It's all about getting out there.

Today is Week 7, Day 2 of the C25K.  2.5 miles.  Getting through this morning's run was a little challenging for me, and I think I will try switching back to evening runs next week.  My energy level was pretty low.  This week is stressful since my final is on Friday, so maybe next week will be better.

It's all about getting out the door and running even when I don't feel like it, and finishing a run even when I don't think I can.  I am trying to push myself, but I don't want to be too hard on myself, either.  There are some amazing running communities online, and it definitely helps to get encouragement from other people.   I'm more reluctant to stop running when I know that I will post my workout online at Daily Mile and my online friends will comment on it. 

It will be glorious to have three full weeks off from school!  I'm also counting the days until vacation - a little over two weeks to go.  I'm looking forward to going on some runs with my sister during our vacation, even though I'm sure her pace is much faster than mine!

I ran 2.25 miles!

I completed my longest run yet on Saturday, 2.25 miles.  I was up and out the door before 8:00 a.m., because it was another hot day and also a busy one. 

I learned a few things during this workout: 
1) flies fly faster than I run. 
1(a) bug repellent is washed off by sweat. 
2) it's important to hit the bathroom just before going on a run.  Otherwise, bouncing up and down and drinking water eventually create a situation where I am running and doing a potty dance like my kids used to do.  Hopefully the neighbors were still sleeping.  I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it home in time! 
3) it's much harder to convince my mind than it is to convince my body.  The last half mile was a bit of a struggle, and I wasn't sure if I would make it.  But once I finished, I felt great! 

This was a good weekend.  I'm only four pounds away from my next milestone - almost 35 pounds lost!  Even when the scale doesn't move that much, I can see the difference in how my clothes fit.  If anyone had told me two months ago that I would happily be getting up extra early just to squeeze in a run, I wouldn't have believed it. 

Running in the heat

Today is going to be HOT.  I knew when I went to bed last night that my run today would have to be in the morning or I wasn't going to make it.  I had class last night, and then Mark and I got into a discussion about politics, so I went to bed too late.

The alarm went off at 5:50 a.m., and I debated about getting up.  Cat to the rescue - he wanted his treats and to be let outside, and he was not about to let me ignore the alarm clock.  Whoever thinks animals can't communicate has never lived with them.  He starts with meowing, and if that doesn't work, he moves on to paws, and eventually to a light tap with the claws.  Ugh. 

I was glad that I did the run this morning once I got going.  It was already warm and humid, and it was only 6:30.  This was week 6, day 2 of C25K, running for 1 mile, walking 1/4 mile, running 1 mile.  I did it!!  Every time I complete a run, I feel like I accomplished something and it's such a great feeling.

I got on the scale this morning to a wonderful surprise - I have lost 30 pounds so far!!!!  I'm so excited!  I am going shopping for new clothes on Saturday, since my work clothes are getting baggy and I don't have many casual clothes that fit.  My husband's suggestion to use a safety pin or duct tape probably isn't appropriate for a law office! 

Preparing for my first 5K!

I started following the Whole New Dad program to prepare for a 5K about seven weeks ago now.  I know, I'm not a dad, but it made a lot of sense to me to start off very slowly and work my way up.  It was even more gradual than the Couch to 5K program.  Now I'm on the equivalent of week six of C25K.

I work full time, go to law school part time, and I have three kids.  With this crazy schedule, I never really expected I would be able to stick with it, but here I am.  I train three times a week and I've signed up for my first race.  I look back on how far I've come and I'm proud of myself.  I love the supportive running community at http://www.dailymile.com/, and I love tracking my progress.  I love running!

So far, between exercising and working with a nutritionist that my amazing sister is treating me to, I have lost almost 30 pounds (in less than two months)!  I have a long way to go, but what a fantastic journey this has been already.  I have changed years of bad habits and I'm healthier than I have been in a long time.  My goal is to continue to work on my running, complete my 5K in September, and then do a 1/2 marathon in April in NYC! 

I'm working to continue my positive mindset and stick to the training.  I'm fortunate to have such supportive family and friends!