Progress

In November I decided to make some new goals for myself. Coming off completing the IMT Des Moines Marathon (and having gained some marathon training weight-yes it’s a real thing), I decided I wanted to do a few things. Now, a number no longer has the power to define me (the number on the scale). So weight loss was not a goal of mine. I did however want to do a few things: improve my swim time, get leaner in appearance and feel & run without pain.

Fast forward to now: I am improving my swim time, I am running almost 100% without pain and I am leaner. I have stayed relatively the same weight (a few pounds of marathon weight are gone), but I have toned up quite a bit in just a few months.  I added in strength training 4-5 times a week. It is not even a lot of strength training, but instead a quick circuit of arms, abs and legs that I rotate through.

I used to hide behind the mentality of “I will never have a flat tummy because I spent a significant amount of time as an overweight adult, and hey-I’ve had a baby.” Seeing progress photos yesterday helped me to change that mentality. It will take stricter eating and likely harder work, but it is now within the realm of possibility in my mind. And it is something I want to see happen, 100% for me. For the first time in my life, my fitness goals are coming from a place of love of me.

So, don’t let some crap story in your head keep you from accomplishing anything. Almost literally there is nothing too difficult or impossible. Or as I like to say “Difficult you can do, impossible takes a little longer.” 

Here are my progress pictures. Realize how much vulnerability this takes (I mean, hello, underwear?!) But realize that being vulnerable pushes you further and leads to amazing things. Trust me here. I’m not where I want to be, but neither am I where I used to be! 

Love to you all!

Kara 










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