Hard decisions

This past week I celebrated my birthday. I've always loved my birthday, who doesn't? LOL! It's the one day a year that's all about you. We spent the day at the Baltimore Aquarium and dinner at the Owl Bar. Both were lots of fun! And I spent the day with my hubby, who is oh so good to me.

But, it made me think about things. I guess I'm at the age where people have those mid-life crises. I'm don't think that's where I am, but this birthday did make me think about my life. That's why I posted the above photos. The one of the left from 2012 was me at the Baltimore Women's Classic. I love that race and have run it five years in a row. The one on the right is from this past August 2014 at Chickie's and Pete's Boardwalk Run 5k. Can you see the difference?

I can. It's so obvious to me. I have let my workout desire and my diet just crash in the last 2 years. Horribly.

I've gotten to the point where I'm having trouble finding clothes I own that make me look good. I just look fat. Yes, it's relative. But to me, having been 40 pounds lighter, I look fat and I don't like it.

I need to make changes. I've been saying this for two years. But, after trying to find things that flatter me for two weddings in the last three months, not liking how I looked on my birthday, and knowing I have a wedding next month and gasp! half marathon training coming up, I gotta do it.

I have a notebook to keep track of my food, water, and workouts. I had a running trainer for the month of September that helped me get back into a workout grove. I need to keep moving with the workouts and add in healthy eating. I'm in a challenge group for the next 21 days and I'm going to put my all into it. I blew off the warm-up week, which is my fault, but I can come back and rock the actual challenge.

So, what have you put off doing? What do you need to work on to make yourself happy?


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February 2013 Goals Round Up

Do I have to do this recap? February was an awful, awful month for me. I'm seeing a bunch of people saying the same thing, so I have to say I appreciate knowing I'm not the only one. I do not wish others to have bad months, but knowing that for some reason February 2013 wasn't great for more than me makes me feel better.

Here were the goals written out:

This month I'd at least like to:
* lose 4 pounds
* take beginner spin class

But I'm really hoping to:
* lose 5 pounds
* take 1 spin class a week

And I'd be thrilled if:
* lose 6 pounds
* take 1 spin class a week
* take piyo class

Run 36 miles
Actual: 20 miles

Of those three categories, I made one of those happen - take beginner spin class. I did try to make "take 1 spin class a week" happen, but the second I went to was canceled because the instructor didn't show up. Then I didn't go.

This month is all on me. I know I messed up I know I didn't do what I should have. I know I let the mental aspect of all this win the upper hand. I know I allowed my mind to win out over my goals. I own it. I accept it. I'm not happy about it, but I know I can't blame anyone but myself.

But, not to make this post a complete downer, here are some positives this month:

* Spend the weekend with my good friend celebrating her birthday in Milwaukee
* Hit my goal of running 5 miles under 60 minutes!
* Pooka may have gone paralyzed, but he's doing so much better! He can walk again! I think the walking outweighs the paralysis.

So, it's now March and I need to turn this ship around. I need to make March better than February. And I think I can do it. I have my favorite 5k this month - Kelly St. Pat's 5k in Baltimore. Then we're heading to Virginia Beach for the Shamrock 8k and Half Marathon. I don't see PRs in my future, but I see a good time. And honestly, that's really what is important.

How did February work out for you? Are you happy to see March come?
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