Improvement!

Then, one day I woke up. I realized a mile is a mile regardless of how fast or slow you run it. I realized I should be proud of myself because I was trying, I was doing something. I was off the couch and away from the TV! I was pushing myself out of my comfort zone. 

I also realized that comparison is the thief of joy.

So, I just became proud of myself. Proud as I watched myself get faster & proud as I could run further than the week before. I celebrated each of those little victories! 

I still celebrate these victories! I think tracking your progress can be so motivating & encouraging! Some days that chance to shave a minute off your typical three mile run can be the kick in the booty you need!

I strongly dislike the treadmill….but as a full-time working mama my options during the week to run are quite limited. I always felt like the treadmill made me feel like the slowest & worst runner ever… my pace was SO SLOW compared to outside.

When I first started back up running in 2013 after my shoulder surgery my consistent pace on the treadmill was 4.5 mph. Today, my pace is 6 mph. A few months ago it was 5.5 mph. I enjoy intervals on the treadmill; love to push myself as hard as I can for a minute here or 30 seconds there. This morning, I was able to run at 8 mph for an entire minute. I have struggled to maintain that pace on my short legs for longer than 30 seconds. Sure, it was very much mental as the last 20 seconds I think I was yelling “Go! Go! Go!” out loud to me, myself & I. Not to mention, some days I cannot get over how LONG a treadmill minute is….I swear it cannot be right some days!

But, as always, that sense of accomplishment had me on such a high before the clock even hit 5:30 a.m. this morning.

Track your progress, watch yourself improve. Celebrate your victories – no one will celebrate them for you! Be proud & celebrate your awesomeness! Don’t compare yourself to anyone else – the only person you can be is YOU & be so very proud of that!

Speaking of progress….the other morning I walked by my full-length mirror. I had to stop & take a double-take. Some days I will admit I struggle to believe that reflection is me at first. When I stop for a minute, I realize it is me. I loved my reflection the other morning & what I saw in it….the strength I could see. My leg muscles….I once hated my legs with the deepest of passion….now I see the strength in them & love them & embrace them in a way I never thought possible. I have no desire to be “skinny,”  I simply want my body strong & healthy.