Chose the life you lead

One of the most common questions I get from people is "how do you do it all and always with a smile?"  Let me set the record straight... I don't.  I have days when I waver, struggles and frustrations just like anyone.  Somehow I always find a way to pull myself back up.  I chose to be a fighter. I chose the life I lead.

It's hard to believe that just 36 hours ago, I was down in the dumps.  I laid in bed Tuesday night completely pissed with myself.  Just days prior, I had an awesome 20 mile run and then somehow 3 days slipped by ... without a run.  What?!  I know, I can hardly believe it myself.  Not only had I slacked on my exercise but I ate crap. Pure crap for three days. So I did what every normal person does - I rolled out of bed at 4:45am the next morning and went running.  Time to bust out of this funk!  The dark morning hours are so therapeutic on my sole, er soul... both.  I get lost in my thoughts and the miles tick by so quickly.  By the end of 6.5 miles, I felt renewed.  I gave myself a good talking and was ready to get back in the game.

Later that evening, I joined up with my Sole Sisters. (What a comeback - two runs in one day!) Nice weather always has a unique effect on women.  We were particularly feisty that night.  The playful banter reminded me of earlier years spent on a bar stool, but this kind of "happy hour" fulfills me so much better.  Running with the Sistas has a special way of lifting my spirits.

~Photo from Sole Sister Colleen~

The company you keep will influence your life.  Choose carefully.

Mommy worlds aligned this morning... I got to run with one of my favorite friends ever. It was a little chilly and windy, but K and I ran 4 miles along Peoria riverfront trail. It was a nice conversational pace (with my jogging stroller), but I love runs like this.  I got to catch up with a friend that I don't see nearly enough and I got my run in.  Nothing I love more than multi-tasking! As we finished, Little Girl darted off towards the playground. K and I improvised to continue our workout...

With an 8lb weight ball, we did chest passes (with minor breaks to push Little Girl on the swing).  Then we added in squats and then jumps.  Catch, squat, jump, chest pass.  Repeat.

We moved around the playground for a fun morning circuit...
Who says the playground is just for kids!?!

Step-ups on the tires

Holy crap... Knee lifts.  These hurt!

 Tricep Dips

We just kept thinking up more ideas that cost us a good 45 minutes... pushups along the fence, waist turns and v-sits with the weight ball, knee-highs and butt-kicks around the playground, etc... the list goes on.  We had so much fun that I can't wait to do it again!  This will be a great workout for summer when I'll have both kids all day.  No excuses.

There will always be days of doubt and troublesome paths, but the important part is that we challenge ourselves to always re-engage.  Be strong and live life as you want it to be.  It's completely up to you and only you.  Let no one - not even yourself - stand in your way of being the best possible you.

How do you pull yourself out of a rut?