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!