Run Disney: Buzz Lightyear Costume Idea

I figured it was about time that we added a little Pixar into the run Disney costume idea bucket. And what better character to start with than Mr. Buzz Lightyear? Arguably, he is the character with the most combined cluelessness and charm of all time. Yes, Buzz is a boy, but why couldn't a girl rock his look?

Here is our take on Buzz:

1. As always, I feel you need a good tutu to rock out at a Disney Race. Find this tutu HERE.

2. I think I would wear these socks even if they weren't for the race. Find the socks HERE.

3. Wouldn't these fishnet gloves be really fun at the Princess? I bet they would glow in the early morning hours! Find these gloves HERE.

4. Let us ignore that this is a boy in the t-shirt. A girl could pull off this shirt perfectly. Find it HERE.

5. This green headband will keep all that hair out of your face. Find it HERE.

To infinity and beyond,

Brittany

P.S.-Have you joined #selfietogethealthy yet? One day left! Check it out HERE.

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Are you up for a Challenge? #SelfieToGetHealthy

Anyone who has known me for longer than 5 minutes knows I'm always up for a good challenge, so when my friend Jen challenged me to a selfie a day challenge, I knew I had to do it. However, the spin that it is going to take is not your average just take a picture a day of yourself. It's about getting healthy in the process. I messaged Brittany today to see if she would be down and once I explained the concept she jumped right on board. 

How it works:

- Every day for 200 days, you take a picture of yourself. 

-It doesn't have to be a pretty picture, but it does need to be a picture that you can see clearly. No filters! We want to be able to see the "real" you. 

-Over the course of the 200 days, these pictures will help document your weight loss journey. 

-You can hashtag your pictures #SelfieToGetHealthy

Why on Earth would we need to take a pic a day for 200 days you ask? Well let me tell you. How many times have you looked in the mirror daily and not been able to see the progress you are making? How many times have you been told how different you look, but you just can't see it? This helps you to actually see the progress over time. At the end of the 200 days, you will take your pictures and put them into a "movie" format. As you play your pictures you will be able to see the transition over time. :)

Okay! I'm In...Now What?:

- The project starts on August 1, 2014 and runs until the weekend of the Disney Princess Half Marathon (February 20-22, 2015)

- At the end of the 200 days, post your videos on Facebook with the hashtag #SelfieToGetHealthy

- Celebrate with everyone who has reached their milestone! 

If you are going to take part in the challenge, please share this post with everyone you know! We want this to be an epic project and get as many people involved as possible! We want everyone to get healthy with us! Please join us and we look forward to seeing all of your beautiful pictures! Brittany and I will make sure we take our pics and share them on the blog weekly! 

 If you have any other questions, please leave them below in the comments and we will get back with you as soon as we can! :) 

Follow the #SelfieToGetHealthy Challenge on Facebook HERE

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The Week That Was

It has been quite a busy week/weekend around these parts, so I figured it was time for a little life update!

Last Monday, my husband and I finally closed on our home, and I'm so happy that it is now OURS all OURS, it is absolutely perfect for us. Every time we go over to the house, we are just filled with so much joy that it is now owned by us. We can't wait till we can get all the way moved in. Alas, we are still at the apartment, buying our time till move in day. 

Last week was the last week of our summer camp at work. It was rewarding but so much work!! I'm glad for it to be over. We had a great last week though. Graduation Day! Chuck E' Cheese Day! Splash Pad Day! We also had the children reflect on what they learned from summer camp, I loved this response we got. Also isn't that top photo cute? That was the teens we hired to help this summer, taking selfies with my phone when I was out of the room,  I just discovered them today. It cracked me up.

Saturday morning, we got up super early and headed over to the house to paint the guest room. Two of the bedrooms in our new home were children's bedrooms, and they were very brightly colored. So I wanted to switch them up. Neither Adam nor I have ever painted before, so we were somewhat nervous. But I love how it turned out! I decided to go with a darker, less shiny blue. I can't wait to get it fully decorated in my nautical theme! Jana keeps telling me this is her bedroom!  So I told her she will have to make a sign for the room that says, "Jana's Room: Keep Out!" Just as we would have done when we were children.

Saturday night, Adam and I went to my 10 year class reunion. Holy Cow! It has been 10 years. Like what? How has it been 10 years? Our reunion was at the Space & Rocket Center, which was such a cool location. I was nervous having not seen these people for so long, but it was so nice to see everyone. Especially some of my best friends from that time, it was just like old times. And everyone was so nice about my weight loss! I'm proud to be a graduate of Athens High School Class of 2004!

I woke up Sunday morning, and I did a run on the treadmill because it was HOT, HOT, HOT outside. I did 2 miles at a 4.0 mile pace, getting up to 4.2 eventually. I love that I'm speeding up on the treadmill now. It makes me hopeful I can get my pace way up for Disney.  I feel like I have been playing it really careful with my injury, but I have had no extra pain lately, so I'm ready to start amping it back up. I want to be back up to 3 miles by this weekend. Next week, I'm going on a family beach trip, so I'm hoping to get in some pretty beach runs. 

Also, I spent a few hours at the waterpark today. Soaking up some Vitamin D and floating in the lazy river. It was so fun, and it was a perfect ending to this wonderful week. I even got up some courage to go down the big water slide (yeap, that is me gliding on the water), now that was one wild ride.

Have a great week chickadees,

Brittany

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Run Disney: Snow White Costume Ideas

As B has said in several other posts, we are Disneyaholics. Anything and everything Disney makes us happy and I can remember watching Disney movies during our college days and wondering when our Prince Charming's would be coming to sweep us off our feet.

Today I wanted to share my take on my favorite costume ideas for Snow White...complete with the 7 Dwarfs. :D

1. If you have large boobs, this will make you giggle. This shirt that says "How Bout These Apples?" makes me smile every time. Find this epic shirt here

2. What Disney running costume wouldn't be complete without an ADORABLE tutu to match your princess? This one is perfection! :) Find it here

3. You can't forget those 7 adorable Dwarfs that helped keep Snow in check! This necklace is so precious! Find it here. Of course we also know Snow is known for the infamous apple, so that necklace is here

4. While scouring for a cute bow to wear, I came across these precious Snow White themed Minnie Mouse ears! What better thing to wear while in Disney? Check it out here

5. Lastly, every princess needs a pair of good shoes! I'm totally in love with these

Jana

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Disney Run Costumes: Lilo

Oh, how I love Lilo & Stitch. I have been making a point recently of collecting the Disney movies on Blu-Ray and re-watching them! The other day we had a movie day at our Summer Camp at work, and I brought in Lilo & Stitch. The kids just loved it, and they just wanted to watch it again and again. It warmed this Disneyphile's heart.

So how could my next costume idea NOT be from that movie? By the way, if someone will get me a pet alien ala Stitch, you will be my friend FOREVER.

Here is my take on Lilo for race day:

1.  This GORGEOUS TUTU would be perfect for race day. Find it here.

2. This simple white active top would off-set the loudness of the tutu, and it would help show case the necklace. Find it Here.

3. O'hana Necklace can be Found Here.

4. This Floral Crown Might Need some Bobby Pins to Stay On During The Race, but it would be well worth it. Find It Here. 

5. Red and Blue Running Shoes. Find it Here.

O'hana means family y'all,

Brittany

Back on the Wagon

Sometimes all it takes is one day to get out of a routine. And by the time you know it, several days have passed and you aren't even aware that you are that far off. That has what has happened to me the last week and a half. My running has been off kilter. Not because I'm just lazy, but I just got busy. Gearing up for the new school year always takes so much time and energy that by the time I would get home for the day I was completely zonked. Now that my room is complete and everything is ready, I have more time for training. I know once the school year starts back up I can't let that be an excuse to not get out there. After all, I've only got 215 days left.

I started my week off with an awesome 1.15 mile jog and a 20 minute yoga video. I feel so much better getting up and being active. I have more energy throughout the day and I don't get that sleepy afternoon feeling. Now I'm going to use some of this newly found energy to clean the house, wash clothes, and get everything ready for another busy and productive week. :)

I hope everyone has a great start to their week!

Jana

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Disney Run Costumes: Cheshire Cat

Jana and I are having so much fun putting these costume collages together. I guess it has to do with our overall excitement level for the half marathon! We are just "squeeing" all over the place and driving our significant others crazy I assume. 

I think the Cheshire Cat is one of my favorite characters. He is probably one of most cheeky and mischievous characters in all of the Disney films, and he would make a fun and colorful choice for the princess.

So here is my take on him for race day:

1. This purple and pink tutu with flower accents and ribbons, just screams Cheshire Cat! Find it Here.

2.  This is one of best Cheshire Cat quotes. We are truly, "All Mad Here." Find the t-shirt Here.

3. No Cheshire Cat outfit could be complete without cat ears and tail. Find it Here. 

4. Totally Adorable Pink and Purple Knee Socks. Find it Here.

5. Last but not least, what you need to complete any running outfit, running shoes! Find it Here. 

Meow Baby,

Brittany

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The (Almost) Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Run

Today, I woke up pretty amped and ready for my Saturday run. Historically, Saturday runs are almost, always my best runs. I guess it is because I'm well rested. I usually don't set an alarm clock, but I still manage to wake up pretty early (8:30), when usually I get up at 6.  

I have a slow, Saturday morning routine. I browse the internet, skimming my favorite blogs, and favorite sites in complete quiet. No TV, no music, and no husband playing video games in the background with the OH MY GOSH most repetitive, annoying music ever. Anyone else have that problem?

I then lace up my shoes, and I decide where I want to run. I usually try to get outside on these mornings to vary things up. It has been cool all week, and it was raining all yesterday. But it was clear when I woke up, and my weather app pegged it in the 70's which seemed perfect. When will I learn to step outside instead of checking my app? Because it was perfect, perfectly MUGGY.

I got to the local trail, and I started running. But for some reason, I felt so stiff, and I was so not feeling it. Occasionally, I have those days. I took a break after .2 miles and I tried to get going again, but I just wasn't in the right mind set. So I turned around to do the walk of shame back to the car. I was feeling a little down on myself on that walk back. Sometimes I get so impatient, and I'm so ready just to be that 10 minute a mile runner who can easily go 26.2 miles.  Just forgetting that two months ago, I couldn't run one mile and now I am able to run 4!

But I had the idea, that I would give it a go on the treadmill when I got home. So when I got home, I didn't even think twice and jumped on the treadmill. It felt less hard, but I still wasn't in the proper mindset. However, I did manage go the fastest I have ever gone on the treadmill (4.1 miles an hour). I just did a mile. Which isn't much, but at least I didn't give up on the run. That is the most important thing.

So in total, I ran .2 miles on the trail, walked .2 miles to the car, and I  ran 1 mile on the treadmill.

I know I'm getting there and one run where I don't meet my goal (2 miles in this case) does not mean I won't ever reach my ultimate goal. I have to just keep putting myself out there.

After all, 

Tomorrow is Another Run,

Brittany

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Ariel Running Costume Ideas...

When B suggested we come up with cute collages for our run, I got really excited! Not because I'm good with collages, but because it is a way for me to come up with GREAT ideas for costumes. You can see her take on Belle here. I'm not quite sure what I want to do exactly for the Disney Princess Half Marathon as far as costumes go, but Ariel has always been my favorite princess with Snow White a close second. It is really hard to find stuff for Ariel, but I did the very best I could do. :)

1. I love this tank that says, "Legs are Required for Racing"! How perfect for my race!

Find it HERE

2. Who doesn't love a good glitter skirt? I think this one is absolutely precious!

Find it HERE

3. If for some reason the tank I liked wouldn't work, simply because I'm a t-shirt person, I found this adorable t-shirt!

Find it HERE

4. Lastly, you can't forget about keeping your hair out of your face with an adorable headband!

Find it HERE

I found these as an option for Ariel. You can view them HERE

However, I think I like these a little bit more...

If only I could actually RUN in them! Find these HERE

Race day is coming soon and I can't wait to start getting the parts of my costume together! Get ready! I'm coming and I'm bringing all the bells and whistles! :)

Flipping my fins to bed,

Jana

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The Week in Running (thus far)

This faux polar vortex the nation has going on right now is kind of rocking my socks off. It feels so good out, there is like zero humidity. It is especially awesome because during the last week it has been OPPRESSIVELY hot. Like make you want to slap your grandmama hot.

I've gone on three runs this week. Gradually increasing my distance by a half mile each time, just so I'm careful not to aggravate that injury. But so far the runs are feeling pretty good and, they are not causing me any extra pain. 

Saturday, I suited up with my new shoes and fancy socks, and I went for a slow half mile jog on the treadmill. I was so scared that my leg would be hurting a few hours later, but I was hopeful the new shoes would make a difference. And they totally did! They are a true blessing. A few hours later I felt no worse than before my run.

So on Monday, I did another run on the treadmill, picked up the pace a bit, and did a mile. While I was running, my leg felt a little tight, so I was worried about how I would feel post-run. But again, I went through the evening with no extra pain. 

Today, with the weather feeling so gosh darn nice, I knew I had to do my run outside. I had planned to go home and head out to our local trail. But when I got home, Adam was very mad because our internet was out. He works from home, so that is a big problem. So he needed to take the car out to hunt down some free WiFi (it is back up now but painfully slow). Meaning no trail run for me.

I could not give up running outside, so I just did the loop by the apartment. Which is not pretty, and it is totally boring and repetitive. But it has fresh air, sunshine, and oxygen, so who am I to complain?

I did 1.5 miles, I was not even aware of any leg pain. I was able to do the first mile in 14:48! I was so excited to see a pace under 15 minutes. This happened on my last run pre-injury. It makes me so happy to see that my pace is slowly but consistently getting faster.  My ultimate goal is to improve my time by a couple of minutes and do a 10k, so I can declare a time and get a better corral at Disney!

Right now, I'm just kind of riding out the happiness high I feel after a successful run. And in the words of Augustus Waters, "I'm on a roller coaster that only goes up, my friends." And if you don't know who Augustus Waters is, I am a little disappointed (it is only from one of the best books out there, The Fault in Our Stars).

Until Next Time,

Brittany

It is DONE...

It's official...B and I are both signed up for the half marathon!!!!!!!!!! Now it is time for us to put in some more hard work and  gear up for our big day on February 22, 2015! Only 221 days left.

This was me this morning at 10:59 while I was waiting for the registration to open. Somehow Adam (B's husband-who was doing their registration) got in a few minutes early and called to let me know it was open. I had to wait until exactly 11am before I could get in. He must be magic or something. 

I hit panic mode almost instantly because the filter on the internet at my job actually blocked me from doing ANYTHING! I was in full blown anxiety attack when I decided to turn off the wireless on my phone and just do it through my data package. It took a while, but I got it done. My only disappointment was the fact that it would NOT allow me to log into my Active.com account to get my discount. I emailed Active this afternoon and I am hoping they will reimburse me the $12 fee they charge since I am a paying member and all of that is supposed to be waived. I'm also hoping they can help me register Austin for the Platinum ChEAR Squad package that I want to get him so that he can be comfortable while the rest of us race. 

It is safe to say that I will be posting training pictures all over my social media accounts in an attempt to get pumped up and stay motivated. I found this one for B since she is a HUGE fan of Belle and that is who she plans to dress like for the race. I'm torn between Snow White and Ariel. I guess I have a few months to decide though. :) 

I hope everyone has a marvelous day and I'll be checking in again soon! :)

Until then,

Jana

Update

I know it's been over a week since my last post. I have been so busy I haven't even had time to stop and think, let alone post a blog. So allow me to take this time to update and catch you up on what's been happening here in the good ole 'Sip'.

This last week has been spent cleaning and getting ready for the beginning of school to start back. I spent Thursday and Friday in my classroom getting it set up and even though I'm far from done, it is starting to take shape.

 

When Brit received her injury, I made a decision that I would take off too so that we would be on the same playing field. I hate working out and updating her on progress without her being able to do the same. So instead of running this week I used that time to clean out my guest room and FINALLY go through all the boxes that I just threw into the guest room when I moved back last October. Going through them I was able to purge a TON of stuff that I'm not even sure why came with me in the first place. I still have the closet to finish, but that will get done this week after I complete my early morning runs. 

I'm getting excited because in 2 days I get to register for my race. I realized I have a school meeting scheduled at 10am that morning and I have to register at 11am, so I informed my team that I would be excusing myself long enough to get that done. I've read that the race typically sells out in the first 2 hours so I REALLY wanted to make sure that I get registered. I would hate not to get registered and miss out on something I have been looking forward to for months. 

Today I have plans to clean my house top to bottom, complete all the laundry, and get it ready for back to school. Once school starts I won't have a lot of extra time to deep clean it, so I am utilizing the last 2 weeks I have of summer vacation to get it done. We shall see how it all works out.

I hope everyone has a great week and I am looking forward to checking in Tuesday after I register! I can't wait!

Talk to you soon,

Jana

Disney Run Costumes: Princess Belle

Now that we are mere days away from the Disney Princess Half Marathon registration, I thought it would be fun to start curating some fun Disney Princess Running Costumes, starting with my favorite Princess Belle (and planned costume choice at this point). 

1. Disney T-shirt "This Beauty Runs Like a Beast." $19.95.

2. Belle Running Tutu $28.00.

3. Yellow and Red Nike Shoes $110.00.

4. Rose in Glass Necklace $33.82 or this similar one for $14.25

5.Beauty in the Beast Hair Bows or Arm Cuffs (with 3 different character options) $5.00

Love,

Brittany

I've Got Some New Shoes On

Y'all, this has been one long rest week for me. I hate coming home and just sitting on the couch, not working out. It makes me feel like one big, old, fat blob.  Not to mention I'm exhausted this week. Working out helps my energy level and my serotonin levels. Not working out is making me feel blah to the power of 3. How far I've come from the girl who hated working out, now I'm craving working out. I hate being inactive all the time, I really do. 

I'm also still sad that I'm missing the running with the goats 10k tomorrow morning. But it is not worth risking further injuring myself. My leg pain is still there, although not very prominent. But the fact that it has not totally gone away worries me constantly.

I had to be in Huntsville today for an appointment anyway, so I decided I would stop by the local fleet feet. I've been curious for sometime about their fitting process and getting a custom shoe. I have been wondering if my stride was causing me more pain. Plus, my shoes I'm wearing now are so worn out! I've just been being a cheapskate about replacing them because good running shoes are not cheap. 

When I got there, I put my name on the fitting board and waited my turn. I was kind of nervous because I get stranger anxiety and that one on one stuff can freak me out. But I sucked it up anyway. 

The first thing my consultant did was measure my feet. I've never known my true shoe size as it varies so much. My feet are more wide than they are long (flintstone feet), which always leads me into buying shoes that are too big for me.  So it was nice to learn my actual size.

Next, she had me run on a treadmill. I learned that I run as I should on my right foot but over pronate (inward roll of the foot) on my left foot. And my left leg is the one causing me all the pain (although it is possible that I'm overpronating because of my leg pain but I feel it is vice versa).

I got fitted for a really nice pair of shoes with a lot of cushioning and support, which hopefully will help correct my running technique. If not, she also suggested some orthopedic inserts for even more support. I also got some nice moisture wicking socks, oh la la.

Tomorrow morning, I'm going to do a slow one mile run and see how that effects my pain level. I'm hoping that it wont worsen things, and I can get back to training as I have been.

Wish Me Luck,

Brittany

Injury, Rest, & Recovery

Last year, I struggled 8 months with sciatica. It really was one of the worst experiences of my life. I could barely move for months. I couldn't walk, and I struggled to sleep because I could not get comfortable.

The pain originally started last summer after lifting some coolers at work for our summer program. My doctor said my weight was worsening the injury, and it was one of my many factors that went in to me deciding to have weight loss surgery. A few months ago, as I started to lose weight, the pain quit.  I was so happy.

Que summer 2014. I'm yet again lifting coolers for work. Two weeks ago, I had to load 9 coolers into my car all by myself. The next day my leg was hurting in much the same way it hurt months ago. I was very worried. It didn't hurt as much as last time, so I went on with my life as usual. Then Saturday, I ran, and my leg really started to hurt a few hours after my run.

I was (am) really upset, I knew I would have to take a break from running. This is the most consistent I have ever been with my running and I don't want to stop. I don't want to lose my conditioning. I'm feeling slightly better today, but I am still in pain. I went to the doctor, and she said I needed to take a week off and rest with no heavy lifting or running. 

So I guess that is what I have to do. I'm not going to attempt to run till Saturday. I'm hoping a week off won't delay my training too much. I had a 10k race booked next weekend, but I'm going to have to skip it. I'm also going to fleet feet, so I can buy some supportive shoes since my current ones are a little worn out. Maybe that will make a difference?

I'm so worried that my leg won't get better, and I'll be delayed for months. But I just have to pray. I'm really going to miss running this week, I've gotten so used to taking everything out on the pavement!

Keep Your fingers crossed for me. I hope this is just one small hurdle in pursuing my dream!

Brittany

Single Digit Days...

We are down to 9 days until we can register for our Disney race! 9 DAYS!!!!!! Single digit days?!?!?!?!?!?! How can it be? It seems like it has been forever since March and now we are mere days away from signing on up!

In roughly 230 days I will be one of the princesses running through the castle doors in the Magic Kingdom with one of my very best friends in the whole world! Who gets to do that? I'm so blessed for the opportunity and I cannot wait until I get to do it and document the journey. Who knows? Once we accomplish this we might even be brave and try to sign up for the Disney Marathon in 2016. What do you think B?

It seems so strange that July 29 of this year will be the 2 year anniversary since Brittany and I started running. Now don't get me wrong, we stopped and started and stopped and started again, but we have only gotten better the longer we have gone. This is the longest that I have been consistent and to be honest, I don't see myself stopping, even after we finish our half. Although, I may take a week long break to give my body time to recoup. I plan to go ahead and sign up for a new race so that I keep on training. 

I just had to share my excitement! Looking forward to getting all signed up and registered. Once I do that, the race is real and I don't have an opportunity to back out. :) 

Have a wonderful Sunday,

Jana

A Fab 4th of July & A Personal Record

This morning when I woke up, the weather was fabulous! It wasn't very hot, there was low humidity, and there was even a breeze. So I knew I had to do a run outside. I chose to go to a local trail here in my hometown. I love this trail! It is is about 2.5 miles round trip, shaded, and runs by a creek.

When I started this run, I assumed I would be pretty slow. I would not say the trail is very hilly, but it does have some short but steep inclines that make me have to push it, and those hills can really slow me down. So imagine my surprise when I did my first mile in 14:42! That is my fastest mile ever! I couldn't believe it! Only one of my miles was over 15 minutes. When I usually can only manage a 16 minute mile. I'm finally starting to get a little faster! I plan on upping my mileage to 5 next week.  And I have a 10k next weekend! Wouldn't it be amazing if I could run it all? Although I'm not putting pressure on myself, just want to do what I can.

After my run, I was sitting on a bench resting, and I looked down at my pants and saw this caterpillar crawling on me. I may or may not have flipped out! I hate bugs!

In the afternoon, I threw on my swimsuit and some sunscreen and headed down to a local water park, Point Mallard. The cool thing about Point Mallard is that it has America's First Wave Pool. But I love going for the lazy river. While I was floating on the river, I ran into two of my coworkers and we hung out for a while. 

I went home and took a nap. When I woke up, Adam and I were able to watch the town firework's show from the comfort of our bedroom. Now I'm sitting here watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls and writing this little post. Just so thrilled to have the whole weekend still ahead of us.

Brittany

10 Tips For Finishing the Couch to 5k Running Program from a Former Couch Potato

The Couch to 5k program is an awesome way to get into running for complete beginners. I have done it twice and wanted to offer some helpful tips for completing it!

1. Choose A Race

The biggest motivation in finishing the program is having a goal. Before Jana and I even started the couch to 5k plan, we signed up for the Street Car 5k in Columbus, Mississippi. I suggest picking a race 9-12 weeks out, since couch to 5k is a 9 week program! However, our race was 6 weeks out, and we trained every other day, which is totally doable! I find Running in the USA and Active.com great websites to find races!

2. Change Up The Scenery

The treadmill (or dreadmill as I like to call it) is great when you are training for a 5k. It forces you to maintain a steady pace and it makes it easy to track mileage. But there is nothing like getting out and pounding the pavement. Not only can you run in different locations (keeping it from getting boring), but it is also helpful in getting ready for a 5k because the races take place outside. And running outside the gym feels so different than hitting the treadmill and vice versa.

3. Remember The First Weeks are the Toughest

When I started the couch to 5k program, I was 350 pounds and could barely walk a mile!  So honestly, I didn't think I could run a bit.  So I was amazed to discover I could! The first couple of weeks were very difficult, even though they were only 60 second, 90 second, and 3 minute intervals.  And the 3 minute intervals almost made me quit. But once I conquered those 3 minute runs, it got so much easier from there. I have talked to others who did the program that felt the same. I think the conditioning kicks in, and it all just gets a bit easier. That is my theory at least. Just stick with it.

4. Have the Proper Gear

You don't have to go all out and buy top of the line running shoes, but you do need a decent pair of sneakers. As long as they aren't too old, too beat up, and have good support you should do fine. If you do have the money, investing in running shoes is a good idea. You can also go to a local running store, run on a treadmill,  and they will analyze your stride to match you with the perfect pair for you.

5. Forget About Speed

Everyone wants to be the next Usain Bolt when they start running, but unless you are already uber athletic, it just isn't going to happen for you. It's more important to focus on time and distance (in that order) than speed. Don't feel bad if you feel you could walk faster than you run. Speed comes with consistent practice.

6. Find a Way to Be Accountable

I think the reason I have been so successful with my running is I have someone to be accountable to. Jana and I have always checked in with each other after runs, reminded each other to run, and given each other a kick in the pants when we needed it. It is a great to have that person to check in with it. It is easier to skip workouts if no one knows you are skipping it. If you have no one to check in with, I would suggest a website like Stickk, where you have to pay money if you don't meet your goals!

7. Make a Kick Ass Playlist (or an AudioBook)

This tip is probably a little obvious, but you need something to occupy your mind when running otherwise the thoughts of, "I want to stop running now," will take over. If I'm inside, I watch some of my favorite shows, but outside I love to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or music on my phone.  It is absolutely essential!

8. Honor Thy Rest Day

After you have that first successful run that does not make you feel like you want to die, you will get a total runner's high. It can be so addicting, and you might just think, "I want to do this all over again tomorrow." But don't. It is important to take a rest day for your muscles to recover and grow stronger. It will just make you a better runner next time!

9. Do What Works Best for You

Figure out a schedule you can stick with. Do you feel more energized in the morning? Wake up early in the mornings to run. Do you hate mornings like me? Go in the evening. Do you feel drained every Friday after a week of school/work? Do your runs on a Thursday instead. Think of what days will be easiest for you and get out there and run.  You know you best of all, so put some thought into what your training schedule needs to look like, so you won't be making excuses not to get out there on training day.

10. Don't Stop After the Race

One of the biggest mistakes I've ever made was to quit running after my first 5k. I got lazy and felt like I had accomplished my goal. Too bad, I had already signed up for a 10k! I walked that whole 10k, but I wished I could have run it! I had to start the program all over again because I lost all my conditioning. Make new goals to accomplish after that 5k. Do the 5k to 10k program, train for a half marathon, or finally start some speed work. Just keep running!

Have a Great Holiday Weekend Everybody,

Brittany

No More Excuses

It is hard to believe that 2 weeks from today I will be sitting in front of my computer constantly refreshing the runDisney webpage so that I can register for my very first Disney Princess Half Marathon. To say I am excited is an understatement. To say that I've been obsessing over this moment since March when Brittany and I decided to take it on, would be the honest truth. I honestly can't believe it is within reach. 

I'm finding it hard to believe that it is only 7 months until the race. Given that today is July 1st, I decided that I really need to buckle down on the training wagon and get my diet under control. I know in order to be at my best I need to eat as clean as possible. I also need to make sure I'm training regularly. So here are my July Goals for success:

Run a Minimum of 3 days a week

Cross Train 2-3 days a week

Log on myfitnesspal daily (janak2004 is my handle)

Meatless Mondays

Dairyless Tuesdays

Breadless Wednesdays

Sweetless Thursdays

No Fried Food Fridays

Water ONLY Weekdays (with exception of Gatorade for runs)

Today was Day 1 of my redo 5 mile week. I finished in 1:17, which is under the Disney requirement. I know I want to get my speed up, but right now I'm focusing on my distance and I will work on speed as I go. My goal is eventually get up to the 13 mile mark and complete it in under 3:30. If I can do that on my own, I can then work on picking up my speed. My goal before the race is a 3hr race, but if it takes me the whole time I won't be disappointed. 

I hit a wall around mile 3 today and tried to justify stopping and just calling it a day. I thought of EVERY reason possible, but then yelled at myself for being so stupid. If I can't handle 5 miles, how on earth do I expect to handle 13.1? After giving myself a brief, but stern talking to, I realized that I was almost done with mile 4 and I should just shut up and keep going. At mile 4.3 my feet started to kill me. Again, I could see the car right up the road and I knew I could just go on there and not worry about the last 7 tenths, but the voice of reasoning kicked in and I pushed through. When I finished I was hot, sweaty, and my feet hurt, but I was so happy that I had made it all the way through. Sometimes I can be my worst enemy. I know I need to get out of my head and just do it. 

I got to thinking about all the excuses I make as a runner about why I can't do it and what others have told me in the past about why they refuse to run. I have created this list of excuses and facts for your reading entertainment.

1. Excuse- Running is too hard on your body.

    Fact- Running IS hard on your body, but the more you do it the less difficult it is.

2. Excuse- Running hurts too bad.

    Fact- Again, YES, it does hurt, but not in a bad way. It hurts in a "I am kicking butt" sort of way.

3. Excuse- You get all hot and sweaty.

    Fact- I do get all hot and sweaty, but the most rewarding part of my entire workout is pulling off my sweaty clothes after a good workout and taking a nice, hot, relaxing shower. There is no other feeling that can compare to that. And FYI, that sweat is toxins leaving your body. The more you sweat, the better. 

4. Excuse- I don't have time.

    Fact- You have to make time. A one hour run is only 4% of your day. In the time it took you to read this blog post, you could have already started a good workout. Get out there and do it. 

5. Excuse- I'm too tired.

    Fact- A good run will actually make you less tired. You will be amazed at the boost of energy you get. A runner's high is the best thing ever. 

6. Excuse- I'm too self conscious. People will talk about me if I get out there.

    Fact- You would be amazed at how wrong you are. I have more people that give me a thumbs up and a kind word than anything when I go run. Nobody is focusing on you. Nobody is thinking what you think they are. Believe it or not, you might just be inspiring them. Keep going! Don't stop!

I'm sure there are a lot more excuses. Feel free to add them in the comments with your facts. I'd love to see what other pitfalls people have. 

Start the month of July off right! Get out there and Run! No more excuses! You can do it! :)

Talk to you soon,

Jana