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Alice Chen's avatar

love this idea... i hate running but I might be able to do it Slow AF lol

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Marika Páez Wiesen's avatar

Yeah! I can WALK faster than I’m currently “running.” But it’s suuuuch a great practice of coming back to--what’s the point, tho? 😹

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Alice Chen's avatar

i walk slow too. i only walk fast when walking with tall friends (gotta match their long legs)

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AM Costanzo's avatar

Love this!! I believe it’s such a healthier way to approach exercise and fitness - on your terms! 💖

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Marika Páez Wiesen's avatar

Thanks, it is healthier, but I’m 48. And I’ve done a looot of personal development to get here, lol. I’m sad our culture doesn’t really teach/value balance and inherent worthiness? Like all the magazines and experts have “The Way” all lined up and we jump from “program” to “program” thinking the next one will finally make us feel “good…” it’s insane! 😝

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AM Costanzo's avatar

Agreed!! We're bombarded with fitness news and trends that are focused on being a certain shape and size and I think it's actually keeping a lot of people at bay from getting out there and trying new things for themselves. Totally insane!! It's a lot of clutter to get through.

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Kendall Turner's avatar

yes! i used to feel “bad” for not being a better runner, but now i am glad i can move my body, even if i’m moving it veryyyyyy slowly.

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Marika Páez Wiesen's avatar

Yeah, taking a good thing and turning it into something bad is a human specialty! Run (slow) on!

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Taylor Allbright, PhD's avatar

I love the point about neuroplasticity and 2nd/3rd thoughts!! I sometimes feel like it’s not “working” when the 1st thought doesn’t change, but you’re right, when the 2nd and 3rd thoughts change it is really powerful!

I like Internal Family Systems a lot, this makes me think that the first thought is still from an upset part, but then the Self (the wisest part of you) steps in for the next thought.

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Marika Páez Wiesen's avatar

Yeah! That's such a lovely way to think about it. Changing the 1st thought is definitely possible. But sometimes it feels like it's a "heavier lift." Also I feel like my shame triggers are lower when I just let the 1st thought come. Instead of thinking, "Oh no!! Not THIS thought again!"🤣 I love personal development. But I realized I'm much happier when I accept there's no getting out of being human...

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Susan McMahon's avatar

Running slow AF is still running! Enjoying it is the important thing 👍

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Marika Páez Wiesen's avatar

Yes! This was the original final line of my first draft! REally the point of life is to ENJOY it. Not sure why we make it so complicated sometimes!🤪

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Karen Esbenshade's avatar

During the time I discovered Yoga my outlook changed from physically-fit focused to mentally-fit focused. In the end it is a win-win for my physical body!

I restacked this post with the intention of adding a note, but did so with no note. I'm new to Substack, trying to figure it all out!

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Marika Páez Wiesen's avatar

We’ve all done that same thing here! It happens. Thanks for sharing it! And I do think yoga is the closest to a holistically balanced program—mind, body, spirit. I’ve considered going “only yoga” as an exercise experiment, too!

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Stanley Wotring's avatar

Slow and steady wins the race.

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Marika Páez Wiesen's avatar

You couldn’t resist!

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Stanley Wotring's avatar

Ha ha but it’s true!

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