Inspiration

This past weekend, I was overwhelmed with inspiration for a healthier me.  I followed the progress of a fellow mother, Dimity (https://twitter.com/dimityontherun), who was completing her first Ironman Triathlon on Sunday and it was incredible.  Just to clarify, she was competing in an Ironman Triathlon; a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run, a.k.a. a full marathon!!  It doesn't get much more bad ass than that.  I followed her progress on Twitter and Facebook all day and was able to watch her cross the finish line Sunday evening via webcam.  I got goosebumps watching her cross the finish line grinning from ear to ear.  She really inspired me, not to run a Triathlon, but to continue to push myself and my body because I can be bad ass, too!  I found out about Dimity and her quest to complete the Ironman Triathlon through one of the websites I follow (Another Mother Runner) and I thought I'd share some of my favorite, inspirational websites with you.

The first running blog that I started following a few months ago is http://runlikeagrl.com/. I loved the domain name, which drew me to the site but it is Megan's down-to-earth posts that keep me coming back for more.  I love reading about whichever race she is currently training for and her healthy lifestyle inspires me.  She also has great product reviews and giveaways.  In fact, Megan's post on Bani Bands headbands got me hooked on their product and I sport a sparkly silver one now when I workout. 

Another fantastic website is http://anothermotherrunner.com/, whose tag line reads "A virtual aid station" and how true that is.  Through their site and Facebook page, I continually learn from the helpful running advice and tips offered and from the great questions asked by other fellow Mother Runners.  It's an incredible community of women who support one another, bask in each other's accomplishments, and motivate and encourage one another when things get tough. It's a breath of fresh air, truly, and I have a fellow Mother Runner, my good friend, Stacy, to thank for getting me hooked on this site!  

One of my favorite non-running blogs is http://www.littlepumpkingrace.com.  I live vicariously through Jessica's creativity and whimsy.  She has a beautiful family, a job (both outside the home and a small business she operates) and she still manages to celebrate the wonder in every day.  She inspired me to host the first annual Roeseler North Pole breakfast (seriously, check out her site for her past North Pole breakfasts, you'll be inspired, too) this past Christmas and my boys loved it.  It's definitely a tradition that we will continue. Truthfully, every time I have a party, I think "What Would Jessica Do?"  When I first found her blog, I read every post from the beginning (2008) to the present. It's not creepy. OK, maybe a little creepy, but I love her creativity and hope that even a little bit rubs off on me. 

My most recent discovery is Jen's blog, http://www.runnerstrials.com/.  I discovered her site this weekend via  Twitter and a link to her post about solutions for 4 common running problems.  Jen has great information on her site about running, pregnancy, motherhood, and nursing for running moms.  After reading some of the past posts on Jen's blog, I discovered a race re-cap she posted about the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon and I'm hooked! I cannot stop thinking about this race.  It looks like a blast and it has been officially added to my race bucket list.  My first 1/2 marathon is next April with my dear friend, Dana (note to self: start training soon!), and I can't wait.  I think the Disney Princess race will make a great second 1/2 marathon!

I started this blog with the intention of holding myself accountable for my weight loss goals, but also in the hopes of providing some inspiration for others out there trying to do the same.  I hope the above sites inspire you as much as they have inspired me.  Making healthier choices, working out, and trying to lose weight is not easy, but if we support and encourage one another, the road to success can be much more enjoyable.  

In the spirit of support and encouragement, my quote for today comes from my friend and co-worker, Nicky, who shared this quote with me and I love it!  "Be stronger than your excuses."