“I don’t want to see another before and after pic. I swear she doctored that!” That’s what I heard yesterday in the gym locker room when these girls were talking about someone they knew doing the Kayla Itsines BBG workout program. I don’t know who they were talking about, nor do I do that program, nor do I know much about it, but thought to myself, wow, she must look good and man, I hope my friends don’t feel that way about me!
Outside of my super close friends and family, there’s an unspoken silence about my blogging. Or my Jessrunsblessed Facebook or Instagram accounts, for that matter. And that’s okay. But I hope that they don’t make people uncomfortable. That’s not the intent.
I hope people don’t think that I run around with my go pro or cell phone and take runfies (run selfies) just for the confidence boost of people “liking” or “commenting” on them. Because by now, we all have to know that any photo we post on any social media platform is not going to be a bad one. We are obviously going to retake it or not post it if we don’t like it, right? Maybe that’s vain but it’s reality and 90% of us are guilty of it. But me posting action shots on my blog and running social sites is to inspire, to inform, to uplift and to motivate. Just like the thousands of others on Instagram and blogs I’ve checked out do for me. I’ve set a separate “page” up and IG account so as not to annoy my regular facebook friends, but if I do annoy you, please know, I’m not trying to sell you anything or push my “chosen” photos in your face.
They are just that. The cream of the crop. The ones where my thighs look the slimmest, my waist the smallest, my face the slimmest (if that’s possible with this big melon), and my running form the best. So don’t think in person, I don’t have moments wear my belly hangs over my crop waistband. It does. And my stomach does get full and isn’t always six pack taut. Those pictures, just like the ones on your phone don’t inspire me or make me feel great about my fitness journey and goals, the make me mad. So just like in an interview or when we go out in public (not your BFFs house that doesn’t count), we put our best face forward. Don’t fault me for that. But know it’s that.
The shaming of others for their goals, achievements and dreams whether or not we share the same interests seems ridiculous to me. I don’t understand why we, especially women, do this to one another. I know everyone talks a good game about building each other up but hearing things like I heard today is really defeating. I think people automatically assume things about others without actually knowing it. Maybe that girl doing the BBG workout need to hear a “Good job, you’re doing great!” or a “Keep it up! You inspire me!” She didn’t always work that hard. And any goal we make for ourselves, if it is indeed a goal, is hard. Because we aren’t there yet.
I truly just want to share my journey toward reaching my goals. If you want to follow along, great. If not, no biggie. And if you want to talk about it, great! I love talking about running, in case you didn’t know.
Oh, and by now, I’ve gotten pretty good at taking pictures. J
XOXO,
Jess
You are such an inspiration to me and you are so stunningly beautiful and fit and have always been nothing but positive toward me and I appreciate that so much! You keep up the good work because you are amazing and if anyone has something negative to say about you, its all out of jealousy. You obviously work hard to be where you are and anyone who knows what it takes to do that, should be nothing but positive and encouraging as well!
Thanks, Katherine! I do work hard and want to encourage others, too, as well! As long as we’ve been long distance friends I have tried to encourage you to see the best in yourself and push you outside your comfort zone with running! You rock, too, my friend, especially with all on your plate!
I’m super proud of you! You are disciplined and constantly setting and working towards goals! And your blog is the perfect way to share that and inspire others! You are also incredibly supportive of others wherever they are on their journey.
But you are lying about you stomach hanging over your crops. That actually doesn’t happen.
Keep on, keeping on!
Thanks, Christe! I try. I love being around happy people and seeing people confident about themselves. The best way to do that is to love the Lord and yourself and treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated. Haha, thats funny about my crops, but I swear, it exists. After a couple margaritas or glasses of wine, I’ll show you!
You are truly inspiring to others. Be yourself. You can’t please everyone. Everyone is at different fitness levels and it is not about competing with your friends, peers and family. It is also about just wanting to be healthy. I have learned as we age that there will always be someone who talks about you. Especially women! Do what is right for you and know that the ones you do reach truly believe you do it because you WANT to inspire in the most positive way. I wish I were as fit and could run as well as you! I love to run but will never run as well as you. I am ok with that. I run the best that I can run and don’t worry about what others think. Keep up the great running. It is super inspiring to at least me! 🙂 Have a great day!
Thank you so much for that, Julie! I love that you feel that way. A) that I inspire you and B) that you are being the best YOU (not trying to emulate me or anyone else) but utilizing my blog and other fitness enthusiasts for motivation! I do the same thing when I scroll through my favorite blogs and IG posts and read about the gals I love running 6 min (or less) miles and think “oh my word, they are so amazing!” I won’t be that fast either, but enjoy reading about what they do because I can still incorporate so much of it into what I do on a slower scale. 🙂 Thank you for taking time to comment!
Keep doing what you are doing! I like the motivation. Over the last 6 weeks I’m down 7 lbs and working hard to get back in shape. When I see one of your pictures or blogs come across my feed, it may inspire me, remind me to make good choices, or help me remember my goals… depending on what I need at that particular moment. All that to say, if you feel driven to share, then share. You never know who’s watching and who may need that extra boost of motivation. If you feel called, then Rock On!
I wish I had created a separate account outside of my blogs, but keeping up with both would wear me out! I like this post because I’ve wondered the same about my blog life.. does it annoy my friends? I hope no one thinks Im being vain or braggy when I land a cool opportunity. Instead, hope I inspire people to try something new.
I love your feed and think it’s inspiring!