Me? A Runner?

Never...and I literally mean, NEVER would I think that I'd end up being a runner! I mean, I'm not a marathon runner (yet), but my next goal is to do a 10k which is coming up in a couple of weeks!

I got this great idea back in August to start running with youngest daughter before soccer season so she could get in better shape. Well, that prompted me to google "Couch to 5k" apps that I've seen before. I wanted to follow a plan that I knew we could do together.

When school started again, it was up to me to finish the program on my own, and I did!!! It was so easy to follow, and when I first started it was hard to just run one lap around the track!! By the time I was done with this (and it only took a few weeks), I was able to run 3.1 miles (5K) without stopping!

And it wasn't like I just started to exercise. I have been pretty consistent with my cardio at the gym doing my Group X classes. Running is an entirely a new ball game! I realized quickly that this was a total MENTAL sport, and that I had to motivate myself the entire time! I constantly pray for strength to keep going, and that has been the biggest factor in helping me to reach my goals!!

So, a couple of times a week, I will run my 2 miles, and then on Saturday mornings I will run 4 miles with my friend! She has been awesome in helping me with my runs!!

I can tell there's such a huge difference in my U-Jam classes because of running! The energy I have in class has increased so much!! I'm so glad that I stuck it out and didn't give up in the beginning. If I did, I would never have known my potential!!!

 Just one of the MANY pictures I have of me at the end of my runs!!!

 

And here's a little comparison of me before in 2010 when I was probably at the biggest I have ever been, and then now just a few weeks ago!

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

A few weeks ago, I made a promise to my in-laws that I would start my low carb eating plan with them. They kept up their end of the deal, but I have not. With my sister being here and going out to eat (here come the excuses), it was just so hard, and temptation got the best of me!

You know how you get to that point where you had enough? Well, that is me, and I decided to keep my word to my in-laws and start my low carb plan. I did this years ago combined with a treadmill, and the inches came off. For me, this is what works, and is also realistic for my lifestyle. Since then, the treadmill broke and I got back into my bad eating habits. But, no more! I know with the Lord, anything is possible, and I can only do it with Him. He knows what our weaknesses are, and He can sympathize with me, yet His strength will help me to keep me on track.

My husband runs and plays soccer twice a week, plus plays basketball at church on Sunday evenings. He always encourages us to get out more during the day and to be more active. The weather has been great the last two days, and last night we all went to the Sports Center and walked around the track. My husband and eldest son ran while I walked. Baby steps, right? I'm looking forward to doing that again tonight, and my husband is more than excited that I'm making that effort. So, this is not a "New Years Resolution", rather I'm making changes to a healthier lifestyle. Oh..and another great thing I almost forgot to mention. Me and a few girlfriends from church plan on walking around the parking lot after the Sunday night service instead of sitting in the cafe talking for two hours! We're also keeping each other accountable too during the week! So, here's to a healthier me!!!