So, yeah. I'm still training for my half marathon!
In addition to a few lessons I've learned so far (which you can read here), I thought it might also be helpful for anyone considering starting a training regimen to share some things you should do before you begin.
You can catch my post "What To Do Before Training For A Half Marathon" over at Camellias and Copper. Enjoy! (and say hello to Michelle while you're there!)
Until next time - -
Hey there!
Long time no see. My fault. Sorry about that.
I thought I'd stop in and give you an update on my half-marathon training. The race is November 14th, so we still have some time (thank goodness).
My training buddy, Stephanie, has been absolutely awesome through the process so far. We are half way through our 5th week of training, and if it weren't for her holding me accountable, I probably would have quit after about 3 days. Seriously.
For those of you in the same boat (don't love running, but are trying to make a habit of it), allow me to share three lessons I have learned so far.
1. Find someone who will hold you accountable.
No, this cannot be yourself or your conscience. For me, it also could not be my husband. I am too good at talking my way out of things with him! And he keeps quiet so that I don't feel badly (smart man). Stephanie was the perfect partner for me for a few reasons: we are on similar fitness levels, we both really want to see it through, and we live in the same neighborhood which makes running together convenient.
2. Invest in key items.
These items may be different for each person. For me, the key items have been a Garmin watch (old model, but can track distance), some running capris (running + shorts = too much rubbing), and a good pair of shoes. I had an employee at Fleet Feet watch my run and measure my feet, which was critical in finding a good pair of shoes. I learned that I overpronate (which basically means my feet turn inward when I run), so I knew to look for a pair of shoes that corrects that issue. In the long run, this should save my feet and my joints!
3. Running is 90% mental.
Spencer used to tell me this all the time, but I just would not believe him. Turns out, he was right (shhh, don't tell him I said that). If I keep a steady pace, it really is a matter of pushing myself to keep going. Of course, if I go too fast, I will certainly tire out. The key is to set a pace (for me it is somewhat slow right now), keep your breathing steady, and tell yourself that longing to quit is all in your head. Because, guess what? It really is!
Are you a runner? What tips can you share with me as I continue my training?
Don't forget to check out this month's Sunshine Sponsor, Danielle! View her blog here.
Until next time - -
Hey, strangers! Long time no talk.
Today starts the beginning of a new journey for me. One that will involve willpower, accountability, mental and physical strength, and lots of hydration.
I, my friends, am beginning training for a half-marathon. That's right. 13.1 miles of running. Running from nothing, towards nothing, with nobody chasing me.
Y'all. I did it. I joined a gym.
I swore up and down after I finally got out of my last gym contract that I would never do that again. But then a coworker sent me a Groupon for half off of a year gym membership. It is a convenient location, and it is less than the amount my firm will reimburse for in a year (a great work perk - gym reimbursement! Part of our healthy living initiative).
So, out of excuses, I bought the Groupon and went yesterday to sign up.
My goal is to go three times a week. I'm going to be pretty lenient with myself right now, since I am starting from the bottom. I'm not going to concentrate right now on burning X amount of calories, doing X days of cardio a week, or doing a certain weight regimen. I really want to first make going 3 times a week a habit, and just doing something. Just get myself moving. The rest will come. Baby steps, right?
I'm going tonight after work, and because my evenings are really limited this week, I'll be attending....wait for it....a 6am spin class tomorrow. Let me write that out, in all caps, to get my point across. SIX O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING. Like, when it's dark out. Pray for me.
So, readers. I need help. Please leave me your tips, advice, and lessons learned regarding living a healthy lifestyle and making being active a habit in your life. I need all of the support I can get!
Until next time - -
Y'all. I finally did it. And I totally wish I hadn't.
Yes, I replaced the battery in our digital scale. We've had a dead battery in it for about two years, so I used that as an excuse to shove it in our closet. Well, I decided to dust it off and pick up a new battery during my most recent trip to WalMart.
I stood on it to make sure I inserted the battery correctly, and wanted to immediately remove it and return it to get my money back. Surely that number wasn't right. Right?
Wrong.
It's true. I've gained happy pounds. Way too many of them, I might add. Spencer? Nope. Same trim, fit figure as always. (Men...eye roll.)
Something's got to give. I seem to be the most motivated to work out when I lay down for bed, probably because I'm a night owl. However, if I work out at 10:30pm, I'll be up all night long. What's a girl to do? Why can't I just be motivated like normal people, and at normal times? What is wrong with me!? Please tell me someone can relate.
Well, if anything will jolt me back to reality, it's the number I saw on the scale this weekend. Ouch. And if I plan to be gallivanting through Europe this May, I don't want to look like the chubby American. So that's that.
Spencer, get your weights and medicine balls ready. This girl is ready to drop some pounds.
Until next time - -
