well it has been around 2 weeks of gluten-free living for me. i have to say all the fretting and complaining i did in the beginning was a little silly now that i look back on it. i was just really feeling out of sorts and deprived. even though i hadn’t really given it much of a go at that point. but now i feel more settled in & much more confident in being able to live life gluten-free. who knows if i will need to, but if i have to i can. that is a good feeling. to know that i can adapt. i have not always been as flexible in changing my ideals or lifestyle, but i will contribute my new improved attitude to running. i have said many times and i truly believe that nothing will humble you like a good run. you can be the most confident person in the world, or you could be like me and perhaps feel like the least confident person, either way, a good run will take you down a notch. whether you are competing against others or just yourself. the thing is that after all that effort, all the sweat, sometimes tears, sometimes blood, i feel humble-yet fabulous. even if it was a “crappy” run. i’ve had my share of those. istill feel rejuvenated. i feel alive.
there comes a point though that physical strength can let you down. when you are sick or a loved one is sick, you can only be strong for so long. it takes a toll on your life & your health. that is when one’s true character emerges. the physical falls away and all that is left is the core person. your soul, your true being. some are strong, some are frail, but at that point it is bare and honest and must be accepted. you can strengthen that being just like you can strengthen the physical. i have to say for me that is harder. much harder than any marathon. but the payoff-oh the payoff is fantastic. you become someone you are proud of. you no longer need outside validation. you can look to yourself to complete what is needed/missing in your own life. i struggle with this much more than the physical, but that is my weakness and i know it.
so i have survived the food changes, i have survived injuries, i will survive much more. i am strong and i will continue to strengthen each and every day, each and every mile. that’s life and i’m living it.
