My Lifestyle Change Is Changing My Life

You may have heard me mention it here and there in my Weekly Workout Recaps but I figured it was time I spoke up and told you directly.  I am taking on the challenge of running my first half marathon!!  (Deep breaths to calm the anxiety)  Yup, September  12th, 2015 I will be running the Divas Half Marathon in Atlanta and I am looking forward to getting my crown and tutu!!!! It looks like it will be a fun race despite my nerves.

Since you have been following my journey, (and if you are not you can here), you will know that this is major for me. Heck, everything in my life right now is major. It's a new life.  A life I would have never had if I hadn't made a decision to change. It hasn't been a bed of roses and it has taken longer than I would have wanted, but honestly, I'm glad the process has been slow.  What started out only as a quest to lose weight has turned into so much more. I have learned and discovered things about myself that I never knew.  I've developed mental fortitude in areas that needed mending.  I can let go.  I can forgive.  I have garnered courage and ferociousness.  I have gained my freedom.  My mind has peace and I have healed!  Far, far more has changed than the weight I have lost.

When I started out on this journey I was looking for more and better however this is not a life I saw myself having.  I never wished for it.  I didn't know I wanted it. Even when I was younger and smaller I didn't have these kinds of pursuits.  As I have said many times before I had no idea an athlete was inside of me.  It is that athlete inside me that is teaching me what I am made of, showing me what is really in me and propelling me forward in all aspects of my life.

So yes, a freaking HALF MARATHON! Am I nervous? Most definitely.  About what exactly?  Everything!  The training is uncomfortable and the not knowing is uncomfortable and I'm learning to be uncomfortable with that.  My comfort zone was trying to kill me lol.  I'm learning how to 'woman up' - have courage in the face of the unknown (fear) and do it anyway.

Have I arrived yet?  Yes and no.  I'm in a new space in my life.  Things that used to matter no longer matter.  My focus has shifted and continues to shift.  I have new interests and pursuits that I am delving into and I don't want the journey to end.

My lifestyle change has given me a peek at life without limits.

Weekly Workout Recap July 5 - 12, 2015 - Half Mary Training Week 3

Since I have talked you up already I'll keep my training brief, brief.  Please know that there was lots that happened this week in training land.  Maybe I'll get to explore some of it with you at another time.

Sunday - Cross Training

30 minute cycle ride w/Robin.  Part of the bargain was that she could ride her bike when I finished my workout.  She is getting better.  Take a peek here.  Kettlebells The Swing workout # 2 which you can view here.

Monday - Long Run

Sun salutations

4 miles - Grueling because of my new sneakers.
There was an awesome little girl out walking with her family who decided to run along next to me for about a mile.  I marveled at her ability begin only about 6 or 7.  I can't wait till Robin gets to that age.  This little girl got me through it.
Later that night I was in fetal position in the bed with a massive head.  After much pain and thought I realized I hadn't eaten for hours lol!  One bite and I was feeling a world better.

Tuesday - Rest

Kettlebells -The Swing #2 I upped my Kettlebell weight to 20 lbs from 15 lbs which took my bpm up about 15-20 points during the swing. Can I tell you that when I rub my hand over my arms I am already beginning to feel shape and firmness. I would take a pic, but you couldn't see it under the fat.  However, for proof you can ask Hubbs.  I've been showing him my muscles lately.

Do you think he was laughing at me?

Twist and Bend Yoga I've been using yoga to cross train but also to help connect with my body.  I'm loving it.  

Wednesday - Run - family issues (no run)

3.5 miles 

Thursday - Cross Training 

Kettlebells - last day of swing.
Make up run - which was truly a walk.
 30 Minutes for the Hips, Hamstrings and Lower Back by David Procyshen.  It was a heavenly 30 minutes.  He also has a 50 minute video for Deep Release of Hips, Hamstrings and Lower Back.  I can't even imagine.

Friday - Run

3.5 miles - I did pole to pole.

Saturday -  Complete Rest - greatly needed.

So that is what I've been up to this week.  What about you?

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