You Are Not a Before and After

AprilstatsYou are not a before or an after. So many people in the fitness industry are focused on getting clients by promising some awesome “after” version of their bodies all the while, posting pictures of their progress. Why? Because that is exactly what sells. Please. Do yourself a favor and repeat: “My body is not a before or after.”

You will not find happiness in a shake or by cutting out entire food groups or in skipping events because you can’t eat what’s there. For all that is holy: please eat more real food than processed food and find ways to move your body–whether it be swimming, cycling, running, team sports, or fitness classes at your local gym.

You need to eat real food because you are on a journey. I’m not going to call it a fitness journey because even if you are a professional athlete, I’m sure you have a family, other hobbies you love, and places you enjoy. Your overall health and fitness is part of your life. Sure, if you’re a casual athlete you might have goals of qualifying for Boston, completing an Ironman, or competing in your first ever race. Goals are good. But they are not everything. You and the people around you are everything.

In the picture above are my stats for the month of April. Some of those miles were early and tough, some were with friends, and there are more than a few miles missing because I needed rest and time with my family. Do the hard work and do what’s important to you, remembering why you chose triathlon or running in the first place. There will certainly be more miles in May and for years to come.

Last of all when you look at your body in the mirror, thank it for all it does for you. Be grateful that you can still move, compete, and inspire others to do the same. And, if you want to wear that bikini this summer without sipping on any expensive shakes to shed those stubborn pounds, just put it on and be proud. Celebrate the you that you are right now. And, give the whole fitness industry a big middle finger when you do.

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