LA Fitness

I just returned from a tour of LA Fitness.  I feel a little uneasy and intimidated going to such a large and open gym but I can get a really good discount through work and it has a pool.  So I shared a little bit of my story with the guy who was giving me the tour.  He was really cool.  He then shared with me that 1.5 years ago he lost 120 pounds and now he’s managing a gym. He is working on losing the last 20.  He advised me to focus on weights and take the spin and aqua fit classes.  I am so very grateful that Spirit continues to place in my path so many loving, supporting people. 

So, tomorrow I will be doing my first workout at my new gym!

Also, while I was there he checked my body fat – 44.30 and my BMI is 39.4.  Yuck!  I'm looking forward to seeing how much I improve those numbers.  What was really surprising is that according to his chart I need to lost 47 pounds.  This is exactly the amount I on my weight loss ticker.  I’m not sure if how I chose my goal weight but I’m right on track.  I’m really excited to get started!

21-Day Challenge

 

How much is it worth to you to change a habit? Would you be willing to pay if you failed?  Invest in Yourself http://www.21habit.com/    

I saw a mention about 21Habit.com in an article in Runner’s World.  You can commit $21 toward a 21-day goal.  Every day you meet your goal, you get a dollar back.  When you don’t meet the goal, it goes toward a charity.  I’m going to give it a try beginning November 1.

Motivational Monday

"Success is 90 percent physical and 10 percent mental.  But never underestimate the power of that 10 percent." ~Tom Fleming, two-time NYC Marathon winner (1973, 1975)


"As I get older I see that running has changed for me. What used to be about burning calories is now more about burning up what is false. Lies I used to tell myself about who I was and what I could do, friendships that cannot withstand hills or miles, the approval I no longer need to seek, and solidarity that cannot bear silence. I run to burn up what I don't need and ignite what I do." ~Kristin Armstrong

Let Freedom Run!

My next 5K is in 100 days.  My back is still giving me trouble.  I've been walking two miles since my 5K last Saturday.  I'm going to continue walking until I leave for my retreat.  When I return, I will begin training on November 1st.  I've got to make sure I incorporate some hills in my training this time.  I'm so excited!



Running: What's Next?

I posted my 5K pics on Facebook and my cousin comments, What's next? I've been thinking about this question all day today. My next goal is to run nonstop. Truth is it was my goal on Saturday. I truly believe I would have been able to accomplish my goal of running nonstop on Saturday if the course hadn’t been changed. Anyhow, I’m going on a silent retreat next week so I’ll be sitting most of the day.  I'm kind of worried I'm going to lose my momentum. When I return, I plan to work on my speed and tackle some hills. I’m also going to start running in the evenings. So grateful I no longer have to worry about the Atlanta heat.

 

 

 

My First 5K Run! I Did It!

My first 5K.  The nerves.  The excitement.  The self-doubt.  The positive self-talk.  I had all these thoughts swirling around in my head.  To top it off, I had a backache.  Oh yeah, and the course was changed at the last minute!  It was much more hilly than I anticipated.  I tried but I had to walk up most of the hills.  It is was it.  I completed the race in 52 minutes.  I had a blast!

I did learn a lot last night.  I preferred running alone.  The crowd and the encouraging words from my friends was a bit much for me.  While I appreciated it, there were times I just wanted to lose myself in my thoughts and/or music.  I am now having second thoughts about joining a running group.  Another thing I learned is that I need to do more hill work.  I trained on inclines similar to the original course.  I need to be prepared for anything. 

When it’s all said and done, I showed up, and completed the race.  Scratch "Running in a 5K" off my fitness bucklet list! I am very grateful to God for bringing me this far.

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE:  Hmmm...it appears my time may be a little better than I thought.  My goal was to finish around 45 minutes.  They had to change the course late Friday afternoon.  The organizers acknowledge that the course was a bit off.  They were switching around the course right in the middle of the race! Some runners who were wearing their GPS watches are saying it was around 3.28 miles.  The first leg of people possibly ran up to 4 miles.  I feel awful for the people who were trying to run PRs. 

Rain, rain, go away!

It's been raining for two days. I'm not hardcore enough to want to run in the rain so I did 45 minutes on the Elliptical.  So today I look out the window and it's pouring.  It just occurred to me.  What if it's raining on Saturday?  Will I still participate? 

It would be just my luck that it rains on Saturday.  When I walked my first 5K, it rained.  Then again, I trained in the rain.  I'm scared to run in the rain.  I'm afraid I'll slip and fall.  So, if it's raining on Saturday, I will just sit it out or walk.