Recently I have given a lot of thought, and within the last week, effort, in taking it to the next step. Eristeo and I have worked very hard over the last five years getting our health and weight in check. Those changes are very important, and if you have not taken the steps to get your health and weight in check, that is something you should work hard to begin.
If, however, you have taken those steps, and have worked hard to get your weight and health in check, I challenge you to take it to the next step. What that looks like for me is to lose the last twenty pounds that I have been fighting for a long time. It also looks like getting my running time down to a comfortable 9-9:30 minute pace for distances over 10 miles. For you it may look much different. It may look like cutting out the extra desserts or increasing your workout by a comfortable, but challenging distance/time. It may even look like getting some extra sleep at night so that you can take better care of yourself and have more energy during the day.
The challenge is to look at yourself and choose one or two things every so often that you can change or cut out to really take yourself to the next level. Set the goal, write it down, and make it happen. Find a way to make yourself accountable to those goals, whether it be an accountability partner who will truthfully and with "no holes barred" hold you to those goals you have set for yourself or an online system like fitnesspal.com to record your calories taken in and burned to keep track yourself, or both.
What a better time of year to make this commitment! Summer is a great time to improve yourself and take yourself to that next level of fitness and health. The less clothes we wear, ie. summer skimpy tanks, dresses, etc, :) the more reason to look hot in those clothes!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Women's Wellness
As women, we sometimes don't take our health and wellness seriously. With all our responsibilities with raising our children, working outside the home, and keeping up our home and all that entails, we sometimes don't make ourselves a priority. But, if we don't take care of ourselves, we may not be able to do our best in taking care of all those other responsibilities. We must make our health and wellness a priority so that we can live a full and wonderful life.
Here are some areas to keep in mind in making ourselves a priority.
1. Eat healthy-Eat a well-balanced diet and don't giving in to the latest fad diet or supplement. Many times we want to have a quick fix and don't pay attention to our day in, day out eating. Eating the right foods and in the right portions, can and will lead to a healthy weight which takes excess strain and wear and tear off your body. If you aren't sure of what healthy choices and portions are, an app such as www.myfitnesspal.com and www.livestrong.com can help you find out how many calories you should consume. Then you can track your progress.
2. Exercise-Exercise helps reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. It reduces stress and depression, increases energy, and helps you attain and maintain a healthy body weight. Start with short walks around your home, then as that is easier for you, add more time or try other types of exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes five or more days a week, but remember, any movement is better than doing nothing at all. Another benefit to exercise, you are setting a healthy examples for your children and spouse.
3. Get an annual exam-There are so many reasons to see your doctor for your annual exam, screening for high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, anxiety and depression, addictions, skin cancer, breast cancer, and other health conditions. Your doctor can find things that you may not even have thought about, and he/she can help you with ways to increase your health and wellness. If you haven't had an annual exam within the last year, schedule one soon!
4. Learn to say no-It is so easy for women to over-schedule ourselves and be pulled in every direction. This can cause stress, anxiety, and affect our general well-being. Prioritize, making time for what is most important. Say "yes" only to things that are most important and "no" to what you would rather avoid. Don't feel the need to make excuses or feel guilty for your "no". You are making yourself a priority, and if you don't, who will.
5. Avoid risky behavior-
1. Stop smoking, stop smoking, stop smoking! Lung cancer kills more people in the US than any other cancer. Why then, would you continually do something that can, and probably most surely will, cause a cancer that robs your body of oxygen and life? Not only does smoking increase your chance of lung cancer, it dramatically increases your chances of heart attack and stroke.
2. Limit alcohol consumption-Any more than seven drinks of a drink containing alcohol is considered at-risk drinking. If you are consuming more than this amount per week, make a conscious effort to cut back.
6. Make your mental health a priority-Different stages of our lives bring on a variety of different stressors. Stress, anger, and other emotions can affect your body physically. If you are experiencing recurrent headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations, stiff neck and shoulders, irregular bowel habits, and frequent pain or illness, these may be signs of increased stress and anxiety. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor and be candid with him/her about things going on in your life that may be affecting your health. (As a side note, women who are in pari-menopause, a wonderful supplement that will balance out hormones and help with mental stress, is Barleans Essential Woman. I began taking these over two months ago, based on a recommendation from a good friend, and it is amazing how much they have helped my mood swings and depression that I was struggling with. These can be purchased on www.soap.com for the best price we have found so far.)
Remember, you are the only one that can make your health and wellness a priority. The better health you are in, the better you can take care of your loved ones.
(Based on "Wellness for Women" by Sheryl Cowan, MD-Connection magazine)
Here are some areas to keep in mind in making ourselves a priority.
1. Eat healthy-Eat a well-balanced diet and don't giving in to the latest fad diet or supplement. Many times we want to have a quick fix and don't pay attention to our day in, day out eating. Eating the right foods and in the right portions, can and will lead to a healthy weight which takes excess strain and wear and tear off your body. If you aren't sure of what healthy choices and portions are, an app such as www.myfitnesspal.com and www.livestrong.com can help you find out how many calories you should consume. Then you can track your progress.
2. Exercise-Exercise helps reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. It reduces stress and depression, increases energy, and helps you attain and maintain a healthy body weight. Start with short walks around your home, then as that is easier for you, add more time or try other types of exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes five or more days a week, but remember, any movement is better than doing nothing at all. Another benefit to exercise, you are setting a healthy examples for your children and spouse.
3. Get an annual exam-There are so many reasons to see your doctor for your annual exam, screening for high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, anxiety and depression, addictions, skin cancer, breast cancer, and other health conditions. Your doctor can find things that you may not even have thought about, and he/she can help you with ways to increase your health and wellness. If you haven't had an annual exam within the last year, schedule one soon!
4. Learn to say no-It is so easy for women to over-schedule ourselves and be pulled in every direction. This can cause stress, anxiety, and affect our general well-being. Prioritize, making time for what is most important. Say "yes" only to things that are most important and "no" to what you would rather avoid. Don't feel the need to make excuses or feel guilty for your "no". You are making yourself a priority, and if you don't, who will.
5. Avoid risky behavior-
1. Stop smoking, stop smoking, stop smoking! Lung cancer kills more people in the US than any other cancer. Why then, would you continually do something that can, and probably most surely will, cause a cancer that robs your body of oxygen and life? Not only does smoking increase your chance of lung cancer, it dramatically increases your chances of heart attack and stroke.
2. Limit alcohol consumption-Any more than seven drinks of a drink containing alcohol is considered at-risk drinking. If you are consuming more than this amount per week, make a conscious effort to cut back.
6. Make your mental health a priority-Different stages of our lives bring on a variety of different stressors. Stress, anger, and other emotions can affect your body physically. If you are experiencing recurrent headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations, stiff neck and shoulders, irregular bowel habits, and frequent pain or illness, these may be signs of increased stress and anxiety. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor and be candid with him/her about things going on in your life that may be affecting your health. (As a side note, women who are in pari-menopause, a wonderful supplement that will balance out hormones and help with mental stress, is Barleans Essential Woman. I began taking these over two months ago, based on a recommendation from a good friend, and it is amazing how much they have helped my mood swings and depression that I was struggling with. These can be purchased on www.soap.com for the best price we have found so far.)
Remember, you are the only one that can make your health and wellness a priority. The better health you are in, the better you can take care of your loved ones.
(Based on "Wellness for Women" by Sheryl Cowan, MD-Connection magazine)
Monday, March 26, 2012
Changes can be good!
Change, just saying the word makes some people cringe. However, many times change can be incredibly important and good for us! Change can come in many different ways, eating habits, physical activities, spiritual journeys, friends and acquaintances, careers, love interests, hobbies, etc.
Within the last five years of our lives, we have made a lot of changes, especially in the areas of physical activity and nutrition. But beyond that, lately we have made changes in our life to surround ourselves with people that relate to and support our healthy, active lifestyle. We have realized that surrounding yourself with people of like interests, who support who and what you are, is more than just nice, it is essential to living life to the fullest!
What area of your life do you need to make a change in? Do you need to add more physical activity? Do you need to improve your eating habits? Do you need to become more spiritual? Or maybe you need to remove people who are toxic in your life and surround yourself with supportive, loving people.
Whatever change you need to make, here are a few important steps you need to keep in mind when making those changes.
1. Make it non-negotiable-Make the change and don't back out of it, NO EXCUSES!
2. Make it clear and actionable-Your change should be something you can do and will stick to it.
3. Prevent quitting by coming up with solutions for excuses before you take action
4. Set a deadline/Monitor your progress/Focus on the goal-Set a goal for when you want to accomplish your goal, make sure you keep your progress in the forefront of your mind, and focus on what your want to accomplish on the horizon.
Change is good. Change is healthy. Change is necessary to grow and progress as humans. Make the changes in your life that need to be made. Begin now!
Within the last five years of our lives, we have made a lot of changes, especially in the areas of physical activity and nutrition. But beyond that, lately we have made changes in our life to surround ourselves with people that relate to and support our healthy, active lifestyle. We have realized that surrounding yourself with people of like interests, who support who and what you are, is more than just nice, it is essential to living life to the fullest!
What area of your life do you need to make a change in? Do you need to add more physical activity? Do you need to improve your eating habits? Do you need to become more spiritual? Or maybe you need to remove people who are toxic in your life and surround yourself with supportive, loving people.
Whatever change you need to make, here are a few important steps you need to keep in mind when making those changes.
1. Make it non-negotiable-Make the change and don't back out of it, NO EXCUSES!
2. Make it clear and actionable-Your change should be something you can do and will stick to it.
3. Prevent quitting by coming up with solutions for excuses before you take action
4. Set a deadline/Monitor your progress/Focus on the goal-Set a goal for when you want to accomplish your goal, make sure you keep your progress in the forefront of your mind, and focus on what your want to accomplish on the horizon.
Change is good. Change is healthy. Change is necessary to grow and progress as humans. Make the changes in your life that need to be made. Begin now!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Eggs...the incredible, edible food!
If you are like me, I have thought in the past that eggs are a food that you should avoid, high cholesterol, fat, etc. Recently, though, a lot of research has come out to show the nutritional health benefits of eggs. Runner's World recently posted an article with details of eggs' benefits. Here are some highlights of that article.
Weight Loss - People wanting to lose weight who ate eggs for breakfast achieved a 60% greater weight loss compared to those who ate a calorie-equivalent bagel. The research theorizes that the quality protein in whole eggs (13% of Daily Value) helps control appetite and it is easy for your body to absorb.
Heart Protection - Contrary to what has been thought in the past, eggs can protect your heart! People who ate eggs at least a couple days a week, built up beneficial cholesterol and a unique protein found in egg yolks blocks platelets (the cells responsible for blood clots) from clumping together inside blood vessels, thereby minimizing heart-attack risk.
Fighting Inflammation - Whole eggs contain nutrient choline (one large egg has 30 percent of your daily value, mostly in the yolk). This not only aids in brain health, but it also helps keep the body's circulatory system clear of compounds that can cause inflammation. Inflammation can lead to disorders ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's disease.
Maintain bone strength - Eggs are one of the few foods containing bone-building vitamin D. One egg supplies 10 percent of the Daily Value. Some brands like Eggland's Best have double that amount.
Keeping your vision sharp - Yolks contain the pigment lutein, which helps prevent age-related macular degeneration (a leading form of blindness). Other foods like spinach and other greens contain higher amounts of lutein, but eggs provide a more absorbable form.
Other facts -
Brown, white, cage free, organic, non-organic? These are all nutritionally the same.
Eggs are a great source of Omega 3s-One yolk has has as much as 1ounce of salmon.
Weight Loss - People wanting to lose weight who ate eggs for breakfast achieved a 60% greater weight loss compared to those who ate a calorie-equivalent bagel. The research theorizes that the quality protein in whole eggs (13% of Daily Value) helps control appetite and it is easy for your body to absorb.
Heart Protection - Contrary to what has been thought in the past, eggs can protect your heart! People who ate eggs at least a couple days a week, built up beneficial cholesterol and a unique protein found in egg yolks blocks platelets (the cells responsible for blood clots) from clumping together inside blood vessels, thereby minimizing heart-attack risk.
Fighting Inflammation - Whole eggs contain nutrient choline (one large egg has 30 percent of your daily value, mostly in the yolk). This not only aids in brain health, but it also helps keep the body's circulatory system clear of compounds that can cause inflammation. Inflammation can lead to disorders ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's disease.
Maintain bone strength - Eggs are one of the few foods containing bone-building vitamin D. One egg supplies 10 percent of the Daily Value. Some brands like Eggland's Best have double that amount.
Keeping your vision sharp - Yolks contain the pigment lutein, which helps prevent age-related macular degeneration (a leading form of blindness). Other foods like spinach and other greens contain higher amounts of lutein, but eggs provide a more absorbable form.
Other facts -
Brown, white, cage free, organic, non-organic? These are all nutritionally the same.
Eggs are a great source of Omega 3s-One yolk has has as much as 1ounce of salmon.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
20 Best Foods to Have on Your Grocery List
Knowing what foods are best to eat can be overwhelming. There are so many choices that you can make when you are working to better your health. Livestrong website has listed 20 best foods to have on your grocery list. We eat most of these on a regular basis, so I can vouch that most of them taste awesome, and are great additions to your healthy lifestyle. There are a few that we have not tried, but we plan to soon! Here is the list and benefits they have for your health.
1. Almonds-These nuts are a great source of monounsaturated fat (the good kind!), protein, thiamin, riboflavin, and Vitamin E, and minerals (copper, iron, and zinc). They have also been proven in research to lower cholesterol. The best way to eat them is raw, since roasting or salted can take away from some of their health benefits.
2. Asparagus-These strange looking veggies are packed full of health benefits. They are full of anti-inflammatory nutrients, high levels of folic acids which can release seratonin(a neurotransmitter than helps put you in a good mood!), and it may halt the formation of cancerous tumors.
3. Avacados-These are also packed with monounsaturated fat, are an excellent carrier for the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, have been linked to improved cardiovascular health and blood sugar regulation, and has been linked to prevention of cancer (specifically cancers of the mouth, skin, and prostate).
4. Berries-Besides the sweet, almost seductive, taste of berries such as blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries, these gifts of nature are packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, and have been linked to lowered risk of breast and cervical cancer.
5. Bell Peppers-Along with adding some gorgeous color to your dinner or dishes, they are packed with anti-oxidants (vitamins A, C, and E), and they can assist the body in getting rid of neutralizing free radicals, reducing your risk of disease.
6. Black Beans-These are a super cheap dinner addition, or main course, along with being packed with nutrients, they have similar heart healthy, cancer preventing compounds that are typically found in berries, red wine, and tea. They also provide a great mix of protein and carbs. We have been eating black beans as part of our dinner the night before our long runs. They have been incredible as a pre-run meal. Step aside carbo loading spaghetti meals!
7. Broccoli-When reading about the health benefits of broccoli, there were a bunch of really big words, that I could not even read, much less try to type!, but the gist of the information is that these veggies are very beneficial. They are not only pretty and yummy, they are cancer preventing, high in vitamins C and K, have been found to potentially work in protecting the cardiovascular system.
8. Brussel Sprouts-Ok, I have to be honest, this is one that I have not tried yet, and am not sure our family will be up for them anytime soon, but they are full of vitamins, A, B6, C, E, and K. They also have selenium, a mineral that helps your body fight free radicals, and studies have suggested they have the potential for preventing bladder, breast, colon, and lung cancer.
9. Butternut Squash-We haven't tried this one, but we eat another winter squash which is also very good for you, acorn squash. Butternut squash is low in calories and high in vitamin C. Research has also shown that consuming it can reduce the risk of lung cancer.
10. Chicken Breast-This is one staple that is ALWAYS in our freezer. It is an excellent source of protein and no carbohydrates, making it a perfect muscle food, and it is full of an enzume which is essential for skin cell turnover.
11. Edamame-We have eaten these in a trail mix from Sprouts, and they are excellent that way. The picture on the website has them pictured in the pod, possibly steamed. I am anxious to try them this way. These are a popular Japanese soybeans that are full of vitamins B, C, and E. They are a great source of protein and are a natural source of antioxidants and isoflavins.
12. Eggs-I don't know if you are like me, but I have thought for a long time that eggs are a food to stay away from, too high in cholesterol, etc. Those thoughts are completely false, however. Eggs are the closest to a super food you can get. They are cheap, high in protein, available year round, have been linked to increased brain health, decreased inflammation, as well as improved cardiovascular health. Contrary to many people's thoughts, including mine of old, they are linked to the improvement in cholesterol levels. Based on other readings, we now buy cage free organic brown eggs. (What I have learned about that is a whole other blog.)
13. Flaxseed-You must ingest flaxseed ground, as the whole flaxseed will not digest, and will pass through your system whole. We buy ours already ground in bulk at Sprouts. Flaxseed is great sprinkled on oatmeal or mixed into a smoothie (this is how I consume it daily). It is an abundant source of fiber, magnesium, and calcium. They have extremely high amount of lignans, omega-3 fatty acids that we hear so much about being so good for you. They have been linked to the prevention of numerous health problems, and due to its high fiber content, can help prevent heart disease.
14. Garlic-Besides the obvious, keeping the vampires away, garlic has wonderful health benefits. It is a heart healthy herb that reduces body's cholesterol and triglycerides, protects blood cells and vessels from inflammatory and oxidative stress, and may prevent cellular changes that may lead to cancerous tumor development and inhibit tumor growth.
15. Onions-No benefit to your breath, but when onions are consumed with a diet filled with other vegetables, they can prevent heart attacks.
16. Spinach-Served either fresh or steamed, spinach, as well as other leafy greens like kale and romaine lettuce, are high in vitamin K and prevent the occurance of an aggresive type of prostate cancer.
17. Salmon-Wild-caught salmon is much better for your health than farm raised. It is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, lowering the risk of death from heart disease.
18. Sweet Potatoes-These potatoes are so beneficial to your health and so yummy! They are packed with vitamins, complex carbohydrates and phytochemicals, large amounts of fiber, beta carotene, and most impressively, vitamin A, the vitamin that keeps your eyesight strong.
19. Tomatoes-These fruits are full of antioxidants, anti-cancer benefits, lycopene (which may promote cardiovascular health and helps prevent skin from sun damage), they are super low in calories, and can help lower the risk of prostate cancer.
20. Yogurt-Besides being an easy and yummy snack, consumption of yogurt has been linked to better digestive health and a lower percentage of body fat. Be careful to check the label, many yogurts are full of sugar. Greek yogurt is the best bet. It is high in protein and low in sugar. Another great one we have found is Kroger's Carb Master. These are low in sugar and high in protein without the bitter taste that Greek yogurt can sometimes have.
1. Almonds-These nuts are a great source of monounsaturated fat (the good kind!), protein, thiamin, riboflavin, and Vitamin E, and minerals (copper, iron, and zinc). They have also been proven in research to lower cholesterol. The best way to eat them is raw, since roasting or salted can take away from some of their health benefits.
2. Asparagus-These strange looking veggies are packed full of health benefits. They are full of anti-inflammatory nutrients, high levels of folic acids which can release seratonin(a neurotransmitter than helps put you in a good mood!), and it may halt the formation of cancerous tumors.
3. Avacados-These are also packed with monounsaturated fat, are an excellent carrier for the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, have been linked to improved cardiovascular health and blood sugar regulation, and has been linked to prevention of cancer (specifically cancers of the mouth, skin, and prostate).
4. Berries-Besides the sweet, almost seductive, taste of berries such as blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries, these gifts of nature are packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, and have been linked to lowered risk of breast and cervical cancer.
5. Bell Peppers-Along with adding some gorgeous color to your dinner or dishes, they are packed with anti-oxidants (vitamins A, C, and E), and they can assist the body in getting rid of neutralizing free radicals, reducing your risk of disease.
6. Black Beans-These are a super cheap dinner addition, or main course, along with being packed with nutrients, they have similar heart healthy, cancer preventing compounds that are typically found in berries, red wine, and tea. They also provide a great mix of protein and carbs. We have been eating black beans as part of our dinner the night before our long runs. They have been incredible as a pre-run meal. Step aside carbo loading spaghetti meals!
7. Broccoli-When reading about the health benefits of broccoli, there were a bunch of really big words, that I could not even read, much less try to type!, but the gist of the information is that these veggies are very beneficial. They are not only pretty and yummy, they are cancer preventing, high in vitamins C and K, have been found to potentially work in protecting the cardiovascular system.
8. Brussel Sprouts-Ok, I have to be honest, this is one that I have not tried yet, and am not sure our family will be up for them anytime soon, but they are full of vitamins, A, B6, C, E, and K. They also have selenium, a mineral that helps your body fight free radicals, and studies have suggested they have the potential for preventing bladder, breast, colon, and lung cancer.
9. Butternut Squash-We haven't tried this one, but we eat another winter squash which is also very good for you, acorn squash. Butternut squash is low in calories and high in vitamin C. Research has also shown that consuming it can reduce the risk of lung cancer.
10. Chicken Breast-This is one staple that is ALWAYS in our freezer. It is an excellent source of protein and no carbohydrates, making it a perfect muscle food, and it is full of an enzume which is essential for skin cell turnover.
11. Edamame-We have eaten these in a trail mix from Sprouts, and they are excellent that way. The picture on the website has them pictured in the pod, possibly steamed. I am anxious to try them this way. These are a popular Japanese soybeans that are full of vitamins B, C, and E. They are a great source of protein and are a natural source of antioxidants and isoflavins.
12. Eggs-I don't know if you are like me, but I have thought for a long time that eggs are a food to stay away from, too high in cholesterol, etc. Those thoughts are completely false, however. Eggs are the closest to a super food you can get. They are cheap, high in protein, available year round, have been linked to increased brain health, decreased inflammation, as well as improved cardiovascular health. Contrary to many people's thoughts, including mine of old, they are linked to the improvement in cholesterol levels. Based on other readings, we now buy cage free organic brown eggs. (What I have learned about that is a whole other blog.)
13. Flaxseed-You must ingest flaxseed ground, as the whole flaxseed will not digest, and will pass through your system whole. We buy ours already ground in bulk at Sprouts. Flaxseed is great sprinkled on oatmeal or mixed into a smoothie (this is how I consume it daily). It is an abundant source of fiber, magnesium, and calcium. They have extremely high amount of lignans, omega-3 fatty acids that we hear so much about being so good for you. They have been linked to the prevention of numerous health problems, and due to its high fiber content, can help prevent heart disease.
14. Garlic-Besides the obvious, keeping the vampires away, garlic has wonderful health benefits. It is a heart healthy herb that reduces body's cholesterol and triglycerides, protects blood cells and vessels from inflammatory and oxidative stress, and may prevent cellular changes that may lead to cancerous tumor development and inhibit tumor growth.
15. Onions-No benefit to your breath, but when onions are consumed with a diet filled with other vegetables, they can prevent heart attacks.
16. Spinach-Served either fresh or steamed, spinach, as well as other leafy greens like kale and romaine lettuce, are high in vitamin K and prevent the occurance of an aggresive type of prostate cancer.
17. Salmon-Wild-caught salmon is much better for your health than farm raised. It is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, lowering the risk of death from heart disease.
18. Sweet Potatoes-These potatoes are so beneficial to your health and so yummy! They are packed with vitamins, complex carbohydrates and phytochemicals, large amounts of fiber, beta carotene, and most impressively, vitamin A, the vitamin that keeps your eyesight strong.
19. Tomatoes-These fruits are full of antioxidants, anti-cancer benefits, lycopene (which may promote cardiovascular health and helps prevent skin from sun damage), they are super low in calories, and can help lower the risk of prostate cancer.
20. Yogurt-Besides being an easy and yummy snack, consumption of yogurt has been linked to better digestive health and a lower percentage of body fat. Be careful to check the label, many yogurts are full of sugar. Greek yogurt is the best bet. It is high in protein and low in sugar. Another great one we have found is Kroger's Carb Master. These are low in sugar and high in protein without the bitter taste that Greek yogurt can sometimes have.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Countdown to Cowtown
It's less than 12 hours till we run our 4th annual Cowtown Half Marathon. This will be my first half marathon this running season (since I took some time off while I did the HCG diet) and Eristeo's third half marathon this season. Needless to say, I'm a little like a child whose awaiting the next morning when she gets to head out to Disney World.
I know that feeling of eager anticipation to get up at 4:00 am to go run 13 miles through Cowtown may be foreign and completely incomprehensible to most people, so I thought today we would blog about why we run. Maybe, just maybe, it will make sense to those who don't run, but I imagine those who are runners will nod their heads in agreement as they read our reasons we run. Regardless of whether you understand or not, here are a few of the many reasons for our, sometimes insane, addiction to running.
1. We can! - God has given us the health, endurance, and ability to run. Why then, would we waste that God given ability by sitting around being couch potatoes? Our bodies are God's temple that He has charged us to do our best with. To us, running is part of doing the best for His temple. "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary..." Isaiah 40:29-31
2. We like to eat (and occasionally, drink)- It's not only the actual races that burn the calories that allow us to eat, but the many hours of sometimes grueling training to prepare for them that allows us to burn the calories needed to keep off excess weight when we occasionally indulge in the special treat or drink. Being "recovering fat people", weight control is a constant battle, and those extra calories burned certainly help us out A LOT!
3. The accomplishment - The ease of sitting around on the couch at home is certainly tempting in the evenings after a long, stressful day at work. But, the feeling you get when you don't give in to that temptation, and you get home, change into running clothes and pound the pavement for a few miles, is a better feeling than any couch potato night would ever feel like. Knowing that you have gone out and done something for yourself and burned some calories, makes the reward of relaxing the rest of the night with a nice healthy dinner and maybe a glass of wine so awesome! Of course, besides the almost daily reward of getting in the training runs, the accomplishment of crossing the finish line of a race, whether it be a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or marathon, is beyond description. Knowing that you have worked diligently in training to accomplish the distance along with thousands of other crazy runners is one of the most inspiring things in life for us.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim 4:7
I know that feeling of eager anticipation to get up at 4:00 am to go run 13 miles through Cowtown may be foreign and completely incomprehensible to most people, so I thought today we would blog about why we run. Maybe, just maybe, it will make sense to those who don't run, but I imagine those who are runners will nod their heads in agreement as they read our reasons we run. Regardless of whether you understand or not, here are a few of the many reasons for our, sometimes insane, addiction to running.
1. We can! - God has given us the health, endurance, and ability to run. Why then, would we waste that God given ability by sitting around being couch potatoes? Our bodies are God's temple that He has charged us to do our best with. To us, running is part of doing the best for His temple. "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary..." Isaiah 40:29-31
2. We like to eat (and occasionally, drink)- It's not only the actual races that burn the calories that allow us to eat, but the many hours of sometimes grueling training to prepare for them that allows us to burn the calories needed to keep off excess weight when we occasionally indulge in the special treat or drink. Being "recovering fat people", weight control is a constant battle, and those extra calories burned certainly help us out A LOT!
3. The accomplishment - The ease of sitting around on the couch at home is certainly tempting in the evenings after a long, stressful day at work. But, the feeling you get when you don't give in to that temptation, and you get home, change into running clothes and pound the pavement for a few miles, is a better feeling than any couch potato night would ever feel like. Knowing that you have gone out and done something for yourself and burned some calories, makes the reward of relaxing the rest of the night with a nice healthy dinner and maybe a glass of wine so awesome! Of course, besides the almost daily reward of getting in the training runs, the accomplishment of crossing the finish line of a race, whether it be a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or marathon, is beyond description. Knowing that you have worked diligently in training to accomplish the distance along with thousands of other crazy runners is one of the most inspiring things in life for us.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim 4:7
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Color Run Fun!!!
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