Today is my birthday, so I decided that a good gift to myself would be a good ass-kicking early morning run. After a quick breakfast of peanut butter on a slice of wheat and a protein drink, I filled up my camelbak, strapped it into my backpack and loaded in my bricks, and off I went.
It was still nice and cool outside, but the sun was already starting to pop above the trees, so I knew it was going to get hot before I was done. I took a slightly different route today, one with plenty of nice gradual hills at a good grade--I definitely felt the burn! 2.5 miles and 25 minutes later, I jogged back into my driveway, soaked in sweat and breathing nice and heavy, but damn did I feel good. As I went inside and shrugged off my bag, a thought struck me.
Four short months ago, I was carrying all of that extra weight with me all the time. Once I finally got my act together and quit smoking, started exercising and eating better, and generally taking a more proactive role in my health and fitness, the pounds just started melting away. Today, I laughed to myself a little bit when I realized that I now control when I carry that extra weight around--it doesn't control me. It's a challenge running with it on my back, and it's a welcome challenge; but the fact that I don't have to have those extra 20 pounds with me all the time makes me feel even better that I've started this new journey in my life.
Happy birthday, indeed.
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