Start before you’re ready

Kista is in the white hat and long dark hair!!

As scheduled, today's guest blog comes from a marathon runner whose story could just as easily be yours or mine, which is why I LOVE IT!  You can read her bio under "Fitness Features".  I hope it inspires you, no matter what you may be wanting to do.  Thank you Kista for your athletic inspiration and contribution

Don't get me wrong, I can be queen prep. I am all for preparation. I also know I can think my way into being horizontal on the couch due to "I'm not ready". Now you know why "just do it" makes sense. I was the gal that went to the gym a couple of times a year. In hindsight, the fear of not knowing how to do something, like exercise, kept me on the couch. The not asking how to do something kept me in the box.

My mind: All that changed one day was when a friend asked me to start walking with her on weekdays. Walking. I can do that. I didn't really want to, but I did. I wore my fashion sneakers and set out on the simplest thing that would change my life profoundly. Taking the action, no matter what I think or feel has given me experiences that I could not have imagined. I heard people talk about exercise. I had doctors tell me to exercise. Exercise was so far off my radar my mind would slam shut. In 2004, I said yes to something I did not want to do and have continued saying yes when my first response is "No, I don't want to run the trails. I'll get my sneakers dirty." Now, I mostly run trails.

Keep it simple. I didn't rush out and buy all the gear and gadgets. My friend gave me some beginner basics for running. 1) No cotton 2) Buy proper running shoes 3) Find a group 4) Buy "Marathon", by Jeff Galloway. By just doing I learn the most. Who would have thought this late in age (now 45) I would finally apply this little gem. I still have to do the dance in my mind to get out the door to run. Some days, it's just one step at a time. I'll put on my running clothes hoping I go for a run. I always do. I say yes to running with a friend because I feel worse if I back out. I used to tell myself I'll drive to the parking lot where my group meets and turn around if I don't want to run. I never did turn around. Get yourself out the door no matter what you think or feel. I promise you will be empowered! Plan exercise like you do breakfast (please don't skip breakfast!)

My body: I battle with body images as well. I am heavily scarred from acne on my face, arms and back and still suffer with adult acne today. I've come to learn how selfish it is if I don't run because I have a pimple on my nose. I see a runner with one leg and my perception changes. Get over yourself, I say. I've come to accept that I am never going to be the girl that is only wearing a sports bra. And, girls, don't think you have to diet before you start exercising. Start exercising first. The food intake will naturally morph into what's needed and if not, you can ask the woman next to you what she does.

All this talk about running...I am going to put my running clothes on now. My experience tells me a run will follow.

Check out my blog for my latest running rants: www.gurlRUN.com