A running joke as of late has been that the me of ten years ago wouldn’t recognize the me of today.
Ten years ago, I was just beginning my senior year of college. I was 21 and enjoying every minute of being 21.
Nutrition? I didn’t worry about it too much. Not eating dessert and avoiding donuts was eating healthy. Of course, I often ate a scone for breakfast, so that’s not much of a replacement. I lived on campus, which meant I had the amazing dining hall food for most meals. No, that isn’t sarcasm. Our dining hall was delicious and I miss it.
Activity? I went to the gym sometimes, and occasionally went roller blading, but most of my activity came from marching band. No, no mocking. My college marching band was (and is) awesome. I didn’t really think about it, but the trek out to the practice field followed by 90 minutes of marching around carrying an instrument in somewhat proper position, not to mention playing said instrument had to burn some calories. It did a lot for upper body strength, that’s for sure. I also lived on the third floor of a dorm with no elevator. So in general, I did a lot of running up and down the stairs.
Health? Well, I avoided illegal drugs. But I drank way more than my fair share of alcohol. Mostly beer, except for the weekly margarita night. I joke now that my liver has finished its work and will have nothing to do with me anymore.
If someone had told 21-year-old me that in ten years, I would be running half marathons and training for a full marathon, I would have laughed in their face. I was not a runner. That was crazy talk.
And then there is the me of today. Physically, I weigh about 10 pounds more than I did then, but I think I’m significantly healthier. My upper body strength isn’t what it was, but I’m working on it. Aerobically, I’m in much better shape. Nutrition-wise, I eat much better, pay attention to the food I’m putting into my body and I don’t drink in a month what I used to drink in a week.
Are there some things that I regret about the me I used to be? Sure, but for the most part, I don’t believe in dwelling on the past. I can’t change it, so why let it bother me. I do joke that I missed out by not being a runner on that gorgeous campus though.
All in all, I’m pretty impressed with where I ended up. I sometimes wonder what my friends think. Though maybe we’ve all just grown up.
I was reading through the first part of your post thinking that I missed MY dining hall food, too, and then when you linked to your college’s marching band, I realized it was MY college’s marching band! I had no idea you went to ND (a relatively new follower, so sorry if I missed any obvious mentions/clues prior to this). Can’t wait to keep reading!
Awesome, Jill! But I have to ask – South or North. I’m a Badinite, myself, so it’s SDH all the way. 🙂
Ahh, I lived in PE so I made myself home at North. Visiting South was always a very exciting (and terrifying) change of pace!
I just found your blog via Betsy and as a fellow Domer/
Former Badinite and I had to chime in. I definitely miss SDH after work and all that built in walking on campus!
I’m just beginning to run/walk and my college self would never have believed it.