Week 10 - ....

I thought after a week or two I'd be back running again post-race. But I'm still a little burned out, and it's been a month! (where that time went, I have no idea). I just don't have the drive to make it fit into my schedule like I did before. I top off at about 5 miles right now, and yoga and Burn 60 are just way more fun and appealing. So, I can't say that I'm running in a way that I'd like to be, but I am happy that I'm moving, exercising, and staying healthy. And that's really what my original goal came down to, I just thought that running was the end-all be-all. (Mainly because that meant pasta was no longer a restricted food)
I'm proud I ran a half marathon, and would love to do the full marathon next year. I'm content that I'm staying in shape and balancing exercise and diet, and am hoping that I am giving myself a good foundation for dance team try-outs in the coming months.

Week 8 - Challenges

This week's assignment is to write about barriers that come up... well, the one glaring me in the face right now as it's almost 1 AM are midterms/papers/projects/everything that always seems to happen at the same time. And on top of that there's work, but that's another story. That all puts a serious damper on my sleep, nonetheless my exercising.

But, I have one incentive that keeps me going - walking the dog. If I don't walk Widget, she goes insane and tears up pretty much anything that's not concrete. And I don't mean like a walk around the block. We went for a walk this morning, a hike in the afternoon (not from me, sadly) and we went to the park in the evening. She's not ever totally tired out! I used to run with her, but since I started doing longer runs, I couldn't keep up with her. She can run 8 miles and look at me when we get home like she'd like to run 8 more.

So even on days I don't get in the work out that I may have liked, I at least am getting out, getting my heart pumping, and burning some calories. That's all I can ask for when 24 hours just are enough to get everything done.



Look closely... see what I mean about crazy?

Week 7 - Keeping motivated

Post-race, keeping up my regiment is not quite as easy. I have less drive to run long distances, and am much more likely to call it a rest day and not workout at all. And these 2 pounds that I seemed to have a never-ending tug of war with are tending to appear more and more consistently on the scale each day.
So, to get out of my funk I went to a Burn 60 class last night. I hadn't been in a while because of my focus on distance running...I fell in love again. It's just the most incredible class, and a great workout. I'm back on track - with a positive outlook, and an outlet to focus on again.
I simply need to reframe and adjust what I'm doing - no more "long distance runs," but shorter runs in the neighborhood, longer runs on trails with my dog, and Burn 60 classes here and there to get my arm workout in (my arms died last night!)

If anyone is looking for a great workout, I cannot speak highly enough about Burn 60. You'll leave feeling like a train wreck but in a fit, healthy sort of way :) Here is the website: burn60.com. Go to the schedule on the tabs at the top to find a time that works for you, and just show up 15 minutes early to get a spot. If you'd like a partner, I'd love to go with you!