Stepping it Up

I am feeling strong.

I've lost 10 pounds since November, and I'm having a really great time.

This is the most consistent I have been with a training program since before I got married FIVE and a HALF years ago!

For so many months, unnamed people would tell me it was okay to be mediocre, almost implying that it was fine to overeat and be inactive. As I type this, I can hear their voices saying things like, "You look fine!" "You have 3 children!" "You are HOW old?" "It's good to have a little extra weight as you get older..." All things I refuse to allow as excuses in my own life. Even though I am definitely not blessed with self-discipline when it comes to always eating right or exercising, I have been very frustrated with this resolute acceptance that since I had multiple children and an advanced age (once I hit 35, that's all I heard every time I went to the doctor -- my "advanced maternal age" - ugh!), I was going to have to be out of shape and overweight. Yes, I could blame the babies, and I sure did gain weight with pregnancy. But after they were born (and reached age 1 or almost 2), does that give me the free pass to just snack all day, overeat, and not exercise?

I want to look good, like the woman my husband married (maybe with a few extra wrinkles), be healthy and strong, set a good example, and be energetic enough (and have the endurance) to keep up with my kids.

I don't have a clear reason why I didn't stick with whatever I was doing for very long. I'd be active for a few weeks, and slack off for three, so I never really got anywhere. This time, it's different. I'm certain that it's setting the goals -- having those races on calendar is the biggest motivator I can think of. Also gathering friends to work out with me - albeit virtually - keeps me accountable. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't get it. He just says to me, "Can't you just go out and run for 30 minutes and be done with it? Why do you have to do the races?"

Because I am someone who needs a deadline. I need to have a task to perform so that I properly prepare. I don't know why I am that way, but that's my truth. I'm facing it.

I'm proud to say that I've got 4 consistent months of running under my belt now, completed 2 5K's this year so far, and will have run 2 more by May. I've become very comfortable running a 5K, 3.1 miles is no longer a challenge (except for bringing down my time), but I have to face that half-marathon lurking out on the horizon. It's time to move on, step it up. CoolRunning.com has a variety of FREE training programs for every level of runner. I'm very proud to read updates from friends of mine who are working their way through the Couch to 5K program. This week I started a 10K training program.

Day one was 4 miles - Andrew and I completed that. Day two was 3 miles - easy peasy on the treadmill. Today is Day three, so either this afternoon or tonight I'll put in another 4 miles on the treadmill. By week four, I will be running 7 miles.

Armed with a plan, a deadline, and friends to hold me accountable (and to be there on race day with me), I'm going to succeed. I'm going to drop 5 more pounds, I'm going to look awesome in a bikini this summer, and I'm going to be strong!

I just might really run that marathon afterall.....