A New Challenge

Since I am turning 30 this year, I decided now is a good time to challenge myself in a way that I never have before. And so, I have signed up for that half marathon that I mentioned earlier. It is May 2nd, so I have oodles of time to get my behind (literally) in shape enough to finish the race. I am not going for a speedy time here people, I just want to finish while still in the running motion. Now this may not seem like a big deal to most of you, but I am a former softball player (not much cardio...) and the only race I have ever completed was a 5K. Some of my girlfriends at work have decided to embark on this project with me, and the support has been an absolute necessity for me! I have a training plan in place and a professional trainer that I am working with twice a week for strength training purposes. And let me tell you, this trainer is going to be the end of me. Last Monday I went through my first session with her, all circuit training activities, and Tues and Wed I could barely walk. At one point I had to bend down and get Stella's pacifier under her crib, and I honestly was not sure if I would be able to get up to get it to her. And of course, Tues and Wed had 2 mile runs scheduled so those runs were some of the hardest that I have ever gone through. The good news is, the workouts are working! Every muscle is being pushed and pulled and has been in pain at one time or another so I know that whatever it is I am doing is effective! And so the journey has begun...
The nice thing about a big race is that you have to take "time" to train before taking it on. This training period allows me time to learn how to workout effectively, and it is also teaching me how to eat healthier. For a few years now I have been a pretty healthy eater, and for about 4 years I have been a vegetarian. But eating for "running" is a lot harder than it looks. Each meal must have purpose, and all of the necessary fats, proteins, whole grains, etc. A lot of thinking and preparing which can be hard with two little ones and a full time job! But I have tried to make it a family issue, and so far it is benefiting everyone. We have been off of refined sugar for a few weeks and so far everything is going pretty well. Although walking past the donuts yesterday at work was a trial in itself...but I did it! I am sure I will be blogging about this experience, and it will include joyous moments and also moments of complaining, but it will be nice to have a place to vent about the project!
My running/workout schedule is as follows:

Mon= strength training and stretching with trainer
Tues=Run (2-3 miles at this point)
Wed= Run (2-3 miles at this point)
Thurs= Run (1-2 miles or light run) Strength training with trainer
Fri= REST
Sat= Walk or bike for 30 minutes, non-impact workout!
Sun=Long run day (about 3 miles right now)

For the eating part of this, I am eating 5-6 small meals per day, with some healthy snacks like apples or kids Clif bars pre and post workouts. The meals are challenging because there is a lot of prep involved, and I teach all day so eating can be hard to incorporate. But so far so good! I am proud to say that on this date I am almost 20 lbs lighter than I was on my wedding day, and I am about 25 lbs lighter than I was in college! I am happy to say that I am more fit and healthy AFTER having two little ones than before I had them, but it does take hard work that I often do not want to put in. But it is worth it...
Which leads me to another point for today's blog. For those of you out there that are starting your healthy resolutions, GO FOR IT! You can eat better, exercise to increase your fitness and health, and be in better shape all around this year! This is your year for it:) So get your behinds off the couch and get moving....
And resist the fast food and goodies....yes, you can do it. And you will love how you feel.