Blame it on the... Crap, what do I blame it on now!

One of my family's favorite stories is the one where I got drunk at my uncle's wedding and sang "Like a Virgin." I was fourteen years old. Many of the stories of my past start off with "the time I was drunk" or "Remember when you were shit faced". A year ago this weekend that all changed. I have been alcohol free now for a year and honestly I can't say I miss it.
Alcohol for me was always used as an escape. I never actually enjoyed the taste. It was never about the love of tasting paint thinner or the bubbly feeling of beer. I would always suck back the first and by the fifth I could not taste anything anyway. Without alcohol I'm a pretty shy person. With alcohol I'm the life of the party. Drinking also contributed to my obesity due to it's empty calories. At one point I was drinking at least three drinks per night. Mostly cranberry juice and vodka. I would wake up in the morning with a head ache and looking worse for the wear. At a party, I was always the one who arrived pre-buzzed and left puking outside on the street. Once I puked on myself in a cab. If there were a lot of good times, I can't really recall them to really enjoy them.
fortunately running has taken over for the drinking. Many wonder why I run everyday and that's because it helps me deal with the anxiety without the detriment to my health. Well, some might say the running is a little extreme but, hey, why not:).
So today I'm celebrating my new drink. It's called sweat on the rocks. No alcohol needed and is refreshing. I may still puke on the sidewalk from over doing it but at least I'm aware to walk off with my head held high. Plus running has given me the confidence to not be so shy in public places. People always question it, how can I really have fun without it they ask. Well I can now dance all night long not because I'm plastered but because I have the energy to do so. Plus I wake up every morning wondering just how stupid I looked the night before. 10 weeks until I take on the Big Apple and 7 weeks until I take on the zoo! Have a great workout Wednesday everyone... Happy running!!