Sweet Friday

I am so looking forward to putting my feet up tonight and relaxing!  Tomorrow is going to be busy...trip to the dump, two birthday parties, a veggie tray I need to buy stuff for and put together.  So tonight, I just want to chill...

...especially since today is the first two mile run I have scheduled and I am a bit nervous.  I'm sure it will be fine, but still...when I think of running two miles it feels a little bit overwhelming.  I'll let you know how it goes.

I get a little bit freaked out when people tell me I am inspiring them.  I don't quite get it, but maybe it is because I have never seen myself as inspirational and it certainly isn't my goal. I think it is a good thing and when I think about it, if I can help one person, through this blog chatter, to start making themselves a priority in their own life, I am honored to be able to do that.  It took me a long time to be able to do it for myself, but until we do it, nothing will ever change.  And it isn't selfish.  If we don't take care of ourselves, we won't be around to take care of anyone else, so making ourselves a priority is actually out of a need to be around for those who love and need us. 

So yeah, if I inspire you in some small way, I'm happy to do it.  I went through the first half of my life (well, first half, providing I don't die like tomorrow or something) really big, with a body that didn't allow me to do the things I wanted to be able to do.  Now, though surgery gave me a boost or a head start on weight loss, I've also busted my ass at the gym for a long time now.  I made a deal with myself before I ever had surgery and that was that I was going to do my part to make this work.  If I was not willing to commit to that, then why was I putting my life on the line on an operating table in the first place?  And no, none of it has been easy.  I sweat a lot doing cardio and there are so many moments I just want to quit. I ache in the evenings after I run, but the next morning, I feel great.  It's a give and take; a love and hate relationship I have with exercise. 

I got all pissed off yesterday because it was a cross training day for me and I was a little pressed for time due to a delightful sushi lunch with a friend, so I chose the elliptical as my poison.  Now, the hootchie mama next to me on her elliptical, decided to have her blue tooth in and was handling her business calls LOUDLY as she worked out, so I had to really crank up my ipod to not hear her.  But the other part of that is that I don't really believe anyone should be that kind of distracted while working out.  I just don't, for a couple of reasons.

First off, if you are listening to someone else, you aren't listening to your body.  It could be sending you a warning signal about something that you may be ignoring as you aren't paying attention.

Secondly, how hard are you really working if you are chatting the whole time?  I try to push myself during cardio and that means I can maybe grunt out a word or two to you, but don't ask me to help you solve world hunger or something while I am running or on the elliptical.  I am trying to get my heart rate up and trying to keep it up so I can burn the maximum amount of calories and fat and to improve my cardio vascular system.  I only got one body, honey, and I would like it to last me awhile yet, so like changing the oil in the car, I need to keep myself primed and in good working order.

I have recently passed on the website for the C25K Cool Running program to a few friends who are interested.  Follow it to the letter.  You may feel like you can run more the first week or second week, but the goal is that you don't injure yourself and that you build up slowly.  It is a great program and it is what got me started.  Stick with it and be ready to be amazed.  I don't recommend Robert Ullrey's podcasts unless you like techno music, which I do not.  I used it once or twice, but peeps, I need lyrics and preferably inspiration ones with a good beat to git 'er done.  Treadmill timing worked best for me or making up a sheet that told me at what minute I started running, and when I stopped etc.  But whatever works for you.  I think out there on the internet are ways to create your own, with your little bells and whistles to tell you when to stop and start your runs too, for those of you who are technical minded.  And those of you who are, inspire me.

Have a great weekend!  Take care of yourselves!