It's Official!!!

I'm finally posting a blog.  I haven't done so in a while, so here it is!!!  IT'S OFFICIAL....I am now registered for my 1st ever Half Marathon - Philly Rock-N-Roll series run!  So exciting yet terrifying all in the same.

It's September 18th, Sunday, not to mention my husband's birthday.  He's coming to support me, and I couldn't be more excited and anxious about this run.  I have continued my training, as I started June 27th, and this weekend was no different.

I have now hit my highest in miles to date - 8 miles yesterday.  This was my scary #.  I'm not quite sure why, but it really wasn't so scary once I did it.  When I hit 6 miles, I thought to myself - only 2 miles left.  Not too bad.  I can do that!  So 8 didn't seem as bad as I thought it would.  Now my new scary # is 10!  I'm so proud of myself, though.  :)

Also, I purchased 2 new pairs of Nike running shorts.  They were on sale, since the warmer running season is about to leave us (come fall), so I couldn't pass up the buy.  I can't wait to wear them on tomorrow's run (today's a strength training day).  Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of training to get this half marathon underway.   

Happy running, all!

To Work on a Sunday?!

Well, today marks my longest run to date. 7.5 miles, baby!  The hubs and kiddos dropped me off at work this morning (no!  I did NOT work).  This was just my starting point for today's run.  I ran all the way from work to home.

It took me 1 hour 16 minutes and 38 seconds.  Not too shabby.  I was excited to do today's run, because it was not only the longest I've done, but it was a completely different route than I've been doing.  I have been getting so bored, that I think this was contributing to my lack of motivation lately.

Glad to have run today.  Overcast skies, still muggy and got a good sweat on!  Yea, me!  Feeling accomplished!

MOTIVATION!!!

Let's face it, we all need a cheerleader in our corner!  Lately, I've been so unmotivated.  Not due to any running injury or real good reason.  I've just been stressed at work and at home (inter-related money issues), so I haven't been feeling like doing a damn thing!  I have been wanting to sit on my couch and eat when I get home.  THIS IS A PROBLEM!

Of course, then guilt sets in, and I make myself go workout/train for this half marathon.  So my question is...where does your/my motivation come from?

Is it for health?  For the kids?  Is it to fit into a pair of skinny pants of a bikini?  Is it to run a competition/race?  Is it for feeling guilty for NOT going?  Is it to have a goal to purchase something as a reward for doing a good job? 

I know my motivation comes from within.  I do it strictly for me.  I would like to say it's for my health and/or being there for my kids...but I'd be lying.  I do it (run/workout/train), because I truly enjoy seeing how far I can go.  I like to see what I can do.  I tend to put limits on myself, and then I push on past that.  I think, okay...I'll run 3 miles today, and then I'll really run 5!  I don't know what it is...an evil game I play.  Not sure why either.  I guess I just like to feel good about it in the end.  I like feeling proud of something I do only for me. 

So, I guess my cheerleader is within me...I just need to give her a swift kick in the ass once in awhile.