I got the results of the MRI.........

Feeling a lot deflated today.....it's Friday and I haven't worked out but once this week. The MRI came back with all these big scary words and I feel my running career slipping slowly away.....I then took all those scary words and googled em...now I feel worse! I started this challenge with a huge amount of excitement and made a promise to myself that I would follow this completely through to the end and it looks like I have to take a break and heal my body....stress fracture....c'mon now! The only thing I can honestly think that will cause more stress in my life is not being able to exercise!! I felt the effects of not having those wonderful endorphins that come from exercise running through my body....I cried (seriously big tears-sobbing) in the laundry room while I was folding all my work out gear! I just got use to putting on the 3 bras for full support! Now what am I gonna do?????? This is not good....my poor husband.....

Want a killer workout?

Take your 3 boys (ages 15,12 &8) on a bike ride! I thought, "what a great family fun day with my guys"...omg they all try to out do each other which forced me to keep up with them-no way am I going to not take the trails and jumps they did-I'd be a wuss!! They are all very strong & healthy (and young!!!) I intended on being out for about an hour-turned into 3 and about 13 miles of some tricky terrain with one stop for about half an hour at Jamba Juice.....what a work out!! I really thought I was going to have to stick back with the youngest while the older 2 took the more advanced trails-but to my surprise the little guy kicked butt!! We all blazed the trails and nobody fell into the creek!!!

Training without a trainer

Husband left for business trip yesterday ("rest" day) and tonight was my first solo training session. I thought of many reasons/excuses why I shouldn't get my shoes on and head out for the track but quickly talked myself out of it....Two of the four kids and I hopped on our bikes and headed down for our run. I feel really good about it and realized that I'm not only changing my body but also training my mind to think differently. I also realized just how important it is to have someone to workout with to encourage you and hold you accountable! This little competition we have with Tim & Melissa really helps too-I must do my part and not let my partner down just because he's working away from home.....hurry home dear.

I'm actually doing this!

So we are starting week 3 of "training" and aside from being a little sore from moving muscles that haven't been used since high school, I am loving this training. I love how good it feels to sweat buckets after a run, I love the power of stretching and yoga, I love sharing this with my husband, I love the interest my 10 year old daughter is taking in our exercise regime, I love the fact that I actually swam in the Pacific Ocean this weekend , I love that I was able to ride by bike over the Golden Gate Bridge (my legs are a little sore today-those hills are killers!)

Aquatic Park to North end of Golden Gate Bridge

http://www.bikely.com/

I am down 8 lbs since we started and feel stronger everyday-I actually look forward to my workouts and freak a little bit when I see the "REST" on the calender...I know resting is just as important as exercising but it still freaks me out to think that I haven't done anything that day!

Family Challenge

Ok, so husband is totally on board with my (now our) training schedule-I have made room for him on my calendar and we are sticking to it. Over birthday dinner celebration my brother-in-law shows some interest in our endeavors and poses a little challenge-the team that loses the most weight and trains the longest for the March 2008 1/2 marathon is treated to Sunday brunch at the Ritz Carleton in Half Moon Bay.....He has some experience with triathlons but he and my sister had a baby in May and he blames her for packing on the pounds and not being able to hit the gym!! HAHAHA So it's on! Husband & I are completely motivated and are working even harder, supporting each other with vigor, and have made a pact that we WILL kick their butts!!

I'm running a half marathon

I got a copy of Runner's World Magazine in the mail and read it cover to cover. I read a tip from Jeff Galloway's page titled "The Excuse-and how to beat it"...that was all the motivation I needed! He says runner's come in all shapes and weights! It was that sentence that changed my thinking. After a trip to the library for training guides, consulting with my husband(the coach!), and a trip to office max for a calender, I am in training! This is a challenge for me because I find myself overweight (how did that happen!), completely insecure about my running ability, a full time student, a mother of 4, and wife of 1 hard working husband. I must overcome my insecurities, make the time, and prove to myself that I can do this!