Let the running begin

I skipped out on Pilates today and decided instead to go running. I set out to run a 3:1, my old ratio that I trained with last summer. I wanted to run three miles to just see what time I could do it in. After a few minutes I decided I would just try to run as much of the three miles as I could instead of doing a run walk ratio. 36 minutes and a few seconds later I stopped running. I did three miles without stopping which for me is a huge feat. Only once did I ever run 2 miles without stopping and today, after not running for months I did 3 miles without stopping and averaging slightly over a 12 minute mile which is a minute and a half faster than what I trained for the 1/2 marathon at. My goal is to do my 3 mile "trail" and finish with my 2 mile corbin loop to make 5 miles. If I can do 5 mile maintenence runs without stopping throughout the week I will be thrilled. It is amazing what running minus 20 pounds will do! Thinking ahead to my two 1/2 marathons in September - I should be running with at least another 20 pounds off my body. I cannot wait to see what I will be able to accomplish without all the added weight.
Today just showed me that I am indeed a runner and got my excited to start running again...bring it on!

It's been a long year baby...

A year ago I decided to run my fat butt across a 1/2 marathon finish line in Virginia Beach and run across it I did. This March my fat butt is a bit smaller - and is again making the decision to run across that 1/2 marathon finish line in Virginia Beach (and Philly 2 weeks later). I cannot wait to begin running more and training because I am in such better shape than this time last year. An exciting part of this process will be competing in the Reclaim program at the YMCA(formerly known as Biggest Loser). I am 1 week in and loving the strength training built especially for me - keeping in mind that I wanted a program to help make me a better runner! Over the next 11 weeks I am hoping to see a mind and body transformation and then be running my not fat butt across 2 1/2 marathon finish lines in September.

And a side note for those that know me really well... During the Reclaim program we have these optional group challenges - Kayaking, Rock Climbing & a Run, Hike, Crawl. What did I sign up for.... you guess wrong I'm sure - ROCK CLIMBING! The guy sold the rock climbing experience so well (and after reading about Heather's love of rock climbing) I've decided to give it a try. Never would I have found myself in a rock climbing gym without a program like this, so I shall attempt it in May. Let's just hope I drop a bunch mroe weight before I try to hoist my body up on a wall in front of other people. Yikes!