I recently got back home to the States from a 4 month semester in Rome.While abroad, I slacked on taking care of myself the way I normally do. Typically, while I'm home or at school in Philly, I run several times a week. I run during frisbee, I run around my neighborhood, I head to the local park and take a run around it a few times.
However, while I was abroad, I took a break from running.
Without running, and with all the delicious pizza, pasta, paninis and pastries I was eating, let's just say I put on "a little" weight. Although I've been told it's not noticeable, I did pack on 20 pounds while abroad, and my body has been telling me recently that it's unhappy with this change. I've felt a little more lethargic than usual, I've craved crappy foods more than usual, and I've felt downright insecure about wearing certain clothes that I used to be excited about wearing.
So, Tuesday, I started running again. And what a wonderful feeling it was to have my feet hitting the pavement once more, step after step. I took my largest dog, May, with me, and she enjoyed the run we used to do together last summer, as well. I think we both not only needed it, but enjoyed every second of it.
Sure, I was sweaty, out of breath, and cursing myself for letting my body get so out of shape. But I'm back on track now to a fitter, healthier, and, hopefully, skinnier me.
I am with you on this one. Because of everyday life and its craziness I have taken a break from running and desperately need to get back into it!Going for that first run back is always tough but it feels good after. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteMy extra 20 pounds is courtesy of my daughter, and I miss the regular exercise too. Good luck on your fitness journey - you inspired me today!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from FTLOB :)
LOVE running! I recently started back again too. It's such a high you get afterwards... makes you want to keep doing more :) I'm jealous of all the amazing Italian foods you got to eat though! If you're looking to check Finland off of places on your list and need some tips from an American living in Finland, I'd be happy to share! :)
ReplyDelete~CMD
http://mylifeasahockeywife.blogspot.com/
Sweet. I used to run and recently decided to start reading Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, which is inspiring me to start again.
ReplyDeleteI've not been that healthy with my eating lately and feel constantly lethargic. The running part of my brain, if there is such a part, is itching again, and I've decided to scratch it. Tomorrow I head out to buy new running shoes!
When I was in school I studied in Florence and after the first week I gave up attempting to work out and decided to enjoy myself. I walked, ate, drank wine, dated an Italian soccer player and made friends with people from all over the world- it was so good. I have spent the last 12 years looking back on those days and remembering how good it was. Out of shape or not who cares.
ReplyDeleteRun it off girl and enjoy looking back.
Running is just not for me. If it's part of a game, perhaps, but there's just so many other ways to exercise that are much more appealing to me...
ReplyDelete@Tricia - That first run after a while of not running certainly is tough. It took a lot of personal motivation to get me back into my running shoes when I got back from Italy. Haha.
ReplyDelete@Ixy - Welcome! And I'll have to say, if the extra 20 pounds is from a beautiful baby girl, that's the perfect kind of 20 pounds :-)
@CMD - Finland is absolutely on my list of places to visit (as is everywhere in the world!) It all typically comes down to expenses... but Scandinavia is pretty high up on the list, so I'll take you up on that offer at some point, I'm sure!
@Sandman - Welcome to LtW! I'll have to check out the book suggestion. Good luck on your new re-start at running! It's tough, but totally worth it. I know what you mean about not eating quite as healthy as you used to... after 4 months of indulging, I've started to get back on track.
@Elena - I did the same thing in Rome. I thought I would work out and stay fit, but it just didn't fit in with the lifestyle I wanted while abroad (which was to enjoy every second of food and fun!). And I absolutely regret NOTHING! Not a single bite or day off!
@Iris - Running certainly isn't for everyone. There are a LOT of different ways to exercise, and thank goodness, because there are a lot of different people with different needs out there!