Being flexible is important when it comes to life. I am continually working on accepting this without having it be a major interruption in my life.

With that being said, I have changed my journey. I am still on a quest for a healthier lifestyle but have redefined my goals and objectives.
 
For now, I am not running and have come to the realization that you don't have to run or walk to get into shape. I know most people are smarter than I am, and already knew this.

I joined a gym and have started working out again this week. I have had three great workouts and my foot doesn't hurt...yeah!!!!!

I'm going to continue my blog and let you see how my journey unfolds to becoming a more healthy, happier and fulfilled person.

Stay tuned...you may find something that helps you!

FOCUS is the theme this week. I have to make sure I stay on schedule as we are going on vacation next week. Not sure how good I will be about getting to my workouts.

Looks like the weather is going to get better later in the week, so looking forward to going outside.

REMEMBER:

"Your Legs Are

Not Giving Out.

 

Your Head Is

Giving Up.

 

Keep Going."

Have a great week and run on!

My run today was a “Calgon take me away” reprieve.  Those of you that know me, know that I need my “Jennie” time. Today was a perfect example.

I am now working from home, which is great most days, however, the kids didn’t have school today. My 14 year old daughter had three friends spend the night now they are practicing for their band competition.  I’m about ready to go crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So what did I do? I laced ‘em up and went for a jog. This was a much needed break from the chaos that was ensuing in my home.

As moms we feel that taking time for ourselves to decompress is selfish but as the saying goes, “If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.”

Put yourself first and run on!

I like to move it, move it! I know you know that song.

Having good music to work out makes it much more fun. I’m to the point in my workouts  that  I am running more than walking so music helps me to keep going.

I found a few sites on the internet that suggest songs for running. The songs below are from a site that I found specifically for running a 5k. These songs are timed out for 9 minute miles, which I WON’T be running, but they are fun to listen to and are motivational.

1.      "What I Like About You" — The Romantics

2.      "Runaway Baby" — Bruno Mars

3.      "Hey Ya!" — Outkast

4.      "Cold War" — Janelle Monae

5.      "Maria" — Blondie

6.      "Wide Awake" — Katy Perry

7.      "Walcott" — Vampire Weekend

8.      "Cheers (Drink to That)" — Rihanna

Have fun and run on!

I just got off the treadmill after one of my  workouts on my way to a 5K. It went pretty well. The treadmill and I are going to have to learn to be friends as the weather is not cooperating and letting me go outside.

My biggest challenge is going to be my Plantar fasciitis. If any of you have ever had this, it is VERY painful. I am NOT going to let this be my excuse this time for quitting. I will work through this. If you have never heard of this condition, you can go to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004438/ for more information.

I visited my foot doctor and got inserts for my shoes and also got a GOOD paid of running shoes which is a MUST! If you need some advice on shoes and live in Grand Rapids, Holland or Kalamazoo, you should visit Gazelle Sports (I know that I mentioned them before and NO I am not getting paid to mention them but they are AWESOME!) They will watch you walk and give you a gait analysis and put you in the right type of shoes that best supports your walking/running habits.

Keep On Running!

Well, I’ve a done a few  workouts now and am feeling like this is something I can really accomplish. On the days in between the runs, I have been doing a workout that I found on Pinterest  (if I spent as much time working out as I do on this site, I’d be running a marathon instead of only a 5K) for my arms. Not only will strong arms help you with your running, they look good in tank tops too!

I have been using five pound weights. Check it out and let me know what you think: http://pinterest.com/pin/249879479296759483/.

I know it’s a Monday, but make the best of it and keep going, we can do this!!!!!

Being a busy working mom I often find myself finding time for everyone else except myself.  So I decided that I would commit to doing a blog. I would love for you to follow me on my journey to participating in a 5K. We can laugh, cry and motivate each other. The particular program I am going to follow can be found at: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml.

Since this program is 9 weeks long, I went to a website of a local store we have in Kalamazoo, called Gazelle Sports (www.gazellesports.com). They have a schedule of local events and ALL kinds of training information for all levels of athletes. I choose to do the Consumers Sunburst Run:  http://www.gazellesports.com/events/20130420/5092-consumers-sunburst-run-oshtemo-mi.html. This run is local and fits into my busy Spring schedule. I have a son who plays travel baseball, so available Spring Saturday mornings are hard to come by.

I would love for you to follow me on my journey and for you to share your thoughts, trials and tribulations as we muddle our way through this together!