Monday, September 30, 2013

Big Thoughts on the Wog...

Haven't heard the word "wog" in a while have you?!

I have had an upper respiratory infection for a about a week. I got it right after the big Applefest 5k run on the Saturday before. Thank goodness it was AFTER!

The run was amazing. As you knew it would be of course. When have I not expressed how "amazing" my big runs are? I had a bunch of friends run and a bunch walk their first 5k. So happy to get everyone together for a fun fitness time! The whole time I kept thinking of the year before... the things I said, where I ran and the sign Nate wanted me to run to! It was an awesome experience. 1 year later and I shaved about 2 1/2 minutes off of my original time. (Forgot home many hills there were!)

So here we are, getting over a uri and having to run a 10 mile run in 3 weeks. Not the best time to be down and out. I am starting back up with things and that was with a wog tonight. It seems that I have learned a thing or two. It is okay to walk and start off slow again. I wasn't upset that I walked most, but I can tell you I was damn happy when I was running. I did a little over 4.5 miles in over an hour.

I know more than a few people who would be shocked I wasn't upset. I have always been pretty hard and whined a little when I couldn't do what I expected of myself. I am not going to get anywhere though if I push too hard before I am 100%... slowly learning.

While out and about tonight I thought about the "goal" that I set for myself. The goal of losing the rest of this weight by the end of the year. Goals are great and everything, but sometimes they can be a little unreal or put way too much pressure on a person. I have been pretty frustrated with  my weight loss and I think that is where the goal came from... not with health in mind. It would be great yes... but is it the end all, be all? No.

 I will continue learning, growing and living healthy. I will get there. That is the biggest thing to keep in mind... I WILL GET THERE.


Always remember to ... Keep your head up.

Friday, September 20, 2013

One Year Later

It is such a different feeling tonight. One year ago I was a nervous wreck about to take on a challenge I wasn't sure I could complete. I was about to run my first 5k.

My love of running all started with a book. My friend Justin and his lovely wife Cindy were a great inspiration to get me into running. They loaned me the book "Born to Run" and my adventure started. Justin suggested that I sign up for a run right away. So I did, not realizing it was one of the hardest courses in the area. (Thanks guys! haha)

 I got great advice, support and motivation from so many of my friends, co-workers and family.
I trained and pushed myself to get ready and before I knew it the day was here.

The day couldn't have been more perfect. I was so nervous I wouldn't be able to finish, but my friends and family had enough confidence for me. My uncle John, aunt Julie and my sister Alisha came up super early to run and walk with me. My friend Nate (who was a new friend at the time) up and decided he was going to run too. He stuck with me the entire time and I couldn't have asked for a better running partner. He kept me motivated to keep going and has continued to do so since that day.

Then there was the crowd at the finish line. Justin, Cindy and their adorable little ones were there with signs and cheers. My fabulous friends Jamie, Erin and Beth were there as they said they would be. No hesitation, they all were all going to be there.

I finished with a smile and have been addicted since that day. It was the start of a grand adventure that won't really have an end.

I still remember running across the finish line and I can't wait to do so once again tomorrow. Cindy and Jamie will be there to run. I have also sweet talked a group of friends into walking their first 5k event. I am so excited and proud of them! It is going to be an amazing day.

Here is to a new year! A little lighter, a little faster and a whole lot more confident.