Don't Be a Hater....

This post likely isn't what you think it might be based on the title... but I thought it was quite appropriate..... Here's why...

I've had this happen to me more than once and when it happened again yesterday I started composing this blog in my head and hoped that I could remember all I was thinking to write down....

When out running, while stopped to let Guinness "take care of his business" a couple gals walking past wanted to pet Guinness which was just fine. (He is always so happy to have more attention.) We made idle chit chat for a moment and then one of them uttered words I have heard before in some shape form or fashion... "Must be nice to be thin." Okay let's begin with I am not THAT thin, I am not saying I am fat or anything but it's not like I am teeny tiny either. Let's move onto why this annoys me so much....
I AM NOT FIT NATURALLY PEOPLE!!! If I am a bit fit (and I will be honest I wish I was a bit more fit than I am) it's because I WORK AT IT! It doesn't come naturally. It's not like my height. If your want to say "Oh must be nice to be 5'6" then I can accept that. Yes it is nice to be 5'6" and I had no choice in that matter - I am lucky to be the height I am. I was born this way I am glad i accept it. When it comes to fitness - I WAS NOT BORN THIS WAY! Honestly almost no one is. People who are fit generally work at it! And let's be honest as I get older I have to work at it harder. I was much more fit with much less effort 10 years ago and even 5 years ago it was easier than it is today. Bottom line is I have decided that being fit is important to me so I make the effort. Is it easy? HELLO NO! Do you think I actually really enjoy running? Ummmmm Negative Ghostrider.... I run so I can live the lifestyle I enjoy. I like beer, cheese, chocolate, wine, cupcakes and honestly food in general (what can I say I am a foodie?!?!) If I was willing to give up all those things then I could definitely be lazier but I don't want to give those things up so you will see me at the gym lifting, you will see me cycling and you sill see me out running with Guinness (who by the way can run for forever!) and while I do enjoy these things a little sometimes... generally I am doing it because it needs to be done not because I think "Oh I can't wait to go and workout it's just so much fun."

I don't take it too seriously - I will never be the person who is invited out for a beer and says "Oh I can't go because I have to go work-out" - my priorities are such that I will always hang out with my friends first but I do make time for my work-outs wherever they fit so I can always accept that beer invitation!

So next time you see someone who is fit or thin don't be a hater. Remember that this person didn't magically get that way. Remember that the person you are hating on had to work at it. Channel that energy you have of "hating" and ask the person - "Hey do you have any tips for me?" if you wish you were more fit. I don't have a magic solution - far from it in fact - and everyone is different in regards to what works for them. I personally don't do well in groups such as running groups because like to workout on my time not on someone else's defined schedule. I do enjoy running with my friends at events (Gotta love doing Half 2 Run with some of my besties), I've really enjoyed cycling with my friends, Ken and I enjoy working out together and of course the best running pal ever is Guinness.... so that works for me. But I know some people who need the structure of a group so it's great that that works for them. Any which way if you ask a person for some tips they may give you some ideas that you hadn't previously thought of for yourself. Maybe they will work, maybe they won't but either way asking for tips is a most effective use of your energy than "hating" on the fit person.

I know I am missing some good thoughts that I had while running yesterday about this topic but apparently they have left my head... if I think of them I'll write a follow-up I guess... til then I have plans for an amazing steak dinner tonight and some beers with friends here in Houston.... guess that means there's more working out in my future too :)

And hey I invite all of you to come and run with us at events.... we have fun with it.....

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

New Orleans Rock & Roll Half Marathon

Cincinnati Flying Pig Half Marathon