Fitness Friday
Happy Fitness Friday!
Today I thought it would be fun to share my fitness journey with you all. My fitness journey began 5 years ago and I owe it all to my amazing cousin Bre. I was going through a rough break up and she was there to make sure I kept myself healthy and in shape. That summer I grew a passion for fitness. I was constantly hiking, running, and at the gym. I had completed Insanity 4 times, P90x twice, and was always looking for new exercise DVDs to try (they really do work!). It had become an addiction. I loved the results and I was in the best shape I had ever been in. I had abs, I had biceps, and I had muscles in places I didn’t know was possible! It was an exciting time to be doing something I loved.
Eventually, working out had become a chore for me and I wasn't enjoying it anymore. I had become obsessive and burned myself out mentally and physically. I started to focus on running and set a goal to complete the 2015 LA Marathon. I had run track for 9 years when I was younger, so I always had a passion for running. Nothing could have prepared me for how challenging the marathon was, but it was an amazing moment crossing the finish line. After running 26.2 miles my body hated me. Silly me thought I would be able to go to Disneyland the day after, when in reality I couldn't get out of bed the next day! Currently, I’m training for the 2017 LA Marathon (call me crazy) as part of the Conquer LA Challenge. I completed the first race of the event the Santa Monica Classic (10k), next up is the Pasadena Rose Bowl Half Marathon, and the big finale the LA Marathon next year.
My passion for fitness is slowly coming back. The depression really took a toll on my body and my weight has been greatly affected going from 112lbs to 103lbs. It's very hard not to be able to do things that were once so easy for me. But I’m taking baby steps and in the mean time I’m learning to love my body during this journey. This time I’m doing things differently. I'm not obsessed with having the "perfect body," when in reality that doesn't exist. My new goal is to become the best healthy version of myself.
For the first time in my life I can finally say that I love my body. I work hard at it everyday and I am proud of myself. I’m not perfect but I am strong, I am determined, and I am comfortable in my own skin.
love, Jess