Starting the week on the right foot & Making the right decision

Sometimes it seems as if we are all alone and that talking about a problem or situation with anyone will not help.  We all need someone at one point to serve as this person for us, but recognizing that this person might change or disappear at times is necessary.  Or finding alternative ways to handle the situation can also lead to personal growth.

About five months ago, I realized it was time to make changes.  Being stubborn and struggling with the situation, though, I resisted.  In reality, the change began, when I transferred schools in college, but it got much more prominent, when I moved farther from home.  I did not realize it, though, until this week.  Recognizing the change and dealing with it, however, are two different things.  I had come to a dead end, but failed to recognize it.

In college, I deliberately started changing what information I shared and, it appears, the time has come yet again to be judicious with information.  I am not out to be the number one attention grabber, but I also need to work - again - on recognizing that I can make good decisions.  If your confidence and emotions go through enough hard times, it may appear to be gone.  In reality, though, it comes back, when you let yourself make a good choice and then make another to build on top of it.

Four days ago, a friend of mine encouraged people to join her in doing the 30 day plank challenge.  Today, she shared an article about why planks are so good for you.  Granted - I am not buying what the author said 100%, but I am feeling better about doing something exercise related besides walking each day.  Also - just participating on a team is always fun.

Reality is not always pretty, but being aware of it never hurts.  So - since I am almost over the bug - I am going to return to try and run three times this week.  One of those runs might be the race next Saturday, which I will definitely shorten to the 5k and I will not race it.

Happy Saturday Night!

30 day Plank Challenge - Ready, Set, Go!

Hey All!

Despite not being able to run or rather lacking the energy most days and weekends to go, a friend posted about the 30 day plank challenge and I started it today.  Yep - I am fun and don't follow the trends and so I am a day behind.  I am doing the 30 day plank challenge available here.  By using google, you can locate other challenges here.  Will I get to being able to hold it the entire time? Maybe not, but I will focus on proper form and holding it as long as possible.  I might even break up the time in little 60 minute sections, since I have heard this is better for you.

Happy Exercising - regardless of whether it is running, walking, or whatever is working for you!
Margaret

Fighting a bug & Recap

Sometimes, you catch a bug and that pretty much determines your actions for the week or weekend.  I knew that I was heading that direction, when I could not get warm and then I would wake up hot and stuffy headed.  Thankfully, I was able to just sleep and do little all weekend.

In terms of running, I am not sure what the race on October 1st will hold.  I will not race it and I might switch it down to a 5k instead of my preferred 10k entry.  If I have learned anything in the past year, since the craziness hit, it is to take care of myself first and run later.  Allergies are just plain nasty.

So happy running to those of you who can and for those of us on the sidelines, cheer with all your heart as if you were running!

Update - I really focused on getting sleep this weekend and by getting in bed early, I am feeling better.  I will be ecstatic, if I can run once or twice this week, but I am not pushing it.  I used to prioritize sleep in college and grade school, even when times were stressful, and I need to get back to it.  I am more efficient and my body is happier.  Also the temptation to nap during the day - which I stink at doing - is minimal.

Professionally, I have some deadlines on the horizon and that means I need to keep the motivation and concentration at peak levels.  This should not appeal at all during the work day:

Let's have a great week and be happy with whatever exercise we can manage while being ourselves.

Weekly Goals Recap & Monday Rundown

It's official.  As of last Friday, I signed up for a 10k.  I only hope that this time I can actually do it.  The race is on October 1st and later that day a running BBQ is scheduled in Cincinnati.  How fun does that sound?  I might try to car pool with others from my area.

Last weeks goals:

Run 3x -- missed by 1 (Sunday, Tuesday)
Crosstraining -- done (I count walking to/from the mail area and climbing stairs.

Goals for this week:

Run 3x (Monday!)
Crosstraining - 3x (must be more than walking and climbing stairs.)

Beyond that, I am just plain tired.  This appealed so much, but I just fought the yawns instead:

This week is off to a good start and it will be busy.  I will try to post three times this week, but we shall if that happens.

Happy Exercising!

"Celebrate Today, Come On, Come On"

Three and half-years (give or take a few months) later, my first house sells today.  Closing occurs later today.  Why should I celebrate?  Real estate is slow to move in that area and I was lucky - despite some really tough sports - sell it.    

It is now to time celebrate and give a huge thanks to all who helped get me to this point!  It was not without dread, panic, fear, borderline tears, and frustration at various points.

A special word of thanks goes to the following people:

My brother - I could not have relocated or stuck to pushing back without your support.  Thanks heaps!

My parents - 3/4 of the much needed changes would not have happened without you.  Next time - I will ask more, get tons of opinions, and not sign anything until I am comfortable and so are you.  Thanks for being who you are and here's to a future with less stress!

My extended family - you helped me find a new place, welcomed me with open arms, and gave good ideas on how to sell the house.  I could not be more thankful and I am counting your help for finding the next one!

It's not Thursday, but I think this post counts for numerous Thankful Thursdays.

Acceptance: Dairy Free for 7 Days Minimum & Comeback Time (Writing for Accountability!)

After battling a bug (upset stomach, no appetite) and not being careful about what I was eating, starting yesterday I decided to live dairy free for a week.  This is a challenge, since cheese and yoghurt are delicious and perfect things to eat on hot summer days.

Speaking of summer, I went for a run (yay) and the weather was surprisingly nice.  To help myself keep the momentum going, I am committing to setting weekly goals in the Believe Journal, which I purchased two years ago (no frowns, please - I have done lots of reading out of it!)!  If I surpass the goals, I might give myself a huge pat on the back and treat.  Or I might just stick with getting in better shape as the treat.  Either way folks, I am back on the road and nothing is stopping me!

I would love to say the Oiselle Meetup will happen for me in a few weeks time, but I am literally taking it a day at a time right now.

Happy Running!

My Latest Obsession & Return to Exercise

Rarely do I enjoy any computer game - the exception is Settlers of Catan and only when I play with family - for a long time.  Pokemon Go, for instance, held my interest for all of parts of 2 days.  Toy Blast held my attention for 4 days.  Farmville 2, on the other hand, has made it for a whole week and it might continue.  Initially, when I played Farmville back in 2009, I thought it was the dumbest game on the planet.  Literally - you got penalized for not harvesting the crops and having hungry animals.  This time, though, they have modified it and you can leave it and return days later with no penalty.  It does still try and make you pay for money (Farm Bucks), but they have an option where you can take surveys.  Will this game continue holding my interest beyond the 2 week period?  I don't know, but the animals are cute.

Starting Monday, I am gong to get back into an exercise routine. Yesterday - I felt lousy, primarily due to not handling things well.  I slept a lot, relaxed, and today I am feeling closer to normal.  Tuesday, I have the opportunity to pickup something I started doing in college and then again during my DC years.  Am I excited?  You betcha.  It is likely that I will be the only adult and not the most fit, but it will be good to get back into it.  Can you guess - based on a picture that is not 100% relevant - what it might be?

Happy Long Labor Day Weekend!  If you don't get a long weekend, I hope you are able to enjoy what time you have.

Happy Exercising!

Happy September!

Happy September!  This month marks the beginning of the fall and the kickoff of the holidays.  Yes, the time between September and November is greater than most, but I still love knowing Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

In July, I commented that getting through August would be a challenge.  It was in every way I could think of and more so.  It feel as though I have been on the run or fixing something, almost since July 5th.

So - today, I am thankful August is done.  Come on, September - let's see what fun things can be accomplished.  Given the craziness, it is unlikely that I will run in the 5k Run/Walk Saturday.   Instead, I will get in at least one run this holiday weekend (hello 3 day weekends) and work towards establishing a better exercise and blogging routine this next month.

Happy Exercising, All!  I hope the month of September brings wonderful things your way.