November 27 - December 3

Monday - Ran 2 miles

So here we are and it's the end of November. I needed a break from running. For a variety of reasons. I felt like I was starting to get an unhealthy mind set. Like if I did not run or keep up with my original exercise plans, I was taking it way too hard. And I did not have much motivation. I was starting to feel drained and worn out.

I have felt better again. And energized.

I know I feel better mentally because I ran 2 miles straight today. I felt stronger and more energized than I did three weeks ago. I feel like I am moving into "training" mode where I am so motivated to get out and run versus dreading it, putting it off, not doing it, and then feeling extremely guilty and frustrated.

I really want to do the Newport Marathon. I am going to start pre-training next week that will put me around 6-8 miles and then begin official marathon training in February. Training in the winter in Oregon is going to be a challenge. Today was beautiful and even a little warm. Yesterday was pouring, blowing, cold rain. It rains here a lot but it doesn't rain everyday. Sometimes we get these warm ups in January and February. Our spring really begins around late February. So I think it is doable.

I'm really proud of my friend Alyssa who is losing so much weight and did her first 5K on Thanksgiving. It has motivated to get myself out the door and starting getting my miles up back. I need this. I can do it!

Tuesday - Crunch Boot Camp 30 minutes

Not motivated to do videos. Would much rather run outside even in the rain. But I needed the strength training and stretching. Even though I do get bored with it...I push pause and see how much time if left...I know I need to do it. I actually felt energized and good after I was done. It's better than laying around the couch and watching TV while the kids nap...or pretend to nap. I need to look through Netflix one of these mornings and find a few more videos to give myself variety. I have been doing the same one and really only this one since the summer.

The only thing with exercising is my appetite is so huge. Like it's 8PM right now and I feel like I could eat another meal.

Wednesday - Ran 3 miles

It hurt at times and my muscles feel so incredibly tight. But I pushed through it and completed it. It helps that is so sunny out today and even a little warm--very unusual for this time of year. I love running in the Sumpter neighborhood again. I missed it. I think I crave running more in the fall and winter months. I struggle to keep it up in the spring and summer. My crazy children are not napping again so I needed this extra dose of energy to get through the long afternoon.

Thursday - Crunch Abs 30 minutes

Did a quick Netflix Instant search and found all I get on Instant Netflix are the 10 minute workouts or the Crunch Gym. Jillian Michaels in only available by mail. So I tried Crunch Abs. Although the first 20 minutes were fast and dancey, I think I can get used to it. I liked the last 10 minutes better. I know I worked my abs because they are sore. I am still not very motivated to do it in the afternoon, but it worked out OK today.

Friday - Rest Day

Saturday - Ran 2 miles

It has been a sunny week, but cold. I didn't mind the cold air so much though. It felt refreshing. I ran my regular 2 miler down Loan Oak to Browning and back up Liberty. I ran around 4. Wanted to get it in earlier, but still enjoyed running in the late afternoon. Running has gone well this week--significantly better than a few weeks ago. I think I need more miles. The 1 to 1 1/2 mile runs were not challenging enough and not motivating. I thought it would be the opposite. I would look forward to running a shorter distance, but it made me enjoy it so much less.

Sunday - Rest Day