Thursday, February 21, 2013

update

I had a wonderful trip to Lexington this weekend. After waking up at 2 in the morning, running across the airport wheeling a suitcase, missing my flight, and staying up 26 hours straight, it was all worth it. It was a weekend filled with the 3 most important f's, friends, family, and food! I got to see people who mean a lot to me and eat at places that I have been missing while in Virginia. It was kind of weird, being a visitor to Lexington and feeling like I am living a whole new, different life in Virginia. It was nice coming back to my new "home," though. But, that meant it was time to get back on my workout grind.

Putting my fitness goal here on my blog was the best thing I could have done. Honestly, it has kept me motivated. I'm not sure if it is because I want to share my success on here so it feels more real or what, but it worked.

I am about 3 weeks into my training. Like I said, I started out at about a 37 minute 3 mile. I have been running 4 days a week, pushing myself until I can't go any more. I am making some serious progress. My 3 miles is down to, wait for it, 27 MINUTES! Yes, that is right. I have brought it down 10 minutes in 2 and a half weeks. Also, when I started I could run about 3 minutes before having to stop. I am not kidding, so don't laugh at me. I have asthma, but I decided to not use that as an excuse anymore. I can now run 20 minutes without stopping. I cannot even believe it's real. Those who know me know how big of deal this is. So I'm telling you, anyone can do it. Just go out there and start slow. Yes, there are still days I don't want to get up and go workout, but once I do, I never regret it.

I tried to do the couch to 5k, which did not work for me. I kept wanting to run longer than the suggested intervals, and once I get going, I need to keep going. So I started setting my timer for 35 minutes, walking for 5 minutes as a warm up, and then running until I couldn't run anymore(this is where the pushing yourself comes in), taking a short break, then running until I couldn't anymore, taking a short(30-1 minute) break, and so forth until I reached 3 miles. I found that I was pushing myself further and further, competing with myself to make it a few more minutes each time. I have been doing this routine 3 times a week, supplemented by stretching and a 20 minute arm, leg, or ab workout. On the 4th day I have been doing a total body workout. Here is one that I have been doing. It is a total of 10 minutes, but it is killer and you don't need any equipment. Everyone has 10 extra minutes in their day!

10 minute total body workout

I also thought I would share some motivation



Here are some tips for overall fitness for any reality tv loving, junk food eating, couch potatoes like me:
1. Set a goal for yourself not associated with what the scales says
2. Make a rough plan of what you are going to do to reach your goal
3. Share your goal with someone. Make it public or find someone to workout with.
4. Get out there! Especially on the days you really don't feel like it. Those are the days that matter the most.
5. Drink lots of water! 
6. Find healthy food you enjoy eating, so it doesn't feel like a chore.
7. Don't keep any food that will tempt you to binge eat in your house (potato chips are a killer)

Until next time,

M

1 comment:

I'd love to hear what you have to say!