Why I’m ‘bothering’ to eat clean and train hard
Thursday, October 16, 2014This post was conceived in my head about four weeks ago when I was caught off balance by a conversation with someone about my lunch. I usually eat a big salad for lunch with a good portion of protein in the form of chicken, mackerel, bacon, mixed beans, corned beef or something else a bit random. This is followed by a half a cup of low fat yogurt with honey and a piece of fruit. No cake, no biscuits, although that doesn't stop people offering them which is really annoying.
picture from July
The question was put to me: “you're never going to be an [Olympic] athlete, so why are you bothering?” which knocked me for six that a) someone would be so blunt in asking, plus b) that I didn't have a concise answer ready.
After a bit of consideration I have an answer.
I'm scared. I'm scared that I turn the big 3-0 next year and I'm neither ready for a milestone, nor ready to start acting my age. In my head I'm pretty much just 18; young and silly. There is no way in hell I'm going to sit back and wait for my waistline to fill out and take up soap operas as a pastime. If I can con my way into staying looking younger for longer (without surgery and drugs OBVS) then you can bet your ass I'm going for it. Eating clean and exercise to get my body the way I damn well want it – that's strong not skinny FYI – is absolutely worth it. That loathsome quote about 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels' is something I've never referenced before and I don't want to directly mention ever. My take on my body is this: there is precious little satisfaction tucking into something that tastes good yet leaves me feeling grumpy afterwards that I ate. I'd much rather fuel myself with good nutritious fuel and be able to look in the mirror in the morning without grimacing. It's a personal preference.
A (fairly) healthy diet along with a few workouts and runs a week keeps me ticking over but I'm currently trying to make a teensy bit of headway in just getting to the summit of where I want to be. I was nearly there; so close but then as per usual I fell off the wagon and to date can't get back on with both feet. It's not the end of the world and I'm not tearing my hair out about it, but I would like to get my head and my schedule sorted out so that I can at least make sure I know how things are going as opposed to being in the dark (which I do feel like things are at present).
I wrote a while ago about women who's bodies inspire me (post long gone now) and they were all strong and healthy women, Jess Ennis-Hill, Jillian Michaels, Jodie Marsh and Victoria Pendleton; they all inspire me with the dedication they have put into creating their physiques. Here's the revelation I've noticed: I don't want to workout to get their bodies, I want to create my own! I'm just going to work hard at what I enjoy and see where it takes me. Naturally, my legs are far more toned than any other part of me, my matchstick arms have been a supremely slow process to strengthen, my core although getting stronger is where any excess weight will sit (why wont it go to my boobs?!!!). The washboard rippling abs are not all that likely, but you know what? I don't mind. I'm enjoying being myself and where my hard work is taking me.
As for why people ask such blunt questions; they're either trying to show they care and are worried about you OR they're just arses. You decide. All I want to say is that a little support wouldn't go amiss.
Sophie
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