Sunday, August 21, 2011

I'm so proud

My sons make me proud all the time, but this time, I'm proud of myself! I can't remember when the last time was that happened. I wouldn't say that I have low self esteem, but I don't really like to be the center of attention. However, this post is about me.

I'm not lazy, but I haven't been good at taking care of myself. Not until recently. I turned 37 last December and bought some new jeans a couple weeks later. I wasn't happy with how they fit, and refused to buy a bigger size. Years ago after the birth of both boys, I lost the baby weight that I had gained, but then as I got older I put a few pounds back on. I had wanted to lose it for a couple years, but didn't stick with anything I started. But back in January, I became "friends" with Jillian Michaels. I bought a DVD of hers and gave it a try. It was very challenging. The next day every muscle in my body ached. Muscles I didn't even know I had! It felt great. It felt even better a couple weeks later when I noticed that I was getting smaller. I bought a couple more of her DVDs and kept going. I thought Jillian would annoy me, but she did the opposite. She motivated me.

Six months later, I was 14 pounds lighter and wear pants two sizes smaller. I have muscles with definition and much better endurance. Not to mention, I feel so much better mentally and physically. So I started to run. I've never been a runner, but with the new mind-set that I have, I knew I could do it. Jason and I go out together, but he's faster than I am. I'm fine with that. We both have our fast-paced playlists to listen to. And I also have the words of Jillian Michaels going through my head... "You're not going to die"... "Things change when you get uncomfortable", etc.

We've been running three times a week for about a month. We want to run a 5K next month, so we're trying to push ourselves. It's hard because we can stop and walk whenever we want. But the last few times we've been out, both of us have found that we feel better when we don't stop. It's quite a rush, actually. Maybe that's the runner's high.

This morning, we went to a nearby lake that has a paved path around it (I think there are actually three lakes there with three paths). It's a popular spot on a nice day for walkers, runners and bicyclists. That also encourages us since we don't want strangers to see us walking in between running! We ran there last week, but I stopped a lot. Today was different. In my head I had goals for myself. I was going to stop at the first curve, but didn't. Then I was going to stop at the bottom of a hill, but didn't. Then I decided to complete the 1.25 mile loop without walking. I did it! I couldn't wait to meet up with Jason at the end and tell him that I ran the WHOLE way!!! I might have been tired and sweaty, but I couldn't help but smile and be proud.
After that, we went to the car for a Gatorade break and decided to run some more. We only went another quarter mile or so.

I can say for sure that I'll never run a marathon like my brother does. I don't even think I could do a half-marathon. But I'm running that 5K next month! I know I can and it'll feel great!


Saturday, August 13, 2011

Hello, again!

Boy, have I neglected my blog! I've given it a new look and hope to post more often.

It's already the end of summer break and my boys are getting ready to go back to school, well, more like dreading it. Justin is back in cross country. They've been practicing for two weeks now. He's had a couple of timed runs around the course. He has really improved since being a 6th grader! He's running the two mile course in 14 minutes 16 seconds! His first meet of the season is on Tuesday.

Justin isn't the only one back to running. Jason and I have started. Yes, I am running! Jason has run off and on the last few years, but it was never really my thing. Earlier this year I began working out and have really built up some strength and endurance (not to mention lost about 14 pounds!). Even though Jason is faster than I am, we go out running together about 3 times a week. I can't see myself running a marathon, but maybe there's a 5K in my future.

I'm happy to say that my three old lady cats are still doing well. Henry turned seven this summer. And Kyle has a new pet betta sharing his room.

I'm hoping I still have some followers out there. As I said about a year ago, I'll try to keep up!