Who am I? Seriously.
I shocked myself today.
I, Roni, the same girl who couldn’t handle walking 1/2 mile to her classes in college, just got back from a 3.5 mile run, RUN, in the FREEZING cold. Seriously, am I the same women I was 5 years ago? I look down and see a completely different physique. The mirror shows a reflection that looks slightly familiar but just not the same. My hair has grown, my face thinned, the crows are starting to leave their foot prints. My closet is filled with sizes I thought were reserved for "the lucky ones". Even my drawers are stuffed with workout sweats that I do more in then just sleep.
When did this happen?
On my run, with my face numb from the wind and my hands sweaty in a pair of big winter gloves, I started to contemplate. WHAT in the world am I doing? Who am I? Who does this? Didn’t I used to make fun of people like me. The people who workout on vacation. Who wake up and run at the crack of dawn. I thought they were insane. Why would anyone do such things? It’s torture.
I’m not kidding I used to think they were crazy. Now look at me. I bundled up and ran mid-day in 20 degree weather and actually ENJOYED it. Don’t get me wrong, the first mile was SHEAR TORTURE! I almost stopped 5 separate times. I fought the "I can’t do this" thoughts over and over again. But I did it. I just kept doing it. I knew at the end it would be worth it and it was. Right now I feel amazing.
I don’t know where I’m going with this. I just felt compelled to write and do some self-analysis. I want to remember this feeling so I can go back and read my thoughts next time I’m unmotivated. Sometimes, I swear, I don’t know who I am or where this motivations comes from. I think it’s just inertia.
Have you ever shocked yourself? Anyone want to share so I don’t feel alone in my "who am I" thoughts? :)
28 Responses to Who am I? Seriously.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
I’ve been doing this a looong time…
Roni’s Other Sites
BlogToLose
What's Cooking in my kitchen?
-
Finally my first Farro idea! I have to say, I love this stuff! It's chewy and yummy and, well, fun! I tossed it with what I could find in my pantry and it made a wonderfully satisfying lunch. Filling but not heavy, tasty and quite nutrient dense. According to NutritionData.com this [...] -
I've seen it mentioned in a few of my clean eating and healthy cook books but honestly, I never even thought of Farro as an option for me. I refuse to shop at specialty stores and I try to use only common products that I can keep in stock and purchase from a typical grocery [...] -
I've never had a tuna melt. Is that weird? I guess that's what happens when you grow up not liking mayonnaise. I never ate tuna salad or egg salad or chicken salad. Honestly, they always kind of grossed me out. Then I realized.. hey.. why does tuna salad have [...] -
I have no idea where this idea came from. I was hungry. It was lunch. I had Brussels Sprouts. That was all the catalyst I needed.:) I decided to use a slice of real bacon to add flavor and little fat that would help sauté the sprouts. I'm trying [...] -
WOW was this good. I mean seriously good. It's not vegetarian so don't start throwing stones. I'm calling it a Garden Vegetable Burger because I use the new Laughing Cow Smooth Sensations Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Spread. It was this recipe on Allrecipes.com that inspired [...] -
I drink water 99.9% of the time but every so often it just doesn't cut it. I want something else. Something more. Something slightly sweet. Today was one of those days. I decided to make a refreshing drink based on the famous Arnold Palmer, half lemonade and half iced [...] -
The other day I made a whole chicken on the grill in pieces. It was delicious! Just a little BBQ sauce and an open flame is all I need to make The Husband happy in the dinner department. I also picked up a few ears of corn from the grocery store. They aren't in season [...] -
Let me explain so you don't think I'm making a chili recipe and just put it on pizza. I'm calling this vegetarian Chili Pizza because chili is what inspired flavors. I think I told you. Little Bean is really into, well, BEANS! We go through a can about every 2 days. Yesterday [...] -
I've confessed my inability to follow recipes here on GreenLiteBites many, many times. I don't know why it's so hard for me. I can barely follow some of my own and I wrote the darn things! I think most of my problem stems from not having all the ingredients listed and, [...] -
Leftover brown rice and leftover sauce meet in this quick lunch idea inspired by my favorite food of all time: Pizza. I swear I can turn anything into a pizza concoction. Have you seen all my pizza ideas? I've used everything from pumpkin to zucchini, polenta to wontons. Nothing is off [...] -
This isn't a recipe just an idea I had to share. I can't believe how good it was! I've never had grilled pineapple. Can you believe it? I just never really had the desire to grill it before. When you love something raw sometimes it doesn't occur to you to cook it. [...] -
I whipped this up for lunch on a whim today because, well, I have a baby who's obsessed with three things… Cheese, Beans, and Avocado. No, really. Look... It's my go to meal for him so I find myself with beans and avocado readily available. [...] -
You know that tradition 7 Layer Mexican Dip? The one with the cream cheese, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, green onion and olives? Yea. That's the one. Well I had a craving for it the other day. Well, not exactly for it as I can never make anything the way it's suppose [...] -
If you go through the archives of GreenLiteBites I have about 5 total beef recipes. Five. Compare that to the 80+ I have tagged with chicken/turkey there's a clear winner in the meat department on my blog and in my home. I don't have a beef with beef (omg The Husband [...] -
I'm a kitchen sink smoothie maker. Whatever I have on hand goes in the blender and viola! A quick breakfast or a healthy snack. Last year I posted an "Elastic Approach" to how I make smoothies but I still like to share specific combinations that worked really well. This was one [...] -
The other night it was just the kids and I home for dinner and I decided to make what I wanted to make no holds barred. Without The Husband home it's much easier for some reason. Hmmm wonder why? Ok, not here to husband bash.. really.. I'm not! I'm here [...] -
*sigh* I was really hoping to share an awesome turkey burger idea. I had grand plans for my leftover ground turkey. The results was alright but they could have been so much better. I added diced pineapple, red pepper, green pepper, oats and soy sauce to the meat and formed 2 patties. In hindsight I [...] -
I made this on a total whim yesterday having no idea if it would work. To my surprise it did AND the husband actually said he liked it... UNSOLICITED! Here's the story. I had only 4 tilapia fillets defrosted for dinner. I knew it wasn't going to be enough for us [...] -
This is a slight reboot of a recipe I posted last year simply called Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili. Staying true to my use-what-I-have-on-hand roots I, well, used what I had on hand and made a similar dish with a spicy twist. Topping the result with avocado added a cool creaminess that [...] -
Did you hear? The Laughing Cow recently launched Smooth Sensations a line of 5 cream cheese spreads. There's Classic Cream, Classic Cream Light, Strawberries & Cream, Garden Vegetable and my favorite… Cinnamon. It's a sweet wedge of creamy goodness! Today I decided to use my new favorite flavor [...] -
Confession time, I recorded a 30 minute video making this with both kids (partally) 2 nights ago. I miss videos. I really do but they seem so much more difficult with 2 children. I'm also having technical difficulties with my video recording and audio syncing making it VERY time consuming to edit. [...] -
A couple of years ago I shared a modified version of Sloppy Joe's I made for a party. Everyone loved it but I've been wanting to try to make something similar for the family on a smaller scale and without the pre-made canned Manwich sauce. I don't particularly have any issues [...] -
Yesterday I was dreaming about a salad. Not just any salad, but a chickpea filled, cucumber, and red onion salad with a fun, tangy dressing. Unfortunately, I had no cucumber or red onion. Well, that's a lie. I had a half of cucumber but it was a mushy mess and [...] -
Dinner meals are getting harder and harder for me to share lately. I've gone back to just whipping things up without really measuring anything (this meal was going to be one of those until I realized I still had enough light to take some photos.) I've also instituted a few brainless meal nights [...] -
Three years ago I posted a video called "Makin' Hard Boiled Eggs" where I shared my system for, well... making hard boiled eggs. Genius name, I know. I'm smart like that. Anyway, since then I've gotten tons of feedback and comments thanking me but all the information is locked in a long winded 10 minute [...]
About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.









Hey Roni,
I think the first time I shocked myself lately was during my meetings at WW when I stood and told everyone I received my 10%! I finally achieved a goal. Here I was sitting in the middle of the meeting and thinking “how did I get here so quickly after 3 short months”. I’ve lost 28.6 pounds now and I don’t think I can look back. I hope some day to get to your place…where you are a completely different version of yourself physically! I want to be able to say I’m so far away from “that place” that getting there would be really hard. They say taking off weight is an uphill battle and I believe it. Everyday has a different challenge and every day we prove to ourselves that we’re worth the battle.
Thanks for always inspiring!
Hahaha, I have had so many similar moments! Especially when it comes to running… Recently I went for a run and was caught in a freak snow storm (not pleasant) and as I was just about home, and passing drivers were giving me looks of shock/horror/pity, I had that very same thought.
But hey, it keeps things interesting to surprise even yourself!
I could have written this post. I used to drive to my classes in college. I lived on campus; they were probably less than a 1/2 mile away!
But I’ll be out there running after work tonight!
Who am I moments:
- when I started looking at BIKINIS for our summer vacation. (size wise, I’m there…just need to tone up and tan up between now and may)
- when I crave a grilled vegetable salad at work instead of a margherita pizza (I work at California Pizza Kitchen…part of the reason I gained in the first place)
- when I don’t run out of breath doing simple things like climbing the stairs with laundry or “spending time” with my husband ;)
So I totally understand…
GOOD FOR YOU!!!! That’s so amazing. Its only 4 degrees here today, but tomorrow its up to 30 so I’m back out on the pavement! Thanks for the motivation :)
Talk about perfect timing! I’ve been fighting myself all week about getting out in the cold and running. Feeling guilty (and mad) at myself for NOT running.
You just gave me the kick in the pants that I needed. If Roni can do it, so can I!!
And… every time I’m out there running 30 minutes/3 miles, I think “who am I”. I used to think “they” were crazy too. I used to make fun of them too.
How things change… now I just want those sizes for the “lucky ones” too… hence the running lol.
Now I’m going to go put on my sweats and runners and get out there before I change my mind!
Thanks Roni!
I’m thinking the same thing on the spin bike at my 6:10 am class twice a week. I got up and started my car in -18 degree weather to go this morning. I didn’t think I could even make it through an entire spin class, nevermind make it to every class week after week! I’m loving it! Keep up the awesome running!
Way to go girl!! I’m itching for spring to get here so I can run outside! It just isn’t going to happen at -20…although we did warm up to a balmy -3 today! I guess this means you’ve passed me at Nike.com. I guess I’ll have to run on the treadmill tonight! LOL : )
Hey Roni -
I just _had_ to write you because, even tho I subscribe to your blog, apparently, so does my hubby, and HE sent this to me in an email that simply said “This could be YOUR story.” He is right. I could have written so many of your blogs. It helps me so much to know that there are other ‘MEs’ out there. I love your blog. You are such an inspiration to so many people (as if you didn’t already know!) Keep up the good work – and as always, YOU ROCK!
I love it, Roni! I’m not quite there yet (still have to learn to love running,LOL!) but I totally get what you mean about change!
You know, I joke about getting my running in while I was in the Army. January in Germany was not exactly pleasant. Not to mention basic, in Missouri, in January.Blech! Now I say, I only run if I’m being chased. I may be changing my mind. Reading about how far you’ve come in running and remembering the “high” after a good run, I kinda miss it.
It’s hard to run with a Beagle who sniffs every blade of grass, but we may start doing “wind sprints”. It’s a world of difference when you are doing something because YOU want to, not beacuse you HAVE to.
It’s catchy too…I want to run SOOOOO bad. I have this disease, raynaud’s, which makes it very difficult and painful to be cold. I get white and purple fingers and toes :(. I’m living for spring!!! Even when it’s 90 tho, sometimes my hands are freezing. I WANNA RUN!!!
I STILL have these thoughts when it comes to running… or any time I find motivation I was previously certain I didn’t have.
Great post! Good for you!
wow congrats on the run! that is pure dedication right there :) congrats on getting so far in your goals!
Oh my goodness, I can *so* relate to your post!!! Loved it. I can only hope that in 3-4 years I am still surprising myself (in good ways) like you are on this whole weight loss/fitness journey :-)
Hi Roni, I know–who are we? I just came over to link to you because I wrote a post about stress eating, comparing how I stress eat now compared to how I used to stress eat, and its amazing to see the difference. I am very grateful for where I am now.
Roni – I know that feeling so well…and I love this “active risk taking girl” I’ve become…especially on my runs after the snow melted and I noticed a waterfall coming down a little hillside…or when a random runner decided to high five me as we passed eachother a second time…it makes life so much more fun and “better” to be out there living it with a passion and pushing myself to LIVE IT RIGHT!!
Today I took my daughters to the pediatrician…and the nurse who my girls have seen for 15 yrs now…saw me and said WOW what are you doing – you look fabulous…and sometimes I forget, I am a totally new person…I like this person, I’m not ever going to say goodbye to her.
Yay! Go Roni!!
Roni-
I hope that you still read all of your comments. As soon as I read this post, these are the thoughts that came to mind:
Ryan is going to grow up with a mom that loves fitness, health, and taking care of her body. He is also growing up with a mom that does things that are “right” that aren’t necessarily “easy” like running in frigid weather. I sure hope that I make the same impression on my kids, when I have them.
You inspire me.
I’m totally with you on the running, especially in cold weather. I can’t believe that I’m the one trying to talk my daughter and husband into going for a run. I started running in June and, prior to that, I always looked at runners and thought they were crazy!
I have these moments more so lately than ever before. I look at my body that has totally changed even after having three kids, I am in better shape at 38 than I was at 28; I have people asking me, “how do you do it?” Me? Really? What? I look behind me to make sure they are talking to me…Running is a really a hard mind game and good for you for pushing through in the cold. It is all worth it when you are done and that first mile is always the toughest no matter who you are in your running career. This is a great reflection that I loved to read…cause I have experienced this lately and can really relate!
Roni, you’re a RUNNER – one of the crazier types of human beings!!! Lol! Congrats!
I am just experiencing these kind of moments now and it IS mind boggling! I could’ve written this post myself – it’s days like this that make it all SO worth it. You are a ROCKSTAR!!!! :O)
There has been may times I have looked at myself and said the same thing. I have never ran in my life and running 5ks now. It is just not me. Who is this girl I ask myself. I think this is the person I was always meant to be. This girl is alot happier. Thanks for being a great inspiration Roni.
Catching a glimpse in the mirror while shopping or out and about, I have asked myself that same question. My face is a slender person’s face. I don’t have chubby cheeks or the beginning of a double chin as I did 6 months ago. Who is this person who enjoys the crunch of vegetables and sweetness of fruit? I like this new person. I want this person to stay around. I LIKE me! This new girl makes exercise and healthy eating a priority.
It is funny, my fiance and I were commenting on our healthy choices, and we both agreed we felt better, and really liked taking care of ourselves this way. We were out shopping for a new dress coat for me this morning. He was getting frustrated because there wasn’t much in his size. He said he has felt this way before, however it was because the bigger sizes were picked over. He had the opposite problem today – he couldn’t find sizes small enough! I too had the same problem. I was shopping and took in two sizes. I tried on the the smaller of the two. It felt okay, but was a little baggy. I asked for a smaller size and it fit perfectly!
Thanks Roni!
Hey Roni,
I totally know what you mean! Every time I get up early to squeeze in a morning run to the gym or set out in the cold with my layers of spandex, I’m amazed that this is the person who I’ve become. I was that girl in college who would spread nutella over loaves of bread as a snack and who joked about the fact that she didn’t like to sweat, and now, fifty pounds later I am a girl who craves broccoli, black beans, and butternut squash (gotta love the alliteration) and who thrives off a good five mile run. I don’t have days anymore where I walk around feeling fat or hate the way I look in almost everything I own. It’s a great feeling, and, like you, I am constantly surprised that I had the determination to finally get to this point. Congrats to all of us out there just for waking up each morning and giving it our best shot, because I think that is an accomplishment in itself!
I had one of those “Who am I?” moments yesterday when I said to myself “Roasted veggies — yum!” I don’t think I’ve ever before thought “yum” about a bunch of vegetables.
Good for you! Isn’t running the best? It truly has transformed my life. Not just the weight loss, but because I feel like an athlete, I have to keep the weight off so I can run. In fact, running is why I want to lose another 15 pounds–so I can run faster! And I love running in the cold. 20 is about my lower limit, but if you’re dressed properly it’s fabulous. I see runners on the road when I’m in the car and I’m envious. Achingly envious. Isn’t that nuts? I like being crazy, though.
There are several good books on stories of women runners. I have given mine away so can’t remember the titles, but look for them & read them if you have time. They are very inspiring & help you feel like you’re in great company.
Hey great insporational story about your goal to run the full Vegas marathon. I also have been training for vegas and the 26.2 mile journeyafter running the half last year. I am also excited but nervous. Getting lots of negative feedback on how bad the 2nd half of course is. That’s it’s so boring w off the strip. I am going to take it as a challenge and enjoy the first 13 and then tell myself at mile 13 ok time to go to work as i leave the strip. I wish u well and thanks again for the inspiration. Dan