Despite the fact that I (almost) consistently run a minimum of 20 miles each day, I have a Buddah Belly. My sister, Linda, coined the phrase, and it has stuck, as unflattering as it may be.
Now, a Buddah Belly is not just your normal belly. No, a Buddah Belly is an odd protrusion on an otherwise trim body. In Hollywood, they call it a bump. Now, before you go and start spreading rumors (like one of my “friends” in my running group did), let me assure you that I am not pregnant. So, the question arises: Why in the world do I look like I will give birth in five months?!
I was asking the question for the hundredth time of my long-suffering husband when he finally snapped. “Is it possible that it is the two cupcakes a day you consume. Or the Snowballs? Or the Grande Latte with SEVEN SUGARS!”
I was taken aback by his brutal (yet true) accusations. Yes, I was guilty of eating and drinking all of those things. I HAD to eat and drink all of those things. I run 20 miles. A day! Every day! Hello! Did he want me to starve to death? I needed calories, dense, heavy, yummy gooey calories. In fact, it was a little like being pregnant!
“Fine,” my husband replied calmly, aware he was treading on very thin ice – an overtrained mother of twins who was being called out for her love of cupcakes is a dangerous woman. “Then just quit complaining about the belly.”
Now, I realize I could probably improve as a runner if I ate, say an apple, instead of a Snowball. But would it be worth it, honestly? I don’t think so. Because, you see, I run because I love to run. A lot. And I eat cupcakes because I love cupcakes. A lot. What is the point of giving up one your loves just to increase the value of another. There is no point. At least not to me. Once something goes from being a love to being a chore, I don’t want to do it anymore if I don’t have to (yes, I pay my taxes). If I ate too many cupcakes, I wouldn’t love them anymore either. But, as long as I keep running and cupcakes in the “love” category, I’m happy. Even with a Buddah Belly.
Happy Running!
Mom, ultrarunner, four-time US 24 Hour National Team member, adventure athlete, food writer. Graduate of the Pro Cooking Program at the New School of Cooking, Los Angeles. Will run for food.
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Honey, this name was coined on me about 5 years ago – and by now my Buddah belly just gotten bigger…but as you say, every time I eat an apple instead of a cream in coffee, my life gets very sad. And yes, I do complain just about every day…poor husbands indeed!
So, am I understanding this correctly … That you’re due in early July?
Sorry, I hit something and cut off the reply and then couldn’t find it to fix it. I’ll be back in a few weeks and I can get revenge 🙂 I’d say let’s do trails, but then I think you would be getting revenge on me! See you soon!
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