Running Resolutions

It is I. Kristin. (I originally put "it's me," but with a writer/grammarian for a spouse, that incorrect grammar's not going to fly.)



It's the beginning of a new year and I feel excited! What could this year hold for me? Last year I ran my first marathon- something I never thought I could do. Something I never wanted to do actually. I'm still so proud of myself when I think about it. I met Suzy last year too. And Danna, Suzy and I bonded in a way only girls who train for a marathon together can. What a fun year as far as running goes. I also learned last year that I actually enjoy running.

It just takes about 3 miles for me to start feeling that runner's high, and since I had never gotten that far, running was just a drag for me. I know that is not encouraging for non-runners. "Oh great. I won't feel good until I've run for a half an hour? I'll stick with the stationary bike." But it's so worth it when you get there! You feel that enjoyment and freshness runners are always talking about. You start to relish the feeling and the scenery. Your mind even opens up and you start getting ideas. Then you want to run more and more and it's not a fight with yourself anymore. Welllll, I think if we didn't have running partners waiting for us, we might struggle a bit more. It's just hard to slack when you know the others are totally there, ready to go, and ready to call you a wimp!

My New Year's Resolutions are:
Live the 2 day rule. (See D's last post)
Blog 2X a week +
Be diligent with my IT band stretches and VOM exercises daily
Run faster! Speech training.
Strength train 1X/week- a must for distance runners!
Love the runs! Run with fun fabulous people, enjoy every season and trail, relish that time.
Do a half marathon with Matt.

Getting ready for Saturday's run!

Here we come!

Rarrr!

Don't worry-I'm just stretching my achilles. :)

Anyone have tips for rotating pictures?

Me, freezing my ears off right before Danna's family drove my hat to me!

Half marathoners! Are you ready for your weekend long run? Call if you want to run with us (7 or 8 am?) and don't forget a headband for your ears! I also recommend heating your water up just a bit. Enjoy the run! 2010 is the year for me to love running more than ever.

XOXO
~K

Small changes, made consistently

Hey- It's Danna. The Spring Racing Season is almost upon us. It's time to be training! There are so many great races. Many of us have made resolutions like, eat healthier, lose weight, feel better, have some 'me' time . Running/walking can do ALL of that for you. This past year I lost over 30 pounds. I eat healthier. I have GREAT girl friends, all because of running. You can amaze yourself. Just start walking or jogging. Just start. Don't over-plan. Don't put off exercise until you have the perfect plan of how to execute it. Or have the right clothes, or ANY EXCUSE!

Just get out there- and try to live the 2 day rule. Remember that rule? It's that you should take a rest day. Take two if you need it. But never, ever let yourself not exercise that third day. Just get out and do something. Slowly, slowly start cutting things back in your diet that will increase your health. Like weaning down your soda intake. Especially diet soda. Or eat a better breakfast. Once you feel like the ONE change you have made is a habit, choose a new goal, like a lower fat lunch. Or cut back on fast food. People will notice your changes- and will want support for their same goals too. That is how I met Suzy. Suzy tells us often, "I am a better wife, a better mom, and a happier person when I have been running." Small changes, made consistently WILL make a difference. Just think of where you could be next year at this time! 15 pounds lighter? A half marathon under your belt? New friends that feel like old friends?

You are amazing. You can do it. Tune in for pep talks occasionally. Pick a race, any race. 3k is a great place to start. 10 or 15k is a do-able goal. Train. Run or walk it slowly. Have a good time. Get free therapy from your training friends. Come and do a training run with us on a Saturday. Get out there. Don't let anything stop you. Not even you. YOU CAN DO IT!

For a link to Utah races this year, click here.