Running to the next tree...

I would like to be a runner, I don't think that I am there yet. My journey so far has reenforced many things for me and taught me some things about myself. I have learned about how to motivate myself, how to set small iterative goals to get to a larger goal (how do you eat an elephant? one bite at a time.), and that one goal (running) can support another goal (losing weight/becoming fit)/.

When I first started running, I was lucky to be able to do 1/4 of a lap at the track. I would find myself winded and, for lack of a better term, would quit. I would do this successively over the course of my 3 - 4 mile walk, with run. With time, I started to run 1/2 a lap, and then 3/4 of a lap.

As I increased my distance, I started to recognize that it wasn't my body that was stopping me from going further, it was my mind. It wasn't until I ran a full lap, and kept going, that I realized that I really could go much further, if only I pushed myself. Sure, I was winded and wanted to stop after that first full lap, but I also was so proud of myself for running a full lap, that I wanted to see how far I could push myself.

I started to notice that when I set a goal - whether at the track or around the neighborhood, I tended to stop when I reached it, even if I still could have gone further. So, I changed up my approach and started reaching new levels.

I started stating my goals as "at least finish this lap and then see if I can get around the bend." As I approached the bend, I would adjust my goal to "at least around the bend and then see if I can get to the next bend." When I am running in the neighborhood, I use houses, corners, and trees to guide my goals.

Using this approach, I have been able to run as far as 1 mile without breaking to walk and running near mile intervals multiple times over the course of a 3-4 mile journey. And, when on mornings like today, it has been a while since I ran, I use this approach to keep me going. I didn't run a full mile straight, but I kept pushing myself to run further.

Of course, when I take a break and walk, I also set goals - "I can walk to the next tree, but then I need to run". It helps me keep me on track. Eventually, I would like to get to the point where I can run a full 5k and join all of my friends that do the local 5k. I am still a ways from there, but if I continue running to the next tree, I will eventually get there.

Running to the next tree, works for me!

My Little Pony - Winner

Congratulations to Jay, Dayne and Patty C. They were selected as the winners of the My Little Pony App.

Thanks everyone for entering.


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Timestamp: 2011-11-08 11:14:11 UTC

Mamavation Monday

The irony of writing this post is that I should be exercising now, but I was feeling lazy this morning and opted to not change into exercise clothes. I had a wonderful, full weekend and I think that is a contributor. I found time to fit in a workout on Thursday morning, but since, have been relying on the activity of planning, throwing and cleaning up a birthday party. There were numerous trips up and down stairs, there were quick walks through the grocery store to stay on schedule, but there was no official exercise. So, I got out of the groove and found myself completely worn out by the weekend. This has completely zapped my motivation. I am dedicated to getting up tomorrow and returning to normal routine.

I'm also a bit bummed to report that even with the time change, sunrise still isn't officially until 7 am, which means that I am still facing the dark at work out time. I need to follow-up on the status of the indoor track - which was supposed to be open a few weeks ago, but was closed when I stopped up. I figured that it was not likely to be open today with elections, but am hopeful that it will be. I just wish they would return my call.

I guess my other option is to return to P90X for the next 90 days. By then, it will be light out in the morning (although, probably rather cold!). It has been a few months since I did it routinely. I have picked up a workout here or there, but to go back through the rigors of the program would probably be very beneficial to me. And, now that the basement is back in order post-construction, I finally have a place for some of the workouts again.

Eating has been ho-hum. I haven't been eating awful, just not doing a stellar job of tracking it or recognizing what I have eaten. Even this weekend, with the party and lots of company, I didn't necessarily eat much unhealthy food, but I did tend to eat a lot of everything. The problem is that I am a picker and I continue to pick at things long after I am full, when they are just sitting there. I made turkey for my daughter's party and it was so yummy. Last night, as I was putting together plates for dinner, I couldn't help but pick at the cold turkey. By the time I built my plate, I don't know that I was very hungry. I need to refocus my eating.

The good news is that even with the party this weekend, I only slipped a little bit and hope to be back on track in no time.

This post shared at Mamavation Monday.