RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! Or just for fun...

Today I decided to get my butt back out there and run. I have 2 5ks I want to do in the next couple of months and I really need to get better at running...longer distances without having to walk as much, and eventually not at all. So I got myself dressed and headed out.
I heard the wind blowing before I left but didn't think it would be that bad, the sun was shining afterall. But Oh.My.God. it was bad! Not terribly awful on the first stretch, but the cold air did hurt a little to breathe. I did the 3 miles in about 39 minutes, not too bad considering the wind. I tried to "run" as much as I could, even sprinted for a small section, but still walked in between. I don't think I made it the first mile without stopping, like I had been, but we'll chalk that up to the cold.
I made it to the 3 mile mark, but then I had to turn around and GO BACK! And that was worse- I had worked up a bit of a sweat by then and the wind was really blowing by now, couldn't someone just come pick me up?!? But nooooo...I had to keep going. And off I went, adding in some slow jogging just to get to my car quicker!!! And I almost did as well on the back stretch as I did the first 3 miles, about 42 minutes.
So I logged 6 miles today, bravo for me! I'm going to try to get out there at least one day during the weekend and maybe one evening, since the days are getting longer...that will have to be just a short run but better than nothing.
I still like doing my weights and kettlebell better than running, but the 5ks are quick and the ones I've done and signed up for are fun ones. And the cardio workout is important. I don't know if I'll ever progress to a 10k, I don't really think that's my thing, but who knows...a year ago I never even expected to be running 5ks! Never say never!

Your Self Worth is NOT Dependent on your Relationship Status

It seems like there have been a rash of new relationships popping up on Facebook lately...either pics of the happy couple or one or the other has posted a status about the their new "love". And it never fails, more than one person comments that she/he has never looked so happy, they are so happy for them, how great it is to see him/her smiling like that. GAH!!! Really?!? So they didn't look happy before, when they were SINGLE? Like being SINGLE is this horrid thing and you can only smile when you're in a RELATIONSHIP? Well fuck me running if that's the case...I must look like the most miserable person out there then.


Does this look like a miserable person?!?


What bugs me the most is my fellow females, yes my sisters I'm talking to YOU, who put so much emphasis on being a part of a couple and respond to these comments with "yes, I've NEVER been so happy", "he's the BEST thing that ever happened to me" and on and on. I guess it's because I've been single and independent for so long that it bothers me so much. Sure I'd like to have someone to come home to, do things with, rant and rave to when needed, but my life is not at a standstill because my Facebook status does not say "IN A RELATIONSHIP".
And another thing...when I see photos of couples inevitably the woman has one arm around the his waist while her other is reaching across her body, touching the man on his chest/torso, while his is usually casually draped across her shoulder. It's like she has to stake a claim on him by doing this, grabbing on so he doesn't leave her. What is that all about?!?
C'mon ladies...even if you are married or in a REALTIONSHIP you can still embrace your independence and individuality...don't tie who you are to someone else.
I'm sure some of you will call me bitter, have at it...I know the difference.

My Revolution has been a Revelation

January 1st may be the start of a new year, but  February 1st will forever be known as the start of something new for me. One year ago today, well actually 367 days if we want to be technical, I started my "Revolution". I was tired of being the cute little fat one and decided it was high time I made some changes in my life. I had been "introduced" to myfitnesspal.com about a month prior and finally made a commitment to use it, learning about exercise, calories and portion control. I have to say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
So here I stand one year later...almost 30lbs gone, my "good" cholesterol is up 23+ points, "bad" is down 14 points and I'm hopefully off the blood pressure medication for good.

 

I can't say it's been completely easy, there have been some struggles along the way...but I have adopted the attitude "every day is a new chance to get it right" and it's been a revelation. Learning portion size was a real eye-opener, I now have a food scale that I use all the time...everything gets measured! Exercise is also a regular part of my life, I try to workout 5-6 days a week, mixing up what I do. I ran my first 2 5ks, one in November and 1 in December and plan on running more this year. I've also signed up for the Warrior Dash in May...what the hell I was thinking I do not know! But I'm gonna give it a shot.

Making changes can be stressful and scary, but in the end so worth it. I don't know why it took me so long to finally get to the point I was last year, but I guess that's how it happens...when you're ready. I'm looking forward to new adventures this year and to seeing what 2013 has in store for me!