Today before coming to work I decided to leave home early and get a quick 20 minute workout.  My plan was to do the stairs in the bottom bowl of the stadium and then do as many laps around the track that time would allow.  Before heading out the house I put on my new running shoes; New Balance RevLites.  

Let me just say that shoes do make a difference.  These shoes made my workout very comfortable.  They were great on the concrete steps and while on the track I felt like I was running on air.  They were amazing.  I can honestly say that I felt like my pace was a little bit faster than it was.  I did three-fourths of a mile along with the stairs.  Next time I will actually clock my mile but I think that it is a little faster than my 5K mile pace (13:60).   

The shoes that I raced in last year were Reebox and they were good too, but these New Balance are AMAZING!!!  So I think that any future running shoes that I purchase will be from this brand since I like them so much.  

Here are a few tips for those who are thinking about starting running or  working out.  First of all, buy new shoes.  New shoes will protect your joints and prevent injury.  This is very important.  Also, continue to purchase new shoes after you have worn out the shoes.  I'm sorry but you can't buy a new pair of shoes tomorrow and hope to use them for a year or more.  According to LiveStrong you should change your shoes "somewhere between 350 and 550 miles, depending on your body weight, the surface on which you usually run on and your running style."  There are apps that you can get for your phone to help you keep track or you can have your own handwritten notes.

Also, if you are a new runner, take your time.  Don't be afraid to pace yourself.  You don't have to go out there and run a mile.  I will be the first to admit that when I first started out I had trouble running 30 second straight intervals.  It's hard work.  But, if you keep it up you will see yourself getting stronger.  In no time you will be running for miles.  But don't feel discouraged if you're the walker on the track.  We all have to start somewhere.  Trust me I know.  

Finally, just remember that you can do it.  It will take work, but it will also pay off.  

Till another day....


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/211320-when-to-buy-new-running-shoes/#ixzz1qTcF1Wv4

Over the weekend I went to Barnes and Noble to find a book that could help me with my weight loss journey.  I think I was in the nutrition and diet section for about an hour just looking at different books.  I was just about to feel discouraged when I found 100 Days of Weight Loss.  It seemed like exactly what I was looking for.  I was looking for something that could not only help me keep track with my weight loss but also get down to the dirty about why I am where I am.  

All throughout my childhood and high school I was very active and participated in sports.  I was very athletic and pretty fit.  I know that things changed after high school but there must be some underlying issues that have allowed me to get to the weight I am.  It can't all just be because I stopped working out.  I ate well before.  Granted my mother made all my meals but she taught me how to eat well.  Why didn't I continue to have a healthy diet.  I hope that through this book I will be able to start to dig deeper into myself.  I realize now that I'm too old to just let things fall by the wayside.  It's time to own up and grow up.

With this new journey I am on, I am also working towards other goals.  Finalizing my divorce.  Cleaning up my credit.  Just living all around better for myself.  And it's all for MYSELF.  I am not doing this for anyone else.  I know that I have well intentioned people in my life who have been pushing me to do things better.  Unfortunately, all this really did was push me away.  I can say that I am now ready to do this on my own. 

On a lighter note, I may at times write about different activities that I do with the book.  Just to keep you all posted on how I am doing with it.  But that will start on another day....

Last week I was talking to one of the fitness instructors, after an aerobics class, and he suggested that I find someone who I admire to use as motivation.  I thought this was a great idea.  I mean, don't we look to others to motivate us?  I really wanted this person to be someone who I could look up to as a "fit" person.  So, I gave it a lot of thought and realized that Jennifer Lopez was someone who I admired.  

As a thirty-something it's inspiring to see a forty-something look as amazing as she does, even after twins.  Now, I do realize that it is her job to have the body that she does.  She has a chef, nutritionist, and personal trainer working with her daily to get her where she needs to be.  I don't have these things but I feel that if I work hard I can achieve what she has achieved.  Now, it will take a little longer but that's OK.  I don't want that fast instant gratification.  It would be nice, but lets be real.  If I want this to be a lifestyle change, it's going to take my whole life to do it.  

I also chose Lopez because she has the ideal body that I wish to achieve.  She is still curvy and she celebrates her curves.  I find that very admirable especially when all you see on TV and fashion magazines stick thin models.  Plus, I like that she "works" on her body.  She has the amazing abs and arms but she still has a very feminine figure.  This appeals to me most.  As I like looking like a girl.  Not to say that the muscular, athletic look is not feminine.  It's just not what I personally want for myself. I want to look fit but still have the softness that is specific to women.  

So, I searched online for some pictures of Lopez and created a collage.  The title of the collage, "What Would J.Lo Do?"  I taped this collage up next to my wall of motivating words.  I'm using as a way to remind myself of my goals.  When I've already eaten a cupcake and I'm thinking that it wouldn't hurt to have another one, I can ask myself " "What Would J.Lo Do?"  Or when I'm debating on whether or not to watch another episode of TV or go workout "What Would J.Lo Do?"  

Since I have posted the collage I can genuinely say that it is helping.  Just the other day I went to a Scholarship Ball and dinner was buffet style.  When I got in line I saw that food and instantly thought to myself, "What Would J.Lo Do?"  My plate was half salad, a quarter pasta, a piece of chicken, and a roll; I grabbed the butter out of habit but didn't even use it.  I walked passed the second pasta and the meatballs.  I was proud of myself for not completely overloading my plate.  I just put what I thought I would eat and didn't feel bad when I didn't "clean" my plate.  I did grab some dessert; a cookie and a small piece of cake of which I did not eat the icing (not really a fan).

I think that this collage will continue to help me on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.  Maybe one day the collage will be pictures of myself.

Till another day.....