Pushing Myself

photo

I have to let you guys know that I feel pretty good right now. You see, a while ago I set this very ambitious goal of running a half marathon in the middle of January 2009. I thought it'd be especially nice to complete such a large goal after graduation the month prior.

...but I seemed to have forgotten that finals, graduation, holidays and road trips aren't very conducive to actually TRAINING for a half marathon!!

It's not like asthmatic-non-runner-Ashley can just get up and magically run 13.1 miles just because it'll be really, really cool! So when my training was basically nonexistent until after Christmas, I really thought of giving up.
But I couldn't think of a substantial enough excuse to give up on my goals.

So tonight I ran 8 miles. A very big record for me.

Nothing compares to being proud of yourself for pushing your limits. Do you know what I mean? Whether it be running, loving, changing habits or prejudices or stepping out of your comfort zone... the reward for pushing yourself is priceless.

Click here to see Runner's World great article on 15 foods runners need to keep in good running shape. I'm proud to see I had most of those foods today! Included in the list are oranges, black beans and dark chocolate!

Do you notice how your diet affects your specific exercise program? Are there certain foods that you count on for top performance?

Ahhhh! Vacation!!

Holy crappers!

Graduation (!!!) 7:30am tomorrow, party, 10-day road trip Sunday- then Christmas Eve right after we get back! Gah!

First, here's the schedule for Operation: Wonderland in case you're interested:

Operation: Wonderland Itinerary December 14-23, 3008

Sunday 12/14
Leave Tampa 8am
7 ½ hour drive
Arrive Charleston, SC 4pm

Monday 12/15
Leave Charleston, SC 1pm
8 hour drive
Arrive DC 9pm

Tuesday 12/16
Leave DC 5pm
3 hour drive
Arrive DE 8pm

Wednesday 12/17
Leave DE 4pm
4 hour drive
Arrive NY 8pm

Thursday 12/18
NYC

Friday 12/19
NYC

Saturday 12/20
Leave NY in am
Stay Boston

Sunday 12/21
Stay Boston

Monday 12/22
Leave Boston 8am
12 hour drive
Arrive NC 8pm

Tuesday 12/23
Leave NC 1pm
10 hour drive
Arrive HOME (Tampa) 11pm

**All readers, let me know if I'll be in your area and maybe we can meet up!**

Traveling Exercises
I think road trips are the most critical time to keep active, especially when that trip is during a food-heavy holiday. After all, you're most likely eating more food and more often and some days are spent entirely in the car.

Being on the road for 10 days the month before my first half marathon scares me a bit, so I'm already planning out my runs. Anyone want to meet up at any of the locations for a good run?!

I'm packing my mat (ewww hotel carpets!), a resistance band and maybe my 8-lb. medicine ball. I've also printed this great No-Gear Necessary workout from Women's Health.

What do you do to stay fresh and active when you're on the road? I'm taking all the tips I can get on this one!

Trashy

You know that old technique of destroying a food so you are guaranteed to not eat it? I use the trick often. Want to make sure you don't eat the other half? In the trash it goes. Swear you will not eat that cookie? Spray a little bleach on it. It works.

.. unless I dig in the trash can and eat the other
half of my bar!

____________________________________________

When presented with food experiences outside of my little comfort zone, I take the opportunity to shift blame. Dinner out with my family? I just have to eat a ton. Extra food at work? Even when I'm not hungry and don't like the food, I just have to eat it because it's there. David orders pizza and bread sticks for dinner? Of course my boyfriend's unhealthy habits just have to rub off on me. The day is already ruined- why not have another bowl?

This is not true. Contrary to what I want to believe, I am not helpless.

This is all a choice. My choice. I feel like crap today not because I have a lot on my plate right now. The way I feel is a result of me making huge excuses and basing my decisions off of that.

Last night I went to The Lime with some friends. They brought out chips and salsa to start. Obviously I did not need to eat a ton of them. But, I did. Because that's what you do when you're out with friends and there's free food in front of you?

No. It was my choice. It is my choice still.

Sorry guys. I needed to expose myself.

photo