Run Find Your Happy Pace

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Run Find your Happy Pace, that’s my motto. But it’s not just about running happy it’s about finding your happy pace in running and life.

The last few years I feel like I have really come into my own.  OK so maybe some would consider it a little late in the game but I wouldn’t change a thing.  I love being “my age” and my hope is that I can inspire others to be proud of themselves too, no matter where they are on their journey in life.  In just over a year I have finished 6 half marathons and become both a Sweat Pink Ambassador and a Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador.  I’m so grateful to both these groups for supporting “fit” woman of all ages. I know we have all heard it before “age is only a number” but honestly I could not agree more.  I have been fairly active my whole life. I stayed active through my 3 pregnancies.  And as a military wife running and fitness have kept me sane through many deployments. Keeping fit has personally helped me accomplished more than I could have imagined.  It’s given me confidence, a healthy body and a clear mind.  I have the ability, and more importantly, the will to do so much more that I thought I was capable of.  Is my happy pace super fast? No, but its my pace and it’s the right one for me.

The 5 main keys to “my happy pace” are commitment, goals, healthy eating, having fun and above all faith.

Commitment:  I make fitness and working out part of my day, not an afterthought.  I schedule workouts into my week just like my kids athletics and dinnertime.  Its important and I make sure I treat it that way.

Goals:  It’s such a great thing to have goals in life.  It keeps you on track, sets you on a path and gives you direction.  It can be a long-term goal such as preparing for a half marathon or working on your speed. Or a short-term goal, let’s say working on your plank so you get a little better each day/week,  Sometimes it’s not about the huge changes you make, a lot of times its the little things that make all the difference.

Healthy Eating:  Honestly I was not always the healthiest eater on the block. But now I try to make food about what will nourish my body and keep it healthy, not what will satisfy my sweet tooth.  Small things like choosing organic fruits and veggies or an apple with peanut butter over a cookie.   Choosing chicken grown with no hormones/antibiotics things like that.  For me it’s also about not denying myself.  I have found that for me denial leads to failure.  I have a really big sweet tooth and I admit I have a stash of “emergency” dark chocolate where my kids can’t find it.  But if you are going to choose say chocolate, like me, at least choose dark chocolate which is full of antioxidants and healthy flavonoids.   See it’s not denial it’s making the better choice.

Having Fun:  I do NOT take myself too seriously and I have the pictures to prove it.  I love to joke around and shake things up.  I have run dressed up in a Star Wars costume, and I have even run as a cupcake for a TNT fundraiser .  You have to be able to laugh at yourself and have a good time.  Laughter is truly a gift and some of this world’s best medicine.

Faith:  I have also been working on building a stronger foundation for my faith.  Faith grounds me.  And when I keep my commitment to it, well, everything else seems to fall into line.  I detour off the fitness track and write an inspirational blog  once a week called “Sunday’s Inspiration for your Perspiration” .  Not only does it help me to share my faith with others, it has helped me to build my own and connect with others on a more personal level.

I would love to have you join me as we all head down life’s journey to “Run Find your Happy Pace”

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Comments

  1. Kelly
    Twitter:
    says:
    October 22, 2012 at 6:35 am

    Awesome blog! I couldn’t agree more! It’s great how individual sports like marathons or triathlons can really help people identify with themselves, make them stronger and more motivated in life! Some of the happiest people I’ve met were people who are committed to achieving success through racing. I find the commitment leads you to fine tune things like your schedule your eating habits and even your choice in friends and can make your life whole!

  2. physical fitness training says:
    October 25, 2012 at 5:52 am

    According to study, the 5 main keys to ‘one’s happy pace’ are commitment, goals, healthy eating, having fun and above all faith.
    physical fitness training recently posted..Getting Control of your HealthMy Profile

  3. Sue LW says:
    October 26, 2012 at 6:21 am

    Love Darlena and her blog– she’s an inspiration to women no matter where they are in their journey! ;)

  4. Christine Lesmerises
    Twitter:
    says:
    October 26, 2012 at 6:22 am

    Great post! I just started running this summer, and I’m not fast. I run because I enjoy the outdoors and peace that comes from being alone. Keep up the great work and thanks for the inspiration!

  5. Tonya
    Twitter:
    says:
    October 26, 2012 at 6:36 am

    This is a great post & I love your blog! Your 5 points are awesome!!
    I just recently broke out of my denial of my poor eating habits. I thought I didn’t look terrible and I wasn’t overweight so why not enjoy a double fudge brownie, or 3. As long as I was running, I thought I could eat pretty much whatever I wanted. Unfortunately, sugar is a huge problem for me and if I allow myself to eat one cookie, I’ll eat 6+ more. I changed my eating and eliminated virtually all sugar from my diet. Wow! What a difference eating healthy makes!! Hello, Energy!!
    Tonya recently posted..Best Body Bootcamp Day 1My Profile

  6. Erika
    Twitter:
    says:
    October 26, 2012 at 8:22 am

    Nice job! Go MRTT!

  7. Mindy
    Twitter:
    says:
    October 26, 2012 at 10:59 am

    Great post girl! I love how motivating you always are!
    Mindy recently posted..Fitness Friday…Marathon Training Week 4!My Profile

  8. Elizabeth
    Twitter:
    says:
    October 30, 2012 at 10:42 am

    Great blog! I love the pumpkin carving designs! So cute.
    Elizabeth recently posted..Five Healthy -ish Halloween Treats I Won’t Feel Guilty About Stealing From My Kid’s Halloween StashMy Profile