30, Flirty and Thriving

Well, it happened, I got older again. I am really enjoying my thirties, but it feels like they are moving by so quickly that I can't keep up.

 Here I am at the mid-point of being "thirty, flirty and thriving" (13 Going on 30) and it all feels like a blur.

 It may seem strange, but my 35th birthday has been one that I have anticipated more than most. It marks a goal I made back in the 5th grade. My dad had played professional football my whole childhood and to me, he was the ultimate in strength and health.

My fifth grade year is when he turned 35 and, due to an injury, announced to the family that he was retiring. It really took me back.

 My dad was old enough to retire? Was thirty five the cut-off of being in peak condition? People talked about him like he was old, because, compared to the rest of the team of 20 somethings, he was. I distinctly remember making the goal that I would try to be in great shape when I turned 35. If he could do it, so could I.

 I have seen this goal threatened many times, especially as I was pregnant four times and had to fight my way back. Then there is the boredom of shakes, bars and needing new challenges to keep myself going. Knee problems made me calm down my passion for running and I found myself complety annoyed by the same old workouts. Stressed by my calling and floundering, I saw the date of my 35th was quickly approaching and it was time to kick it into gear.

About three months ago, I started a new approach. I was tired of not eating REAL food and felt that,although I could maintain a good weight, I did not feel the energy I wanted. It started with green smoothies and acupuncture. 

 I have my whole family downing a smoothie filled with kale, spinach and flaxoil, and let's just say that things are "moving" much better for everyone. (I will post my kid-approved recipe soon) Next, I trusted Chelsea, my college roommate, and nervously started Crossfit.  

 

 I thought I had left box jumps and burpies back in high school, but now they are back with a vengence. I laughed the first time I was told to do a pull up and have had to totally rethink what it means to be fit.

 After a month at twice a week, (which had me wincing my way through life at first) we went to three days and now Jro and I are obsessed going nearly everyday. 

 Of course, Jro dropped 20 pounds without trying and I was still fluctuating in the same 5 pounds I am always gaining and loosing. Frustrated that I was working so hard and still stuck, I sheepishly asked my trainer to put me on a plan that would hold me accountable. 

 I was put on the Zone Diet and I feel like it is all coming together. 

 For the first time, I am not trying to loose weight, but body fat and I have energy enough to face Crossfit with less trepidation. I am not hungry and I can eat out and eat real food. Just knowing that my totally riped/father of 6/adventure racer/ 48 year old trainer will be measuring me, has helped me to remain honest. 

 So, here I am 35, and although I am no where near a professional athlete, I am once again excited by fitness and reaping the many rewards of better eating and smarter exercise. 

 Aging is a strange thing. I don't want to be younger, but I am still suprised by my wrinkles in pictures and the fact that the young moms around me talk to me as a wise, experienced (code for old) mom. 

 I like being older, I like feeling more peace and confidence, and with the invention of photoshop, I should be good for years to come.