Update

Well, I am halfway into week two of half marathon training.  I would say it is going well!  I am trying really hard to stick with it and do the runs during the week.  Last year I did not and I think that was part of my problem with not wanting to stick with the training program.  I cannot do this halfway.  It is all or nothing.
Have I mentioned IT IS HOT??!!!  But... I know it will be so worth it in October.  I have to keep my mind on the end result and not just right here and now.  I am planning on going this evening and I am already feeling unmotivated.  I know I HAVE to go.  It is not an option.  I was supposed to do two miles on Monday and three yesterday.  I actually did about two and a half on Monday (because of the trail we chose) and had to miss yesterday because Mike had two ballgames.  Tonight is not an option.  I will go tonight and do another two and a half to make up for what I missed.
I will be nasty, hot, sweaty, and most likely miserable, but I WILL go and I WILL FINISH.  This is one more decision that will get me closer to my goal.  This WILL happen!

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless."   -Isaiah 40:29

Beautiful Things

So this morning on the way to church, my five year old was singing along with the radio.  This was the song that was playing.  I would definitely say it was "Something Beautiful"!

Day One

Here goes... On my way to the first morning of half marathon training.

I decided since it is the first day I needed some pictures and some stats...

I weighed this morning... 176.8.  My husband told me yesterday that he really wants to lose 25 pounds and wants to start on Monday.  Let's face it, I am only 5' 1.5"... I NEED to lose 25 pounds!  This is something I know I need to do slowly.  If there's anything I have learned about myself, it is that I am NEVER a successful crash dieter.  I think we are going to try following some of the Weight Watchers plan.  We have all the materials to do it, so why not?  I would LOVE to be 170 by my birthday, August 31st.  That is totally doable!  If I am less, that is just a plus.

After I got home from the walk/run, I took some pictures of myself in the clothes I went in this morning.  I would like to do this again in one month.  I MAY post them then.  If you really want to see me, come train with us!

Today I walked/ran 2 miles.  I am not sure of my time.  By the end of this week, I am supposed to walk/run a total of 9 miles.  This year I would really like to stick with the schedule they provide.  Last year I did not, and I think that was a HUGE contributor to me quitting.  

After... Day one is in the books!  I made it!

One day, one week, one pound, one step, one mile at a time... I AM GOING TO DO THIS!!!

If At First You Don't Succeed... WHAT Am I Doing?!!!

One year ago I had big plans.  I set a goal for myself.  I wanted to run the Soaring Wings Half Marathon.  Well, guess what?  I did not reach my goal.  Big surprise, huh?  That is a HUGE goal, especially for a girl who has never even participated in a 5K.  

About a month ago, I started getting emails about the training program that I participated in last year.  I questioned whether or not I should do it.  Actually, the first few emails immediately got deleted.  I had NO desire to do this.  I was not even going to consider it.  I could give you a million excuses...

1) Arkansas is HOT in the summer!  Especially right now.  We are in the middle of a drought and have had triple digit temperatures for most of the summer (and it is only July 7th!).

2) I am fat and self conscious attempting to run with all the beautiful "crazy runner people".

3) The training program is early in the morning.  I am NOT a morning person!

4) The training program is on Saturday mornings, and have I mentioned it is early in the morning?

5) I do not even like running.

6) I did not finish last year, so why should I waste my time this year.

7) I am too busy to do this and do it right.


These are just a few of the pitiful excuses I have had running through my head the past few weeks.

The early time of the training runs are one of the biggest contributors to my not wanting to do this and also to me quitting last year (yes, I will admit I was a QUITTER!).  I am SO not a morning person.  

Since I am posting this, I am sure you have already guessed that I changed my mind.  I am not real sure why.  I do not feel the pressure I felt last time that eventually caused me to quit.  I am not fast.  I have no desire to be fast.  Whether I walk or run... I want to FINISH.

This morning is the first day of training and wouldn't you know, I have been awake since 4:45!  How about that?  It was not by choice.  One of my kids woke me up.  I was wide awake and decided to go ahead and get up so that I am not dragging at 7am.

I am about to head out the door to go to the first training session.  I will fill you in later on how it all goes.  In the meantime, do you have any tips or suggestions or words of wisdom to keep me motivated?

Here goes.. Wish me luck!