Today's ride

I've mentioned in a few blog posts that I started training for a half marathon at the end of August. The half marathon will be the second week of November. This training program includes a lot of cross training, one thing I have neglected though out my weight loss efforts. I told myself in the beginning I needed to be able to comfortably live on the calorie budget I was given without having to rely on calorie burning. This is both a blessing and a curse. I have learned to make smarter food choices on a daily basis to achieve my weight loss but also I still am not in the best condition and I tire easily. I got a bike and a membership at the YWCA for swimming so I have the tools necessary now, to start cross-training.

Each time that I run, bike or swim, I learn something new about myself. Monday, I was in a panic that I wont be able to do this half marathon. Day one of the second week, out of nine, and I was already giving up.

I had made up my mind:
I had taken too much time off this summer,
I was too weak,
I was not dedicated enough.

I ran anyways. Instead of hating myself because it wasn't my best run, I gave myself constructive criticism and a little congratulations, just for making the first step. I still don't feel ready for a half marathon but I guess that is the point of the training program, right? When I started couch to 5k in January 2010 I never thought it would ever be possible for me to run for 30 minutes with no stopping.

The rest of the week was better. I still didn't want to run on Thursday but I felt stronger after I forced myself to run. My wednesday cross-training is swimming with my sister. She was a competitive swimmer growing up so she is an excellent teacher and a wonderful motivator. I am glad to have my sister home from California.

Today was a big victory for me. I went for a bike ride as my cross-training today. Not a long ride, just 4.5 miles, 30 minutes. I pushed myself to try to work harder. I came home from my ride and looked in the mirror. I felt more healthy and comfortable, gross and sweaty, than I have in months.

What is your little victory today?

 Guitarplayingmommy,

Heather