Tuesday, May 18, 2010

it started as a choice ...

Being an athlete is hard. It's hard to find a way to fit it all in. It's hard to stay motivated when things don't go according to plan. It's hard to sacrifice to get what you want. Being an athlete, whether you just made the transition from couch potato or if you've been winning your age group for years, takes dedication. And drive. And structure. Plain and simple, it takes hard work.

I honestly believe that everyone can be an athlete. It's just easier not to be. It's easy to put it off until tomorrow. It's easy to eat what's most convenient, even it's not the best fuel for your body. It's easy to quit. To keep yourself from pushing past your limits. It's easy not to try.

But where does that get you? Probably not a place you want to be. It's easy to spiral downward and lose yourself. But if you don't make yourself a priority, no one else will.

You can be active. And healthy. And everything that you want to be. How do I know? Because I did it. And I continue to do it everyday. I changed my eating. I started exercising. I lost the weight (a whopping 70 pounds). I began running. I made myself a priority. I learned that to be the best mother and wife that I can be, I had to be the best me I could be.

Getting healthy started as a choice. It evolved into a lifestyle. It wasn't easy. Nothing worth anything ever is. But it's something I will never regret.

50 comments:

gba_gf said...

you're awesome. This post is... awesome.

I'm so glad I made the choice, and after reading this, I'm so ready to move myself into the next level.

Anne said...

My thoughts exactly! This is not something that happens because we wish it, it's because we do it and we work hard doing it! We love the outcome though :)

kat said...

Thanks for that, never left a comment on your blog although I do read it. You've hit many nails on the head with what you posted and many truths,this journey is not an easy one but I'm glad I'm on it. Thanks again, oh yes and well done to your husband on his first half.

dawn @ running the dawn said...

I agree completely! You expressed this perfectly!

I was thinking about your race with J and my race with KT. We both helped them finish and accomplish a ton! Did you struggle with running slower? I actually think it was just as painful (if not more) to do the distance at a slower pace. I'm hoping this doesn't affect my plans for San Diego...

busyrunningmama said...

Great post! Kudos to you for being the best you that you can be!! I'm sure you are proud and I'm sure your hubby and child appreciate it too!


Thanks for putting this out, I will be sharing it with those around me who need to hear it!!!

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

what a great post, I love it!!

Paige (The Last Doughnut) said...

Love, Love, Love IT!!!

Rene' said...

i love your post today and feel exactly the same way! it is work, but it is good work not only for yourself, but for your entire family. i firmly believe that if you take care of yourself it helps the entire house take care of itself.
p.s....because of you i am taking the coaching course in Newton this August. i can't wait!!

Unknown said...

It's a choice I make everyday and you said it spot on, its not easy, but at the end of the day its so worth it!

Awesome post!

Mile Posts by Dorothy Beal said...

Love this post. And holy cow - 70 lbs - congrats - I thought I had lost alot with my 35 lbs. You have me beat :)

One of my best friends was in your RRCA coaching class! It's such a small small world.

Tortuga_Runner said...

My Monday post was all about needing to keep my motivation up to be a better me. Your post today was a perfect follow up for me, especially because last night I survived Colic Fest 2010, am totally sleep deprived, and needed the boost. Now if only I can drop your 70lbs I would be good! :)

Angela said...

Thanks I needed to hear that today.

Katye said...

yet again you are so inspiring! Although I'm not married and don't have kids yet, I usually forget to put myself first every once in a while. I deal with everyone else's problems and take all their burdens onto my self and its so not good for me! Thanks for the reminder T!

Unknown said...

thank you!! it's exactly what I needed to hear today.
It's good to know that not every one was born an athlete. that people do work VERY hard for what they have and who they are.

Tara said...

Great post and very true!

Congrats on your 70 lb weight loss, that's amazing!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

It is a choice. You said it well but I wonder what we can do as examples (well we try, don't we?) to create that moment we those around us feel compelled to change the way they are living? Because that is what we are talking about here. Changing the way people choose to live. Taking away reaching for the potato chips and replacing that habit with going for a walk. Taking your kids on a packed picnic lunch instead of through the drive through.
We all know these are the 'right' choses but how can we create the catalyst to help others make what is a difficult change?

Marlene said...

Excellent post!

Catey said...

Amen! Good to read today, especially as I'm in the midst of re-making that choice on what seems to be a daily basis lately....

Unknown said...

"I honestly believe that everyone can be an athlete. It's just easier not to be."

I love this. I am going through a stressful time right now and I had a moment yesterday where I thought to myself "why do I even DO THIS? What is the point?" It is a choice, and it's a good one.

H Love said...

yes yes yes!! I am dying being HURT and not able to run. Being able to MOVE and RUN is such a gift...not a chore!

Laura said...

Well said! You are an awesome inspiration!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!

Tricia said...

LOVED this!

Katie A. said...

Love it! We think so much alike ;)

Stacie said...

Great post!!! It's so true. Thanks for being such an inspiration.

Sarah E. said...

Thank you! I need to hear this today. It is a choice, and its hard, but its worth every step. And congrats to you and J! (It was nice to know I'm not the only one with "mother nature" issues while running and racing!)

Pining for Pinterest said...

Well said and so true!!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Amen Sister!

Running with Attitude said...

Great post!!! So well said and something this newbie runner needed to hear today!

Colleen said...

Just found your blog - I'm a fellow mom-runner/exercise fanatic-worker. This was so encouraging!!

And where do you buy your running skirts? They are so cute!

misszippy said...

Well said. I completely agree that everyone can be an athlete--it's all about the commitment.

Lindsay said...

What a great post! Thanks :)

Erica said...

you rock chick! well said Awesome post!

S Club Mama said...

It is hard, especially when you were an athlete and then weren't for a few years. It's hard to get back into it. I don't know if I consider myself a runner (yet) but I run. And I've committed (if not already paid for) a marathon. I will do it (with 2 exceptions: injury and pregnancy but I'm praying neither happens) because I don't want people asking me "how was the marathon" and me saying "oh I didn't do it." I do care what they think in that aspect.

Emz said...

70 pounds - amazing - way to go.

So very true. We each have an inner athlete.

great - motivating post.

Anonymous said...

so true tonia! you are the living proof!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the pep talk! Great points!

Jamie said...

Great post and so true!

MCM Mama said...

Great post!

i still have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of you as anything other than a high energy, fit runner.

wendy said...

So true! What an inspirational post!

Bethany + Ryan said...

well said! you are so right! now, if only you could get this post out to the rest of America!

Jen said...

Amen!

Anonymous said...

AMEN!
I'm not big on mantras, but in the past 6 months I've found myself remunerating on 2 phrases:

1. We are what we do daily
2. If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got.

I'm amazed at how many people (myself included until I stepped up) claim to want change, but keep doing the same things in their lives. Change is exactly that - its making a choice to do something differently. Its a daily choice. Sometimes an hourly choice. But still a choice to make, and only we can make it.

Great post!

ajh said...

Excellent post! You are so right about it all. It isn't easy, it is a lifestyle change and it takes a lot of dedication. I also lost a lot of weight. That seems to be a big piece for many of us on here. I don't think of myself as an athlete. I like that thought.

Trish said...

YES! It is a choice everyday. And you help me stay motivated. Thank you!

Aron said...

you said that perfectly :) great post!

Meg said...

Hammer, meet nail head. Good post.

Michelle said...

Love, love, love this!

Such an awesome post!

RunToTheFinish said...

what's strange is that in some ways isn't it easier to be active because it means health and life and joy...I know it takes awhile to see those benefits, but in theory it should be easier for us to be active than not.

Anonymous said...

I printed the post and am posting by my bed and putting in my workout bag. I'm making the CHOICE to be an athlete. And it is hard, but so, so worth it. Thank you for sharing these words. Your inspiration is very helpful to me, as I get these last 35 pounds OFF!!!! I can and will do this. Thank you, racing Tonia!

Nicole on the run said...

Great post! I totally agree.

Being an athlete is worth it, because it makes life in general feel much better.