I'll be honest...exercise hasn't been a part of my life since my elementary school days. As a teenager, my metabolism was great and I could eat anything and still be skinny (oh the days!). But ever since college I've slowly decreased my physical activity and increased my caloric intake. When the scale hit an all time high this past Christmas I knew I had to make a change.
I've always thought of running as the ultimate exercise. If you can run any number of miles, you're in pretty darn good shape. So I started running intervals in January. When I say I couldn't run 20 feet without getting winded, I'm not exaggerating. I was that out of shape. Over the last 2 months I've slowly increased my running distance (I do a total of 3 miles, 3 times a week). Now I'm to the point where I can run over half of my 3 mile route. I still can't run a whole 1/2 without stopping, but I've improved significantly since I started (intervals are the best thing ever). I use the Nike + app on my phone to track my progress. I told my husband it was like playing a video game because I get achievements. He called me a dork. =)
Since Christmas I've lost 10 pounds (5 of that was probably just from not eating holiday food). The weight is slow coming off, but that's ok. I'm doing it because it makes me feel good. It's also something I never really thought I could do. Me...a runner? No way.
I'm also running my first 5K (the Color Run) at the end of March in Nashville. It's just giving me something to work towards and hopefully will keep me motivated to do better. Luckily it's not timed and a lot of people just walk it, so I won't embarrass myself too bad! I've finally got my 5K time down to around 40 minutes, which is pretty crappy compared to most runners, but for me it's an accomplishment!
I'm glad I've stuck with an exercise routine this time. My attempts at getting healthier in the past have failed due to me trying to do too much at once. This time I'm taking the slow and steady route and it's been much better. By the time I turn 30 in July I will definitely be in the best shape of my life and kicking butt!
I'm glad I've stuck with an exercise routine this time. My attempts at getting healthier in the past have failed due to me trying to do too much at once. This time I'm taking the slow and steady route and it's been much better. By the time I turn 30 in July I will definitely be in the best shape of my life and kicking butt!
how exciting! I've always anted to be a runner but I don't have the willpower.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I would, but I've decided not to let it be a choice for me anymore. It's just become I part of my routine. I hope I can keep it up in the long term!
DeleteCongrats! I still am not a huge fan of running - it gets to my knees easily!
ReplyDeleteI had a hard time with my knees at first, but I seem to have moved past whatever initial pain I had.
DeleteI want to start running so bad. I am so out of shape. Actually, I am going to buy some running shoes on Friday. I think I'm going to get some of those toe shoes.
ReplyDeleteThey say that those minimalistic shoes are the best for running. I have the worlds worst feet, so I need some extra support! I absolutely love my Nike Lunarglides.
DeleteHell ya!!! That's badass! Congrats Karen!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteYay, congrats! You need to remember, that while the scale is telling you that the weight is coming off slowly, you're also building muscle in your legs so the fat that is being lost is being balanced out weight wise by muscle. As long as you're feeling good the scale is pointless :) So envious, I wish I had the time to run!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I had just about zero muscle mass before I started! (It was pretty sad!)
DeleteGood for you! My best friend has picked up running as her new activity and although I will never be able to join her with my arthritic joints and fragile knees, she has been dropping the pounds and getting happier by the minute! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteHit me up when you are in town! Myself, Steve and a big group of us are doing it again this year. I'll be hula hooping this one!
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of a cluster- lots of people at different speeds, some with strollers, some with hoops. Just be prepared to dodge a lot!
Awesome! I can't wait!
DeleteYay running! I hate that there's this misconception that certain people are 'runners' and other people aren't. I've always been a 'runner' person and have been trying to convince everyone that everyone can run! If you're looking for some amazing running inspiration and just an overall great read Born to Run is a really great book. Have fun with the color run! I can't wait to do one myself.
ReplyDeleteP.S. You're not advertising on my page. Use code YAYAD to renew it if you want :)
i miss running so much! i've been wanting to get back into it now that i am not working one million hours a week. i can barely run a mile now and i used to run seven a day— yeesh.
ReplyDeletei always ran to feel better physically but it always helped clear my head— i'm glad to see you are liking it. i had no idea about the color run but if you're around nashville and wanna meet up (or come to nashville blogger meetups in the future!) then let me know <3