France Redefining the "Perfect Body"

I just read a recent article concerning a bill that is set to pass in France. This bill would require models to have a BMI of no lower than 18, in order for them to be allowed to model. If the model cannot produce proof of their legal BMI, then the agency could suffer some major consequences including jail time.
I think that this bill would be great if it were to be passed. I have always believed that models were much too skinny and unhealthy looking, giving teens around the world unrealistic images that they would compare themselves to. Seeing these women in magazines and on runways, young girls would look at them in awe, wishing to be like them one day, without realizing how unhealthy they actually were. If they are required to have a certain BMI, then their bodies would look much healthier, which I think is very important.
It is important that these models look healthy and realistic, because when they do not, young girls sometimes go to extreme measures to achieve what they believe is the "perfect body". Eating disorders are a huge problem in society today. Up to 24 million men and women of all ages suffer from an eating disorder of some kind in the United States today. That is far too many and it is so sad. Children should be taught from a young age that any body type is beautiful. I am also a strong believer that this concept should also be displayed on the runway.
France's bill is a step in the right direction, but there is so much more that needs to be done. I believe that all shapes and sizes should be displayed on the runway and in fashion magazines, not just those that are 6 foot tall and have a BMI of 18. It is important to teach children (not just girls but also boys) to be comfortable and confident in who they are because all body types are beautiful.
So as thrilled as I am about this new bill that is set to pass, I know that there is so much more that needs to be done. I also hope that if this bill does pass, that it will be enforced as strictly as they say it will. It is important for both children's mental health, but their physical health as well.

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Track Meet - What to Bring

I don't know where you live, but if you live in an area where the weather can be slightly bipolar, packing for a track meet can be a difficult task. However, there are a few ways that you can pack properly, so that you know you have everything you need for that day/evening.
Obviously you will need your uniform, tennis shoes and spikes, that's the easy stuff. If your track meet is in the afternoon, into the evening, like most of mine are, then the afternoon will probably be warm. In this case, you will need shorts and a t-shirt to go over your uniform while you are not running. However, it will get warmer in the evening and into the night, so you should also pack sweat pants and a sweatshirt as well as under armour to go underneath your uniform just in case.
When I was a freshman, I always struggled with what extras to bring. I always brought things I didn't need and didn't bring things that I wish I had. A few things that I remember clearly are extra underwear, bottoms and socks, icy hot, a roller, pain relievers, food and money. Extra underwear and socks may seem like weird things to pack, but if you over exert yourself there is a chance that you could wet your pants. You probably think that it could never happen to you, but it is always better safe than sorry. Extra socks are great to put on right before a race. After getting your socks sweaty while warming up, it feels great to put on a fresh pair of socks with your spikes right before a race. Icy hot, a roller (for rolling out your muscles), and pain relievers are necessities. Running is a painful sport and these are things that every runner will need. Lastly, money and food. You can never bring enough food to a track meet. Track meets last for hours and you burn off a lot of calories which makes you really hungry. However, make sure you pack healthy foods, like fruit and protein bars and don't eat too soon before your race. As for money, you may need this to purchase a Gatorade or food after you are done racing.
These are just a few of the things needed at track meets. Other things that should be considered is a watch and water bottle. Also, earbuds so that you can listen to music on the bus ride there or before your race to get pumped up. These things have helped me survive track meets so far and I hope it helps you too.

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Attitude + Motivation = Success

This year's track season is now underway and great things are happening. My first meet was this past Tuesday and I couldn't be happier with the results or more proud of my team. Track can be exciting and fun, but I can't be the only one that still dreads going to practice every now and then. Only two things help me make it through the track season, a good attitude and strong motivation.
Having a good attitude can go a long way. Yes, I realize that most of us would rather be at home, lying in bed, watching Netflix and eating Oreos rather than training on the track, but running is something that you just can't avoid and you did sign up for a running sport after all. Somebody has got to be the one that gets people moving and pumped for the days practice. If you have to be there, then you may as well have a good attitude about it. Think about why you are there and get excited about it. Maybe it's your passion for running, or maybe it's because your friends are there. Either way, the best way to keep a positive attitude is looking for the positives in the situation rather than the negatives. Having a good attitude at the start of practice makes those 8 miles slightly more bearable.
Another thing that is helpful is motivation. Not just having motivation for practice but for the season. You are tired and drained from the day's events when you stumble into practice, but remember how you set that goal for a 5:30 mile? That's why you are there. That is why you work hard. That is why the effort you put forth is so very important. In order to achieve your goals you need to have motivation to get there. Keeping your goals in mind while you are at practice will keep you moving and working hard. Trust me when I say, all of that hard work pays off in the end.
Positive attitudes and motivation aren't things to just keep in mind for the track season, but it applies to all sports, activities and most things in life. If you are motivated to achieve your goals and keep a positive attitude along the way, then there is nothing keeping you from success. Keep that in mind the next time you are dreading going to practice and throughout the rest of this track season.

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