The Morning After

My body is a little stiff this morning.  As I started stretching, I experienced a slight cramp in my left leg.  My left side is usually a bit tight so I really need to work on stretching.  I am so looking foward to water aerobics later on today.

I have so many thoughts about starting this Couch to 5K.  Yesterday was fun because I had Bianca and her daughter there.  I'm going to be on my own until the next time they can train with me.  I'm debating when to train.  It's hot here in Georgia.  I'm not much of a morning person but I think my best bet will be to get up early and get it done.  If I wait until the evening, there's no guarantee it will be cooler. Plus, the longer I wait, the more opportunity I have to talk myself out of training.

Last night it was 87 degrees at 10:30 pm.  So, I'm thinking I'll shoot for mornings and have evenings as a back up.  I'm going to have to dig deep, back to that place when I was training to walk my first 5K.  I didn't care if it was raining, etc.  I did my walks.  It's going to have to be that way with these walk/runs.  I'm going to stay hydrated, eat well, and stretch.  It's not about speed.  It's about getting it done. 

Today I'm going to scope out some places to train.  My usually spots to walk are too hilly.  I'll try to tackle them later. For now, I need flat surfaces.  The trail yesterday will be nice in the evenings but I wouldn't feel comfortable going there early mornings.

Week One, Day One

First of all, I was planning to start the first week in July.  My friend had other plans. 

I was up early worrying about whether or not I'm ready, hoping my knee is strong enough, praying it wouldn't be too hot, etc.

It went really great.  I had to slow down my pace but I managed to keep up.  She was able to give me some pointers about my form and pace between runs.  It was over before I knew it!  This is always the best feeling after working out day after day, week after week, and not feeling I'm getting anywhere.  Well, based on today's workout, I've made some progress.

More than anything, I am very touched that someone would take time out of her weekend to train with me.  She's going to be training for a half marathon soon so I know what we're doing isn't very challenging for her.  She could have spent the time running instead of coaching me. She said she just understands what I'm going through, believes in me, and wants to help. She's lost 100 pounds and completed her first 5K in March so I know what she says comes from the heart. I'm very grateful I met her.

Couch to 5K Prep

My Elliptical workouts have been going really well.  I’m up to 25 mins 2x + 30 mins cycling.  I suspended my weight training for the past two weeks because I hurt my back.  I do see how  the Elliptical is helping to strengthen my knee and improve my cardio health.  I’ve been focusing on some new stretches for my quads and hamstrings.  I can’t believe how tight my quads are. 

I’m getting really anxious about trying this Couch to 5K again.  The third time is a charm, right?  My friend who has completed it gave me some great advice.  I’m probably going to repeat weeks until I feel comfortable.  I’m not going to push to move on just for the sake of completing the program “on time.”  I have plenty of time (three months) to train for my race.  So, I’m going to take it slow.  I’m also going to train outdoors instead of the treadmill.  I am also doing something different and asking for more help.  I’ve asked her to train with me every once in a while.  This will also give me a good feel for what it’s like to run with another while focusing on my own pace.  It will be good practice on learning how to run on own race.

On another note,  I’m a little frustrated that I’m not dropping any weight.  I switched back to eating five to six times a day.  I stopped because it felt like I was eating all the time and I was afraid it was going to trigger bingeing.  The compulsive overeater in me is better with this approach now.  My new mantra is food is fuel, not therapy.  So, when I eat, I remind myself that I am fueling my body and taking care of myself.  I remind myself that this is a lifestyle, not an eating plan. 

The last thing I’m doing is my mental training.  I work with my affirmations, prayer, meditation, and my vision board.

UPDATE:  My friend just sent me a text.  Apparently, I'm started Day 1 tomorrow.  Too funny! I thought she wanted to meet for coffee.  I'm ready!

Motivational Monday

I had a great workout on the Elliptical today - 17.5 mins 2x. I also did 25 mins on the stationary bike. My knee feels pretty good. I have to keep up the stretching too. I decided I'm going to start posting motivational quotes each Monday again. I also started working on a vision board this weekend. I completed an online version but I think I'm going to like having one that I can display in my office. I'll post a photo once it's completed.

This week's quote:

The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start. ~John Bingham

Chasing The Night/Chasing A Dream

Today I signed up for the Atlanta Firefly 5K Run. I'm excited and nervous. I've tried to complete the Couch to 5K twice. I'm hoping, no, I'm praying, I can make it to the end this time. This all started with an innocent comment I made to someone I met at a retreat. We became Facebook friends and now I'm on her team to run in this race in October. I'm grateful I met someone who is so willing to help me achieve my dream. This is the wonderful thing about meeting people who understand food/weight challenges. It's a great reminder to me that there are so many people out there experiencing the same challenges on this journey to health and wholeness. I'm still working on strengthening my knee by working out on the Elliptical three times a week.

Try, Try Again!

Well, here we go again. I have it in my head (and heart) to run in a 5K. Today one of my friends invited to join her team for the Firefly 5K in October. She knows running a 5K is a goal and has been encouraging me to start training again. I do believe this is just the motivation I need to get my butt in gear. We'll see...

I Can't Give Up Now

It’s been a while since I checked in. I need to do it today because I’m starting to lose hope and get discouraged. I so frustrated that the scale is not moving. I know all the heady stuff about focusing on health and not weight loss. The truth is that I really want these last 40 or so pounds gone! I’ve got to find so way to motivate myself to keep moving – literally and figuratively!