The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I started running Memorial Day weekend and havent looked back. When people used to tell me there is a runners high I used to say huh?? Now I know what they mean. My life with my Ah keeps me on a rollercoaster of emotions days are up and then then they come crashing down, but the only thing I have is control over myself and my own actions. Some days I want to pull a Forrest Gump and just keep going... it seems to be when I am running is the only time I am not stressing over my Ah problems with the law, how are my kids coping, will they be ok, my higher power guides me along, when I get home everything feels like it will be ok. I've lost 14 pounds, feel more fit then ever, but I still am a mess on the inside, working on that tho...
go sister, I started running when I turned 40 and LOVE it (I am 44). I know EXACTLY what you mean- I love to run for so many great reasons, all of them healthy ones 4 ME (and u 2 I bet). I am in the best shape I have ever been in my life. Don't stop focussing on YOU! hugs, J.
Great job Suzip! I am 52 and have been running since I was 18..... it has probably saved my life if for no other reason than as a great stress reliever. And God knows living with active alcoholism sure does provide plenty of that (stress). Like you, when I am out running I tend to forget about my AW and all the problems associated with that.
In the last three years I have also added in strength training with weights as well as a stretching routine.
As you said it's all about taking care of me.... and it all makes me feel great physically, and mentally/emotionally too.
Oh and yes it takes (and keeps) the weight off too !
My niece went to a high-altitude running camp this summer. Oh my gosh, if you wanted to punish me, that would be where to send me. I can't even imagine...
Anyhow, running is something I've always hated, but wished I could do. Can't seem to push to get through the pain or respiratory distress. Maybe I don't want it "that" much, huh? I can see how it could be therapeutic and a great stress-reliever.
Blessings, Lou
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Every new day begins with new possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace. ~ Ronald Reagan~
Sometimes what you want to do has to fail, so you won't ~Marguerite Bro~
I totally started via walking, power walking, jogging and running. I just broke my toe a couple of weeks ago and had to stop and it was very hard. I am getting back into it and am SO HAPPY. For me, its like a prayer, each and every morning. I love starting my day with a run. I love just "running away" out into the wild blue yonder. I like a treadmill, too! It is the best way I know to totally detach and totally submerge myself in ME and my body. Honestly, I am in the best shape of my life today at 44 than I have ever been- in all ways: spiritually, physically, mentally, etc. This is because of al-anon, eating really well, running and weight training, meditation, surrounding myself with good people and weeding out all the stinkers. Its a multi-pronged approach and its totally working for me. Hugs, J.