Bring it 2012!

New Year = New Goals

Took time to re-evaluate what I want out of my running and realized while losing 23lbs last year was amazing, I really just want to keep going and not focus strictly on the weight loss.  People who do an activity just to lose weight typically don't stick with it long term and usually quit and gain the weight back... pretty much the same as people who are "dieters" always on a diet and restricting their foods tend to go off of it and go overboard.  So, basically I want this to be a lifetime change... better eating and more exercise.

So there is my resolution:
1. Eat Cleanly
2. Exercise regularly...RUN RUN RUN & the weights :)
3. Allow myself to enjoy a splurge here and there.

This new year-week started my training for my first 1/2 marathon ever!!!  I am stoked and can't wait for it.  I am officially registered and everything and March 10th will get here before I know it.  I am completely excited and totally nervous all at once.  I am going to have to start increasing my weekly long run mileage from about 6-7 miles to around 9-10.  I also need to work on having stronger tempo runs, fartleks & add more speedwork.  So, here we go, getting off to a fast, fit & fabulous 2012.

The biggest thank you to the most supporting, encouraging and understanding man ever.... Damien Sykes, you keep me inspired to go farther and dream bigger.  :)

Also want to give a big thank you to my running friends that totally inspire me to reach farther, push my limits and believe in my own strength...  Thank you Sarah Wells, Jamie Sandefer, Aaron Goldin, Mandy Knight-Goldin, Teri Bayless-Hawthorne, Amber Kay Landry, Rachael Daniels, Becca Butler & Jeremy Hunt!  Hope you all have a very strong running year.

For any non-runner or beginner who hasn't worked out in awhile or ever, it is never too late and running is a natural thing you were born to do. You can do it and the running community is so supportive.  If you need any info or help getting started, don't hesitate to contact me!

Happy New Year & Happy Running everybody!!  Lets all reach our goals together.

C25K Week 8 Day 2

Today was day 2 of week 8 and I can NOT believe that I only have 4 workouts left in the C25K training program!  The past couple of months have flown by and I can see so many changes in my body now.  I definitely want to keep going and improving on my running skills.  I love this sport.  All you need is a good pair of running shoes and you're set.  What other sport can say that?  My endurance level is also so much better.  I can run 28 minutes as of now and not feel winded!  I felt miserable after 1 minute running intervals in the beginning, so yes, this program totally works.  My legs are amazing now too and i love that.  The only issue I am having is my legs start to feel tight in the last 5 minutes of my run interval even with stretching.... so I have to figure out a way to prevent this.  Other than that, i feel awesome and so energized!  The runner's high is definitely worth any pain or discomfort during the run.  Besides, pain is weakness leaving the body, right? :)  As soon as I finish up this program, I will be moving on to 1/2 marathon training and all of the new challenges that come along with that... excitement and nervousness.

One last thing.... my friend introduced me to this product.  I told my husband about it last night and of course he went out and bought me some.  <3 him!  Any girl with boobs knows, that your arms can get chaffed from rubbing against the seams of your sports bra.  This stuff is a lifesaver.  Just a tip for any fellow runners... good on arms, legs, feet (to prevent blisters), anywhere that has friction!

HAPPY RUNNING EVERYBODY!