After the gym this morning — where I did a moderate hour-long cardio session; nothing insane … I ran to the grocery store to pick up eggs and a couple other things we needed at home.
I’d been eyeing the check-out counters for the past week, hoping to see the March 2010 issue of Fitness Magazine, knowing I was going to be featured in an article on the dangers of over-exercising.
Sure enough … there it was!!!
Beckoning me to buy it.
Truth be told, I couldn’t wait for my mail subscription to arrive … so I bought it on the spot, knowing I’d want an extra copy for posterity! 
I have to say, the article, “Confessions of a Cardioholic” is kick-ass awesome and naturally I was able to relate to so much of it. (It’s not online yet but I’ll try to do a PDF of it tomorrow on my lunch-break). I only have one small quote, but the article itself is definitely worth reading.
Here’s the quote:
… Do your workouts take precedence over family events? Are dinner dates postponed in favor of long runs? “When my husband tried to surprise me with an impromptu trip to Chicago and I panicked because I knew I would miss a workout, I knew I had a problem,” says Melissa Henriquez, 30, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, who spent about three years battling exercise addiction. “I still remember the crushed look on his face when I said no.”
I do remember that look, and am so proud of where I am today. Sometimes I still work out more than I need to, but the days of doubling-up on workouts and obsessing about calories burned and scrimping on sleep or skipping social events to exercise are long gone.
And between us, I’d rather wear these extra pounds than live that miserable life I was living for far too long. I’m really looking forward to this trip to Korea (we leave Sat.!) as a time to really just “be” — away from my routine, comfort zones, etc.
You know, it’s funny … I’d said my goal for 2009 was to see my name in print (vs the blogosphere) and I pitched women’s magazines multiple times over the course of last year, but to no avail. I really wanted my name bylined in a major publication.
So when the reporter contacted me in September about doing an interview — because she’d seen my blog (I still rank #1, 2 and 4 for “disordered eater” on Google — my mom is so proud )– it really made me realize that, wow, I DO have a voice … maybe I didn’t write this article, but my blogging means something to someone out there … and that makes me feel good.
I’m not just writing into a giant black hole … and, most importantly, if I can help even one other person through my experiences … well, then, I’m happy.
I’ve also been thinking about authenticity a lot lately. I know my transparency with blogging about something so deeply personal is not something that everyone necessarily would have if they were in my shoes … and I understand where the uncertainty about being so honest might come from.
But I’m realizing more and more that without being so honest and open and authentic about my experiences, there’s no way I’d be where I am today … period.
Sometimes “owning it” really is the way to go. Because once it’s out there, there’s no turning back — and my journey is one many women (especially) can relate to. I’ve learned this through my experiences in the blogosphere.
So if I can be a voice out there amid all the noise, well then, I’m doing my job as a blogger and an advocate. And on that note … happy Sunday everyone! Here’s wishing you a safe, happy and healthy rest of the weekend!
