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."

Gaining Confidence

I guess my confidence to run will come in time. Once again I found myself going back and forth about getting out there. Was I too sore from my adjustment and massage yesterday? Is having only one day of rest enough for me? The questions kept coming as I drove to the Greenway. How many times am I going to go through this? I know I can run 30 minutes! I reassured myself that even if I did no complete the run it was the effort that counts. There is no shame in walking.

About ten minutes into my workout, I thought about quitting. I thought about quitting right up until I have two minutes left. Each time I thought about quitting I told myself the effort was going to make me a better runner and to enjoy the moment. One thing I did notice is that at times I was breathing heavy even though it was not necessary. There are so many things to remember: pay attention to my form, my surroundings, my breath AND enjoy the journey. I have to say each time I finish I amaze myself.

Couch to 5k: Week Seven, Day 3

I did it! It took me a while but I did it! I was so worried that I wasn't going to be able to complete the 27-minute run because I'd taken so many days off. Yesterday, I got up, told myself I wasn't going to let the rain stop me, got dressed, walked out of the door, and froze. I took one look at that wet payment and panicked! I have this overwhelming fear that I am going to slip and fall.

Anyhow, I am grateful I made it. Just think about fourteen minutes into it I thought about quitting. I'm not sure why. I really wasn't that tired or out of breath. My legs felt fine. I keep repeating, it's your mind that wants to quit, not your body!

Running in the Rain

It's been raining most of the day. I did not go out and complete my run. I am afraid of running in the rain. I am afraid I will slip and fall. I know I am going to have to face this fear sooner or later. If it is raining in the morning, I will have to go for it. I have already gone three days without running. I am avoiding the treadmill.

Running in the Rain

I was sooo looking forward to Week Five, Day Three today. I was up at 5:15 am and ready to go. Then I noticed the sound of raindrops against my bedroom windows. I contemplated running anyhow but it was coming down pretty hard. A light drizzle is one thing. I did not want to get drenched! Plus, I have this overwhelming fear that I am going to slip and fall while running in the rain.
Hopefully, the rain will hold off and it won’t be that humid later on this evening. If it does, I plan to run outside. If not, I will be hopping on the treadmill.

Couch to 5k: Week Five, Day Two

I had an okay workout this morning. I really wasn't feeling it but I made it through: Run 6 mins., Walk 1 min., Run 4 mins., Walk 1 min., Run 6 mins. It looked simple enough but those 1-minute break go by so fast! I actually could have done another interval or two so my endurance is definitely improving. What I really need to work on is my self-consciousness about running. I still think I'm too fat to run but I'm doing it anyhow:

I am not sure what is going on with my self confidence. I feel the same way about my swimming. In the meantime, I'll keep working at it.

Boston Marathon

I watched the Boston Marathon today. It was a great reminder that we never know how a story is going to end. It pays to take one moment at a time. Prayers for the runners, spectators, and first responders.

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.

I Can Swim!

Today my teacher took my noodle.  What?  She was like, you can swim, just try.  I admit I was scared out of my mind but trusted that she knew what she was talking about.  Guess what?  I can swim! Today I swam about half a lap.  I can’t believe it!  So, we worked on doing the freestyle. 

I really need to practice my breathing.  If I can get my breathing together, I could probably swim an entire lap.  I also need to get over my fear of going into the deeper end of the pool.  As I can see I’m getting to that halfway mark, I know the water is going to get deeper.  The anxiety kicks in. I forget to kick, lift my head, and breathe.  Tomorrow I’m going back to the pool to practice.  Yay!

C25K: Week Three, Day One

I did it! I’ve been so nervous about today’s workout.  Thursday and Friday I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that I was going to have to run for three minutes today – twice! I prayed.  I meditated.  I did some visualization.  I whined to my friends Bianca and DJ.  They both truly understand what I’m going through.  They each have lost over 100 pounds and are now runners.  It’s always comforting to hear their words of assurance.

Today my mantra was:  My mind will quit before my body does.

This morning I got up scared out of my mind.  I prayed and did some positive self-talk.  I told myself that if others could do it I could too… all I have to do is trust the process and my God.  Well, here I am all sweaty, proud, and grateful!  Truthfully, I think I had another three minute run in me.  It wasn’t as bad as I imagined.

Totem Animals

Last week I started my Couch to 5K training.  My friend Bianca encouraged me to start a whole two weeks before my plan.  I didn’t think I was ready, but I was.  I’m so grateful I started Day One with her by my side.  After we finished our walk/run, we walked another three miles.  Bianca was giving me some tips on my form and she sees a deer.  She was so excited.  She goes on about God sending us this deer as a sign as I start this new journey.  So we both gave thanks.  She then encourages me to remember the moment and that deer during my training.  We named it “Rosemary.”

So today during my cool down walk I see a rabbit.  I immediately think of the deer we saw last week.  I give thanks to Spirit and the rabbit and continue my walk.  I just looked up totem animals and here’s what I learned. The bold print is what I want to remember from these two incidents:

Deer -- Deer is a keen observer, enabled to see well in low lighting and its sensitive hearing allows it to perceive a twig snap in the distance. For the first few days of life a fawn hardly moves, hidden by the color of its coat from predators. Once it can stand, it follows its mother around to learn how to survive. The graceful movement and gentle nature of these creatures show us the innocence of nature.

Deer is a messenger of serenity, can see between shadows and hear what isn't being said.

Deer teaches us to maintain our innocence and gentleness so we can share our open-heartedness with others.


Rabbit -- Rabbits normally live alone in the wild, making their homes by burrowing underground. Rabbits are curious animals who like to explore their surroundings. They live on a few acres of land & become familiar with every square inch. They are territorial creatures who will fight over their piece of land. Their eyes can see in every direction, so they will watch a bird in the air while watching a predator on the ground. When aroused, their ears stand up. All these characteristics combined with their willingness to run away, are what rabbits use to defend themselves against predators.

Rabbit is often connected with fear because they are timid and constantly on guard. Rabbit wants us to learn how to face our fear and know when to defend our space or walk away.

Rabbit shows us that defending ourselves doesn't always involve fighting back. He teaches us to listen carefully to what is going on in our environment so we can accurately use our intuition when in danger.

Pretty cool….

Patience

The Universe has really been offering me lessons of patience.  Sometimes I think, Ha! After the last 10 years, you still have some lessons on patience for me.  I think I've passed that course with flying colors!

Think again.

Anyhow, just when I think my knee is all better and I can start jogging again, it acts up.  I'm glad I get these little reminders outside of the gym.  I was just walking and felt a slight pang.  It's probably time for another adjustment.

Things are wonderful.  My workouts have been great. I've been focusing on building my cardio endurance.  I also decided to start hitting the weights on a regular basis. My food plan has been tight. I cannot believe I haven't had any sweets or potato chips in 300 days.  I'm amazed! 

Oh, one thing I am working up the nerve to do is sign up for swimming lessons. I need to add it to my fitness bucket list. One of my fitness pals is burning mad calories in the pool.  Another friend on Twitter recently conquered her fear of swimming in a lake.  Both have been so inspiring.  Okay, so, I've put it out there.  Thank you, Universe. I see swimming pool laps in my future......