Change

This is my sixth week of consistent running and I'm finally starting to notice some changes.

As I was getting dressed to go running this morning, I noticed that there seemed to be a little less belly fat being squished by the waistband of my shorts (woohoo - added bonus for running because I definitely have a little extra weight to lose).

And as I was running this morning I noticed that I didn't have to concentrate as much on my breathing - I think it's finally becoming second nature.  Another victory!  I also ran eight minute segments and wasn't dying - I'm so proud of myself!  I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there!

Another change I've noticed is in my attitude - I like running.  And can I just tell you that in all of my 37 years, I would never have imagined I would say those words.  Ever.  I actually look forward to running now - on my days off, I'm disappointed that I don't get to run, but I know my body needs rest (since I'm still a beginner).

So here's another inspirational quote for you today:

~ Courtney

Just Run

I may not have been doing this very long.  And I may not be fast, and may not be able to run very many miles (yet).  But - I am a runner!

A little motivation and reminder for today:

~ Courtney

It's Official!

So, I signed up this morning for the PF Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon in January 2014!  This might be my first half marathon - I'll find out next week.  I also registered for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco in October, but that one is a random drawing - so no guarantee I'll get in.

I'm so excited that I at least know for sure I'll be running a half in January!  My husband is going to run with me - should be fun!  And a little less intimidating than SF since there aren't hills here in Phoenix, and I have a little more time to train.  But, if I get drawn for the Nike run, I can do it!  I'm excited and nervous at the same time!

As a treat to myself, I ordered this adorable tank to wear while running:

Vanessa over at RufflesWithLove has the cutest workout/exercise tanks!  Go check them out!  I bet you can guess the one I'll order after I've completed my half marathon!

Also, I wanted to share with you a discount code for the Rock 'N' Roll marathons - if you use code Lucky13 on the 13th of the month, you get $13 off of your registration!  Register for your own run here: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/

~ Courtney

Rock My Run

Do you listen to music when you run?  I do!  It helps the time pass, and helps me to not focus on how much further I have to go, but rather how much I like what I'm listening to!

I of course have created a rather short playlist in my iTunes of "running" music (since I wouldn't consider most of what I listen to run-worthy).  And I have considered listening to Pandora or something similar for variety, but haven't tried it yet.

What I did find while Googling running music though, was this fun website: www.rockmyrun.com.  They have all sorts of fun playlists put together by DJs in varying lengths, beats per minute, and types of music!

They do offer subscriptions so that you can purchase certain mixes (and more of them), but I just have the standard subscription which gives me one free credit every month.  So I get to download a new mix every month and there's new stuff all of the time!  I think it's pretty fun!

So, what do you listen to?

 ~ Courtney

Watch me!

Just a little motivation for today.  No "Negative Nelly's" here.  Just watch me do what you say I can't...

~ Courtney

Learning How to Run...

Is there a "wrong" way to run?  Do you really have to learn how to run?  I'd say yes to both of those questions!

Now, ask a runner what the right way to run is, and they'll give you their opinion.  But ask more than one runner and you'll likely get differing opinions!  So, is there a "right" way to run?  I am trying to figure that out now.

I'm finding that it's an individual learning process, and what works for one person may or may not work for another.  So the "right" way for me is probably not the "right" way for you.  And where do you begin?  I started with an app on my iPhone called Couch to 5k.  I saw a pin about it on Pinterest (one of my guilty pleasures) and was intrigued - could I go from the couch to a 5k in 8 weeks?  Only if you stick with it!

I am still using that app, but have also started reading articles and books about running - trying to learn how to breathe correctly, figuring out my stride, etc.  Over the last week and half I've been reading this book:  

It has really helped me change my breathing habits, and I've been adjusting my stride according to his recommendations, and you know what?  It's working!  I'm breathing easier and my legs aren't hurting after a run like they were before (shin splints are no fun, by the way).  If I had more time to train before my half marathon, I'd give his run walk method a try.  I am essentially running and walking now with the app, but not as gradually as he recommends, which I think would be beneficial to a lot of beginners.

So, I'll keep reading and learning and adjusting.  That's part of the fun of a new activity or hobby - learning all about it and perfecting your skill!

~ Courtney

How did we get here?!?!

So, a few months ago I started "running".  I'm not sure if I'll ever call what I do running - I feel more like I'm jogging.  But I'm out there - learning, trying, to run.  I've started and stopped this adventure a couple of times already...

But about a month ago a friend of mine posted on Facebook that she wanted to run the San Francisco Nike Women's Marathon/Half Marathon in October - any takers???  Several of her running buddies responded that they'd be in for the half marathon.  13.1 miles.  Six months away.  Could I do it?  I certainly want to try.  So I raised my hand... yikes!

Now, this isn't an easy marathon to get in to - we've had to sign up for a random drawing which will happen in about two weeks.  But since I raised my hand I've been running jogging faithfully, building up my endurance and distance slowly but surely.  Fingers crossed we get picked to run!

Not to say there are any nay-sayers in my life, but I have a few people who seem to think I am out of my league (which I may very well be).  BUT, I am going to do this.  Because I want to.  Because I can.  It's all in the attitude, right?

So, follow my progress and adventures here.  Couch to half marathon... there's an app for that isn't there???

~ Courtney