Day 1

As much as it pained me, I rolled out of bed at 5 AM this morning...pulled on my socks, laced up my shoes, and headed to the gym. Sleeping in my workout clothes and sports bra certainly helped. The effort I exerted getting from my bed to the gym was truly minimal.

So, I get to the gym and I wait. And I wait. And I wait 20 minutes for the lazy gym rat, who obviously hit snooze SEVERAL times, to get there and unlock the door. Stupid man. It took every ounce of will power and strength not to turn around and go home. Back to my warm bed and thick smartwool stockings.

Once inside I made a beeline for the treadmil. The quicker I got on, the quicker I could get off. I found my Couch to 5K app, dusted it off, and hit GO. And, surprisingly, I didn't die during the workout. It actually felt good. It felt damn good.

Day 1...check

I Quit 'Trying'

I received the following from an e-newsletter I subscribe to -

A communications expert says "the most dangerous word to use in the workplace today is short, sweet and fraught with peril." The word "try." Brad Hoover, chief executive of the automated proofreading service Grammarly, recently shared with Fortune his reasons why managers and their employees should avoid using this word in the workplace. "'Try' simply shows a lack of belief, passion, commitment and confidence—all the qualities you need to succeed in today's tight job market," he says. There are a "whopping 66 different synonyms for try, yet none of them are as convincing as words like do, believe, act, tackle, accomplish or succeed... I cringe when I hear, ‘I'll give it a try,' because the phrase suggests failure. ‘I'll do it' inspires confidence every time."

So, with this said...it seems it's time for me to quit trying to lose weight. To quit trying to eat healthy and steward my body well. To quit trying to get back into running. And, well...just do it.

I'm back on the wagon. Who will join me? Anyone out there?

Moving Day

So...turns out now wasn't the best time to dive into a blog about training for a half marathon. In the past month I've had two sick kiddos, one with ear infections and the other with a stomach bug, my husband was rushed to the E.R. and spent a night in the hospital, and every waking moment I have has been spent packing for a move across town. Moving day is FRIDAY...that's less than 48 hours, folks. For more on our moving day, check out my family blog - It's a Wonderful Life.

Needless to say, I'll start training again once we're moved and unboxed. I know. Excuses, excuses. Don't give up on me...I'll be back. Pinky swear.

Still moving

Thanks to the many of you that have offered words of encouragement as I begin this journey. Although my schedule (i.e. two toddlers + a full-time job) don't allow me to blog as much as I'd like, rest assured I'm moving...at least every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And I promise to check in at least twice a week.

This morning's workout went something like this...

5 minute warmup
(cue thought bubbles) I should have stayed in bed.

1 minute run
Who put lead in my shoes?

4 minute walk
Only eight more reps to go.

1 minute run
Feeling good. Glad I rolled out of bed.

4 minute walk
This is cake. I can do this! Bring on the half marathon!
(fast forward to last 1 minute run)
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1 minute run
It's no wonder I can do this...I'm running at a snail's pace. Will work on speed later.

5 minute cool down

Bring on Week 2

The toughest part of Week 1 was rolling out of bed. Hands down. But at the end of my workout, as soon as my feet left the treadmill and returned to stationery ground, I was glad I'd made it to the gym. If only I could bottle that feeling and take it the moment my alarm went off.

My goal was to make it to the gym 3 days (Mon-Wed-Fri) this past week. I made it Monday and Wednesday. Friday I took the day off to prepare for our garage/moving sale on Saturday, and to try and kick a nasty sinus infection. So, I didn't quite hit my goal but probably burned more calories Friday moving tables and sorting through mounds of JUNK than I did Monday and Wednesday combined.

Per my iPhone app, this week's workout entails -

5-minute warmup
run 1 minute/walk 4 minutes (repeat 9 times)

I'm excited for Week 2. Bring it on!

Day 1, Week 1

I'm proud to say I resisted the snooze button this morning and made it to the gym by 5 AM. Yes, you read correctly. That's 5 AM. With two toddlers, it's 5 AM, or no workout. My workout this week consists of the following -

5 minute warm-up/walk
run 30 seconds and walk 4:30 - repeat 7 times
5 minute cool down/walk

Thank goodness for the iPhone and couch 2 10K apps! I love being able to listen to music and have an automated trainer say "run. now." at precisely the right time. The iPhone must be one of man's greatest inventions. Truly.

Two thoughts went through my head during my first workout:

1) It stinks that after all of my hard work and dedication this spring, I'm essentially starting from square one. I was up to three miles in May. And now I'd be lucky to make it one mile. On a good day.

2) It feels good to finally be back in the saddle again. It's only day one with a long road ahead, but I'm eager to begin the journey.

Although the workout this week is not much of a challenge, dragging myself to the gym IS. This week my goal is simply to get to the gym three days and to complete the above workout three times. I'll check in this weekend to let you know I've made it and share what's in store for week 2.

Going Public

I am not a runner. Not even close. But I am determined to become an amateur runner by April 29, 2012. The date of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (I will be running the half marathon).

I started this blog for two reasons - 1) to record my progress, which I'm hopeful will in turn motivate me to keep going, and 2) accountability. You (I'm hoping there will be a you...) are hereby charged with checking in on me from time to time. And if you feel so inclined, please share your thoughts, personal goals, and successes.

Although I'm not completely new to sports or the gym, it's been a long time. A very long time. I married the love of my life over four and a half years ago and in those 4+ years have had two beautiful children. Henry and Sam. I've also gained a muffin top and pounds.

My family is my inspiration. I want to model a healthy lifestyle for my boys, as well as ensure I have all the energy needed to keep up with their busy bodies. My mom, who was recently diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer, is also my inspiration. I've been blessed with a healthy (albeit a bit overweight) body, and I've been convicted to become a better steward of this blessing.

Training starts tomorrow. Bright and early. I'll be sure to check in and let you know how I did.