Inspired by Arnold

So true Arnold! We are stronger than we know. I was sitting in the quiet, starring at my Christmas tree, and sipping on my morning coffee when I started scrolling through Instagram. I came across this article on Arnold Schwarzenegger's page.
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/12/11/opinions/arnold-schwarzenegger-fitness-takes-work-dont-give-up/index.html?no-st=1544666608

It was a great article! These are some of my favorite take away's from it:

• "It's time for the fitness industry to be honest with people. A healthier, fitter America starts with you. There is no gimmick. There is no shortcut. There is no magic pill. Everyone's fitness journey will be unique, but a healthy lifestyle takes commitment, patience and motivation."

I love it! Hard work is the only way to get what you want. You've got to be willing to change. Be committed to change. Have the patience to change. Have the motivation to keep at it. Don't give up on yourself; just keep making those small changes. Keep believing in yourself. You are stronger then you give yourself credit for!

• "I was frustrated and angry, and in my worst moments, I couldn't see the way back to my old self."

Yes! I worked so hard after Denver was born to get fit and be a positive example for my kids. Moving to Florida plus having plantar fasciitis flare on me caused a downward spiral. I just couldn't get it together. The more frustrated I got the more I gave up on myself. Then we moved one more time; this time to Japan. Every time I tried to run again my foot would hurt. I'd get angry, and then frustrated. It was a vicious cycle. I just couldn't picture myself how I was before. I wasn't committed. I wasn't patient. I did not have any motivation. It was truly some of my worst moments.

• "Eventually, I got into the gym and went through the motions without weights at first. I upgraded from walks around my backyard to bike rides. I didn't worry about six-packs or bench pressing 500 pounds. My only goal was improving a little bit every single day, and eventually, all of those small improvements and all of that support brought me back to a strong, healthy place."

Truth! The only way to get back on track is to start. Over the summer I ran one mile every day for 100 days. I was dedicated and motivated. I signed up for a half marathon. I trained hard for the half. I ran and finished the half marathon; however I had issues right after the race and ended up in the hospital. It felt like the spiral cycle was starting again, but I just stayed patient. I have started drinking more water. I have started tracking my calories again. I've started looking for activities besides running. Stay focused. Keep patient. Believe in yourself. Stay committed.

• "A healthier future is every tiny step we take, or every little rep, that ultimately leads us to our goal. We all think we can do it alone, but no one does anything alone. As I always say, no one is self-made. We all need support..."

Just start! Once you start, keep going! I walk one mile every morning. I don't run. I walk. I don't go alone. I go with my husband and our two dogs. My support system. I have bad days with my eating but I keep tracking and keep trying. I've started posting in my workout buddies Facebook group again. Find your support system! Believe you can and you will. Stay patient. Stay committed. Stay motivated. Just start.