Music Choices and Sunsets

I've had a hard time finding good music to listen to while I'm running. Tonight, I decided to turn on one of my favorite albums, and it actually worked! It has a bunch of upbeat songs, and I know all the words. Singing along kept my determination up. There were even a few times when the music slowed down when I did or sped up when I needed to push till the end of the interval. It really made a difference tonight. The best part is the whole album is about the same time as my workout. So, until I make a playlist on my phone, I'll be listening to this album for a while.

I'm sure you're wondering what the album is, so I'll tell you. It's the Sons of Provo soundtrack. You can laugh at my music choice. This is one of my favorite spoof albums that I listen to when I need to smile. (Running it definitely one of those times.)

But the best part of tonight's run was seeing the blazing clouds in the sunset. It was beautiful. I'm starting to believe runners get to appreciate the beauty of nature in a very personal way. It makes me actually look forward to running in the mornings. Go figure.

Today's Workout

Total Distance: 2.43
Total time: 35:51
14:45 mile average

One of Those People

I never thought I would be one of those people. You know, the ones who say they need to run or need to exercise. Or the ones who endlessly talk about their workout. Now, I am.

I've never been one with a desire to go running, but today was one of those days. I anticipated my run all day. Sitting at my desk, I was anxious to run away the frustrations of work. Apparently, running off frustrations works for me. I pushed myself through the workout even when I thought I couldn't run another step, and I had my best time yet!

When my training plan asked if I wanted to start training at a new level based on today, I clicked yes. It's really, really satisfying to improve enough for that question to pop up.

I also learned that shoes make a difference. The last few times I ran, I wore my everyday shoes I wear for everything from hiking to kickball. Today, I decided to wear my good running shoes, and boy, did that make a difference. It almost felt like running on pillows. I could tell there was less jarring on my body because the shoes absorbed more of the impact. I will never go back. Ever.

Today's Workout

Total Distance: 2.34
Total time: 33:11
14:11 mile average

Small Steps to Progress

I made the mistake of telling my friend (you know who you are) what day I planned to run last week. When he followed up with me on that day, two feelings occurred- a feeling of surprise and a feeling of chagrin. I was surprised he remembered and chagrined because I hadn't gone running. I didn't end up running that day, but I learned my lesson.

I recently read this book about running that inspired me. It's one I'll read several more times. The author shares her story of how she became a runner along with training stories and funny antics along the way. She and I are very similar in that we grew up as bookworms instead of athletes. What I love most about the book is she is a self-proclaimed average person like me. It gives me hope that if she can run a marathon, I can run a half marathon.

I've decided to adapt something my team does at work. Each Monday, we pick a statement to focus on during the week to foster a better team atmosphere. I'm calling it my Mantra Monday! I'll pick a new quote or saying to inspire my training for the week.

This week's mantra is one I've used in my fitness journey a lot, but I think it really applies this week.

It's all about progress not perfection!

I really love this quote by Elder Bednar because it so eloquently reminds me that progress is what leads to perfection.

It's the small steps, figurative and literal, that make goals and dreams become reality. Each step adds upon the last until the entire distance has been crossed. That is a hard lesson I am learning this week.

Today's Workout

Total Distance: 2.25
Total time: 35:29
15:46 mile average

The Starting Line

I am not a runner. There, I said it.

I don't remember who first suggested it, but the idea came about for my aunt, my sister-in-law, and I to run a race together. At a family gathering back in June, we decided we would run the Cowtown Half Marathon in Fort Worth, TX next February. So, let me say this again. I am not a runner... yet.

Today was my first training run. It was a great accomplishment for me!

This year has been a crazy adventure of dealing with anxiety and depression. The last month or so, my depression has become paralyzing where I have the hardest time doing anything. That's how I spent last weekend. So, convincing myself to leave the house after work, let alone to go running, was a huge success for me. I am hoping focusing on my training will help me deal with my depression in addition to improving my overall health.

So, there you have it. I will post updates on my training so I can track my improvements over the next several months until I reach the finish line.

Today's Workout
Total Distance: 2.85
Total time: 44:34
15:38 mile average