I use to be a runner, I ran 7 days a week and I'd run a 5k a month, all while raising 5 children and working fulltime. I'd get up at 4 or 5 am just to get my run in. I didn't start running until I was 37 years old, but I discovered I was a great runner. I ran my first marathon to celebrate turning 40. Before running I use to be a cycylist, but after my bike got stolen I started running. I use to work out before my run's to Billy Blanks Taebo tapes (before CD's).
I am almost 55, my children have grown and are having children of their own. 2 1/2 years ago I ran my last 1/2 marathon and my last 5k, my back, my body and my doctor said I was done "find a new work out". Walking didn't fullfill me the same way my running pavement therapy had. I didn't know what to do so I didn't do anything at all. I was depressed.
I "use" to be a lot of things, a wife, a mother, a massage therapist, a runner, a cyclist. Out of all of those things the one thing I stlll am is a mother and now a grandmother.
I've recently realized I don't need to be the cliche' grandmother. I can be a happy, healthy, in shape grandmother. One who sets a good example of being fit and fun.
I can reinvent myself as I approach 55. So I ask the question who am I now and who do I want to be?
It's never to late to learn and try something new or make adjustments to who I "use" to be. For Christmas I did something I rarely do, I bought something for myself, a 7 speed Schwinn bicycle, a bike that works for my back.
I'm finding freedom with my body again. I'm feeling less betrayed by my aging body. I'm finding happy again.
Life is about loving ourselves enough to make the necessary adjustments and comprimises we need to find our happy place. I'm making those adjustments one ride at a time.
I hope this year brings us all to that healthy and happier place we desire to be.
I hope through our examples of never giving in and never giving up we inspire others to keep trying no matter how hard or painful life may be.
When life knocks us down or we knock ourselves down I hope we are there for each other, extending our hearts and our hands to help one another get up and stay up.
Hear is to a Happy, healthy New Year.
Love Ronda