I planned. I trained. I conquered...

In January I began training and set the goal of running a 1/2 marathon in April.  Well... that race happened today, and I ran every.single.step!  

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Training for and running that marathon has been one of the biggest physical and MENTAL undertakings of my life. I’ve wanted to "be a runner" for as long as I can remember, but if I'm honest, I never really believed I would or could be. People who know me will read that and probably think, “What?!  Doesn’t she think she can do anything?!”  I get way too… On the outside I appeared so self-assured and happy. (I did and still do laugh a lot.) But that laughter wasn't always a reflection of how I REALLY felt on the INSIDE.

I spent years hiding behind smiles and laughter when a lot of the time, I was insecure and sad about how I looked and questioned my ability to “do” lots of things.  Don’t get me wrong…I accomplished a lot despite that insecurity, but it was always there whispering doubts in my ear:  You can't do THAT! Give up - it won't work. Don't START - you won't succeed. And a LOUD one: You're not as pretty/smart/good as you should be! I listened to those whispers a lot too... In so many ways, that negative talk held me back and also led to some pretty destructive behavior.

NOT ANYMORE… I've realized some things on this fit journey. First, that this IS a journey; I have not and will never completely "arrive."  But I will continue making progress, and I am really proud of how far I’ve come. I also KNOW that I CAN! I can and did change that talk, and I CAN do more than I ever believed!  

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This evening as I lay here resting, I am reflecting on what I’ve accomplished just in the last year since committing to my health and fitness!  I’ve lost 30 pounds. I am in the BEST shape of my life.  But more importantly, I am healthy and FEEL like a totally different person!  I am also TRULY confident AND happy! I KNOW I can do anything when I decide, set a goal, and commit to it.  If that happens…That goal is MINE!   Doubts?  Are you freaking kidding me?!?!  I RAN 13.1 miles completing a ½ marathon today!  What’s next?!  Just watch and see!!!   ‪#‎believe

Hugs,
Lori  :) 

P.S.  After that race today... THIS happened! LOL  

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P.S.S  That smile and laughter are REAL nowadays too! 

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