Long Time, No Blog

Welcome back!

Well my weekend in Seattle was great (of course) including watching my diet. I didn't go overboard, but still was able to enjoy some of the great food the town has to offer! I skipped the gym at the hotel since we spent so much time walking around downtown. I had one major set back the night we came home and that threw me off my routine. Apparently dropping my calorie intake too low causes low blood sugar and  low blood sugar along with stress will cause panic attacks. We have been working on our finances to try to buy a house along with too much drama from Jeremy's family, plus trying to figure out Jeremy's medical issues while trying to find time to start school, ended up bringing me to my breaking point. I had never had one before and seriously thought I was going to die from a heart attack! I spent a couple of hours in the E.R. that Sunday night and all day Monday sleeping, literally. It took me about a week to get back on track because I was very scared of having another attack. Every time my muscles twitched I was worried it's happening again.

However, a week later I'm trying to go with the flow and not stress too much while sticking to my actual calorie goal instead of coming in way under. We found out that we are now qualified to buy a house and we will start looking next weekend! Yay!! We have decided to move to the Puyallup area since we get extremely bored in Pasco and are constantly making trips to Seattle. Plus I have wanted to live in Seattle since the first time I set foot in the city!

I am back to walking 3 miles a day with hopes to increase each week. Plus the weather has been so great we have been trying to incorporate bike rides into our weekends! This past weekend we did about 3 miles along with a picnic and playing at the park by the river. So much fun! I do much better exercising outside than I do going to a gym! I really do hate running so I think I will walk the 1/2 marathon again this year, but try to incorporate some jogging to have a faster finish time. I finally feel like I am back on track in a healthier way and I'm just hoping I can stick to it! Completing this year's marathon will be so much easier if I am in better shape than last year!

Happy Training!

Getting Serious Week 1

Well hello blog! It's been a long time, especially since I really did not have much to report. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but something inside me finally snapped this week. I have decided that if I truly want to finish this 1/2 marathon without getting sick (like last year), I need to stay focused!

I was trying not to go over a calorie goal of 1800 per day. For me this seemed more like a challenge instead of a guide. Everyday I was getting as close to this goal as possible then happy I didn't go over. I was also not exercising because, well I'll just say it, I have become too lazy!

Changes have now been made and my progress seems to be improving. I dropped my calorie intake goal to 1500 per day and have decided to work out 90 mins per day. I have never been one who enjoys working out so this has been quite a challenge. I walk for an hour outside when it's nice then will later kill myself on the elliptical for 30 minutes. If the weather doesn't want to cooperate then I will do the exercise bike for an hour instead of walking. Let me tell you, last night my leg muscles hurt so bad! However, this morning after I got up and starting moving around I feel great!

Making better food choices is also making me feel less hungry and better about logging those calories. Just because a chocolate chip cookie only has about 78 calories does not mean I have to eat it. An apple makes a much better choice coming in at only 80 calories! I have always loved fruits and vegetables so that transition has not been very hard. My biggest challenge will be this weekend when we head to Seattle for some fun.  There are so many great restaurants there and some times I get a little out of control. I just have to remember there are healthier choices even at those great restaurants!

Here's to moving forward and finally being on the right track! My new motivation has arrived and I say:
Bring it on Rock 'N Roll 1/2 Marathon!

The First Week

While I started with the best of intentions, I was slowed down by my lack of motivation. I kept track of all my meals this week and made a conscious effort to eat better. For the majority of the week I succeeded. I did not get out and run (or exercise at all for that matter) using the cold temps and ice as an excuse. ( and I have a 24 hour fitness facility at my apartment)

Well enough dwelling on the negative! It is time to look forward and see the possibilities a new week will bring! I know from past experience once I get started I will continue until a habit is formed and working out will become like drinking water. I have to stop with my all or nothing mentality and start realizing some is better then none.

My goal this week is to start out on Hal Higdon's marathon training program. Being that I do not run everyday I thought it would be best to start out slowly and work my way in. I have six months until I run my half marathon in June which gives me plenty of time to focus on getting in shape and beating my time from last year!

Happy running!

In the Beginning

Monday Jan 9 marks the first day of my journey to the 1/2 marathon in June. I have been wanting to get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle for quite sometime even though most days that goal seemed almost unreachable.

In 2011, I completed my first 1/2 marathon with my sister and felt like I was going to die when it was over. However, I felt great as I have never achieved such a goal in my life. This year my sister is deployed in Afghanistan so in a way I feel as if I am doing this for her as well as for me. I did not train at all for the last "run" (as I walked most of the way) I did and it took me about four and a half hours to complete. This year I am starting out six months in advance by eating right, working out with my husband, and following a marathon runner's training schedule.

Wish me luck!