Since taking part in the incredible Disneyland half marathon nearly a month ago, I have done zero exercise. And I mean literally nothing. The closest I’ve got to it is running a bath or two.
For the last few years, eating healthy and exercising has become part of my lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no fitness expert, and I lack discipline and consistency, but I have definitely felt that I’m in shape because of my healthy approach.
After the half marathon my body felt sore and so I decided to give myself a rest. I’ve been eating carbs every day and allowed myself a break from guilt tripping myself into exercising and I actually can’t believe that my body hasn’t changed as much as I thought it would.
In fact, people keep telling me how good I look, commenting that my hard work in the gym is paying off. I can’t believe it!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that by doing no exercise and eating what you want you are better off. I’m sure if I were to give up all healthy eating and exercise permanently it would take its toll. Plus I definitely notice a difference in myself, but I’ve learnt that it’s ok to give yourself a break from time to time. It’s been really nice and reassuring for me to know that a few weeks off doesn’t change the world.
Anyway, sure I have gained a little weight, but I still feel sexy. And it’s been nice to know that I don’t turn into a monster by allowing myself to enjoy toast and pasta and time on the sofa. Most importantly though, some people will look at my photo and think I look fat, and some people will think I am skinny and shouldn’t have any insecurities - and that would happen whether I was in the gym everyday and eating only salads, or sat at home eating pizza. The point is, and what I’m learning - if we are happy in ourselves people will think we are sexy anyway, because confidence is the real thing that’s beautiful.
Rather surprisingly, this rest period has affected my mental health. Regular exercise and healthy eating is more important to me mentally than physically - can anyone else relate to that?
Anyway, I thought I’d share this post with you in case it helps with your own fitness and food pressures you place on yourself.
Speak to you very soon,
Very good. At your age you can get away with abusing youself, even though you don’t and it doesn,t show. I think walking is a good safe activity and you’ve got Snmnmoop. I’ve put weight on because of my circumstances over the last year. It doesn’t matter what you do, illness can affect you at anytime, obviously, this is less likely the younger you are. I saw your post about the London Marathon and half marathon in Paris. 4 hours was a very good time, considering you did no training. You have to build up gradually and incorporate it into your lifestyle, like walking Snoop 3 times a day. You want to look at Sports Direct for good quality running shoes and more importantly reflective and dayglow running gear. I noticed a week ago the number of people in totally dark clothing and they are invisible. Just a baseball hat like I’ve got on, see Twitter and my Instagram page, it’s from Sports Direct and is dayglow and reflective will protect you and Snoop. I’ve seen people walking dogs with flashing collars. Running on grass is better, as it doesn’t ruin your joints. It’s best to try a variety of activities, like badminton or squash. I’d definitely steer clear of cycling though