Running :)

I found a quote the other day...and then another one today...that has kept me moving this weekend.  I will share them one at a time and explain their importance to me:


"Your mind will quit a thousand times before your body will.  Feel the fear and do it anyway!"  


This really exemplifies my mindset a lot of times.  When I'm running, I really have a hard time pushing myself to keep running and not slow down and just walk.  This quote really made me realize that it's my mind, not my body that is telling me to stop.  My body can actually keep going, and that's really important for me to keep in mind as I'm going.  Since I first saw this quote, I have decided that I'm going to try and run at least 15 miles per week.  When I can manage that, I'm going to raise it to 20 miles per week.  I started this yesterday, which was Saturday, and I ran 4 miles yesterday and 2 today, so I'm almost half way there already!  And don't forget, I'm running in the Warrior Dash at the end of September, so I need to push really hard so that hopefully I can run the whole time, no walking!  


There is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to working out.  Once again, you've got to get out of your own way.  Stop making excuses for yourself and push yourself.  You will be surprised how far you can go and how much your body can take if you REALLY push yourself.  Which leads me to my second quote:


"The more I run, the more I love my body.  Not because it's perfect, far from it, but because with every mile it is proving to me that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible." 


I never thought of myself as a runner, probably because I've never run like I do now.  I'm sure I look like a bit of a freak when I run, like a fat kid chasing the icecream truck, but I'm ok with that.  :)  Running makes me feel like I'm actually DOING something, more than any other cardio that I've tried.  I'm not sure that even now I would say that I LIKE running, but I can undoubtedly say that I appreciate it.  It's definitely something that I will continue to do, and one of the best parts is that it's something that you can always make new goals for.  Mileage, time, trail-running, races, everything!  There's always a way to push yourself, and that is truly awesome!  


P.s. When I get to the 50 pound mark, I'll post another set of pictures.  I am actually very proud of myself for sticking with my lifestyle change as well as I have.  Sometimes I have to look back at my pictures from this time last year to see just how far I've come.  There are no pictures of me in a bathing suit or anything from my heavier days (which is probably a good thing), so there isn't anything to compare this year with, but considering I can't even wear some of my pants from last year, I've GOT to look better this year!!  We went to Kings Dominion yesterday and I had one of my new bikinis on, but we didn't end up going to the water park, so I still haven't been in a bikini in public, so we'll see how that goes when it happens!


On a side note, Josh was waiting for me to finish getting ready for the ball game last night (Richmond Squirrels) and I was walking past him and he said, "You're beautiful, you know that?"  It was AMAZING!! Total motivation to keep going.  We have a little over 3 months until the wedding, and I have to get my dress altered big time!!  But I'm perfectly fine with that!  :) Recipes coming up!!