Sacks of Potatoes

I ran last night for the first time in almost 2 weeks - and I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to do it and just gave myself a 25-minute, 2 mile run along the trail. I spent the entire day procrastinating doing it though - thinking it would make me tired, and with a 21-month old you need your energy! So I took my time, not running until 7:45 p.m. It felt so good. I came back refreshed and full of energy, exactly the opposite of what I'd expected.

I also realized this week that a lack of energy is a huge problem for me. It's easy for me to have the energy to do my job, participate in activities, etc., because that's mostly mental, and I've conditioned myself to be able to sustain it. The physical energy I need to keep up with my daughter is a challenge for me.

My dad's always been supportive of my getting physically healthier (while loving me for who I am, all the while) and has told me to imagine the weight in terms of "sacks of potatoes" I'm carrying around with me each day. I'm carrying around 10-10lb. sacks of potatoes every day. I'm recognizing that instead of exercising, which I think will tire me out, I reach for something sugary or caffeinated to give me quick energy. For an hour I'm "up", and then I crash, more tired than I was to start out with. I feel like I'm completely changing the way I think - and I'll admit, it's hard! I've gotten by pretty well with these habits, but I'm really starting to crave a healthy body...and longer runs!