Let's go back

Let me take you back to a time not too long ago.  Let's go to the end of March of this year to be exact.  It had been almost 4 whole months of 6 days a week working out for me and I felt great.  I was stronger than ever and I was running faster than ever.  In fact, I recorded my fastest ever 5 mile run (which to some, isn't very fast. But to me, it was super fast).  Here is the proof:

Oh boy did that feel good.  I felt like I could do ANYTHING!  I felt great about myself.  I loved the way my clothes were fitting.  I enjoyed exercising because it didn't make me feel like I was going to keel over.  And now, a measly 6 months later....

SLOW again.  WHY oh WHY did I let myself get out of shape again?  Almost 5 whole minutes slower.  Oh deary me.  This will never do!  On the plus side.... I did make it 5 miles today that is encouraging considering everything as of late.  Starting to lean towards this whole half marathon in the not too far future...

Earning my hair wash

Do you ever feel like you have to earn the right to wash your hair?  Sometimes when I wake up to get ready for the day I think, why am I even washing my hair? I didn't even do anything hard enough to get it dirty!  So today, I earned my hair wash.  A SLOW 4 miles followed by mowing the lawn and washing windows.  I'd say that is sufficient for sure!  All of my favorite running paths around here are closed.  Today I had to run on a busy road which I do not like one bit at all.  I can't bring myself to go to a track and even more dreaded is the treadmill.  I guess I will just stick to sidewalks these days.  Lame.  I'm still trying to decide if I have it in me to go for the half in 7 weeks.  7 measly weeks!  It wouldn't be a time shattering race that's for sure.  Maybe if I can make myself go 5 this weekend I will set up a schedule and go for it. How sad that in just May I ran my best half ever and now I am huffing and puffing to make it 4.  I guess I have learned my lesson.  Don't stop and get out of shape or you will pay for it later!

In the meantime, this short video was super motivating for me today.  Check it out.

Things I learned today while running.

Today I went running for the first time in months.  I ran my fastest ever half marathon this May and then, I just stopped. Hard to explain why I did that because I have no reason.  But recently I have been unmotivated and un-enthused.  Last night I did some research and pretty much the last half marathon around these parts is the first Saturday in November.  That is 7 1/2 weeks away.  Can I prepare that fast? Based on today's pathetic 3 miles it might be impossible.  But when has that ever stopped me?  I also remembered that running can teach me oh so many things about life.  And so, here are some of my random thoughts I had today I think are some important life lessons.

:: No matter how long it has been since you have done something, you can always start again.
:: Starting is starting, no matter how slow or bad you think you are going.
:: No matter the speed, the distance traveled is still the same.
:: Knowing people are around watching, generally makes me try a little harder.
:: A good song can make all of the difference in the world.
:: Having a goal or a commitment to strive for makes me accountable.
:: It was a bad idea to eat that brownie, even if you did only eat half of it.
:: (And then there was that whole, "why in the world are you doing this to yourself, this hurts and you are crazy" part that we will just try to forget about)

7 1/2 weeks to get back in shape and train for a half marathon. Do you think I can do it?

So, I didn't quite come of out the gates running like I hoped.  Did I wake up that next morning when I planned? No.  But I did do it 2 days the following week.  Craziness has been happening all around me.  This is not something that I should use as an excuse but more something I should use as a reason to do this but tell you what, it is hard!  But today I tell you, today I realized something.  All of the hard work I put in at the beginning of the year is gone. Completely gone.  My clothes fit differently, I feel sluggish, and I just do not like it!  Today I hit the wall of terribleness and decided that it is time to get going.  And so, I promise this time, I REALLY am going to make a change.  Who is with me??

Here we gooooooo!

Alright ladies and gentlemen, the time has come.  Time for what you ask?  Time for me, Tyleen, to kick my own butt and get my act together.  I was doing so well at the beginning of this year.  I worked out six days a week and never missed.  I felt great.  But then for some reason, a couple of months ago, I lost it all.  I have had no motivation and it is time for it to stop!  I am here to tell you that I am ready to go again! I created this blog so I can track my progress and keep myself somewhat accountable.  I set a goal weight for myself at the beginning of this year and I haven't made it yet.  It is almost September so I have some work to do.  But, I know I can do it.  I have been having a hard time finding motivation to work out after work so I am going to be waking up in the mornings again.  My new life starts tomorrow!  See everyone at 5:30 am!