Find your fitness….find your balance...find the time. Yes, I’m one of those. One of those annoying people who will stop at nothing to get my workout in for the day. Monsoons and migraines are the only thing that keeps me from going for a run or a bike ride. It’s that important to me because it’s that important to my body, mind, heart, and soul.

I didn’t always think this way. I used to have Kit Kat bars for breakfast, 3 hotdogs and Doritos for lunch, endless naps, aches and pains in my body, and a very grouchy disposition to go along with the 20 plus pounds I carried around every day.

Yuck. Gross. Ew. I can’t believe I treated myself that way. I’d like to publicly apologize to myself for burdening you with laziness and garbage. Little note to self: when you eat garbage you FEEL like garbage. I was tired ALL the time. All I wanted to do was sleep and sit on my rear end.

An honest look in the mirror one scary day was my wake up call. This isn’t you...this isn’t your best self...and while I don’t believe in me right now, I think there could come a time when I could.

The honest look in the mirror turned into an even more honest moment when I stepped on the scale…the only time I have ever been that heavy was when I was pregnant with my girls and that doesn’t count! We all have a scary number...the one we are in denial about...the ‘I think the scale is lying’ number...you know...that number.

That day, then and there, I made a decision. That’s all...a decision that I would no longer allow myself to deteriorate. I’ve got one body and it’s time I respect her. I have people that count on me. I have people that need me. I have daughters who are looking up to me to be an example to them. I need to fix ‘me’ to be a better ‘me’.

I cleaned up my eating and within 3 days was already feeling worlds better. No gluten, no dairy, no processed foods, no wine, no sugar, and no grains. Yes, this is do-able and while it’s not for everyone it has cleared my head, removed inflammation from my body, given me tons of energy, and a whole new lease on life. I’m 48 years old but I feel like I’m 28!

I love to run. I say that but actually I don’t run….it’s more like a slow crawl. I still do it at least 5 days a week and while I’m not going to win any races anytime soon I am certain that I’m lapping people who are sitting on their couches!

Exercise and eating right makes me a better wife, mother, and teacher. I burst into classes each morning like I’ve been shot out of a cannon and my energy is through the roof! I have energy to play with my daughters outside. My mood is so much better when I exercise! No one wants to be around a grumpy momma!

It’s not hard to incorporate exercise into your current routine. Choose what you like and carve out 20-30 minute a day. How do I do this? Where do I even start? It’s a decision...that’s all...a decision. I run for my health, I run for my sanity, I run for my family, I run to be a better teacher, but most of all, I run for me!

Sus