Progress Report: July 26, 2008

Obviously, in case you have not noticed already, the tone of my posts is generally much improved after a run...

Week 2 of the official half marathon training plan is in the books and, I have to say, I am feeling alright. Granted, I have not done anything to date that I have not done at some point before. Although the intervals and tempo run were a bit shocking to the system. I feel good, mentally and physically. And right now, both are crucial.

I have recently learned something with regard to my wanting to find ways to give up... Brick walls, whether self-imposed or otherwise, are meant to show us that which we really desire. That is, if we want something bad enough, we will work through anything to make it happen. By the time this whole mini-journey of mine is done, I will have run a half marathon. I am sure, at a few points throughout the run, I will want to quit, mentally or physically, or all around. But this is something I want to acheive so much for myself. To see if I can do it. To take that next step in my life.

Where that next step leads is anyone's guess.

Feel free to check out my online Fit Day journay to make sure I am eating right and getting in my exercise. The weight is slowly rectifying itself. While weight loss is not THE goal in training for this half marathon, running at a lighter weight seems VERY appealing to me.

Be well, friends.

Progress Report: July 22, 2008

Well, things are definitely progressing. I am into the early stages of my Half Marathon training plan and seem to be moving along just fine. This morning, despite my best efforts to avoid it, I had my first taste of intervals and really enjoyed it. Thursday will be my first shot at a tempo run followed by Saturday's long slow jaunt.



Slowly but surely, I am getting to feel dialed in on all levels. I am [again, slowly] regaining my form with regard to my eating. This is nothing short of a miracle. Four week ago, I was down to 226 lbs. Two days ago, I was 238 lbs. Perhaps I was just retaining some water...



*sigh*



I know this is a process. However it never ceases to amaze me at just how easy it has been for me, historically, to add weight. It is painfully upsetting at times, when I really think about it. But ultimately I am the one in control of my self-care plan and my decision making processes. I have done the bad. Now it is time to continue my form in doing the good.



This Half Marathon in October is about a lot of things for me. People will often ask me why I run. Sometimes I will give the company line that I love the way it makes me feel and the freedom of mind and body it offers when I am on the roads. Really though, as I am still fighting my demons, I am still running away from things just as much as I am running towards a goal or event. Perhaps this will change as time goes on and I continue to learn about myself. Perhaps not.

I am just happy I can run at all.

On Monday, it al begins...

Starting this coming Monday, July 14, 2008, I will start training for something I truly felt I would never attempt - a Half Marathon. Specifically, the Spinx RunFest Half Marathon, scheduled for October 25th. This is yet another reminder to me of how far I have come and where I have yet to venture. I will learn a great deal about myself over the next few months. I will post regular weekly updates on this Blog as to my progress. Stay tuned...