Watching my brother Micah run in the Buffalo Marathon was my second experience with cheering on a brother in a marathon. My oldest brother and his wife ran the Chicago Marathon a few years ago and we were there to support them as well. Both of these experiences have amazed me. Running a marathon or a half marathon is a huge accomplishment. For one it’s a HUGE time committment and of course involves a lot of determination, motivation, and strength to get through it! There are always going to be professional runners in these races, but there are also a lot of just every day people running for a cause, their own personal goal, or to just stay fit. One of the most amazing people we saw running was a woman in her 30s, who was pushing an adult male with disabilities in a stroller. So not only was she running herself, she was pushing the stroller! She was really amazing! Determination and motivation come from within and it takes some personal meditation and thinking to stay positive about your goals. Having cheerleaders and a support system are always going to help you be more successful but the first step is to believe in yourself and your capabilities. Self worth and a positive attitude are keys to being more successful. The easy way out is to give up or fall off the band wagon and in turn you start the cycle all over again. Staying positive with positive self talk and feelings will help you stay more determined and motivated.
As our STRIVE 2 Survive spring program wraps up next week, we will be celebrating with many of our participants, but at the same time, we’ll be coaching those who need a little more help to stay on track with their goals. Weight loss isn’t easy and the weight isn’t going to fall off in a day like we all want it to! Staying determined, motivated, and positive about your goals and your accomplishments will help you be successful in the long run. Celebrate each baby step along the way and before you know it you’ll be celebrating the bigger accomplishements!
Below is a picture of Micah just a few blocks from the finish line. He’s all smiles and giving us the thumbs up. This is what accomplishing your goals looks like and of course it takes a lot of determination to get there! In the end, the big goals like finishing a marathon or the little ones like reducing your pop intake, getting that 30 min of exercise in a day, or eating more fruits and vegetables are worth celebrating as well.
-Kelsey
