Don't Be Your Feelings, Feel Your Feelings

How many times have you said “I am sad today” or “I am happy” or “I am angry”, etc? If you’re like me, you do it a lot. We tend to get caught up in the moment and consider our current state to be permanent. But have you ever really thought of the meaning behind what you’re saying? Do you understand its literal denotation? By saying you are “sad”, “happy”, “angry”, “fat”, or “needy”, you are unintentionally giving those feelings an identify. By giving them an identity, you are giving them power. Most people avoid feelings because of their power (or perceived power). We hear time and time again how people can’t handle feelings because they either don’t know how to experience them or because they are wary of them. There’s no reason to fear feelings. You are not just your feelings. Instead of saying “I am sad” practice saying “I feel sad.” By doing the latter, you’re not giving the feeling power. You’re not letting it take on an identity and dictate who you are. But you’re still able to acknowledge it and work through it. A feeling is defined as “a consciousness or vague awareness.” There is a clear difference between being aware of something versus actually being something. Do you see where I’m going with this? Practice being aware of your feelings instead of allowing them to define and control you. The more conscious and aware you are, the more opportunities you have to create your own experiences and associations when it comes to feelings. They don’t have to be negative or scary or defining.

One Day

I would give anything to go back to this time in my life. Before calories, weight, numbers, and self-destructive thoughts ran my life. When my biggest problem was showing up to soccer on time. When I wasn't choosing outfits solely because they covered my body. Before an eating disorder came and completely ruined everything. I keep much of this part of my life private but now I feel like I have to acknowledge it in order to move on from it. I don't think this is something I should be ashamed of. I'm struggling every single day to try and get my life back (and not with much help and personal support). One day I'm going to have pictures again with genuine smiles and silly faces without worrying about how fat I must look. One day I'm going to sit down to a meal and see nutrients and deliciousness instead of calorie content. One day I'm going to look back and be able to say "I did it. I beat my eating disorder." I can't wait for that day. 

Transition from Indoor to Outdoor Training

Transitioning from Indoor to Outdoor Training

Okay everybody, it seems as though spring is upon us and summer is coming yet again. For a lot of us, that means pumping up our training and getting those beach bodies ready. At least, that’s what it means for me. I personally get so excited once the warm weather comes around because it means I can finally run outside again. That being said, I’m going to share some tips that will help you get out of slow-poke winter mode and get your bodies into motion.

1. Start off Slow: Unless you’ve been training religiously for a race or competition, odds are you used the winter for an off-season. THAT’S FINE. The body needs that break, even professional athletes schedule an off-season. This just means you’re going to have to ease into training. So if you’re lifting: start with lower weights and less gym sessions. Start off going 2-3x per week and lift lighter (if you haven’t been lifting consistently). For runners: you’re going to want to limit your mileage.
2. Set up a training regimen: This really helps me. Write it out, use a spread sheet, whatever. Come up with a workout schedule. It could be something simple like doing lower body on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and doing upper body on Tuesday/Thursday with two days of cardio. It will be different based on your goals and your training type (runner, lifter, marathoner)
3. Find a friend: A lot of people find it easier and more entertaining to have a workout partner. So gt a buddy and make it a pact to commit together. You’re more likely to stick to something if you have someone else who is holding you accountable.
4. Be Safe/Prevent Injury: This applies more to runners but if important nonetheless. For runners, if you’re running in the evening outdoors, you now have to take traffic into account. Make sure you’re wearing something that people can see you in! You also want to prevent injury as much as possible. Running on the treadmill is actually significantly different than running outdoors. When you run outdoors, you’re really using your hamstrings to push off and finish each stride. On the treadmill however, the belt is providing some absorption so you’re receiving some assistance in your stride and relief of impact. With increased training, you’re more likely to have some minor aches and pains. Make sure you stretch, ice, and heat to prevent severity. Shin splints are the most common injuries for runners. To prevent shin splints you should make sure you have the right shoes, wear orthotics if you need and practice your form. Unfortunately, if you have shin splints there is no quick fix. But they aren’t permanent. To treat shin splints: do low impact workouts for awhile, ice the inflamed area, take an anti-inflammatory and you can even try ultrasound treatments.
5. Be Patient: You might be slower, weaker, or not as motivated when you switch from indoor to outdoor training. That’s okay! The key is to keep going. Be patient with yourself. The progress will come but it requires commitment and consistency.
6. Have Fun! I personally LOVE working out in the summer more than in the winter. So try to do things that excite you. For me, running on the beach is just what the doctor ordered. I could do it for hours. It’s so beautiful running along the water, not to mention the fact that running on the sand really kicks your ass. But if that’s not your cup of tea then switch it up! Go hiking, try trail running, play sports outside, go para-sailing, try paddle boarding, do yoga in a meadow. Whatever gets you excited and makes you want to workout, go with that!

So remember, you’re not going to be tip-top shape once the warmer weather comes but you’ll get there. Spirits are always higher when the sun is shining. Even if its just going for a walk, get out there and do your thing!