Pure Joy

I know this isn't my weight-loss blog (that has its own secret place that only I can enter) but I have to share what I have learned lately.

Last night at WW the following quote was on the board from our wonderful leader, Janece.

"Overcoming the thing you struggled with the most (and now realizing it wasn't as hard as you thought)... PURE JOY!"

I have found that to be true this morning! After running for 12 minutes straight on Tuesday, I started wondering how long/far I could run if I had kept going. My friend, Aimi, exercises with me and that same morning had set a distance goal for herself. It honestly never occurred to me that I might be able to run for any distance. *light bulb turning on*

So, this morning I thought I'd see how long I could run. There is a 35 minute time limit on the treadmills- including your warm-up and cool-down time- so I thought I'd see what happened. I warmed up at a steady pace for 4 minutes and then decided to go for it. I set the goal for a one mile run. Part way through that first mile the program I had chosen increased my incline. I didn't think I could keep running at that incline and I tried to decrease it. Because of the program, I COULDN'T decrease it. Then I realized I WAS doing it! Holy crap! I kept going and it got easier after that. Long story short, I ran for 26 minutes straight at 4 mph for most of the time and sprinted at 6.5 for the last two minutes. I ran for 1.75 miles, grand total 2+ miles with my cool-down! It felt so good. It was PURE JOY! Anyone who knows me at all would have never expected me to equate running with joy!

I don't tell you this to brag. I am in no position to do that! The reason I say it is because until today I didn't know I COULD do that. Who knows how long I have been capable of running 26 minutes but never pushed myself to try. How much longer could I go if I had more time? How much faster could I sprint? We'll have to find out!

I have been so inspired by watching The Biggest Loser and watching people overcome their own self-imposed barriers and do things they never thought possible. Watching people heavier than me run half-marathons and build up their endurance has made me re-think my limitations. I will never really know how far I can go until I push myself to the edge.

There are many things for everyone to overcome, no matter what area they struggle in. Giving up sweets for a week has now become three- because I can and because I feel better without them. Exercise is a source of energy and satisfaction. Scripture study is a few quite moments for me to grow and learn and feel the Spirit and feel closer to Heavenly Father.

What ever your struggle, push yourself a little more every day. Pray for help and strength. Find strength and support around you. If the people around you aren't supportive, find new people! You are worth the effort. Time will pass. Days and weeks and years will roll by. I hope to be a better person as the time goes. I will become the sum total of my small choices now and my experiences along the way. I have the power to become what ever I want to be and SO DO YOU!