If I Truly Want to Run. . .

. . . I'm going to have to develop better habits and get rid of some bad habits.

Two years ago, I began watching what I ate, and really cut back on my caloric intake, without changing the way I cook. Those of you who know us, know we really love good food and I really enjoy cooking good food. I just cannot see myself sacrificing that enjoyment, especially once I realized I could just cut back my portions and still lose weight. I began walking everyday and over the course of 5 or 6 months I lost 25 pounds.

I've been able to maintain that loss, but I do still need to lose about 20 more pounds. I need to step up my exercise and so I began running this winter and I found I really enjoy it. My runs average between two to four miles, depending on schedules and how I feel. Sometimes I feel like complete garbage, and this is something that needs to change if I'm going to keep running.
The following are what need to happen if I'm to continue running at 41 plus years old:

1) The wine, sugar, and whine are gonna have to go. I really do need to take better care of my body; eat better, sleep more, and take my vitamins.

2) Earlier is better, especially as summer approaches. I am not a warm weather runner. I'm not a cold weather runner either :( but at least in the cold I can layer.

3) Consistency is truly lacking. Some weeks I run once or twice, others I'll run three or four times. I think the latter should be my goal.

4) My iPod is my running buddy. Making sure the iPod is plugged in every night will ensure I can get out the door running before the temp gets too warm. I've been running listening to my old walking playlist and too many of the songs on that list are not upbeat enough. Current running favs are "Get on Your Boots" and "No Line on the Horizon" by U2, "Uprising" by Muse, "Paralyzer" by Finger Eleven, "Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down and "Learning to Fly" by Foo Fighters (I'm an alternative gal). I'm up for suggestions if anyone has favorite, upbeat, running tunes!

Comments

Ute said…
Oh wow! Your exercise regimen already sounds pretty disciplined to me. Something I can only dream of. But good luck for stepping it up a notch!
Rebecca Frech said…
You sound as if you are on the same page I am on right now.
Anonymous said…
I really like the sond Keeps Getting Better by Christina Agularia and you can find a good workout mix of the song too. Gwen Stefani has some good songs too like Wind it Up and Hollerback Girl. Blink 182 has loads of good workout songs, but they can be very explicit so I didn't know if you would be too into it. Same goes for Green Day. I listen to them the most. The song, Minority, is my favorite to work out to. New Found Glory is less explicit, but the album Sticks and Stones is really really good. In fact, my husband's and mine "song" is The Story So Far by them. Nivana's Smells Like Teen Spirit we enjoy too. And while I don't listen to much Eminem, I love his song Shake That, but it is very very explicit, but I can't help loving the beat.

I don't know if that will help you find some new music, but I took it as a total surprise that you're an alternative gal. Good luck with your new goals. =)
Walter said…
Hey Mau,

Catchfire (the remix version is awesome)by Toby Mac is an incredible pick me up during the toughest parts of a run...HIGHLY RECOMEND IT FOR YOUR POD!!!

Love ya Mau

YourBro
Maia said…
For a blast from the past: Men at Work
For upbeat lyrics -- Chris Rice (esp. Other Side of the Radio and Lemonade)

Also, I haven't read the book, yet, but check out The Rosary Workout and corresponding blog by Peggy Bowes -- I am LOVING her blog posts!
Katie said…
I like some of Daughtry's songs & Super Chick (a christian group. But, I have gotten a lot of my fav. running songs off of runner's worlds music playlists. When I see the same song on many of the playlists, I know it must be a good running song. I really like Sara Hall's list . . . very good! Here is a link: http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/special/0,7889,s6-240-466-0-0,00.html

And, to run better I had to give up caffeine! I notice a huge difference in my runs on days when I have not eaten well vs. days I am eating clean.
momto5minnies said…
I hear you on the sugar, wine, and inconsistent runs. Even though this month has been one of my better months with running every 2-3 days ... I need to be more disciplined.

I'll pray for you ...

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