Let’s get this right out in the open – I am not good at FITNESS. Any medium of movement without a dire need to survive, I’d honestly rather pass. I have joined fitness centers on several occasions, went for a week or took one tough class that made my body feel like it was falling apart. Those classes always made me never want to go back for more torture. THEN, I have been stuck with a gym contract that oh so conveniently is taken directly out of my account. I have tried desperately to get out of it, the fine print makes it impossible! I even thought about canceling my debit card. Then, I heard they’d still be able to come after me. I was stuck, and just too lazy to keep up with the gym business.
This was all before I met Mr. Joe. He is very athletic, but in a respectable- not over the top way. Loves to run, play sports, lift weights, push ups, sit ups, blah blah blah. He doesn’t force himself to do it, he actually wants to. Afterward, it makes him feel better. It was shocking to me! I know these sort of people exist- yet I always knew I just wasn’t one of them (and had no desire to be, honestly) I always admired the commitment, I just never imagined myself being committed to such a healthy man.
He has pushed me and inspired me to work a little bit more on my body (although he does love it “as is”) I have even begun to pay attention to the fitness sections in magazines instead of just flipping right past them. Like every woman, there are things I’d love to change about my body. The initiative to go ahead and change it myself was until recently, well…lacking. I love indulgence, eating & drinking what I want, when I want it. Since I have passed age 24, my body has literally taken on the proof that I live this lifestyle. I want to enjoy a long, beautiful life, looking long and beautiful myself. When I get married I don’t want to go on the famous “bride diet” or when I one day have a child- be worried about taking off the baby weight. I’d rather be excited, and ready. Not scared to enter a gym or look at it all as a chore. Take my Nana, for example. She is 88 years old. She exercised every, single day of her life. Walking, swimming, aerobics, gardening, crafting, cooking, it’s all activity and it’s what she strived to fill her life with. For the most part, she is still healthy as a horse. Age has prevented her from moving the way she used to- but her upkeep throughout life has kept her in shape to move forward today. I’m on board with that idea, I’m trying to get to that place. To keep my future healthy, today.
Saturday morning I woke up particularly early, 7 a.m. I tossed and turned and then I heard a bunch of hooting and hollering. Oh yeah! There was a marathon happening in the park. It consisted of two laps around Prospect Park (3.2 miles each) then, the runner’s exit the park and run down Ocean Parkway- to end on Coney Island Boardwalk (thats pretty far) I threw on some clothes, grabbed my camera and headed across the street. The morning fog was laying low and there were masses of people running through. It was amazing, so early, so quiet. The repetitive sound of sneakers hitting the asphalt was borderline hypnotic, I felt as if I was underwater. Joe and Stinky joined me 15 minutes later, we all watched for a bit and then took a walk to get bagels and coffee.
As Stinky and I waited outside for the coffee, I got a phone call from my Mom. I hadn’t heard from her since 10:00 the previous morning- which is very strange. We text all day, everyday. I knew something was wrong, I always do- when it comes to her. She gave me the news that her cancer, had spread. She is going to need a mastectomy. She is scared, angry, vulnerable, fragile, beautiful, strong, poised and full of grace. Her body is turning it’s back on her, she can only move forward. She originally had plans to visit Joe and I for the weekend, she was feeling very drained since she received the news. Her hesitance to make the trek up here was replaced by a burst of “get the heck out of new jersey” energy. She was on her way.
Life is obviously short, we all know that. Lately- I’ve been thinking about the fact that being inactive isn’t going to hurt anyone but myself (mentally and physically) in the long run. I am healthy today. I think. I want to preserve myself, I have been inspired by my Mother, Nana, Joe and all those people running that morning. Inspiration to move forward and keep my heart strong, my body and mind nourished.
After we ate our bagels, and relaxed a bit- I joined Joe on a run around Prospect Park. Remember, thats 3.2 MILES! I have done this once before (proof- here) Mr. Athletic has gone countless times since we have lived here. While I stayed safely inside, being a lump. Before we went I stressed about a playlist, headphones, whether or not my booty would fall out of the only shorts I have to run in. Whether or not to wear my hair in a ponytail or bun. I was finding every excuse to basically not be able to go. But, I did go. FOLKS, I rocked it. I ran, jogged and walked (baby steps) The park was bustling with people, the sun was out. It was actually fun! It cleared my mind, and took away my breath. When I met back up with Joe I was so proud of myself. I still am. But today, I hurt like whoa. I should have stretched. I didn’t know that part. But HEY, I’m still learning. I want to motivate people to do the same- with me. The world didn’t end that day (while running I briefly dwelled on the fact that my last day alive was going to spent running, ew!)
[ My Mom & I after completing a Breast Cancer walk in 2004 – Philadelphia, PA ]
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