well-be·ing: the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
I am thinking Mondays will be well being blog post days. I always seem to get motivated for the new week on Sundays and it is a good time to reflect on how I did the past week. I try to keep a little journal noting what exercise I do, what I eat, how I feel, things like that.
This last week was exciting for me as I love the beginning of the New Year. It seems anything is possible. As part of embracing all the possibilities of the next year, I decided I would try to improve my fitness level. When reflecting on what motivates me, I have noticed over the years that if I sign up for a run I will run. So this year I am going to try to add more runs to my schedule. I registered for my first 5K of the year for February 20th!
I started running when I was in my late 40s. I thought why not try and see if I could run more than five minutes. In the beginning it was a struggle just to run that long. I used an App on my phone and before I knew it I was running 10, 20, and 30 minutes. It was love for me. As a child my mom always told everyone, "Cheryl has two speeds, asleep and running." Nothing has changed except, I try not to fall now. Ha ha!
I have run a 5K every spring for about seven years and it always makes me feel great. But then I slack off during the summer and even more in the winter. This year we added a treadmill to our home gym and I love it. It will allow me to continue running all year around. I am looking for 5Ks in Arizona to run each month over the next few months and by then I should be able to find some in Idaho. I also plan to train to run a 10K.
For the last several years when I ran a 5K I tried to beat my time from the year before. I have so far been able to do that with my fastest time being last year. My GPS tracker reported that I ran 9 minute, 27 second miles. At some point I won’t be able to improve on my speed but I won’t let that stop me from trying.
This last week I ran two miles on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I am only doing 12 minute miles, so kind of slow. I lifted weights on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. I was going to take Saturday off but decided I was in the mood to do 30 minutes on the stair-climber. I always watch an episode of Sex and the City when I do the stair climber (sorry). It's one of my guilty pleasures.
To motivate myself even more I bought a new running outfit and good running shoes (I will show them in a later post). I usually buy new gear once a year right before my big race. It seems to make a difference for me. Here is my outfit from last year. I have never felt more proud of myself than when I complete a 5K.
There is no glamour today. This is me, no make up, old workout gear and hair tied up. I always dress for exercising because you know me, I love my fashion. I also put some protein powder in my left over morning coffee. I put it in a jar on ice and shake it up. It tastes like a fancy coffee and according to what I have been told and read, this will help me build muscle rather than break it down. I try to drink it within 30 minutes after a run. And of course, I must have my music. I have very eclectic taste in music and hope to share some with you soon.
I did a poor job eating healthily over the holiday season and I felt physically and mentally bad for it. So the past week I cut back on what I ate just a little and cut out the crappy, sugar and high fat stuff. I actually prefer vegetables and healthy foods so it is not a struggle for me most of the time. I never give up anything I truly love; I just try to cut back on it a little.We recently added Quinoa (learn more here) to our diet and I am amazed how much we love it. We use it on our salads, as a breakfast cereal and as a meat substitute. It is seriously good for you and major delicious. I am going to use to make chili and sloppy Joe's soon. I will reduce the meat and add quinoa.
Well, this post is way too long, sorry. Hope your new year is starting off invigorating! See you Wednesday with a style post! It's already in the can. Today I am working on a fun home project to share later in the week.
Thanks for stopping by!
Peace!
I am always so excited when I get comments and very appreciative! If you ever want to know where I got anything I am wearing or showing, just let me know and I will get right back to you!