Managing Stress with Fitness {#Mamavation Monday}

I can’t control what other people think of me, especially when they choose to take my words out of context.

I can’t guarantee that my children will grow up happy and well-adjusted. Hell, I can’t even ensure that they will in fact grow up, though up until September 10, 2011 I sure thought I could.

I can’t control the damming of Amazonian tributaries, or the rapid depletion of populations of tigers & leopards in Asia, but those things stress me out and I wish I could do more to help.

All I can do is my best.

What I can control is what I do with my own body. I am 100% in charge of what I put in my body, and I am 100% in charge of my fitness.

Running helps me relax and gives me peace.  I feel empowered taking action for my health, and the time I spend running with girlfriends is invaluable for working through life’s little challenges. It’s also blessed time away from work and family that I don’t have to feel guilty about! We may not be solving the giant problems of the world, but it’s nice to have other women to consult with on everything from school choices, parenting challenges, sex, career advice and even fashion. In other words, no topic is off limits during the morning mama runs!

I dread and long for my morning runs. Dread because… duh. Who really wants to get out of bed at 5 a.m.? But the discipline gives me peace, and knowing I’m taking care of myself helps me deal with all the other stresses of life. If I can get up and run nearly every day, then I can handle just about anything.

So… speaking of handling just about anything, I’m about to launch in to another 2 Week Challenge through Mamavation. It involves daily check-ins on work outs, accountability for food choices, and the amazing support of the whole Mamavation community. Last time I finished the whole two weeks, I lost 3.3 pounds and several inches. My weight has not gone down any further since then, but as of this week, I am fitting in to pants that I haven’t been able to wear for a long time, so I know I’m making progress.

Here is my benchmark for starting this challenge:

February 12, 2012
Bust    40.5
Waist    33
Hips    41
weight    161

Want to join in the challenge? The sign-up form & workouts are here.

Think Mamavation is for you? It’s a great community!

This post is sponsored by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway.

go mamas go

Mother’s Day is in a week.  No breakfast in bed for me, I will be trudging through 13.1 miles of pavement with thousands other women.  What a great way to celebrate being a Mama!  As mothers we tend to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of our children.  It is sometimes hard for me to remember that taking care of myself is the best thing I can do for my son.  If I am fit and healthy, I am a better mom.   I used to hate running before training for this half marathon.  Now that I have slowly built up to long distance running, I am hooked.  I mainly trail run.  It makes me feel like a kid, bouncing over rocks  and streams and getting muddy.  I feel free and light.  If I am stressed, I can feel the stress drain off me each mile I run.  If you have a problem, an hour of running can bring you clarity and resolve.   It is the perfect activity for us Mamas.  All you need is a pair of shoes and motivation.  It is time for yourself.

Cheers to all the Mamas running next Sunday.  You are setting an example to your family that Mama’s health and time is important.  Just as important as time with your kids.  Krista and I are looking forward to the sense of accomplishment and the Mimosas afterward.

run on,
Dayl