I Ran at Lunch Time...

...Mostly to see what it would be like. The weather was really nice and overcast and blustery, so for a mid-August day, it was perfect for jogging. I did my same 2.7 miles but improved my previous best time by about one minute. Every little bit helps!

I do have to stay at work, however, in my "fragrant" state. But I think in the long run(heh heh) it is worth it. Now it is DONE for the day!

Two VERY interesting Artlicles

So, I have been moaning and groaning about how I should lose weight, but I have found two articles that affirm for me that it isn't always about losing weight - it is about fitness level.

Both articles are about studies that were completed, so always with these kinds of studies you have to take them with a grain of salt, but for the most part I was like: YEAH BABY!

First article can be read at this link: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,401823,00.html
And is an article that describes how thin people are not necessarily healthy. Very interesting and gives weight (pun partially intended) to my idea that I should focus on consistency in exercise, NOT dieting. Although, not eating fatty foods might also help.

Second article is about how RUNNING SLOWS THE EFFECTS OF AGING. Now that is what I need! The article can be read here: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20080808/running-slows-the-effects-of-aging
And again this just re-iterates the idea that folks who EXERCISE regularly are better off than those who don't.

So, get out there and break a sweat, folks. I cannot over-emphasize enough what exercise will do for your heart, but also your mental state. Let me give you an example: yesterday was a semi-rough day at the office. I was planning on going to work out right after work, but then things exploded and I didn't leave the office until almost 6. Man I was so deflated, thinking I had really let myself down and how I really needed that workout but didn't feel like I could go because David (hubby) and Benton (son) were waiting for me, etc. Well, on my way home I decided to go ahead and work out even though I was really late and wouldn't be able to spend much quality time with my baby boy before he had to go to bed. But I did it. And I have to say that even though I had fewer minutes with my son, they were MORE profitable since my mind was able to clear for a few minutes while I worked out. Also, I was a much happier person with my hubby. When I arrived home, David said, "I want you to be able to relax" and I responded with "That workout was the best thing I could have done for myself." AND then I ate pizza with a little less guilt.

I did it.

I sent in my application for Team in Training so now it is really on. 

And I ran 2.7 miles today.

The meeting - Step one to my crazy endeavor

So I went to the Team in Training meeting this past Saturday, to learn about the program. There were lots of people there who looked about as crazy as me--they were there to see about running a MARATHON! They showed a very inspiring video and made me want to sign up instantly. Then they said you have to pay $75 and I didn't have my checkbook. Oh well. But I went home and dutifully filled out the paperwork and got really psyched about doing this thing! I think I must have read the pamphlets about 5 times. I only have to raise $2100 and I know I can do it. Running 26.2 miles...well...actually, for some strange reason I am not too concerned about that part either. Maybe this is the start of my mental training and maybe I am "overtrained" already in this aspect? I have been reading a lot about preparing mentally for endurance events and I know it is super important. 

So the only real disappointing thing that several previous participants said was that they didn't lose any weight! BOO! However, after reflecting upon this sad fact, I suppose if one trains his body to run 26.2 miles the body figures it needs all the help [read: fat] it can to help you cross the finish. Also, I am trying to keep a better perspective about not so much the number on the scale but the level of fitness. And if you have trained and completed a marathon, you might be at a different level than, say, sitting on the couch hoping for a new miracle diet (Acai Berry Smoothie anyone?). 

Finally, I asked a friend of mine, Lauren, to be my Honored Hero - she is struggling now with Lymphoma and I am going to run for her. She has a beautiful family and is a lovely Christian woman. I am really proud to run for her because she also likes to run. The way I look at it is if she can fight and struggle against such a wretched disease and even treatments that make her feel wretched, the least I can do is help raise some money to possibly make folks' lives better and honor a great person while doing that. Also, what is a little muscle pain from marathon training versus the pain Lauren must be going through virtually every day?

I took a little hiatus from running last week, but did walk several days, so now with the start date of the training looming, I need to kick my pre-training into high gear. 

That date would be August 23. I am pumped!

Renewed Resolve

Yes, about every other month I renew my resolve. It is a habit of sorts, to sit, reflect, and think about how I can improve what it is I do day to day. I've been doing a lot of sitting, reflecting and thinking this past week on my "stay-cation" and have come to the same conclusions as before:

1. Exercise regularly - at least 5 days a week.

2. Eat more healthily (read: less mexican food/beer, more homemade/wholesome food)

3. Be more efficient at home (housework, cooking see above,  and taking care of my two favorite guys, my Lover/Husband David and dear son Benton) and at work, my awesome paper trading company job.

It is in these reflect and resolve times that I always come to the same conclusion: I just have to do better! And also, I will struggle with these issues for THE REST OF MY LIFE.

More later, the lover just woke up from his last nap of vacation. Back to reality tomorrow. And in case you were wondering, yes, I had a nap too, this morning, for 2 hours. All this reflecting and resolving takes a lot of energy.