One piece of advice that I give women who are struggling with their health is to get a partner. This doesn't mean that either person has got their act together, it just means it's someone who is willing to hold the other one to their goal. The goals of each partner need not be the same either! A partner has helped me in so many ways over my years of being fit and healthy, especially since I've become a mom! Here are some reason that I love a partner.

1.) They get you moving.

When my 2nd child was born, I was struggling to get moving with my exercise routine. I was doing it, but not consistently. My best friend, Leslie (who has 3 children), asked me to run with her once a week before our husbands left for work. I was still not getting a full night's sleep, nursing my daughter, and needless to say, I felt a little...dishelved and sloppy. I agreed and while we started slow, it was the thing that got me going to get back into my routine.

2.) They push you.

So after months of running with Leslie in the morning, she said that we should run a half marathon together. I had NEVER EVER thought about doing that, and honestly, probably would never have signed up if it wasn't for her. But there we were, checking out half marathon schedules and signing up for our first one! I would have quit within the first month of training if it wasn't for her, but we did it together and because of that, she pushed me whether she realized it or not. I also have other fit friends who invited me to do a mud run. I don't know that I ever would have signed up for that, but because they did, i decided to do it with them! I also have had partners who help me with my eating. I text them every night with how I did, and whether we did good or bad, it really does help me stay on track!

3.) They share your experience with you

Have you ever tried to explain a situation to someone and they just sat there nodding their head, smiling, trying to "get" what you are saying? Part of being a healthy person--exercising, running, experimenting with foods, is the EXPERIENCE of it all. In fact, it's one of the biggest reasons I love the health journey because of the priceless lessons that I've learned along the way! Having a partner gives you someone who doesn't just sit there smiling in agreement....they are sitting there saying, "Girl, I GET you!" I remember what it was like when I was going to puke at the end of the 10 mile run, or the regret of pounding down the ice cream after you exercised, or better yet, the delight of enjoying the achievements you made and obstacles you overcame!

4.) They CELEBRATE with you

I have to tell you....my fittest friends--man, they can EAT! We LOVE food! (I think that's a common misperception) Because we are careful and usually disciplined about what we eat, when it's time for us to indulge , we go to town! Partners also celebrate with you in spirit. They are there when you call to tell them they cut 30 seconds off your 5K, or upped your weights. They celebrate your achievements because they understand!

Do you have a partner to come alongside you in your health journey? I'd love to hear why you love having one and what difference they have made in your journey! If you need to get serious in your health, then I ask you to consider a partner. If you are afraid and not sure where to find one, pray about it! I GUARANTEE you, there is someone out there waiting and praying!

(Here is a partner track workout to try!)

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Press on!

Clare, Peak313

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