Day One

This is an updated re-post from last year. Soon after I started training last year, some family & heallth issues kept me from continuing.  All is good now and I am thrilled to be training alongside 12 fabulous LOLA women for the Nike Marathon in October.

July 8, 2013….Today is Day One of Marathon training. In 15 weeks, I plan to cross the finish line of my fourth marathon. This is not an easy feat for me or anybody that has ever attempted a 26.2 mile race. 26.2 miles is a long ******* way on your feet!  Many people think that because I am a Nutritionist, Run Coach, Fitness trainer and have competed in triathlons, running races and everything else in between for so many years that a “simple little marathon” should be easy for me, right? No way. 20 years ago I transitioned to triathlons because running a marathon was just too hard! I figured if I was going to be out there for 4 hours, I may as well be doing 3 different sports. (“at least I will get to sit down for awhile on the bike portion,” I thought.)

I am human just like you… in a constant state of “juggle” in my attempt to balance family, home, work, life & athletics. I am married with 4 school age kids, own my own business working crazy hours, manage the household along with all of my mom duties and need to find time every day to exercise. I plan my exercise times for the week on Sunday evening and stick to that schedule as best I can. This way, when I have to get up at 5am on a Saturday morning to run before work….I am ready for it. Being a Nutritionist, you may also think I eat “perfectly” all of the time. No way. I do really have a fairly good diet but one of my favorite foods is frosting! I have been known to go out of my way for a nice frosting covered dessert….yum! Honestly, no one eats perfectly all of the time but if you can live by the 80-20 rule ( 80% healthy eating, 20% treats) you are doing okay.

I chose this challenge of the marathon as a gift to myself. A gift, you say? Some think it’s a more like a horrible form of torture. A gift, might be a day at the spa or a much needed vacation. But to me this is like a vacation. While I am training, long runs in the wee hours alone, it becomes an adventurous journey every time I step out that door. Where will it take me, what will I see, how will I feel, people I will meet all become part of this adventure. And for those hours I am out there, it is all about ME and everything else slips away. For you women out there, I know ME time is hard to find. No matter how you get it….make time to find it. It will save your life.

I promise to not bore you for the next 105 days with the details of my training. I really am hoping to inspire you to set a goal for yourself and have your own Day One. Maybe it’s a mile, a 5k, or half marathon…it all begins with a commitment to yourself.  Your Day ONE  will be the beginning of a change. Train along with me. I will support & cheer you on through your own adventure!

Now go find your ME time……and let me know where you found it.