Finding motivation...It's all about the music

Lately I have felt very overwhelmed. What in the world was I thinking signing up to run a 1/2 marathon. I am not a runner. What a waste of money. I should have just done a 10K for starters. I paid my dues and bought some running gear, but now I have no money for shoes, and I certainly can't run this race as the minimalist I desire to be because I haven't had adequate time to retrain my body for that. What in the world was I thinking....
This morning I woke up knowing that I needed to run today. Not just because I need to get my body ready for the race, but because I have felt my emotions getting a little off kilter and my mind running away with itself (and let me tell you, it's too little to be out by itself). So I decided that I would run today no matter what the little voice in my head was telling me. I don't have a running partner that is Portsmouth local and interested in running the race with me, so I need to learn how to be okay running alone. So music is my partner.

I need some advice on quickly good songs to run to, so if you have any suggestions let me know. For now I created a folder on my Ipod entitled Running and I went through my library of songs and picked out what I thought would be the most motivating. I started off with Cardio Coach which I truly believe was the best decision. Because of his constant encouragement and guidance I just kept going. Then threw on some other songs that I now know wont cut it. I found this blog that I could definitely relate to and really liked the suggestions that she and her readers had on music. So I guess now I just need to check it out. I don't want any swearing so I know that will limit me.

So, my run today was good. It felt great to be out there jogging. I walked a bit more than I had to, but I am so close to the race I don't want to screw up. I want to complete this. I know that I will probably use a good portion of the 4 hours allowed to complete it, but I'm ok with that. I am definitely a bit freaked out about it, but I guess that's a good thing, it will keep me going.

Shedding the inches and seconds

When I started this journey it was to help me get healthy and I knew I would lose weight while doing so. A few months before I decided to run the 1/2 marathon I had purchased a pair of jeans that were too small for me, but I just loved the cut and knew that I could fit into them one day soon. I am happy to report that I was able to start wearing them in August. I am even happier to say that I now require a belt with those jeans. This means that I am almost half the size I was last fall. Well, in terms of pant size anyway.

This is FANTASTIC if you ask me. I feel better, I look better, I can move easier. Win, Win, Win.
Yesterday I started my second boot camp class. Though my push ups and sit ups were pathetic I was able to run 1.2 miles in under 10 minutes. I am so excited about my progress.

So, since January I have dropped 10 lbs, gone from a size 14 to an 8, and cut 5 minutes off my mile. Sweet.

Now I just need to go shopping since I no longer have ANY clothes that fit me.

Rain Rain go away

We have had one soggy week here. I don't have any rain gear for Faith or myself...so we have been stuck indoors. Thankfully I am participating in the Adventure Bootcamp for Women so I still got some grueling workouts in to keep my blood pumping.
The last two weeks have been a serious of Peaks and valleys in my life and I have learned many lessons. First and most importantly, I cannot live without God as my guide and protector. He is the rock on which I must stand , the shoulder I cry on, and my ultimate encourager. His grace is sufficient, not only for myself, but for everyone. I am amazed at the work that he has done in my own heart and those around me. Things that I never imagined being a thorn in my life, he has turned into a rose bush. God is amazing. I am NEVER alone.
Second to that? Exercise is an amazing outlet. Running is the best. To feel the pavement beneath your feet, and the wind all around is so refreshing. To have the power and control to speed up or slow down at whim is a reminder of how amazing Gods human creation is. To just walk out the door and go with minimal preperation or expense, what could be better. I wish that I had caught on to running when I was younger, but there is a time for everything right! =)
This whole week has been dampened, no soaked, by rain from a tropical storm. Our streets, freeways, backyards and driveways are all flooded. So, needless to say even if I did have rain gear I would not have been able to make it out the door to give it a go.
When i woke up this morning I could FINALLY walk out my door without getting soaked. YAY! So Sharon and I threw on our shoes and went for a short and quick run. It felt great. Now I am off to Adventure boot camp for women to get my butt kicked again. I love the burn!