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Saturday, August 8, 2009

Ch-ch-ch-changes

New Journal Page


I made this journal page for Inspire Me Thursday's positivity challenge and Theme Thursday's purple challenge, and as a celebration of reaching an important goal that I set for myself in June. You probably don't know that I've been a runner for over twenty years because last year I got lazy and slacked off on all exercise, and, as a result, I put on some extra weight, and my blood pressure went from my typically low/normal rate to what my doctors referred to as "borderline." Since I have heart disease on my sides of my family, this really concerned me. So, at the begining of the summer, Ava and I began to walk one hour every morning and one hour every evening, about 6-8 miles daily. I also significantly changed my eating habits, eliminating most carbohydrates, cutting back on red meat, and eating mostly vegetables, fruit, fish, and chicken. In two months, I managed to take off twelve pounds, but, best of all, I'm physically fit again. Last Thursday Ava couldn't go for our nightly walk, so I decided to use the time to try to run and see how it felt. It felt incredible. I ran through the twilight for two and half miles, and afterwards I sat on my screen porch sweaty and loose and euphoric. For some reason, I'd begun to perceive running as a burden, but I see now how lucky I am to be fifty years old and still even be able to run. I won't take it for granted again. Not only am I going to continue my evening walks with Ava, but I'm going to alternate those walks with some runs and add swimming laps to my exercise routine. I'm going to do what I have to do to stay healthy and active for as long as I possibly can, and I think I might even treat myself to shopping trip for some new clothes exactly one size smaller!

17 comments:

Terri Kahrs said...

W00-Hoo, Alberta! Good for you! (Jumping up and down!) Fabulously fit and 50! You're a wonderful example of a "can do" woman! Hugs, Terri xoxo

K said...

great piece!

Outstanding Stranger said...

You go girl....Love your art. Hugs, Diane

Kim Mailhot said...

Bravo, bravo, bravo !!!! You are such an inspiration ! Thanks for sharing this. I have been really feeling physically crappy lately. I quit smoking one year ago and have definitely replaced my cigarettes with food big time. I have been feeling so uncomfortable with my weight and the stresses it adds to my body. I know I need to grab hold of it and start really taking care of myself. Quitting smoking was one of the hardest thing ever, but I did that so I know I have it in me to do this too. Gathering the strength and waiting for that moment...when you feel like it is no longer a burden but a necessity and a blessing.
Keep running, Beautiful One ! I am so glad you gave yourself this gift !!!!

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your success. You GO girl!

Janet said...

Great page....and congrats on the lifestyle changes. I'm happy that you are running and walking and doing lots of exercise. Now could you tell me the secret to enjoying it! I know I need to do it but I always find other things to do!

Staci Danford said...

Love the picture.. But darn I love that message so so so much.. I may just write that on the wall in my studio. What wonderful words.
Staci

Sandy said...

Absolutely great.
Amazing work and colors and design. I love this one.

Rosie said...

Listen to you! You are my hero!! 12lbs lighter, fitter and healhtier... and still producing fabulous and vibrant art! Love your spirit! xx

*jean* said...

yay alberta!! great journal page! keep movin...it's such a good thing to do for yourself...

Anonymous said...

Way to go! This is awesome, and something I wish I could bring myself to do. I wouldn't ever be a runner, but walking I could do. I need to take care of me, but I can't seem to find the willpower. I'm so glad that you did!

Annette Q said...

This is a great energetic piece. it just shows your happiness you've found going back to your healthy and active life, well done to you! and those words are brilliant too- v. inspirational :-)

Nicola said...

Great page and wonderful words!!! Well done for turning your exercise routine around and getting back into your running!!! I hope I'm still running when I'm fifty! I started when I was 30 and have been doing it for nearly 2 years and and it's just so good to get the blood pumping I always feel better after a run. Sometimes it's hard to get my bum into gear and get on the treadmill especially at the moment as it winter here and all I really want to do is laze around on my cosy couch!!!! You are an inspiration!!! Well done!

Anonymous said...

You are a true inspiration to all of us. I fell last fall and hurt my knee and have been using that as an excuse not to start moving. Twelve pounds in two months...I'd take that...lol...best to you in your continued efforts to stay healthy and fit! Hey...and your art's great, too!!!
Cheers!!!
Mary

Outstanding Stranger said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog..The lily is called "Stargazer" Every year it is something to lookfoward to. Hugs, Diane

Marit said...

That's marvelous!!!!!!!!!!
Both the page as the running!

Cathy Spivey Mendola said...

Oh Alberta! First I want to say Thanks again for the wonderful award you gave me, you're too sweet!
Then I want to say WAY TO GO GIRL! for dropping those extra pounds and getting back to your running. It seems as we age and as we concentrate on art, we allow the physical activity to slack off until we realize that our jeans don't fit anymore!I too have let exercise drop to the bottom of my list of things to do over the past year or so and just decided 2 weeks ago that I need to do something. So I went for a walk and then started to run. I felt so much better (albeit with some aches and pains). So now I've started to increase my running spurts while out walking and I am running a little further each day.
In just 2 weeks, my jeans feel a little looser and I feel better.
I was never a runner but at 52 I feel lucky that I can just DO IT!
Not sure if I'll ever be a full fledge runner like you but just knowing that I can go for shot distances is a huge step. So kudos to you and keep it up!
By the way, LOVE your artwork on this post.
hugs,
cathy