New Goals

I always have a problem staying physically active, excuses are so much easier..my workout pickles!! My workout schedule usually consists of a variety of exercises. For me variety is best.. I get bored. When I was getting prepared for my wedding- I literally hit the ground running and was feeling so good. I completed a 6 week 10K workout. I do not enjoy running but having goals and running in intervals really helped make it fun. I would also take walks, ride the North Caroline bike trails with Keith, and practice yoga throughout the week. Once I hit my 6 week goal, I was over it and I stopped running. And after awhile they all started to trickle off. After too much time off I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. 

I need to remember this more often!

Currently I saw this on Facebook.. this website has fun, quick exercises that go along with a song. I was doing them when I wake up in the morning to give me that bolt of energy and start my day bumping! Five Song Workouts

BUT the newest goal I have... I have started training for a half marathon! I found an awesome schedule, Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training Guide.

Reasons why I choose it:

• It has stretching and strength on Mondays, which I can knock out with my yoga class that I already take, win-win!
• It focuses on distance, not speed. I am not a natural runner and my little short legs don't run too fast.
• It has been easy to move days around with my traveling schedule.
• It has 'cross-training' days where I can bike with my husband! And give my knee a break.

I am on my second week! I am really feeling great so far.. I'm not doing it solely for my body's appearance, rather more for completing a goal of mine and feeling good! But I can't complain about the differences I've already seen in my body! Although when I look ahead and see the 10 mile days I feel a little panic. But right now i'm just taking one day at a time and trying to figure out the best way to fuel by body pre- and post- workouts that works for me. Any suggestions?! I will keep you posted on what I try and what works for me.

I have been also tracking my progress on the Map my Run app (free!). It's really helpful for my bike rides too, to track my routes and miles. I will have to use it when I can stand the heat and run outside too. My stats so far... 24.27 miles, 4 hours 46 mins.

I have planned all my races as well, they match perfectly to my schedule!! The Hit the Brixx 5k in Charlotte, September 14. Run Like a Girl 10k in Columbus, OH on Oct 5. And the big day is November 16, Charlotte's Thunder Road Half Marathon!
Let me also mention, and I swear I didn't pick these races because of this BUT, for my 5k there is free pizza and pasta buffet after!! (Brixx is a wood fired pizza joint in Uptown Charlotte, haven't tried it yet but it is on our list to try) And for my 10k you get a free bottle of wine!!

Keith has gotten a little bit of the bug too. We are already thinking about this 10k in the spring. Have any of you ever heard of the Cooper Bridge Run?! I have heard really amazing things. Another goal to keep me in running shape through the holidays!

Um this looks so terrifying, yet amazing!!

Question of the day:

What is your favorite physical activity?

If you have or are training for a half marathon/marathon what is your advice?

Cheers, Whitney