Stuff and Things

Things I am wanting right now:

• a mattifying lotion for my skin. I am VERY oily, and warmer temperatures are not helpful. I am basically shiny all the time, and I would like not to be.
• a really great maxi dress. I found the one I want...now I just need to go buy it.
• a new pair of New Balance. I found the ones I want, but they're not in my budget this week. I think these will be the shoes that carry me 13.1 miles in Chicago!
• a few days off work with nothing to do. Seriously, I want to just do nothing for a while. Not happening, though. Saturday is cleaning day, but you can trust that I'll sleep in! Oh, except not too late since I will be doing a 5K on the treadmill that morning. (Must keep personal commitments!)
• fun new shoes. I have a few pair in mind (and yes, they are Born shoes!), but I can't be greedy. I wonder if I can finagle a new pair from my hubby...?
• a house. I have one in mind, we're just getting ourselves financially ready for it.
• here's my biggie: I want my friend Lonna to have a full recovery from her double mastectomy/reconstruction surgery she had yesterday. That prayer is on its way to being answered, so I am happy about that want!

So there's my random list of things I want. Like you wanted to know all that. But I wanted to put it out into the universe. I tend to think that if we put things out there we have a much better chance of making them a reality. So that was me putting it all out there. :)

I went to bed early last night but I am sleepy this morning. I need to shake it off so I can be productive today!

5K Every Day

This is my new goal: a 5K every day. So what does this mean and how do I plan to do this? Good question! What this means is that every day I work out, I will do a 5K. 3.1 miles on a treadmill or outside. (At least!) So I have to make sure that five days a week I am doing a 5K. And how exactly do I plan to make this happen? This is going to be the hardest part for me. I'm going to either have to get up early, do it at the gym at lunch, or right after I get off work. But there has to be a 5K at least five days a week. So when will this madness begin? Tomorrow. It MUST start tomorrow. And right now, I am saying it will happen after work. I am going to go right to the gym, no going home beforehand. And a 5K will happen. I'll promise to report in and give my time. After after two weeks of this guess what gets added in? 10K Tuesdays! Yup! 6 miles on Tuesdays, but we're going to get into the habit of the 5K every day first. :)

So that's my new goal. I am begging you, friends, to ask me about this and help me stay honest. I won't lie to you...I'll tell you if it doesn't happen, but I know if I suspect you might be checking to see if I did it that I don't want to say I didn't. So I'll do it.

And with each step I get closer to the 13.1 mile finish line in Chicago. My Dad has come to all the 5Ks I've done so far, and he always waits for me close to the finish line and walks me in. It's a cool thing when you're tired and you think you can't go any farther, and then you see your Dad. I remember my first 5K, coming up over a hill and feeling like I could just give up. And there he was, waiting for me and cheering for me. My Dad always makes sure I know he believes in me, and I'm going to need that. I'll miss him in Chicago, but I'll be using my iPhone for my music so perhaps I'll call my Dad and have him get me across that finish line. It's a father-daughter thing, you know? So Dad, on August 1st, you'll probably be getting that phone call from me. I need you to help me finish the climb. I already know I'll want to hear you tell me I can do it, and that will help me stay strong and focused. (Love you, Dad!)

Monday Got Here Fast!

Seriously, where did the weekend go? It was so nice to get a chance to do fun things instead of having my nose in a book all weekend. Although true to myself, I opened up my Biology book and perused it some. Class starts in two weeks and I guess wanted to see what was coming. I will probably begin reading the first chapter next week so I can at least start ahead of things. Wow...I really am a school nerd. *sigh* But what did you expect? I want an A in both of my summer school classes. If I do that and then do well in the fall, there is a good shot at making Psi Chi, which is the psychology honor society. That is a HUGE goal of mine! It's nice to have it getting closer. :) I'm also hoping that I won't have to go to summer school next year, but if they offer something I need, then so be it. I'm getting to close now...I'm very ready to get into grad school and get to the meat of what I want to do.

I'm sitting here at work and really wishing I was anywhere but here. It's not the job, I just don't feel like being here today. (Well, it might be the job...I'm bored and it's just not what I want to do with my life.) But I am just not into it today. I'll live. Besides, we have a three day weekend in the not-so-distant future. I can hang in there for that!

Have a good Monday everyone!

Time To Breathe!

Now that I have time to breathe, I am happy to really focus on getting healthy. That's my main weight loss goal...to be healthy. Now, I'd be a liar if I told you that smaller sizes didn't matter, because I want to shop in "regular" stores. I also want to feel prettier, but honest-to-God, my main focus is on my health. Today I feel like something good has taken over in my head. It's that old, very focused me who plans ahead and sticks with that plan. Like tonight...I already know we're grilling dinner, and I know I am bringing my lunch to work tomorrow. Mom and I are going to do some menu planning together on Saturday, and that way I know what the plan is and I can stick with it much easier. All of this spells out good things for me, and I really want to stick to it.

I worked out with my trainer this morning, and I had a great session. I am able to push myself to do more and I feel so much stronger already! I really have to get the walking into place because August 1st will be here soon, and I want very badly to cross that finish line. I want to look back at those 13.1 miles and know I did it all. I can do this, but I have a lot of preparing ahead of me.

So I am having a good day. I feel good and I can see a bright future for myself. You know I love to envision? Me, graduating from TWU next year...walking across that stage in a cap and gown, but being much smaller than I am now. I love that mental picture, and I want to make it my reality. Because my reward for all that? I'm buying some killer shoes to walk that stage in!! :)

I Made It Through!

So the good news is that finals are finished! The bad news? There is no bad news! The grades are great and I am feeling so happy! I have 2 1/2 weeks before summer school, but that's ok by me. I will love this time with no homework! It will probably take me the whole time to clean the very neglected apartment. But I don't mind...it will be nice to not worry about the inverse of a matrix, the sum of a sequence, or logarithms! Ahhh...I am at peace!

I also have good news on the weight loss challenge front. Remember a few posts ago I mentioned that I might get to be part of a weight loss challenge in a national magazine? Well I don't have definite news yet, but I have gotten word that the magazine people really like my story and have a lot of interest. So please keep those prayers coming! I think being part of that could help me reinforce all those things I know I need to do. I'll reach my goal no matter what, but what a cool way to do it!! Oh, and I found a walking class I can take for 1 hour of credit (I need one last hour of electives...problem solved!) which will also help with that. Getting fit AND getting credit for it! Love it!

So yeah, I'm having a good day. I am tired as can be - I couldn't unwind very easily last night after that bear of an algebra final - but I am happy. A huge weight is lifted off me and I'm ready to have some time to recharge. I am excited to get a facial this weekend! I thank you package from the dealership when we got our new SUV, and it had lots of coupons, one for a facial at a very nice Southlake salon, so I am redeeming it Saturday morning! I might even treat myself to something new afterwards...maybe some lotion or other wonderful bath product...I love stuff like that!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! I know it's muggy out, but enjoy a little sunshine today...it's good for us!

The Middle Of Exam Hell

Yes, I am swamped. I'll post more when exams are finished. Did my oral presentation for my writing class tonight, and tomorrow night is the dreaded algebra. (sigh) Wednesday night is Sociology and then I am finished. Friday night is dinner with Kim to celebrate being done with this mess, too! :)

So that's what is going on. I hope everyone is well! I'll catch up soon!

Why My Parents Are Awesome

Because my Dad brought me a new battery for my mouse since I was working hard and didn't want to leave the apartment. Oh, and he brought me a strawberry snow cone. :)

My parents are awesome because they are so supportive, and they understand that me turning down an invite to lunch was only because I am working on homework like a crazy woman.

I really couldn't do any of this without them. I know tomorrow is Mother's Day, but I want to say thanks to both of you! I love you!

Quick Hello!

It's a busy day and I sure have plenty to do, but found this awesome recipe and had to share. I haven't made it...yet...but it looks like a good summertime drink! (And easy to make non-alcoholic if you prefer!)

Pink Lemonade Margaritas

Ingredients
1/4 cup tequila
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
2 tablespoons frozen pink lemonade concentrate
3/4 cup ice
2 tablespoons carbonated lemon-lime beverage
sliced lemon, for garnish

Directions
1 Combine the first 3 ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 3/4 cup ice and shake vigorously.
2 Pour into glass.
3 Top with lemon-lime beverage, and garnish with lemon.

Yum! Bring on the warmer weather! (Not the hot stuff, just the warmer stuff!!)

Anyhow, back to work for me!

Weekend Wrap-Up

What a fun weekend! Mom and I headed down to Austin to meet up with David, who was already there on business. Saturday was my friend Bryan's doctoral recital, and what a treat that was! His voice is so beautiful. We met way back in junior high when we were in choir together, and this man has ALWAYS been talented. (Not to mention a good friend, too!) I will always be grateful to Facebook for helping us reconnect! We drove home yesterday and after a day on the road I dove right in to the homework. Next week is finals, so there is much to wrap up.

It's going to be a busy day here at work...lots of projects begin today and that's a good thing. Being busy makes the day go by so much faster! I got to bed a little late, but I got a really good night's sleep. Nothing like my own bed!! Next weekend looks busy, but at least I get to stay home! Saturday, I'm helping Mom with some things around the house, and then on to celebrate my niece's First Communion. I'm happy to celebrate that with Rosemary! It's a big deal, and even though I am not Catholic I can sure appreciate the significance!! Now I need to figure out what to get her! Anyone have any ideas??

So that's it for this morning. After a weekend of really bad eating, I think I am on track to do well this week. I packed a healthy lunch and David is grilling for dinner, so we should do well. Now I need to squeeze my workout in!!

Have a good day everyone!!

Hooray For Friday!

Worked out with the trainer today, but I felt weak today. Not sure why. I am going to start taking a multi-vitamin to try and help combat that. That's okay...I'll be strong and ready next week! After work, Mom and I are heading down to Austin. David is already there for work, and we're going to hear my friend Bryan do his DMA vocal recital on the UT campus tomorrow. I can't wait!

My eating has gone downhill this week. It started out very well and just tanked. But I'll do better starting this weekend. I am needing to get it under control, and I can do this. Just need to stop eating the crap food. Ugh!

Oh, this is cool...I found this on Paula Deen's website:


A wonderful exfoliant and full body moisturizer for use in the shower. Leave a jar near your outdoor shower at the beach to add a healthy glow to dull dry skin.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sea salt
1/2 cup sweet almond oil (can substitute light olive oil or vegetable oil)
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Directions:
In a medium dry bowl, combine all ingredients making sure to not let any water touch them as it will dissolve the salt. Pour mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.
To use: Just before showering, swirl ingredients together with your fingertips to mix. Clean body completely and just before exiting shower, apply Citrus Salt Body Scrub to body in a firm circular scrubbing motion with hands or a soft washcloth. Rinse off the mixture and pat body dry with a clean towel.

I love body scrubs, so I am totally going to make this. If I like it, you all may be getting it for birthdays/Christmas!! Besides, it's easy and wouldn't be expensive to make. Go check out Paula's website for the Corrie's Kitchen Spa (http://www.pauladeen.com/index.php/tier_2/view/corries_kitchen_spa/) - it's her niece's recipes for different spa treatments. What a great idea for those of us who don't want to break the bank buying up fancy products! I think I might go buy some small mason jars for the scrub...it just seems like a good idea with Mother's Day coming up!

Anyhow, I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Austin, here I come!

Putting It Into The Universe

So I have a unique (possible) opportunity ahead of me. Last week I got an email from one of the people that works with Joy Bauer Nutrition. (Remember my Today Show experience?) Evidently, Joy writes a monthly column for a national women's magazine, and they are putting together a group of 10-20 women to follow from September through New Years Day through their weight loss journey. Joy's assistant emailed me and said I was the first person they thought of and wanted to know if I would be interested in submitting for that! Now, I have a lot of weight to lose, so I don't know that I would be someone they want to follow. I am betting they want people who could be at their goal weight by then and honestly, I don't think that's possible for me. But I have submitted all my info and should know something by the end of May. I'm not getting my hopes up, but it's fun to think that they would even want to consider me! I had to submit a couple of pictures and a bio, as well as my numbers. Yup. My starting weight and my current weight. Not too proud of either, quite frankly. My biggest anxiety about all of this is seeing my weight in print for everyone to see. Those numbers, both then and now, aren't very pretty and are really embarrassing. But I think it will be okay if they select me. My friend Bryan reminded me that we never see articles like this in magazines (Allure has done this many times) and have been disgusted and horrified by the women profiled. We are always encouraged and supportive. All of this is true, but I've never even told my husband my weight. We both know I'm not 130, so it's not like it will be a shock for him to find out I'm overweight, but that is such a personal thing for me, and it will be the hardest part. But if this works out, I know it's for a reason.

My trainer and I will bump up to an hour twice a week and my own workouts will increase as well. I have a plan in case they pick me, but I have been thinking that maybe if they don't I should be brave and start my own "article" here. I could be brave and put it all out there and really make this blog more about that journey. Not sure about that yet...we'll see what happens next month. But it's scary to think about all that. I think I would do well...I'd have to follow Joy Bauer's diet program and blog on the magazine's website. I can do those things. Heck, I blog here all the time...that's easy enough. But I keep going back to my weight numbers...I know of one very brave blogger who does that, and I know I have never felt anything but admiration and encouragement! (Yes, Kim Who Chases Rabbits, I mean you!) So maybe it will be okay. I might not even have to worry about it at all, but who knows. I'm not going to be sad if it doesn't work out. Somehow, God really does open a window when he closes a door. It all happens for a reason!

Have a wonderful Tuesday, friends!

Weekend Recap

It's been a busy end of last week/weekend! Thursday I spent time volunteering with Homeless Connect, and that was a really amazing experience. I came away knowing that I am blessed, and I need to make sure that I don't forget that. Friday I attended Joseph's mother's funeral. I love Joseph dearly, and that was tough. He's dealing with a lot of family drama, and some of it manifested itself at the funeral. I was glad I was there to stand by him. He's a wonderful person and I wish things were different for him. But he's dealing with the hand he was dealt, and doing it very graciously. I have such respect for him.

After that, I headed out to Lake Eufuala in Oklahoma to spend the weekend with Chris and her hubby and twin daughters. We had a blast! We just relaxed and played games and laughed ourselves silly! It was wonderful! I hated to leave on Sunday, but we'll see each other next month at some point I'm sure. We're good about planning to get together monthly. :)

So now it's Monday, and I wish I had a little more time at home. The semester is winding down, and there is much to be done with school. Tonight I don't have to go to class, but I still have homework to email the professor. Ugh!

So I hope everyone is having a good Monday! The weather sure is nice right now, and I am going to work out after work. A walk outside sounds so good!!

S.H.I.T.*

(*Sure Happy It's Thursday! What did you think that meant?)

It's been a good week. It started out with me a funk, but it's looking up! :) I've had a lot going on with school, but the semester is only 3 weeks long now, so I can make it! Then I get a couple of weeks off and it's right back to it. But hey, each semester is only 5 weeks long, and with only one class each time I can focus on just the subject at hand. That's a nice thought!

I've had a unique opportunity come my way this week. Nothing is a sure deal yet, but I am keeping it close to the vest until I know something. Until then, I would ask for you to pray for courage for me. It's a cool deal, but I'm going to have to be a little brave and a lot focused for this to happen. Don't worry...I'll be sharing more in the future. :)

Today is going to be very awesome. I am going to be doing volunteer work with the Homeless Connect project. Mom and I are both doing this, and I don't know what all we'll be doing today, but I'm excited to be doing something for others.

Tomorrow is a mix of sad and happy. Joseph's mother passed away earlier this week and I will be going to the funeral tomorrow morning. He is such a dear friend and he was there for me when my Gran passed away five years ago. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to support him in his difficult time...he has always been there when I needed him.

After the funeral I am heading up to OK to spend the weekend with Chris and her family. I can't wait!! Her twin girls are WAY too cute and her hubby is such a nice guy! We're all going to their lake house for the weekend...ahhh! Peace! David has to fly to Portland this morning and won't be back until Sunday, so he'll be missing everything this weekend, which he is really hating right now. But it can't be helped...it's the nature of the shoe biz!

So that's it in a nutshell. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Can I Just Feel Human Again?

I am so tired this morning. I slept horribly, feel grumpy this morning, and would just like to go back to bed and not come out from under the sheets. I think the end of semester rush to get things done is getting to me. I really need some sort of break...the two weeks in between the spring semester and summer school will hopefully help. I am driving up to Chris' this weekend in Union City. I think this is going to be a good break, but I have to make sure I have all my homework done BEFORE I go up there because I doubt I will want to do it when I get home Sunday night. I talked with Chris last night and I think we're going to spend the weekend at their lake house...this will be good stuff!

I was going to do the 5K Saturday, but we got out there and it really started raining hard. I've done a 5K in the rain, and I HATE it. I don't like being soaking wet and walking in wet, squishy socks and shoes. So back home we went. I ended up doing my 5K on the treadmill, but it doesn't have that same personal satisfaction. Oh well. So I feel like a letdown there. We were supposed to have friends over Sunday, but David came home Saturday night feeling worn down and with the rain and some last minute projects that got piled on him for work, cooking out and having friends over just wasn't going to work out for him. So I feel like nothing that was supposed to happen this weekend got to happen. I spent my day working on homework instead. Which is a good use of time, but it wasn't what I wanted to do. Oh well...I guess I don't get things to go my way all the time.

So today I just feel blah. I'd rather not interact with people and I want to just pull the covers over my head and not come out. I just feel that way today, and that's all there is to that. I know...I'm a grumpus and I think for today I'm going to just stay in my cube and do what I need to do. I have school tonight so I'll finally get to call it a day around 8:30 after I get home. I think I'll just take a bath and go to bed. It might be safer for everyone if I just keep to myself.

So while nothing bad has happened, I am in a crummy mood. It might be nice if it passed soon. I'll try and be more cheery tomorrow. Ugh.

What A Week!

Whew! It's been a long, difficult week. Hello, PMS! Yeah, I was a beast for most of this week. David gets kudos for putting up with me in all my bitchy glory. Yeah, there just isn't a nice way to put that. I was unpleasant. But I am MUCH better now, and very glad it's Friday!

Tomorrow is the 5K at the zoo! Kim and I will hopefully finish before any bad weather heads our way...everyone pray that the rain holds off for a while! I hate doing these 5Ks in the rain. Done that before and didn't like it! But while I don't expect a personal best tomorrow, I am really looking forward to doing it. It's practice for the 13.1 miles I am doing on August 1st. Man, that date keeps getting closer!

I didn't do great on my algebra test, but I passed. I'm going to take that and just be okay with it. Honestly I am just ready to be done with this class. I have statistics in the fall, but that will be for psych majors and I'll actually be in the classroom for that. I think it will be much better!

I think that may be about it. I just finished with my trainer and I'm tired!!! Have a good Friday, all!

Landmarks

It's funny how we tie ourselves emotionally to certain things. I watched the demolition of Texas Stadium Sunday morning (from the comfort of my own bed), and as we watched it happen, David and I help hands and didn't even speak. I felt a lump well up in my throat, and my eyes welled up a bit, although neither of us cried...outwardly. It was sad to watch an iconic building reduced to rubble in 60 seconds. I've seen countless concerts there, the last one being the Dave Matthews band with my friend Karen, who passed away about six years ago. I always thought of her when I drove by there and remembered how being at that concert with her was the last time I got to spend with her before she died unexpectedly. I've been to corporate team buildings there, and stood proudly on that star in the middle of the field. You look up at that massive ceiling and felt so small because everything else there was so big! Somewhere I have a picture of that...I just have to find it.

While I never went to a Cowboys game there, I saw my share of high school playoffs. (Go THS Trojans!) And the legends that walked the field...Staubach, Lilly, Aikman, and most importantly Tom Landry. None will ever be forgotten.

So the Cowboys will play on in the House That Jerry Built. It's lovely. I know, I've been there a few times. But I will always have fond memories of Texas Stadium. Nothing replaces the original!

(And on a completely different note, this posting is my 800th blog entry!! Is that crazy? 800!! Stay tuned and see what happens during the next 800!)

Finally! Friday Has Arrived!

I am so glad it's Friday, and I bet you are, too! I am looking forward to relaxing tonight. Well, I'll be making myself dinner and doing homework. I guess that isn't really relaxing, but I don't mind. In high school the idea of being home on a Friday night doing homework was awful! I guess being 37 and staying home to do homework simply makes me responsible, right? :)

I work out with Susan again today. My arms are sore from yesterday but my legs aren't too bad. I suspect they will be after today! We're going to try dips today. We'll see how that goes! LOL!

Tomorrow morning I am going to get up and go for a 3.2 mile walk/jog. I'm looking forward to it since the weather will be nice. I want to get it done early to that I have more time to do homework. Yes, I plan to be doing it tomorrow, too. But I'm also getting my hair done in the morning and since color will be involved I have to get my exercise in beforehand. I can't wash my hair for 24 hours after its colored so if I plan to burn any calories it needs to happen around 7am. And yes, for me that really is sleeping in!

This upcoming week I am going to challenge myself to take a class at the gym. I don't know what it will be, but that will be my big challenge for the week. I'll be looking at the schedule today so I'll commit to it here and you'll know about it. And then you can help me be accountable!

I think that's about it for today. David will be home Saturday night, but I'll be out so I won't see him until after I get home. However, we have Sunday together, and he doesn't leave town again until next Friday. He'll only be gone one night, so that's not too bad. But a week from tomorrow is my 5K with Kim and I am looking forward to it. :)

Stay strong and focused, friends! Whatever your goals are, keep your eye on the prize!

Fun Fact

Just as a silly side note, today is my 5 year blog anniversary! Who knew I would ever have 5 years of things to say? I know it hasn't always been important or even interesting, but I'm glad you stop by to read. :)

So happy anniversary to my blog!

Challenge Yourself

So what exercise did I do last night? Mom and I walked at the mall. Probably didn't get my heart rate up as much as I should have, but we did get out and move, which is what I needed. Today I worked with Susan and I did 3 sets of 9 push ups! (Last week it was 3 sets of 8!) And these were hard...push ups on a bar laid over a Bosu ball...tough stuff!! So yeah, feeling good about that!

Tomorrow I work with Susan again, and I am going to try something new. I want to use the machine that you do dips on. I don't know what it's called, but maybe I can find out tomorrow. I've never tried it, and I want to push and stretch the boundaries of what I could do before. This is the new me, and I'm rockin' it! I weighed myself today, and after a week of doing just okay (Easter foods, some fast food thrown in for good measure) I maintained this week. I'm okay with that! But only for this week...this girl wants to make the scale move! I've started weighing myself weekly (Thursdays) in the gym here at work and I like the accountability.

The 24 Hour Fitness website has a section you can click on to find new ways to challenge your workouts. I'm doing 2 this week: I signed up for a 5K and I am trying a new machine in the gym. You should go to www.24hourfitness.com and check it out! It's not groundbreaking or anything, but it's fun to see what they suggest you try. I think this helps me. I like goals and challenges, so this is a fresh way for me to keep it interesting.

What will you try? How will you challenge yourself? Pick one thing. Just one. (Unless you're up for more than that.) But it only takes one small thing to make a big difference. And you can do this! How do I know? Because I can do this. More importantly, WE can do this. Whatever your struggle, you're not alone. That's the biggest lesson I have learned so far...no one can do this alone. No one should have to, either. I know I said a lot of this yesterday, but I think it bears repeating. We are all wonderfully made and we should celebrate that! Give yourself permission to be the person you want to be. And make mistakes or eat something cheesy or chocolaty and don't feel bad! Because guess what? As long as we are breathing we have the chance to pick up and move on to our next victory. And we need to see our lives as a series of victories. Sure, in between I know I have tough times, but I can look back and truthfully say that my victories are that much sweeter because of my tough times.

So celebrate how fabulous you are and make a decision right now...what one thing will you decide to challenge yourself with this week? Whatever it is, you can do this and you aren't alone!

5K Days Are Here Again

So I have signed up for the 5K at the Ft Worth Zoo! I am so excited! Kim and I are going to do it together, so that makes it even more fun! (Oh, and we get a free ticket to the zoo for participating!) I am really looking forward to getting back to doing these 5Ks. They were good for me and kept me moving and competitive. My competition was always my last best time. I've not done one in quite a while, so I doubt I can best my last time, but that's okay...I'm going to start training hard, even though I only have a week and a half. I don't mind...no matter what I am excited to be back and doing these again! I need to start looking for the next one now. My half marathon is 16 weeks from this Sunday. I would be a liar if I didn't say I am scared. 13.1 miles is a long way, and when you're not a thin person, that's a lot of weight to carry with you. But you know what? I'm going to give it everything I have. I may or may not finish, but I really hope I do! I'll be doing everything I can to drag myself across that line in under 3 1/2 hours. (You have to finish in 3.5 hours...they close the course after that!) Basically this means I need to be at about a 15 minute mile. Sounds easy for most people, but I had been at about a 17.5 minute mile. (Let's remember I am more of a walk/jog kind of gal.) So I have to step it up. That scares me a little bit, but I have time if I really focus. So I have my trainer to help with my strength building, and I have me for the distance/time training. I have a lot of work ahead of me! I'm going to start by walking daily. I can pick one day a week to rest, which will most likely be Fridays since I will have worked with Susan on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I need that one day to let my muscles rest, but Saturdays and Sundays HAVE to be hardcore days from now on. When I say hardcore I mean that I need to burn 1000 calories on those days. This is going to have to include a lot of cardio (aka speed walking and jogging) and maybe even a SET class at 24 hour. This feels intense and I am excited about getting hardcore...scared, but excited! I'm going to start fueling my body with mots of lean proteins and veggies, and really monitor what goes in. I need to learn to think of myself as an athlete. I know, you wouldn't think that if you saw me, but I want to have that visual. If I can see it, I can make it happen. I always know something is attainable if I can imagine myself in the moment. I need to work on visualizing myself at that finish line in Chicago.

So I am going to start reporting daily what I did to train. We'll take this a step at a time, and I will be training for the 5K. My goal for the 5K? I'd love to say 45 minutes but I am a realist. Let's shoot for 52 minutes on that one. No matter what, I am going to give it my all.

So tomorrow's post will include a summary of today's training. If you don't see it, call me out on it!! (Trust me, you'll see it!)

What will YOU do to challenge yourself? It doesn't have to be running related. Maybe it's a small step toward a bigger goal. Maybe today you go the whole day without a soda. Or one less soda. Share your goals here...I want to cheer for you!