Twenty-one days of Healthy Living

I just completed 40 days of running.  I had seen this challenge at the beginning of the summer but somehow missed the start date of the first challenge so I started with the second challenge.  Some days, I ran a mile (which was the least amount of running) and other days I ran up to five miles. Once I completed the streak , I started to think about what would be my next venue to complete.  I've been running for about sixteen months now and  completed multiple 5Ks and three half marathons.  I've been cross-training but I haven't lost any weight; just toned up a lot however my running time per minute hasn't improved.  So, what am I doing wrong?

It dawned on me; I just don't eat well.  I never have eaten well; even as a child and teenager.  I think it may have something to do with my ADD.  I was diagnosed three years ago when I returned to college to complete a degree in education.  I have an Energizer Bunny for my brain.  It just keep me going and I don't stop to eat.  Even when I first get up and exercise, I don't feel hungry and don't eat.  Coffee and I'm fine.  It's about noon before I think  "I need to eat".

So, I have decided to make my next challenge 21 days of healthy living but primarily eating three meals along with healthy snacks.  I saw this journal at Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/home-gift-21-day-journal-healthy-living/23393147?ean=9781608972326.

The journal comes with a bracelet which states"Make it a Habit" for you to wear to remind you of your journey/plan.    There are pages to make a plan, visualize (which you can put pictures; I placed pictures of quick/easy breakfasts and motivational quotes), execute your plan for 21 days, realize your goals and follow-up.  I'm going to utilize this in helping me to see what I eat, how I eat because as we all know, it takes 21 days to form a habit.  Though it's often difficult to initiate a ritual, once it becomes a habit, it's easy to maintain.  A habit is formed by practicing a ritual.  With a solid plan, determination, I can break my unwanted habit of not eating well and adopt good ones.  

I will keep you updated as my week goes on but it's going well at this point.  Any recipes, tips or advice that you would like to share, I would love it!  Also, I'm asking for your help in keeping me motivated during this venue!  Here's to Healthy Living!  

10K Race Across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Run

I AM SO EXCITED!

In early July, it was announced that there would be a Cheseapeake Bay Bridge Run.  Early registration was at Charm City Run in Annapolis ( http://www.charmcityrun.com/ ) at a Kick-Off Party.  The Pre-Registration was sold out in seven days!  I attended the event with my friend and roommate/running partner from Team Challenge, Kim.  It was a lot of fun meeting the event planners and seeing all of the runners who were registering for the race.  Kim, start training now girlfriend; you have a year for a 10K!

I have been fortunate enough to receive a VIP registration and am registered for this exciting race.  In the past, there was a Bay Bridge Walk every May however in the thirty years I have lived in Maryland, I was never able to attend this.  The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is 4.35 miles long and a beautiful suspension bridge.   

It is one of two ways to arrive from the Washington, DC and Baltimore areas to the Atlantic Ocean and normally in the summer it isn't usual for the traffic back-up to be hours!

I am so excited to be a part of this new running venue in the State of Maryland and hoping to work with the company to become a running ambassador for them.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!  

If you would like more information about this race, please visit their website http://www.bridgerace.com/index.php or their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/10kAcrossTheBay.

And yes, I will walk on water in November 2014; stayed tuned!  

Color Run

If you have never done a Color Run, well you are in for a lot of fun!  Color Runs are 5Ks and every K you are covered in a different color by volunteers who throw powdered color on you so by the end of the race, you are literally a rainbow! 

Gather some friends, register for a race and have fun!  I personally have never done one although I was signed up for a run a couple of months ago but couldn't attend due to a work conflict!  I am looking forward to doing my first Color Run in the Fall and can't wait!  It looks like so much fun! Just watch the video and I'm sure you'll agree. 

If you want to know if the Color Run is coming close to where you live, here's the link:  http://thecolorrun.com/.  Also, I have a discount code for $5.00 off registration.

Have fun and let me know if you have ever done a Color Run!  I'm looking forward to my first one and can't wait til then!  Happy Running!