every Sunday morning to facilitate class…

…but then my life would lack the encompassing joy and peace that I have only ever known in a relationship with God through Christ. He saved me from my volatile self and the difference is night and day.

It would be easier to skip a workout to have an extra hour in the day…

…but then I wouldn’t know the strength, power, and beauty my body has to offer when I adequately care for it and challenge it.

It would be easier to not be a blogger so I could keep my thoughts to myself, not have to spend my children’s nap times typing until my fingers hurt, and entertain myself with manners that include far less responsibility…

…but then I would find a void in my soul where my dreams and passions used to reside.

I heard this random survey on the radio today - when asked if women would like more money or more time, 70% said more money. I would so have chosen more time. It would be easier to not do a lot of things and find that extra time, but at what cost? It would be easier, but it wouldn’t satisfy. Bring on the hectic life and challenges, for I know the richness they breathe into my days.

• Your Turn: It would be easier to _______, but then _______________.
• More Money or More Time? Which would you choose?

This morning I tackled my first speed-work session in a long time. You may recall my last two attempts:

• I had no music so scrapped the speed work and went for a regular run…then lost my key because karma is fun like that.
• I only managed one speed mile before wanting to keel over and die in misery right then and there.

Needless to say, I felt a little wary heading out for my speed run this morning.

About to get started on my first track speed workout on over a month. What doesn't kill me makes me stronger, right?

August 3, 2011 7:15 am via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@TinaFFF

Tina Reale

I had a pretty defeatist attitude going into the run because the speed interval paces frightened me. A mile in 7:50 seemed pretty lofty. Then, to do that twice?? Even with recover jogs between, I didn’t feel too certain. I tried not to think about it too much and got moving with my mile warm-up. As I rounded the last lap on the track for that first mile a thought struck me.

IT’S UP TO YOU. NO ONE ELSE. IT’S UP TO YOU.

Dang you, rambling thoughts! You just had to go and get all inspirational on me. But okay. I will give it my all. That is all I can do. It’s up to me to do that. No one can run this speed session for me. I will get out of my head and allow my legs to carry me. I can push myself harder and faster. I will go past the slight heavier breathing or the burning sensation in my legs. I will believe I can and will “do this thing” as I like to say. If I want victory over the dreaded speed work, then I must put in the work. It’s up to me.

That equates to 4 miles with an average pace of 8:43!! I utterly kicked that speed session’s butt. And all before the sun was even fully out.

I just may have done a little happy dance. And next month’s 6 mile speed session sounds totally doable, especially when I remember it’s up to me and I can do this. My choices come from ME. My effort in my workouts. My decisions with food. My attitude. No matter the circumstances, we can each make the personal effort to do our best and reap the rewards. What an empowering thought! And if I can do it, then anyone can. It’s up to you. And you know what? You got this! 🙂

• What workouts tend to make you nervous or expect the worst?
• What’s an empowering thought for you?