A runner is... bored.

I told you it would happen.  I get all hyped up about running and then I just get... bored.  I've repeated week 1 for the last few weeks (yes, I know I fell off the planet, but I have actually been working out).  

It's not that it's too hard.  I actually do think I like running a lot more now than previously, now that I know I can do it.  It's just that I can't do the same thing five days a week.  Blast.

Also, I found that while I used to like to run on the treadmill... I now despise it.

I learned that I CAN run.  And I will continue to, maybe just not with this exact training plan.  More on occasion and less of a structured schedule.

I blame Pinterest.

After all, I was perfectly content with running until I found all of these other great exercises and pinned them to my fitness board.

I'm more motivated by strong, toned women.  Sure, these women can run a few miles here and there, but they don't limit their training to one exercise.

I know it sounds like I'm making excuses...  but truly, it's not good for your body to stick to one thing all the time, right?  Part of my degree is in fitness and I'm asking that legitimate question... feel free to answer.  

I miss the classes at my gym.  I love cycling, hips, buns and thighs, and I'm itching to try yoga after one 30 minute video. 

Okay, people.  I'm done trying to justify the fact that I don't feel the need to run more than a few miles at a time.  I'd love to work up to five.  Beyond that... long hair don't care.

On that note, I no longer have long hair.  Chopped it while I was home.

I know, you can't even tell.  It was six inches longer, but nobody even noticed when I came back.  A sign your hair was tooo long!

Oh yeah, I went home last week.   Took off work Wednesday to Monday and enjoyed some time with the family celebrating the life of a great man I had the privilege of calling grandpa.  

I even made this super unhealthy but super delicious fruit tart!  Recipe here. There are no step by step pictures, but the directions are all you need.  Just make sure to use frozen butter and keep the dough as cold as possible to allow for maximum flakiness!  Also, don't roll it too thin or the juice will seep out.  Oops!  Sorry for the phone picture... It was all I could do before everyone dug right in!  Seriously amazing and easy.

This basically concludes a recap of what I've been up to for the last few days. 

A Runner is Born... For Real this time.

Whassuppp my few readers!

You see that check mark? 

See it?

SEE IT?!

I told you I would start today!  And I did.

And, yes, I circled run.  Because I ran the whole thing.  And I am proud of myself!  I can't say I've run a whole three miles before, I've always had to take walking breaks!  It wasn't my longest run or my fastest run... but I beat my average.  And that's got to be worth something right?  Right.

It's so true what they say, the scariest step is the first one out the door.   Taking on something like this is super intimidating to me because, like I said, I'm not good at it.  And I did it in front of people.  Eeek!

But what you really have to do is just look at it as something you have to do that day.  Something to check off your list.

Once you get going, it's difficult to find your stride.  I got to a comfortable pace, but felt like I was going soooo slowww.  

Then I realized, it doesn't matter.

And I just kept telling myself that I'll get better.  

I'll get stronger.  I'll get faster.  I'll go longer.

It's all a matter of committing myself to this journey.

I'm my own project, and my best project.

Any running tips are appreciated :)  Leave them in the comments section!

A Runner is Born... Tomorrow.

So I know I said I'd start that running plan this week... and according to that plan today was cross-train day.

Confession: I didn't cross-train.

I went home this weekend and have been traveling back to my lovely apartment today.  

Instead of leaving you with a workout update... I'll leave you with some motivation:

TOMORROW, friends.  Three miles.

A Runner is Born

So.  I've been thinking.

Which is dangerous.

But this time I think it's good.

A couple months ago I was out of bed Mama Laughlin style at 4:30 to hit the gym EVERY morning.  But I've really been slacking.  And I want to work toward a goal.  I think I get off track because I need more structure.  I need something like a project that I can work on in my spare time.  

I've never been much of a runner... probably because growing up I never had anywhere to run.  Except in tractor paths.  But one ankle twist pretty much cured me of that.

Then it dawned on me.

I hate doing things I'm not good at!

I'm slowly realizing and accepting that I can't be good at everything right off the bat.  So I'm going to start running.  Until I'm good at it.  And maybe when I'm good at it, I'll enjoy it!

I have no intention of running a marathon or anything crazy like that.  Maybe someday I'll change my mind, but running for hours and hours on end just doesn't sound like a motivating goal for me.  For now, I'm going to aim for a half, but since a 5k is challenging, I'll be happy if this plan gets me past that point.

I'd really love it if anyone wants to do it with me!  Friend me on MyFitnessPal or follow me on Bloglovin' by clicking the button at the right and leave your updates in the comments section!

I'll start next week and use this plan from Fitness Magazine.  Just click the "download the training plan here" link to open the .pdf file.  They also have tons of other useful tips for runners you can find while browsing their site!

I plan to post regular updates and motivation here!  Wish me luck and I hope you join me!