Here's the Deal

Here's the deal, and I'm going to level with you.  It's hard to get out and run all the time, right?  Consistency, for me, has been a huge challenge in North Carolina.  Well, since my marathon in November, I've been a running slacker.  An exercise slacker.  Not a bit of a one, but a big one.  Excuses, excuses - yes, I have a lot of them, but really none of them matter.

And here's what I've found: I am a grumpy little grumpster when I don't exercise.  I'm tired, I don't want to eat healthy foods, I don't have any energy during the day, and all I want to do is NOT EXERCISE when I don't exercise.  I hate that place.  I hate,  hate, hate being in that place.

So last week, I had a few really good workouts.  A run or two with Maggie and an Xtend class that I was sore from for days.  I felt amazing, happy, accomplished.  Skinnier even, though I am sure I wasn't, but my body image changed - just like that.

Today, a long walk with Erin and a 75 minute yoga class.  The moment I stepped out of the class, I felt refreshed, stronger, happier and more fulfilled.  Ready to take on more.

So case and point:  Exercise makes me happy.  Thank you endorphins.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I will not neglect you any longer.

An Interesting Idea ...

What if you ran every distance this year?  Started from the bottom and moved to the top.

5K
8K
10K
Half Marathon
Full Marathon

North Carolina's might look like this:
5K - Run for the Roses 2/7/10
8K - HardCore Serious Trail Runner 2/20/10
10K - Oak Island Lighthouse Run 4/17/2010
Half Marathon - San Francisco Half Marathon 7/25/2010 (totally cheating here, but I like to travel)
Half Marathon - Nike Women's Half Marathon 10/17/2010 (because I do every year)
Full Marathon - OBX Marathon 11/14/2010

Seems like it would be a good gear up for the big one - and keep you on track for the year - and keep your legs fresh. 

I'm still trying to pick my races for the year - we'll see if we could squeeze a few in here!