Thursday Thought

I am spending my day as I did for most of my summer lifeguarding at the pool. Since it’s a cloudy day and no one is here I have the perfect opportunity to share my thoughts for the day. I like the idea of, in a way, getting paid to blog for the day!

Snack throughout the week: 

Today's Lunch: Tomatoes and edamame 

With my trip less than a week away, I have been spending a lot of time starting to pack, doing laundry, and shopping for clothes and items I’ll need for the next four months. Although I do not like how much everything is costing, I am thrilled to finally be spending money on myself, and buying things that will help me look and feel my best while I am abroad. I spent a whopping $91 in CVS on toiletry items! Aside from the essentials, I’ve treated myself to new skirts, dresses, tops, makeup, a watch, scarves, and a new leather travel duffle. I know my happiness should not depend on the material items I have bought, but for someone who has hid behind gym clothes for the past few years, it feels great to finally be comfortable getting dressed and in my own skin!

Got a pedicure! Color: Conquistadorable (thought the name was fitting for my trip!)

Which brings me to my Thursday Thought:

“Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside.”

Whenever I scroll through Facebook and Instagram, I often wonder if the people I am friends with, and the people I follow are truly as happy as they make themselves appear to be, or if it is all just for show. Today it seems as though everyone is striving for attention, and applause from others, and on social media that comes in the form of “likes.” I could not believe it when my friend was telling me that someone she knows deletes her photos or posts if she doesn’t get a certain amount of “likes.” How sad is that? Rather than competing with others for “best life award” by how one perceives themselves online, why not actually be content with who you are and where it is that you are going? This is something that has honestly taken me years to conquer. Whereas before I would scroll down my newsfeed and think that everyone has such a better life than me, I have now come to the realization that comparison is the thief of joy. Each and every one of us is on a different journey, and we cannot compare the lives of others with our own. Right now I truly feel as though I am happy with where I am, and excited for where I’ll go in the future. 

Name Change!

            As you may have noticed, my name has changed! Although I still am, and will forever be Runner Girl, I think Life of L is a better representation of the person I have become, and the person I will continue to evolve into in the future. After nearly two years of running poorly, unbalanced eating habits, and several injuries, I have realized that I cannot place so much emphasis on one of my many passions. We often define ourselves based on one role we play rather than recognizing the fact that we are complex individuals with many defining factors. By only highlighting my life as Runner Girl, I have burnt myself out from obsessing and stressing over being the same athlete I was when I first started running. I am a little more than 13 weeks away from the Valencia Marathon, and I will keep you posted on my training along the way. I’m going into this race with a different mentality than before. I am looking to enjoy the experience rather than focusing on hitting certain times. We’ll see how this goes! I am more than excited to be training for my first international race! 

   Since I am a little over a week away from starting my senior year of college, in Spain might I add, I have been thinking about how much I have grown and changed since my freshman year where Runner Girl originated. Aside from being a runner, I have now become a teacher (almost!), volunteer, coach, baker and chef extraordinaire (in my mind at least!), traveler, crafter, health enthusiast, and blogger. I am most looking forward to finding more balance in my life, and sharing my journey on here along the way!