Can't Run Away From It. Or Can I?

I love dessert. It really is that simple. Some people love savory. Some love salty. I love dessert. I think in terms of what I can have for dessert - daily. I've tried to change my way of thinking. I've tried to substitute a bowl of strawberries and yogurt for say, strawberry shortcake.  I've bought the 100 calorie packs of cookies to allow myself a limited amount of sugar.  But three packs later, I've defeated the purpose.  My craving, my addiction cannot be outsmarted. 

As my husband constantly says, "All suffering comes from resisting what is."  I don't think he means this to be my excuse to eat dessert to my hearts content, but it has some relevance here.  If I resist what is, then I beat myself up when I have dessert. I secret eat, so that nobody knows that I'm eating a brownie that I "shouldn't" be eating.  So, what is? I love dessert. Trying new desserts, finding shops that have exceptional sweets, tasting "the best" cupcake ever, are all things that bring an absolute smile to my face and joy to my heart.  I accept that.  But it comes with a heavy (pun intended) price.  Here's what I don't accept - back fat, jiggly triceps and the constant battle with my muffin top (and I don't mean the pastry). 

Thankfully, over the past two years, I've made some changes to my lifestyle that include daily (okay, sometimes daily, but definitely regular) exercise. And in May 2008, I started running. Two half-marathons later, and mid-training for my first full marathon, I'm proud to say that I have a running habit.  Running gives me time for myself. Time to think, to dream, to sing, to clear my head and to just be. There are no phones, no emails, no expectations. It's just me, my shoes and an open road. 

There is a moment during my long runs where I feel the same euphoria as I do when I take a bite of an amazing chocolate cake.  I run for those moments.  And, I run for dessert.