Last night I finally watched the movie Eat Pray Love and was delighted with the "sweetness of doing nothing" concept (I won't even try to spell the Italian word). For whatever reason it made me think about my current fitness quest. Somewhere along the way my focus moved from the sweetness of distance run/walking to the "must do."
For the past four weeks I've been working through the INSANITY program as a way of increasing my stamina and conditioning myself to run faster. I was thrown yet another loop in my life last week when I found out that I will no longer get kid-free weekends. My weekends were my time to train and race; I was devastated. I felt like the little creature from Lord of the Rings, "My precious!" On Saturday the 26th I had a run planned with my group, which I could not attend because I had my kids and the fitness center doesn't allow kids. I cannot tell you how badly I wanted to cry. . .
I ended up running between mailboxes with my 5 year old. Somewhere in the midst of running with him, I started to enjoy myself. I started to have fun. We would run really fast one way then walk back or lunge or walk backwards or do jumping jacks (which he loves) or even spin around in circles. While I don't know that I'd classify our time as training, it was beneficial to my soul because two years ago I would not have been able to hang with him. Somewhere in between races I'd forgotten the pure joy of being able to move, to cover distances that others wouldn't dare, to push my body to new limits.
Somewhere in between sweat sessions I had stopped feeling that surge of invincibility that comes when you recognize your power. At one point I kicked it and ran as fast as I could. Oh my!! The wind whipping in my face, the sound of my son laughing, the rhythm of my heart, the power in my legs. In that moment I was invincibly joyous--it didn't matter how many miles I covered or where. It doesn't matter that I'm not losing the weight like I thought I would (but I'm getting smaller, go figure!) because I am enjoying the journey.
As I continue to train for the 13.1 Chicago, I've adjusted my plan of action. I still believe that I can reach my time goal. Initially I did not plan on having the kids with me, but they may have to accompany me--which is not neccsarily a bad thing. They will get to see Mommy run (which they never have) and they will get to meet their uncles, aunts, and cousins. The thing that I believe more than anything is that God has a purpose for my life and that all the hiccups and bumps will work out for my good. When you know that you will be victorious, you can focus better on the plan of action (or devising the best way to reach the goal). For now, I am enjoying the sweet moments in between.
To become a member of Jenita Lawal's team, please visit www.beachbodycoach.com/fitgirlposse and sign up for a free membership. To view the Fit Girl Posse run/walk schedule, visit http://www.fitgirlposse.com/ . Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fitgirlposse Be Fit4Life!!
No comments:
Post a Comment