Going for the Great

In March, I ran my first 5k: The Reno Leprechaun Chase. It was exhilarating. I ran well- or better than I expected.

Something's happening to me and I can't explain how it's happening- even to myself. I'm really enjoying running.
When I don't get a run in, I feel sad.
I find myself searching for local races by month.
I am not sure where this running journey is going to take me. I just know, I can't stop.
I'm loving it.
I enjoy running.

In May, I ran my 2nd 5k: The Reno Moms on the Run race. It was awesome. The race was on Mother's Day. My family came to the race to cheer me on. I had a slower time. Still- I raced and I loved it.

My husband dyed shirts pink and the kids told him what they wanted to write on them. Sweetest thing ever!

Shortly after that race, my oldest son asked if he could run a race.

We've been running together in the evenings. It's incredible. The time together after our runs is especially sweet. After a few weeks of running, his desire to run is strong. It's exciting to see. I couldn't run with him last night because I had a date with my husband. My son ran on his own during the day.

He runs his first race on Sunday. It's our first race together. I am excited for this run because my times during training are getting faster. I am excited for my son. I look forward catching up with him at the finish line.

My Shape

One of my goals for the year is to get in better shape. 

I want to be happy with how I look and feel good.
Along with setting this goal, I am relearning a simple truth: changes take time.

Here's what I am doing to work on this goal:

Increasing my exercise. To be honest, I did not exercise much at all during November and December. I basically took two months off. Oops.Oh ya, I felt the effects of that choice. It feels great to be exercising again. I can tell a huge difference in how I feel when I exercise regularly.

My goal is to exercise 5 days a week. I think that will be attainable most weeks.

Eat healthier. I am working on both portion control and eating healthier foods.

I started using MyFitnessPal.com. I never  have liked the idea of calorie counting. When my husband told me about the site, I balked at the idea of logging everything I eat. And then a week later I tried it and I loved it. Here's why- I am learning about what I eat! I am not as concerned about the calories (although I am paying attention). I love learning which foods contain carbs, protein and fiber. This is a great tool to use to learn about nutrition. Or, at least it is a great tool for someone who knows very little about nutrition.

Some of my goals include:
Have a protein at each meal.
Eat a meatless dinner at least once week.
Eat fish once a week.

The hardest of these three goals will be eating fish. I love fish. We just haven't had it as a regular part of our diet.

Stay strong and continue to strive to be healthy, even when I have an unhealthy day.

I think this quote sums up my attitude.