Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

This weekend was the first group run for the Fit Girl Posse and only one other person showed up. For a minute I was discouraged but my Menaces (my three little boys) perked me right back up. When we arrived at the park--did I mention it was 7am and about 50 degrees--they sat down and ate their breakfast while my friend, Rhonda, and I did our warm up exercises and lap. When I started running Eddie and Howie ran to the track and were following me. Howie was running and smiling that beautiful smile of his--hat flying off and all. Eddie kept yelling "wait for me, Momma." My oldest, Wale, didn't leave the table but he was an awesome cheerleader. All I could hear was "Go Mommy! Mommy racing!" (he thought Rhonda and I were racing) It didn't matter who else was or was not there b/c those little people made my day. Of course, I probably didn't get my intended two miles in but I improvised to make sure I worked up a sweat and got my legs moving.

The experience also made me practice grace and compassion. It took me 20 years to find my passion for exercise so how can I judge anyone else? It took me 20 years to make a commitment to myself and my health, so how can I judge someone else's commitment? We all have to start from where we are and decide when it's our time, when enough is enough. Running/walking is not for everyone. You may prefer step or cycling (I hate both!). You may stay more motivated doing Zumba or Kick-Boxing (I love both!). Whatever it is that keeps you moving and wanting more DO IT!! COMMIT to it!! Commit to YOU!!

With my knee and ankle acting gimpy I've had to improvise, adapt, and overcome (can I get a hooooaaaaahhh!). I made sure to pack my gym bag today and I will do 30 mins on the elliptical (thanks for the suggestion Mom) instead of the treadmill to give my legs a little more recovery time. I have to remember that my body is not used to going 13.1 miles in one day; I don't think I allowed myself enough recovery time. Lesson learned. That's why we have to build our plan to allow for NO EXCUSES! We can come up with all sorts of excuses for not doing something but I challenge you to counter your own excuses. Set yourself up for success.

That doesn't just apply to working out. It applies to life. What excuses do you make for not accomplishing a goal? For being late? How can you structure things so that you increase your probability for success? Get you clothes ironed the night before? Wake up 10 mins earlier? Make breakfast for the week? The Bible says (I'm paraphrasing) who plans to build a tower but doesn't first sit down to consider the cost and whether he has the resources to finish it. Read Luke 14:28-34. Plan, then improvise, adapt, and overcome. Onward!!!