In the words of Nike...

So I've heard myself often say "I think I would really like running".  I like the idea of putting on the tunes, feet hitting pavement, and the feeling of satisfaction when you make that final loop back home.  Don't get me wrong - I really like going to the gym for classes too when I can get there.  And there it is - that sentence that seems to undo every motivating thought I have.  There is always something else to do.  Homework to help with, dishes to wash, meals to make, laundry to get through.  So I focus on getting those things done and, after working a full day on top of that, I truly just want to collapse at the end of the day.

But here is what I've realized.  I can ask for help with all that other stuff - but I'm the only one who can make myself a runner.  I'm the only one who can get my ass to the gym.  I have also come to realize that when I say it out loud, or commit to it in writing, it tends to get done.

After the Ottawa Race weekend two years ago, I thought to myself "I really want to do that.  Next year I will be in the race".  I didn't say it to anyone else and, next thing I knew Race weekend had arrived and I had not done anything to prepare.

So Ottawa Race weekend 2013 was this weekend - I truly wish I could say that I participated but I didn't.  But here is what I did do...I called on "journey buddies" - that's what I've taken to calling them here - and I said out loud that I wanted to do a 5K.  I wanted that to be a goal...so we made it a goal.  In fact, one of them suggested we not wait until next year, but that we should find one in the fall to do.  My response - I'm in.  So even if I have to walk some of it, I will do it this time.  I will not be the one who says I'm not ready.

And its as simple as that to get your mo-jo back.  Say it out loud, commit, grab a couple of friends who don't mind hearing you whine every now and then, and Just Do It.

Step one - I walked 4 kms this afternoon...and it felt fantastic.
Will keep you posted on our journey to get there...

The usual...

So just a quick update...life feels crazy these days (is there ever a time when it won't feel crazy??).  Being "on the run" has meant that any sort of work out routine has flown out the window.  Having said that, I have been more conscious of what I'm eating so I'm still feeling pretty good about things.  I'm down a few more pounds since the last post, and definitely am feeling more energetic.

What I have been missing, though, is Weight Watcher meetings.  I really believe in the power they have to keep you on track, and I haven't been to one in a little while.  Mine and my buddies' new plan is to try to catch a meeting one day during lunch.  They offer meetings downtown not far from where we work, and I think that might work better than trying to fit in an evening.

For now, we "just keep swimming..."