Hello February!! I’ve never been so happy to see the start of a new month!
That last week of January was a real stinker. I spent 4 days of the week in bed, hacking up a lung. I swear to God I gave myself a hernia from coughing so much. On Wednesday, I finally started to feel human again but my body ached from lying around and it craved movement.
Yesterday morning, I went to yoga. Coming off being sick for several days, I knew that I would probably move slower than normal and that I would tire easily. As we moved through the poses, I had to take breaks. I felt off-balance and weak. I may have slipped a few times. Normally, I would have become frustrated in that moment – with myself and my body – and I would have felt that I wasn’t doing my best.
But the truth was that I was giving it my all. I was giving all that I had while respecting the boundaries of what I was physically capable of doing on the mat that day.
I think that as women and men, mothers and fathers, sisters and brother, friends and partners, we want to try our best and to give it our all in everything that we do. However, how we define “giving our all” is often in comparison to others when it’s really only something that I can define for myself and that you can define for yourself.
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Each post in this week’s Friday Round-up takes a variation on the theme of “giving it your all” and focusing on their own personal journey.
Do you give your all?
This post from Rachel made me question whether or not I did give 100% effort or if I tend to hold back because of fear or comfort or both. Do you give it your all?
Post-Pregnancy: No, I’m not running a half marathon
I so appreciated the honestly in Nicole’s post. There’s so much pressure on women postpartum to lose the baby weight and return to their previous fitness levels as quickly as possible. As the title suggests, no, she’s not going to run a half marathon because it’s not the right time for her.
Be Your Own Runner
Related to Nicole’s post is this one by Michele. Michele is one speedy runner. She shares some of the things that she’s learned over the years about what works for her when running and training. The most important lesson that she’s learned is that you have to be your own runner – what works for one runner might not work for another.
6 things Crossfit has taught me
I can’t think of a sport that epitomizes giving your maximum effort than Crossfit. I absolutely love this post from Lindsay about what she has learned through Crossfit and how it’s pushed and challenged her in so many ways.
The Wrong Side of History
I’m not sure where to start with Cat’s post. Normally, I go to Cat’s blog for her snarky sense of humor, witty writing and delicious recipes. But this post? She writes so poignant and passionately about civil rights and gay marriage. How can you possibly give it your all, in fitness or life or anything, if you aren’t truly and uniquely you?
#MilesOfShame
It’s Super Bowl time. 49ers vs. Ravens. Remember last year when Michele and Pavement Runner ran a little wager for the Super Bowl? If your team lost, you had to run the point difference in miles. They’re at it again with a little help from Miss Zippy since she’s the Ravens fan.
My football allegiance lies with the NY Giants, then the 49ers and then any other team that’s NOT the Patriots. I really don’t like the Patriots. Sunday, I’ll be rooting for the 49ers.
Are you watching the Super Bowl? Who are you rooting for?
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Hi! Thanks for featuring me and my post!! I am glad I was able to give you pause to think about giving your all. It is a daily process for me too!
rachel @runningrachel recently posted..Trying to be a Triathlete
Of course! It was a great post!
Thanks for the links! I had to take a week off pilates and can’t wait to get started again today, doubt I’ll be able to “give it my all” just yet though… but I’ll do my best!
Danica
Danica Martin recently posted..Movie Time #3
thanks for the link love. i LOVED nicole’s post!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Fitness Friday 43
Thanks for all the links!!! Very funny…around these parts we are Pats fans through thick and thin…This weekend we are rooting for the 49ers….because we don’t like the Ravens that much!!
Fancy Nancy recently posted..Fitness Friday….Best Body Bootcamp Week 4
I’m glad you’re feeling better…yoga seems like the perfect place to start back after feeling sick. May this be the last time you are down with the crud this year!
Thanks for the miles of shame shout out, although I am still crying foul on your choice of Super Bowl team!
misszippy recently posted..Miles of Shame–Super Bowl Style
Being sick is the worst, though having sick kids is right up there in the ugh factor. Last night I slept between one kid with strep and the other with croup!
After four days of being sick, it’s a big accomplishment that you even got on your mat. Glad you’re feeling better!
Oh….p.s. I am not a football fan at all, but always root for the 49ers, as my heart was left in San Francisco and everything.
Martha recently posted..GIRLS, Parenting, and the Mistakes We All Make
Glad you are feeling better! And yes ADIOS January – you suck!
Great list as usual. Although I don’t think we can be friends anymore – anyone but the Pats? How dare you! Just kidding…I’m a Pats fan but the Packers come first for me.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Go Red for Women + The Countdown Workout
January is a rough month! Hope February is much better. I loved Michele’s post, too.. it’s such a good reminder. Especially as my body is reminding me that I’m not fully recovered… I want to get back to intensity, but am not there yet. Have a great weekend!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Friday Favorites and Sparkly Soul Headband Giveaway
Glad you’re feeling better!
Kat recently posted..Ready to be a Warrior!
Glad you are feeling better!
I won’t be watching the superbowl (I don’t watch football) but I will be spending time with family and friends
Kierston recently posted..#RECIPEFRIDAY: Chicken & Broccoli Muffin Bites!
So your putting your miles on the 49ers?
Alex (@alexbridgeforth) recently posted..Cheese Spread Hummus {#vegan} #WIAW 106 {30JAN13}
Yes. But I’m coming off injury so can’t fully participate. Actually, that shouldn’t matter since the Niners will win
Gotcha, I did that same thing on the 49ers 2 weeks ago, was injured but they won. How did you get injured?
Alex (@alexbridgeforth) recently posted..Cheese Spread Hummus {#vegan} #WIAW 106 {30JAN13}
I had ACL surgery last year (which is better and OK for running) but then I managed to strain my hamstring about a month ago. Still a bit tweaky here and there so trying not to push it too much.
Bummer. I recently strained my IT-Band in December running 50 miles then a marathon the day after Christmas. I’ve been out of running for 26 days. So ready to get back to it this weekend.
Alex (@alexbridgeforth) recently posted..Cheese Spread Hummus {#vegan} #WIAW 106 {30JAN13}
I usually just go to the super bowl parties for the food! lol
Sara @ fitcupcaker recently posted..Push Up Challenge: Day 2
I love that you went to yoga for the first workout back, seems like a great reintroduction. And a great time to realize that we need to focus on what we can do and not get caught in the comparison trap!
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..February Fun: 28-Day Blog Challenge
Ugh hate those first few workouts after being really sick like that – you just feel so off. Glad you didn’t get down on yourself though, you weren’t slacking that’s for sure. You’re body is trying to recoup. Hope you’re feel better.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Thoughts and Thanks
Glad you are feeling better friend! The comparison trap sucks, doesn’t it? I am glad you realize that you are giving your all, even if you look around and don’t feel it…in comparison. Compare to YOU only. As always
Happy weekend!
jobo recently posted..The barre n9ne journey that just keeps getting better.
thank you for your kind words and LL! I don’t even think I’m going to watch the superbowl this year. I’ll probs be at the gym.
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed recently posted..Rubbing Glenn Beck
It’s funny that you mention that you were sore from laying around sick all day. I was too. It’s amazing how our bodies react to doing nothing! My back, hips and knees were aching from inactivity.
Michelle recently posted..Image Overload
Love this- give it your all for YOU! Hope you’re feeling better friend. Rest up this weekend.
STUFT Mama recently posted..Birthday Blessings
Here’s to a new start and new attitude in February!
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Featured Blogger…Madeline
Love this!! Thanks for all the great reads!
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted..Sweet Potato Bisque
I love to ponder the idea of “giving it your all” and these are some great posts to do this with. Ironically, I need to lay up on myself in certain areas and start giving it my all toward the “things that really matter.” And yes, love Kat’s post and the sentiment that we may not be able to give it our all if we are not feeling free to be ourselves. Glad you are feeling better!
ilene recently posted..Suddenly Sarah
I love your words about doing your best not compared to others but based on your own parameters at the time. Great Blog!
I am so glad you feel better. It sucks that it can take so long just to feel human again!
Maureen recently posted..I Slipped
Interesting question about “giving it your all.” I’m positive I don’t. I dislike discomfort and I am not good about pushing through it.
I’m glad you’re feeling better! I hope February is healthy and strong for you!
As for the Superbowl…oh, is that today?
jan recently posted..Project 365