She Looks Strong

A couple of weeks ago, I was perusing the "new nonfiction" books at my local library, and I picked up one with a picture of a super fit girl on the cover. It was called "The Badass Body Diet" by Christmas Abbott (Crossfit Star). I don't think I have EVER read a diet book, or had any desire to, but this chick looked so strong and fit, that I decided to check it out.

Two weeks later, and I've read the entire thing. This "diet" she follows is no joke. Thankfully, you don't have to count calories! BUT...you do need to weigh your food. Ummm...who has time for that?! 

Anyway, even though it seems entirely daunting and nearly impossible, there is a part of me that really wants to give it a try. Why??? Because she has me convinced that if I follow her meal plan, I will build more muscle...guaranteed. And maybe that in itself wouldn't convince me, but let me show you a picture of her, and maybe you'll feel the way I do...

Look at those muscles! Ah-mazing.

So, while I was out on my solo run today after work, on a local rails-to-trails path where a teenage girl was murdered while taking her dog for a walk last year, I found myself wishing I was stronger than I am. 

My trusty pepper spray was in my right hand, where I always carry it. However, I couldn't help but notice how many men were out on the trail, while I only came across one other woman. I kept imagining that if any of them were creepers, I really hoped they were thinking, "Ya. I'm going to leave that one alone. She looks strong." But, in reality, I don't think that's the case. 

I'm pretty sure I don't have to follow a meal plan where I weigh my food in order to gain muscle and give people the impression that I'm a total bad a$$. (I mean, as you can tell by this picture, I'm well on my way...)

Hahaha! Just kidding! 

But in all seriousness, I want to be stronger. I want to feel confident that I can protect myself in any situation. And, I definitely want to be able to stop allowing those thoughts to even creep into my head while I'm out in the sunshine enjoying a run on a beautiful day.

It's time to make it happen!

Sparkle.Pounce.Look strong.Be strong.

-Kendra

***Side note: When I talked to my husband about these thoughts that go through my head while I'm out on a run, he was completely surprised and said he'd never even thought about that. I'm thinking I'm not alone in being a woman who feels vulnerable while I'm out on a solo run. I don't like it, and it's not fair, but it's reality. So, we need to be strong and ready for any situation that comes our way!