So when I created this blog, I said that the plan was to lose 30 pounds. Well, that hasn't been going so well. My self discipline has been terrible. But that all changes this month!
My goal for June is to run every day. And so far it's been going pretty well. About a month ago I signed up for the Freihofer's Run for Women, which is a 5K held here in Albany. Registering (and paying) for races always encourages me to slap on the running shoes and hit the road. I ran this race last year with my friends Kristin, Aprill, and Maritza and it was a blast. Thousands of women gathered just to run. Some are running in teams, some are running for a cause, and some are running because they love it. The feeling of being surrounded by all of these women looking to finish something together is incredible.
This year my friends, for various reasons, were unable to join me, so I ran it alone. While not as enjoyable as last year, I was so glad I ran it again this year. Maybe it's because I stay toward the middle/back with the slower ladies, but there's just such a sense of encouragement. No real competition. Everyone just running toward their own individual goals. And the runner's high that accompanies the experience isn't bad either.
I finished this race is 38:15, which was a little slower than last year, but my only real goal this year was to finish. I took a couple of walking breaks, so I feel really good about my time. Two downsides to the race were a) my Garmin running watch was never able to connect to a satellite, so I never knew exactly how far I had left to go, and b) the rain made the road a little slippery and I almost slipped on a discarded water cup (but I didn't!). Overall a wonderful time. And a special thanks to my cheering squad this year: My mom, Mike, Drew, and Ashley. Knowing there were people waiting for me at the end really helped to push me through. That and the cookies they give you.
Something else I'm doing to get me to that 30lb goal is to start working out my arms. I've been really self conscious about them lately. In my head they're crazy huge, so I'm being proactive to tone them up. Today I started this workout. It felt really good and I'm pretty sure I was working my abs out also, which is an added bonus. I'm know that tomorrow I won't be able to lift my arms above my head, but it'll be a good hurt.
So to all of the ladies and gentlemen out there working their butts off toward a goal, I salute you. Happy summer everyone!
