With a Little Help from My Friends...

I am proud that I have been able to incorporate exercise into my regular daily routine.  A lot of that has to do with being able to fit in workouts at lunchtime these days.  But having friends to support you and participate with you helps keep things going.  My co-worker and I hit the gym at lunch as many days of the week as we can.  A few weeks ago a friend and I ran an early morning 5k.  Friday night I was lucky enough to have a friend join me for a yoga class at the gym and then grab an early bite to eat.  This morning I caught up with an old friend over a jog through the neighborhood.

What a difference it makes.  Thanks to all of my running/lifting/yoga friends out there!  Summer's here, who's ready for a bike ride?

Free Therapy

OK, I'm getting there.  After a frustrating Monday instead of going home and feeling sorry for myself I got home, lounged for a few minutes and then went for a run.  Outside.  In 46 degree weather. 

It felt great, it made me smile.  Halfway back on my route down Logan I really had the feeling that no matter how bad things get, at least I could always run.

Not that things are that bad, or really barely even worth mentioning in the grand scheme of things, but I think I'm getting hooked after all these years of trying.  Or it's just spring fever, but I'll take it!

Turkey Trot!

My friend Angie and I have been "virtually" running together.  Talking about running, motivating eachother from across the country.  We decided to bag the half marathon in January (my training in the winter simply was not going to happen) but signed up for a 5k the Sunday before Thanksgiving weekend!  We also met up with our friend Karen at the race and the three of us trotted to a perfectly acceptable 33 minute 5k!

After the race!

Very early in the morning, ready to go!

Long Distance Running

I came across this interesting article in the New York Times.

One of my resolutions when I quit smoking was to take up running.  Amazing how easy it is to get addicted to poison, but how difficult it is to pick up a good habit.  Although this study gave me some hope.  Maybe I'm not a big giant loser, maybe I just need more patience.  Two solid months to develop a habit seems like forever, but is really a small blip on the radar in the grander scope of a lifetime. 

So, I am finally and regularly living out my running dream.  I can truly go out for a 3 mile run with just a normal amount of effort and little forethought.  I have a regular Tuesday night running partner.  I have long distance virtual training partners and support.  And I get a super high when I'm done with my runs!

That is not to say that there aren't days when I dread it.  Days where I even get so far as to get dressed for my run and still procrastinate for another hour.  But the seed of a habit has been planted. 

The overarching goal of course is better health and mainly to lose weight.  The pounds haven't really dropped yet but I'm currently wearing jeans I couldn't get into before and I have "de-puffed" all around.

The tangible goal is a half marathon in Miami!  January 31st.  The training in the winter is actually the most daunting to me.  But the thought of a beautiful run in beautiful weather during the dead of the Chicago winter keeps me motivated. 

I'll let you know how it goes.  I've been training but the official 12 week program starts on Monday.