Motivational Monday

Last night I spent some time looking over my March training plan and creating my April plan. I feel pretty good about where I am with my training plan. Yesterday I completed Week 7, Day 2. I am halfway through the plan and will have a full and half month to work on distance. I should be good.

I was planning to walk four miles today but stopped at two. My right knee didn't feel right and I don't want to risk injury. My calves and quads are starting to feel tight and sore. I've got to be more consistent with stretching and using the foam roller.

I'm looking for to April. The weather is nice. I'm so happy to be away from that treadmill. I saw the following on Facebook and I think about it often while I train. I am making it my mantra for the month of April:

I'm still here!

I haven't been blogging, but I have been working out! Today I finished Week 7, Day 1. Week 6 was a bit rough so I completed Day 2 a few times before moving on. Today I felt strong. I am also proud of myself for running outside, even though it had been raining all day.

I have this fear of falling and was worrying about slipping and falling. Although it had stopped raining by the time I went out, the greenway was still wet. In fact, there weren't many people out on the path. Mostly people on bikes. I could how slippery things were as I ran on the little overpasses, but I took my time and it was fine.

My trip to Michigan was okay. My Dad is in better spirits than I expected. In fact, I use him from inspiration and motivation. I think of how he is going to radiation and chemo fighting for his life. I listen to my breath and think about the cancer that was in his lungs. I am humbled. I am grateful.

On a bright note, today is my 5k anniversary. Five years ago today I completed the Publix 5k. I think about how nervous I was. In hindsight I was so naïve. I picked one of the hilly courses for my first 5k! I am very grateful that I am here and still plugging away at my fitness goals.

Terrific Tuesday

Yippee! I just finished Week 5, Day 2 of my Couch to 10k training. It was a hot and sweating one. It's about 71 degrees out. I decided to wear my jacket anyhow to give my body a taste of how hot and sweaty I am going to get in July. I am finally reaching a space where I am okay with sweating. I think I can officially say I am no longer afraid of sweat.

Sweat Saturday

Today was a very challenging day. All I wanted to do was stay in bed feeling sorry for myself. The sun was out. I had no excuse not to go outside and work on my running. I found myself in a very ugly place mentally. Why, oh, why did I talk myself into this? I am not going to have enough time to train? It's going to be hot, etc., etc., etc. It took me about two hours to get out of my head and out of the door. I was totally convinced it was going to suck! Guess what? It didn't! I complete eat run with no problem. It felt great! I was shocked!

Fitness Friday

Today was a really rough day for me. I was obsessed, yes, obsessed with food thoughts today. I wanted fast food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I didn't feel like working out.

I'm tired and stressed. When I am tired and stressed, I like to use food to soothe the edges. Well, today, I did not give into those old impulses. I ate my planned meals and I lifted weights and used my foam roller.

The only way I am going to be fit enough to complete the Peachtree Road Race is to do what it takes to reach my goal, one day at a time. I can make excuses and tell myself that one day is not going to hurt. This may be true. However, the junk food junkie in me will turn one day into two days and the next thing I know it will be July 4th. I want to feel confident in my training when I stand at the starting line on July 4th. I want to give myself the best opportunity to meet my goal.

I know I have a huge fear of failure. More than that, I have a huge fear of success. Today one of my favorite fitness quotes sticks out. I am not sure who tweeted this so I can give proper credit:

"Never let fear get in the way of your path to better fitness."

Thankful Thursday

Today I am very grateful that I completed my workout. I was going to repeat the last day of Week Four, but decided to press forward and try to complete Week Five, Day 1. Even though I had to reduce the incline for my last two runs, I completed the workout. Again, using mind over matter is going to be the key to my successful. It does not matter how fast or slow I am moving, I just need to keep moving!

Transformational Tuesday

A number of fitness pages I like on Facebook have posted a lot of before and after photos for Transformational Tuesday. I enjoy looking at these photos for inspiration, motivation, and just the sheer pleasure of being happy for another’s journey. As I looked at these photos throughout the day, I realized that despite any physical transformation the biggest transformation happens in the mind and spirit.

This is where I am at on my journey right now. More than being consistent with my food and exercise plan, I need to be consistent with my prayer and meditation. Lent starts tomorrow. For the past few years, instead of giving up something, I have been added something – more prayer and meditation. So, I am going back to the basics with my meditation practice. Staying present is going to help me with my nutrition and fitness goals.

Motivational Monday