I love running. Well, I’m sure you get that since I talk about it a lot on here (and twitter and facebook too :). I love the physical benefits I get but the emotional benefits far surpass any changes I may see in my body!

While I was out running tonight (or last night since I’m writing this on Thursday), I saw my shadow and I got inspired. The sun was hitting me in the back and while I was running, I saw me in front of me! I was watching myself move: my arms, legs, even my ponytail flopping. It was me – I was doing it all! It felt amazing and I was inspired!

Last year when I started my weight-loss journey, there was a different source of my inspiration. It came in seeing a picture of myself holding our youngest son. I was waaaaaay chubbylicious. Actually, I can’t find many pictures of me at that weight because I didn’t want to be photographed. And, as moms that’s easy to avoid since we’re always the ones taking the pictures. Realizing I was in avoidance was my source of inspiration! I had to get in better physical shape so I would feel better about myself and get back in the pictures.

As I started getting into better shape, my source of inspirationchanged. It became more about my lifestyle being different…as in forever. Hearing my kids say their mom is running or did a 5K makes me just feel so proud! Oh, hearing my kids say “Wow, mom looks hot” does make me feel pretty good (what, I want them to have a hot momma :). My kids are such an amazing source of inspiration. I want them to see what I’ve done and know that anything is possible. It may not be weight for them as they’re older, maybe it’s a course or sport. Whatever it is, they will have me (and my husband, of course) as examples to know they can acheive anything!

So, here I am today…seeing that shadow…I am inspired by where I was and seeing my steps ahead – literally! As I’ve blogged about my struggles and successes over these past 15 months, I am inspired by you! YOU reading, whether you comment or not – hearing your stories, your struggles, and your success is a great source of inspiration for me! Break out and comment sometime! I know this weight loss stuff is touchy to talk about, but it’s safe here. And, I won’t taunt you with pictures of ding dongs or pizza…promise :)

As you can see, I didn’t lose any weight this week. I exercised every night though and felt great! I have a feeling that next week the scale will move. Well, that’s assuming I don’t destroy everything this weekend with Holiday eating! I will try to refrain as much as possible (I said try… :)

Tell me, what inspires you as you focus on a healthy diet and fitness lifestyle?

Fat Burnin’ Pounds Lost since Jan 1-08: 30
Fat Burnin’ Pounds to go: 10

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