I DID IT! An Entire Year of Staying Motivated, Self Care, and Getting Strong

A huge thank you to Athleta for sponsoring this post.

One year ago, in August, I finally got up enough motivation to start working out and reach my “get strong” new year resolution I’d set in January. I had no idea that this past year would become such an incredible year of self discovery, growth, and strength. Let me tell you all about it.

Outfit Details:
Athleta Run Free 7/8 Tights (Color is Soft Dark Lilac)
Athleta Limitless Keyhole Tank
Athleta Run Free Jacket
Athleta Run Free Sports Bra in White

One big goal I had for myself at the beginning of 2017

At the beginning of 2017, I set set a fitness goal. It wasn’t a number on the scale, and it wasn’t to be able to run a certain distance.

My goal was to “get strong.”

At the time, I had no idea that it would take me eight months to even find enough motivation to start, or that “getting strong” would end up becoming so much more than just gaining some muscle.

How the last year has gone, and a little about Athleta’s Run Free Line

This last year has been a complete rebirth of myself, learning who I am, deciding what I want to become, pushing myself, and accomplishing goals that I never even knew I had, let alone could accomplish.

I’m so excited to be partnering with ATHLETA today to share their new Run Free athletic line and share this year long story of mine, because their brand and the Run Free line is all about empowering women, helping them achieve their goals, and providing premium and quality apparel that fits all women’s bodies and needs.

I literally never used to care about exercise clothes, or even pay attention to the difference in them. But after working out six days a week for an entire year (only missing a handful of days in there), I really come to see the companies who do their research, care about the performance of the product, and go above and beyond.

I’ve seen the athletic clothes that last, that fit, that are comfortable, that give me full range of motion, that are literally made for me.

Athleta has spent 20 years spent studying the female body in motion, and has created this Run Free line with buttery soft, lightweight, breathable fabrics, with quick drying capabilities, UPF protection, and wicking. And to top it off, the entire Run Free system is made with recycled plastic bottles – Recycled Poly.

I’m in awe.

THIS TANK is so lightweight and comfortable, this WHITE SPORTS BRA is so supportive, comfortable, and is the only white sports bra I’ve ever seen where you can’t see the padding through it (it’s about time), and THESE LEGGINGS are flattering, comfortable, soft, stretchy, and they even have a pocket in the back and reflectors on the ankles. Athleta thinks of everything.

How I kicked self doubt to the curb and started making changes

I wrote a whole post about what jumpstarted my motivation to exercise HERE, but honestly my biggest setback was my brain.

Freaking SELF DOUBT.

I have never in my life worked out consistently, and my self doubt became my biggest hurdle. My brain told me over and over that I’d never been able to stick to a workout plan, so what was different now? I’d tried different exercise programs, charts, schedules, motivation…none of it had stuck permanently.

We can be our worst enemies!

This time, I thought about something in my life that I had stuck with. I needed it as proof to show myself that I was capable of sticking with something, all on my own. For me, it was this blog. I started this blog almost ten years ago, and of course it has become my job now, but five or six years ago it wasn’t earning a single penny and I never quit.

This became a point of reference for me. I would think about it often, reminding myself that I wasn’t a quitter. I was capable of starting something on my own and sticking with it. It may seem silly, but it helped me so much.

I started the BBG workout plan (that I’m still doing), and I spent the entire twelve week program doubting myself and struggling to form the habit.

But the moment those twelve weeks ended, and I hadn’t missed a single day, I was free.

I knew that I was capable of accomplishing anything. 

The results, and how it all came full circle

I’ve heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but it doesn’t. It takes until you believe in yourself. That might take twelve weeks. That might take twelve months. Until then, figure out a way to keep yourself on track until the habit clicks.

After I finished the twelve week program, I started making new goals, and pushing myself to be more. I wanted to run a 5k distance three times a week. I wanted a really nice six pack. But I also wanted to improve other areas of my life. I wanted to be a better mom and a better wife. I wanted to be a more spiritual person. I wanted to learn.

It was amazing how setting and reaching one goal gave me the permission to reach new heights in all areas of my life.

It has truly been the most exceptional year of my life. I feel capable. I feel motivated. I feel inspired, I feel happy. I feel fulfilled. I feel smart. I feel like enough.

And, although it took almost two years from the time I set the goal, I feel STRONG. 

Also, seriously, check out Athleta’s Run Free line if you’re a runner – you won’t regret it for a moment!
Photos by Priscilla Frey