The first water in our creek in almost a year A few hours ago I was running through some of the familiar trails behind my home when I noticed that my typical jaunt across the creek was a little more difficult than usual. The bed in our creek has been bone dry since last winter, and despite the fact that we received very little rain from the storm last night, there was no easy way to cross at my usual point without going farther down the creek to cross. This is no big deal, but it meant a little climb through the brush before reaching the path I typically take. It hit me how little it takes to make s difference.
The view that surrounded me on my run This morning I did not go on my usual morning run...I had decided to sleep in and I was counting on the little bit of overnight rain cooling the air enough to make afternoon running bearable. Those that have been following me for any amount of time understand how much I dread, dare I say HATE, running in the afternoon or evening. But today, the cooler weather and the beautiful sky made a difference and I actually enjoyed running when the sun was high up in the sky. And while I ran with Sean and another friend for part of the route, I actually ran for a couple of miles on my own and even this was not the usual torture I find it to be. That was all it took--that little difference in the weather made a usually dreaded activity not only bearable but actually enjoyable.
The sad beginnings of future development in our area But sometimes, something that appears to be a little change can make a bigger impact than expected. On this same run I began to notice the impact of the little rise in the economy in our area. I often share how lucky I am to live in an area where I can practically walk out my front door and end up running through creeks, hills, and meadows. My husband, running pals, and I love to spend our mornings running through this undeveloped area on a consistent basis. Today we noticed that because of the stronger economy they are beginning to grade some of our outdoor playground in anticipation of possibly building another housing development. I know that the people that lived in this area before my current house was built must have felt much the same way, but I was still sad to see the beginnings of this change in such a beautiful area.
Remind me to stay away from the Hersheys! Another way that small changes can make a big differences that I came across this week was a post about Halloween candy. I don't know if you are like me, but at this time of year I find it particularly hard to resist the candy that is randomly placed within reach all over the place. I will often mindlessly reach for a Fun Size Snickers or Twix bar with little thought as to how these small indulgences will affect me. Do I really want to negate the effects of eating one small bag of Skittles by doing 100 push-ups or do 150 crunches to reverse the calorie intake of one little Crunch bar? This really had me saying, "That's all it takes?" to the calories that I am consuming without even thinking about it. One little bar/bag might not make too much of a difference, but before you think of raiding your child's Halloween bag or your leftover candy bowl be aware of how little it takes to pile up the calories.
I can't end my blog on a negative tone so I will share two more little ideas that came to me this week about the difference seemingly small changes or gestures can make. I am happy to share that I ran three days, got in a spin workout, and even fit in a swim this week. While my eating is still not where I want it to be, the small changes I made in my exercise routine this week have lifted my spirits. I also have to share that a few kind words shared by my fiends and family really put things into perspective for me. One little saying in particular really hit home with me. My friend Kathryn shared that, "I have a body. I am not my body." These little words were powerful to get my head back where it needs to be. I am not my weight gain, and I need to keep reminding myself of this on a consistent basis. And that's all it took for me to get back on track to the healthier me.
I can't end my blog on a negative tone so I will share two more little ideas that came to me this week about the difference seemingly small changes or gestures can make. I am happy to share that I ran three days, got in a spin workout, and even fit in a swim this week. While my eating is still not where I want it to be, the small changes I made in my exercise routine this week have lifted my spirits. I also have to share that a few kind words shared by my fiends and family really put things into perspective for me. One little saying in particular really hit home with me. My friend Kathryn shared that, "I have a body. I am not my body." These little words were powerful to get my head back where it needs to be. I am not my weight gain, and I need to keep reminding myself of this on a consistent basis. And that's all it took for me to get back on track to the healthier me.
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