Turning a corner

During my run this morning I felt something change in my body.  I'm sure it wasn't an instantaneous change, it's been changing over time but this morning was when I sensed it.  I have totally turned a corner with running.  My endurance is so much more, my breathing is controlled, I don't feel out of breath and I'm not as tired afterwards.  I can tell my muscles are getting used to to running because I can stretch them further, they are not as tight as they once were. I feel excited about this like, "Whoa, I can actually do this running thing!"  I have not lost a single pound yet in the last 3 weeks but I am sticking with it despite the fact.  My body seems slow to make changes so I'm thinking over time I will eventually loose the rest of the baby weight. It just might take longer then I wanted.

Bill has started running again too.  I am really excited for him.  He used to be a runner and has always enjoyed it but he hasn't done it in years. Don't tell him this, but I think I was influential in him starting back at running. :) I think he saw how much I was enjoying it and it made him remember that it was something he once loved. 

I took Ryan with me this morning on my run.  He got all dressed in his shorts and running shoes and declared that he was going to run with me.  I thought about turning him down because I really enjoy running alone.  I don't like to talk while running. I love listening to music or to the sound of my feet hitting the pavement.  I decided though to give it a try, I told him he could join me. He turned out to be a really good companion. He isn't much of a talker, so that wasn't an issue for us. He did really well too, I was surprised actually.  He stayed with until about 16 minutes into it. We were close enough to the house at that point that he just ran home.

I think this is so good for our family. I think it is building healthy habits and hopefully being a good example to our kids about taking care of our bodies. It's fun that Ryan sees both of us exercising and wants to do the same now. It serves as a good reminder to me that our kids are always watching so we must be wise in what we are living out before them.

A new playlist

I recently started doing the Couch to 5k. A friend of mine had told me about this several months ago, but I put off starting it, partly because of the heat and partly because I wasn't sure I could do it.  Finally after feeling antsy (running seems to help when I am feeling this way) I determined that I would give it a go.  The first time I went out, I knew it was very doable for me.  I loved the training plan. I love how it gradually builds.  I have tried running in the past and have never stuck with it.  Having a plan makes it so much easier to stick with it. I feel like I am accomplishing something.

Okay, so to the point of why I am writing this...

When I run I like to take my MP3 player with me.  It helps to pass the time to have something to listen to.  The problem is right now I feel like I keep listening to the same songs over and over.  So I want to put a question out there to all you who exercise...what is on your playlist?  I am looking for some more upbeat running type music.  I listen mostly Christian music, so if you know of any upbeat Christian music that would be great...but I am open to all types of suggestions.

Miner glitch

Ok, so I am so pumped about running and getting fit, and starting some more healthy habits. I also found a running partner (thank you Shauna), and I am very excited about it. I am motivated, but to have a friend to help keep accountable with is so great. We are supposed to have our first run together tomorrow evening. Well...last night I tripped over Claire's little chair (she was not in it at the time) in the living room and stubbed my toe. Now, this isn't any little toe stubbing, I am talking the mother of all toe stubbingness (I'm not sure that's a real word! :) ) It was kind of funny when it happened, and Bill and I were laughing, but oh my word did it hurt!! I took 2 Advil last night before bed. The pain woke me a few times throughout the night. This morning my toe looked swollen and purple, and still painful. And it's kind of touching my other toe in a way that it never did before. I am hoping that is just from the swelling. :) Sorry if that's too much information. :)

I am praying (yes might sound silly) that I can get my running shoes on tomorrow night. But, I am starting to have my doubts. I wonder if it might be broken? I guess I'll find out tomorrow, if it's feeling better.

It's just a miner glitch in my system.