Well, go figure, I have yet to make it to the gym OR pick out a race. So, unless you count working 3 double-shifts back-to-back waitressing working out, I have not worked out.

I need some motivation to get moving - I always feel so much better after a good, hard sweat-session. Seeing as I have to work tonight as well, Sunday will have to be day #1 at the gym. Seeing as I need to study for a biology test that I have Monday, the gym should be a good place to clear my head and get in gear to study.

Sometimes my best source of motivation is fitness and/or health magazines (probably a total waste of money, but hey, whatever works, right? A few of my favorites are Self, Shape, and Fitness. They each have motivational articles and success stories, which are highly motivational for me. The best part: they show such CUTE work-out gear, a must in my book.

Shape.com, for instance, has great training programs like 5 Weeks to a 5K, which is obviously a great starting point for me. It lays out an easy plan for any runner, experienced or a beginner.

See:

Shape even offers different suggestions if you're training for a harder race. Pretty cool, huh? 

I think this is yet ANOTHER good starting point - getting information, re-interested, and motivated. 

Let's see how tomorrow goes! 

Step 1

Alright, so here's the back story to this blog. Last May I completed my first half-marathon with my dad after working for a little over a year to lose about 65 pounds. Although I've kept the majority of the weight off, my exercise has slipped. Remembering the endorphin rush I got from running makes me realize that I want - and need - exercise and running back in my life. It was something I did strictly for me - my body, my mind, my health. Now all I need is a little motivation. So, I am looking to sign up for a race. 


Typically, I visit the local Lawrence, KS runners' website to find a race. I'm looking for a 10k race, which is 6.2 miles, to complete by the end of the semester and to finish averaging 10 minutes per mile. Getting to the gym or outside to start exercising is usually the hardest part, but once I'm there I work hard. 


Today, I will start by just going to the gym to exercise - nothing hard - just a start. Most likely this will be the first song on my playlist. Call me crazy, but it always gets me going. 

...And now I'm at the starting line.