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Skinny or Strong?

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Do you think it’s a compliment if someone calls you skinny or does it offend you?

There are times that Chris tells me I look skinny and I always disagree for 2 reasons – 1.  I’m not skinny!!  2.  I would rather be told that I look strong or fit!!

Many years ago (almost 30 – not sure how that happened!!) when I was in high school I was all about being skinny!!  I was proud of the fact that I only weighed about 110 pounds (I was the same height I am now).

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My junior year I actually thought it would be cool to be under 100 pounds when I graduated from high school.  I think I realized quickly that was sort of a ridiculous idea!!!

My first semester in college I was running cross country at the collegiate level (on a scholarship) and I still gained 20 pounds.  I would love to say that it was because I was stronger but sadly it was because I loved Dr Pepper and pizza!!

There was a point after college and grad school when I got down to my high school weight but it wasn’t because I was super fit or healthy.  I just spent a summer working outside (I hoed weeds!!!)  in west TX and it was so hot that I barely ate.

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Thankfully, as I’ve gotten older I have realized that the goal is not being skinny.  No number (weight or size) will ever make me happy!

Being strong is my goal.  I love the fact that my legs are powerful and able to run lots of miles!!!

strong will always trump skinny in my book
strong will always trump skinny in my book

I don’t want to be skinny.  Being skinny is not the reason I get up at 5:00am and workout every day.  My goal is to be strong, fit and healthy and I feel like I am meeting that goal every day!!!

What about you – do you want to be skinny or strong?

Happy Monday!!

Kim

Core, Fitness, Running, Shoulders, Treadmill, Uncategorized

I Have a Secret to Share

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Today for my 44 I used my step(s) and did some decline plank jacks!

The set-up with the steps – 

step

I put my feet on the taller of the 2 (it is 8″) and my hands on the other (6″).

sorry another mirror shot
sorry another mirror shot

I “jacked” my feet off and on x 44.  This was a fun way to do a plank hold and get my heart rate up!!!

feet off
feet off

Hard to take pictures while holding a 1 arm plank but you get the idea!!!

I’m trying to increase my mileage (without being too crazy!) so I ran again today.  Just putting in miles – trying to learn to run slow (I tend to get impatient) and not so hard because I know that is the best way to be able to run more often (for me!).

My secret – Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 8.16.18 PM

I keep reading about body image and people who want to make changes in their diets and exercise habits to change their bodies (which is completely fine!).

But, I can say in all honesty that I really do like my body just the way it is.

And, you know what?  It has nothing to do with having a six pack – I know I have one somewhere, I just keep it safely covered up.  It has nothing to do with a perfect butt – mine will never be the super cute shape.  Basically  there isn’t any of me that is perfect.

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And when you really think about it, we all have a different definition of the “perfect” body anyway.  Some people think that perfect is super skinny, some like curves and some (me) prefer strong!!!

I love my body because it is strong and healthy and lets me do the things I love.

I ask it to let me run 5 fast miles and my legs manage to pick up the pace and kick it into gear.  Some days I really push by body and ask it to run more than 40 miles and it will usually somehow find a way to get it done.

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There are days that I think there is no possible way I will be able to accomplish everything I need to but somehow my body finds a way to make it happen.

I love my body because it allowed me to have 2 babies who are now closer to men than babies!!!

There are still nights where I look in the mirror before bed and think, “time to make a change.”   (I know that Chris is nodding his head right now because he is the one who hears that on occasion!!!)

But on most days – I love the body that I’ve been given and that I have worked hard to make as strong and healthy as possible!!!

Do you love your body for the things it allows you to do every single day?

Happy Monday!!! Ha Happy Monday!!!  It was supposed to be back to school but they cancelled all of the area schools last night due to extreme cold, blowing snow and icy roads.  So, the boys can help me finish putting up the Christmas stuff!!!  (I know they are excited!)

Kim