Sometimes it just SUCKS.

After having two amazing runs last week of 4+ miles each, I was ready to run today. The weather was beautiful. A slight breeze. Cooler temperatures. I was ready to rock. Super energized and ready to go. My goal was to run 5 miles down to the beach and back today.

I started running and I felt pretty good. My first mile was right on target. I was feeling pretty good! Then around mile 1.75 I started having some cramping in my left hip. My quads started feeling really tired around 2 miles. I tried to let my mind wander and think of other things. I decided to turn around and keep  going, and then the cramping got worse. I felt like my legs were going to fall off. They were heavy and just hurting. I stopped to walk for a minute and then I tried again. It was worse.

I was pissed. Here I am, 2 miles away from home, and I am f-ing walking. I tried, and tried, but I just couldn't get there. By then, it was late, and I had to get home. I called Kevin to come get me. Something I have never done since starting my challenge back in March. UGH. I was so disappointed in myself. I know, some days just don't go as planned, but today, I thought would be the day that I would run 5 miles by myself, without a partner.

I am not sure what my problem was today. My guess is I probably did not drink enough water - something I fight with each and every day. I am not good at drinking enough. I need to work on that.

So, I will try again and just chalk today up to "well, at least I got some exercise..." - I could have just sat on my ass and ate bon bons instead!

Everyday can't be perfect. I guess. Until next time...

Six Months...

It is hard to believe it has been six months since I started my challenge (Mar01). I am amazed to look at myself and see where I have gotten myself. I never thought in a million years I would have succeeded with my 90 day challenge, let alone, continue running willingly.

When I started my challenge, I weighed in about 129lbs (give or take a pound), and today, I weighed in at 117lbs. I couldn't be happier. Honestly. I never thought I would have gotten to the day where I look forward to getting dressed. Putting on clothes. And fitting in them. Comfortably. I am at the weight I was when I married Kevin and found out I was pregnant with Mairead (remember, she was a honeymoon baby!).

This whole challenge has been more about weight loss. I didn't care so much about the amount of weight lost, but more about how I felt about myself. I had been tired of feeling crappy. Not fitting into clothes and not feeling comfortable in them. It sucked. I wanted to get my body healthy again for myself. I remember how energized I felt when I used to exercise and I wanted to feel that good again.

Now, six months later, I have passed my goal of 90 days and gone on to succeed for 6 months. I have been disappointed in how often I have exercised over the summer, but, I am continuing to do it and that is all that matters, right? I still have a long way to go. I want to tone my body and I don't care if any weight comes off. I just want to tone up a bit more - especially in that muffin top region. It's still there, much smaller, but still there.

When I started, I could barely run for 60 seconds without wanting to die, and today, I am running 3-4 miles regularly and not dying. I can finish a run and feel amazing. I would never have thought I'd ever feel so good after running. I never thought I would ever look forward to running in a 6 mile race! It has done wonders for my self esteem! Seriously, if you haven't tried the couch to 5K, I really, really think you should try it!

I have to get myself back on track with running! I am signed up for a 6.2 mile segment in a marathon relay in early October. I look forward to that getting me back on track. I look forward to training for that alongside my husband and food friends.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my challenge to get fit....we're not done yet!

Happy 6 months to me and to anyone else who joined in the exercise challenge with me.