One Grinning Fool? Check!

Do not be fooled by this face.

This post-run face was due to a lot of exhaustion.

But not lack of excitement....

Seriously, the women at my gym probably thought I was A) really creepy  B) showing off  C) High on drugs or D) all of the above.  As I have mentioned before I go to the only gym in town-- the women's fit zone.  This means there are a lot of women who are just there for socializing and tanning, the other half spend more time texting on their phone while at a machine that actually working out, and then there are about 3% who are actually in shape.  Lots of zumba happens. Lots of gossip happens.  Lots of 5 minute elliptical exercises.  Actual working out?  Not so much.    



But who am I to judge, (and I am not judging, but the way).  I am glad that these ladies are at least AT a gym and doing something to stay in shape.  I tell you all of that so you can have a really clear picture of me at the gym these past few days.  I have been doing my runs that are part of my half marathon training and they have been easy and dare I say it--FUN. Yesterday in particular, I was supposed to complete a three mile run at a faster than normal pace.  At mile one I realized I was feeling GREAT and didn't need to stop to walk (which I have been doing anytime my heart rate jumps above my max) and once I realized that I started grinning.  At mile two I was smiling a huge dorky smile.  At mile three I actually laughed out loud. Of course, people were staring at me. These ladies who were texting/gossiping/reading a romance novel on the bicycle just stared at me like I was nuts.  My ipod had died earlier so I couldn't even pretend like I was listening to something funny.  I just looked like a running, grinning, fool.


And. I. Loved. It.


Every second. I was so proud and I felt so good, and I am amazed at what my body is doing.  I am learning to run and breathe and push through the mental blocks all while being very aware of overdoing it.  The last thing I need is an injury.  I am so proud that I am doing this.  It makes me a huge dork because this is only week two of my training... next month I will be working at doing 5, 6 and 7 mile runs on the weekends.  That seems crazy, but at the same time.... and for the FIRST time it seems possible.


It's all about setting goals.  Realistic goals.
That, and having a plan.  And remaining flexible within that plan...
Oh, and celebrating when you accomplish achievements big or small.  I took myself out for a pedicure to  congratulate myself for sticking with my first week of training.  And it felt gooood.

One great way to 

celebrate yourself 

would be to 

enter the giveaway

 I am hosting this week 

for a sweet dragonfly necklace 

from Ashley at Ninetofive. 

 Enter, you deserve it!

And thank you all for your sweet encouragements, emails and comments.  It is keeping my focused and motivated and I can't thank you enough!

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