Faceing down the Demon! Comments Welcome Please

[windwalker]

With your permission I would like to start a new daily thread.

This will be a thread where we share our Demons: Weight, laziness, Work, Self image..............

We share them and share our ways of coping and facing them down, and finding happiness and beauty within our selves.


What ever demon you face today, mentally plant your feet, draw your sword and look that demon in the eye, tell him "today I'm taking control".

When that craving for a late night snack starts overcoming your good intentions, face it down.

When that little voice in your ear is wispering excuses in your ear, making it ok for you to miss your exercise, "it's to cold, to hot, your to busy". Face it down.

When you look in the mirror and don't see a fashion model or a movie star and you start feelling like your not enough. Face it down. Beauty comes from the heart and the mind. When you believe you are beautiful you are, when you don't believe in yourself how can you expect others to see the beauty within.

The magic of happiness is all around you, reach out and get some.

Dave

 

[windwalker]

You need to stop letting the scale control your life. Weight will be up some days and down others. Forget the scale, it's evil.

Do the things you know you should, exercise and make good eating choices. Use how you feel and how strong you are becomeing as your gage and not what he scale says. You do the right things and your weight will over time become your healthy weight.

Getting depressed when you look at the scale can be self defeating and cause you to eat badly to "punish" yourself. When in reality that weight gain could have been a little extra water weight or even some muscle gain.

When you look in the mirror and don't see a fashion model or a movie star body, SO WHAT! Most of us don't see that either. Your waist measurement is not a measure of your worth.

Happy Easter.

Dave

 

[windwalker]

Do you ever wonder why, if a beautiful body and a movie star face are the sourse of happiness, why are so many of them are in rehab!

Dave

 

[angietuck2]

I totally agree with your last two posts. When I set out to lose 30 pounds the more I watched the scale the worse it got, when I stopped looking at the scale I was not a "slave " to it anymore.

I do have to say that my problem was not comparing myself to those in Hollywood all of the time, but more not ever being satisfied with what I saw in the mirror, no matter what. Your first post was right on when you said that you have to love yourself. I know it might sound cliche or cheesy but there is so much truth loaded into that statement.

What is kind of ironic is I feel such a bigger sense of accomplishment in the improvements I have made in my running (what kind of shape I am in) then all of the wieght loss I was able to accomplish.

For example, we ran our first race last October - RFTT a 6.2 miles in 58 minutes about 9:25pace, on Friday I did an 8 mile training run at a 8:45 pace.

Why is it that no matter how far we come or how far we go, our memories can be so short. And then there are those times where it seems like we are standing in place, no matter how much we push, nothing is happening but I can say from experience if you push past that point a breakthrough comes along where you leap to next level.

No matter what the demon is for you, don't let it have you, it's not worth it, life is too short.

Happy Easter


angie

 

[windwalker]

I totally agree with your last two posts. When I set out to lose 30 pounds the more I watched the scale the worse it got, when I stopped looking at the scale I was not a "slave " to it anymore.

I do have to say that my problem was not comparing myself to those in Hollywood all of the time, but more not ever being satisfied with what I saw in the mirror, no matter what. Your first post was right on when you said that you have to love yourself. I know it might sound cliche or cheesy but there is so much truth loaded into that statement.

What is kind of ironic is I feel such a bigger sense of accomplishment in the improvements I have made in my running (what kind of shape I am in) then all of the wieght loss I was able to accomplish.

For example, we ran our first race last October - RFTT a 6.2 miles in 58 minutes about 9:25pace, on Friday I did an 8 mile training run at a 8:45 pace.

Why is it that no matter how far we come or how far we go, our memories can be so short. And then there are those times where it seems like we are standing in place, no matter how much we push, nothing is happening but I can say from experience if you push past that point a breakthrough comes along where you leap to next level.

No matter what the demon is for you, don't let it have you, it's not worth it, life is too short.

Happy Easter


angie

Thank you so much for sharing. You have a good outlook on your health and fitness progress.

Dave

 

[windwalker]

Erica and I are very excited about the upcoming Tower of terror race. That is the kind of event we started racing for. Socializing with wonderful people from all over the country, lots of smiles, hugs and laughing. Special effects Disney style and memories that last a lifetime.

We really couldn't afford to go but you know you only live once and everything you regret not doing is a loss. This is so wonderful because you don't have to stress about weather you look hotter in a swim suit than someone else or you are faster than others. We are not at all concerned about time but are planning to walk with a any WISH folks that want to join us in a group brisk walk letting the slowest person determine the pace.

Yes you can be an athlete if your not fast, athletics like beauty comes from within. We can only do so much with the outside but we sure as heck can clean house inside. Run those demons of dought and lack of confidence out and replace them with love of yourself and others.

Walk strong y'all.

Dave

 

[windwalker]

If you ask people what they really realy want more than anything else is just to be happy. If you ask them what it would take to make them happy You would get lots and lots of different answers and usually it's about what is stressing them at that peticular moment. More money, a spouse that understands them, kids that are not in touble, losing weight the list is as endless as the number of people you ask.

I know that everyone has heard the saying "You choose to be happy just as you choose to be unhappy". I believe that is so true. You make the choices that make you happy.

What can you do today to start your journey to true happiness? Ask yourself first, what is stressing you today, then ask yourself what you can do to fix it.

For an example: If you have another person at work who makes your life miserable, when you go today extend your hand in friendship. He/she is probably tired of the situation to.

If you and your spouse don't seem to ever really talk to each other anymore, try inviteing them for a long slow walk in the park. Talk about what is stressing you like you were talking to a best friend, because you are.

Not enough money for something you really want? Think what you are willing to give up to get it. Take your lunch to work instead of eating out. A PPJ is a good lunch and a heck of lot cheaper than a Wendy's meal deal. That $5 dollars a day adds up to $100 a month. Most of us can think of ways to cut back if we really want to save for something.

Give it some thought today, face your stress demons and think about how to kick their butt.

Dave

 

[npullen]

I couldn't have come upon this at a better time! I have been fighting with myself alot lately, wondering how I got myself into this marathon training thing. I am 31 and overweight, hated running as a kid, but about a year ago I trained for a 10k, and for some reason I decided it was a good idea to train for a marathon. I have lost 40 lbs since the 10k training, but I still have another 55 lbs to go, and sometimes it just seems impossible. Everyone tells me I can do this, everyone says I need to have faith in myself and my abilities, but most of the time I am afraid they think I am much more than I really am. I am afraid they think I am already doing better than I really am. I am supposed to do 3 miles today, but it is cold and super windy, no one to watch DD, so I have to use the treadmill. I hate the treadmill, and I am coming up with one excuse after another not to get up and get it done. It is so easy to convince myself that I can't do it. Much easier to sit here feeling down, blaming the weather and the treadmill, eating that Easter candy rather than getting the workout done. How can I get through marathon training if I can't even convince myself to do a lousy 3 miles? And that is when I really start to wonder about the sanity of all this. I seem to end up getting myself caught up in the excitement, and all of a sudden I am signed up for the marathon and I only have 8 months to lose 55 lbs and be able to get through 26 miles! And then there is the speed issue. I "run" slower than a good race walker! My average running speed is only 11-12 min miles. That is barely running. So why do I bother... Probably because my DH says we can't go to WDW unless I am doing the marathon. He knows me well enough to know that getting through 26 miles is totally worth it for 2 wks in WDW!!! And honostly sometimes that is the only reason I am moving forward with the training. I keep telling myself speed will improve, weight will come off, I mean how the heck could I run 30- 40 miles a week, and not lose weight?!?!
So here I go, off to do my 3 miles on the TM, hating every step, but I know I will feel better, and be proud when I am done.

I am not sure if this is exactly what you had in mind when you started this thread, but thanks for reading along with me, it helps to vent!
Nicole

 

[windwalker]

That is exactly what this thread is for Nicole. Often no one really understands the battle we fight with ourselves. I'm so proud of you for facing down that temtation to quit. Sweetheart 11 to 12 min per mile is pretty darn good for marathon training. You rock girl.

Don't lose sight of how special you are.

Dave

 

[windwalker]

Good morning WISH Warriors. I sure was glad to get a response to this thread yesterday, I was about ready to quit. Thanks Nicole for stopping to share your story.

This time of year it's often stressful trying to stay motivated. While it was cold in the winter, you could imagine that as soon as it's spring everything will be ok. The weather will be nice and you can get out and walk/run and feel great.

Well this year we have had rain storms, unseasonaly cold weather as well as all the other things pulling at us, like yards to mow, cleaning things up after wiinter, seems endless sometimes. But life is that way, there will always be something that needs doing.

You just have to add walking/running to the list of need to do's. Having a friend to walk/run with can help a lot. Dogs are fun to take along also. Just don't take little dogs they don't exercise well. Our Chocolate lab would love to go more often than she gets to.

A problem some people make is spending a big chunck of cash on a health club or gym membership and then realize it doesn't really fit in the schedule and feel guilty about spending the money and not using it. Better to start exercizing and then when you have a regular schedule and know that you would have the time for going to the gym, you can join one.

The best health club is, at least for me, just a good place to walk where I'm not in danger from dogs or cars. Often a park or an older area of town, here we have the town square where all he shopping used to be, it's fun to walk down that way. Plan a few good routes then go out and enjoy them.

Yesterday I talked about finding extra funds for something you want. Well we called the car insurance company, Allstate, and asked for a better rate, we have a daughter that has wreaked 2 cars so we were paying a lot. They dropped our priemum $600 every six months. We called our Disney Visa and asked for a lower rate and got it dropped 2 points of interest rate. I mailed the Disney travel and got a better rate at the SWwan for the Oct 27th trip.

Dave

 

[hoosmi]

Hey Nicole-

I'm with you completely. I signed up for GOOFY of all things. I thought it was a perfect combination of running and my love of Disney! I'm doing the Minnie in May. So far I've done one 10k. I averaged about 11 minute miles. I haven't been training nearly enough. I'm hoping to drop off my 1 year old tomorrow at Mother's Day Out and do a long run of maybe 6-7 miles. Basically, I've been running about once/week. I have all the excuses- kids, family, colds, weather, etc. I sometimes set my odometer in my car to zero so I can see just how long 26.2 is; the reality scares me. Throw in 13.1 the day before and it's really scary!

Here's what I've decided-- I'm going to try my best to get in some decent long runs before Minnie. I know I won't be in perfect shape, but I don't care. As long as I finish and get my medal, I'll be pleased. And hey, less pressure to be fast means more picture taking time!

I'm going to start anew-- I'm not going to focus on missing runs in the past. Instead I'm going to be pleased I finished a 10k and look to the future.

I'm going to do the best I can this summer to keep building my base, even if it means going at a slower pace than I'd like because my DD, 7, wants to come along.

When August rolls around, DD will be in school and DS, 1, will be in pre-school. I'm going to put on my running clothes so I have to go to the gym after I drop them off. I'll bring lunch to work to save time and cash so I can squeeze in the morning workout. (And, oh yeah, I'm going to try to convince DH that we should go to the Tower of Terror run in October with all the cash I'm going to be hoarding by not eating out as much!)

Stay positive (and I'll try too). Every run you accomplish is probably more than most of your friends are doing! Yes, we've missed some runs; but a couple of years ago, I wouldn't have believed I could run anywhere for any length of time!

And congrats on your weight loss-- sure, you may have more to go, but that was a lot to take off!!

Jen in GA

 

[windwalker]

Jen thank you for sharing. Yes Yes Yes to all of the above.

Dave

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Dave, thanks so much for starting this thread- I am so glad I found it!

I started running in December, and I can still remember the looks on my dh's face when I told him I was going to start running- kind of like, "yeah, ok, that will last a week." I gotta say I can't blame him, because there have been many adventures over the years that I have started but never finished. This is different though; I turned 30 last year, and I decided that I need to step up and be a better example for my ds.

Let me say that I have never been a runner.....ever. When I started in December, I could not even run 1 lap on a track without stopping to walk. But, I kept on keeping on, and I did my first 2 mile race on 3-25.....and came in 3rd in my age group! I finished in a time of 23:38, which isn't record-breaking by any means, but I finished, and I didn't stop to walk once. I also will never forget my dh's face after I finished this either; the look was one of impressment!

Thanks again, Dave!
Lisa

 

[windwalker]

Dave, thanks so much for starting this thread- I am so glad I found it!

I started running in December, and I can still remember the looks on my dh's face when I told him I was going to start running- kind of like, "yeah, ok, that will last a week." I gotta say I can't blame him, because there have been many adventures over the years that I have started but never finished. This is different though; I turned 30 last year, and I decided that I need to step up and be a better example for my ds.

Let me say that I have never been a runner.....ever. When I started in December, I could not even run 1 lap on a track without stopping to walk. But, I kept on keeping on, and I did my first 2 mile race on 3-25.....and came in 3rd in my age group! I finished in a time of 23:38, which isn't record-breaking by any means, but I finished, and I didn't stop to walk once. I also will never forget my dh's face after I finished this either; the look was one of impressment!

Thanks again, Dave!
Lisa

Lisa thank you for sharing your story. You are doing wonderfully. Would you agree that your life has changed in many positive ways since you took control and said "I will do this".

Dave

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Lisa thank you for sharing your story. You are doing wonderfully. Would you agree that your life has changed in many positive ways since you took control and said "I will do this".

Dave

I would completely agree with this statement. In the past, when enough people told me that I couldn't do something, I eventually agreed, and gave up. Not this time....I don't want to be that person anymore- I want to show my son that you can do anything if you put in the effort.

When I first started in December, about 2 weeks into starting actually, I told my dh in confidence that my long term goal would be to run the 1/2 at Disney. I knew that it wouldn't be right away, but that would be my dream. Well, about a week later, we were at a dinner for all the teachers at my husbands school. There were a couple of girls there that are very well known for being very athletic- one is a highly decorated decathlete, the other a very good runner; and they are the type of people who would sooner make fun of someone than be an encouragement. Not exactly people I need in my life. Also there was the xc/track coach from the high school- in the middle of dinner, he stops and yells to me from the other side of the room- "I hear you are a runner now. Do you KNOW how far 13.2 miles really is?" In other words, you can't do it. I was mortified, as everyone else at the table started laughing. I felt betrayed by dh, just picturing him and his buddies getting a good laugh out of me trying to be a runner when he told them my dream to run the 1/2. I looked over to dh for defense, and he was laughing with them all. I excused myself and headed to the ladies room, fighting tears.

Since then, I think about that moment a lot. It is one of my biggest strengths now- I can't wait to walk into school someday with that medal around my neck, and announce that I do indeed know how far 13.2 miles is!
When I have a day that I don't want to run, I think of how I felt at that very moment, and it helps me go on. I feel good about myself, and I feel good when I hit a milestone.

Since then, I think dh has apologized many times once he realized how hurt I was. I also think he is starting to grasp that this is not just a phase- that I am really working my butt off to improve, and I am!! I am now 12 pounds lighter than when I started, and I am running 2 miles pretty consistantly, at a pace about 2 minutes per mile less than when I started. I have been stuck recently trying to get over that "2 mile hump," so I buckled down, and Saturday I ran 2.5 miles! I can do it- I have come to realize that it doesn't matter what others believe you can do- it only matters what YOU believe you can do!!!

I am very grateful to have found the WISH board during all of this too- what a source of inspiration and encouragement!!

Lisa

 

[windwalker]

Lisa I know how good that feels to show people that you can do what you set out to do.

I started race walking last June. I couldn't run any more because of an injury to my achillies that didn't heal properly. I still wanted to do races and stuff so I taught myself how. Then I practiced hard just like I trained to run when I was healthy. I had been trying to run hurt for two years.

One of or really good racewalkers who had been giving me pointers told me about a State level Competition to qualify for the National Senior Olympics. She was going and asked if I wanted to go and try out. Gold, silver and bronze medal winners would represent Ky at the Nationals.

I drove to Lexington and found the UK campus where the competition was being held. Miserable day with rain and wind and cold for the end of Sept in Ky. I heard some people mention racewalking when I was walking around waiting for competitions to start. I walked over and introduced myself. The group seemed to have a spokesman. He said he was racewalking instructor and he had brought several of his best students to compete. All in my age group, darn it. He asked who trained me and I said I taught myself and had started 4 months ago. He said well just watch us and you will learn something. They just literally ignored me after that.

This became a race like the Disney Half will be for you. I was going to prove I belonged there. When the race was over and I had the bronze medal around my neck and a ticket to the Nationals, I was accepted as an equal. I hope you have a chance to say like I did "Heck yes I belong here"!

Dave

 

[disnutt]

I have lost 40 lbs since the 10k training... I am already doing better

Nicole

I edited your report. I think that's what you need to focus on.

Also your DH has the right idea about helping you stay motivated! No trip to WDW unless you run 26.2!

 

[Lexxiefern]

This is such a great inspirational thread! I have just started training for the minnie 15k 3 weeks ago. I am still intimidated by the thought of 9.3 miles, but I keep training and know I will be able to do it. I have never done any type of race before, so this is very exciting and scary for me!! I started out by doing 2 miles walking and have increased to doing 4 miles 3 times a week walking and running - with my long run/walk last weekend being 5 miles. (going for 6.5miles this saturday).

Sometimes coming to these boards and reading about others who are so much faster than me, have been doing this so long, are doing so many more miles than me, etc, can get me a little down. But I try to focus on how well I am doing and just keep telling myself I can do this!


Becky

 

[msblrobs]

Dave - Thank you for starting this thread. I have enjoyed your various inspirational posts on this board and I appreciate your insight and wisdom.

I am currently training for a marathon in June and my biggest demons are strictly doubting myself and being afraid of achieving my goals. When the going gets tough I choose to give in instead of accepting the pain and effort involved in achieving what I want.

I KNOW I can run a 4:30 marathon but I also KNOW that on race day if I get uncomfortable I will take comfort over time. That is what I need to work on. I have to accept the added effort needed and the discomfort that goes with it to get the monkey off my back and stop limiting myself. I need to stop giving myself and out and just go for it.

 

[windwalker]

Sometimes we lose sight of something. There is a part inborn in all of us called by many things, but I'll call it our spirit. We sometimes don't realize that there is more to most of us than we give ourselves credit for.

"A bumble can't fly, it's aerodynamicly impossible! The bee flys because she believes she can".

Our spirit is like a fire inside ready to carry us when our muscles say we can't do this. It's there and just because we sometimes carry some extra fluff doesn't mean the fire is gone, just means we need to look a little deeper to find it.

Believe in yourself and fly.

Dave