Marathon Obsession

Summer, 2011

My last post was quite a while ago and a lot has happened since then. I will update you all in future posts, but for now, I want to talk about running.

Running has been one of my hobbies since I was a sophomore in high school. I lettered early, became captain of both cross country and track, and was voted by my peers to be the most inspirational runner on the team. In college, I would occasionally get out and run a bit, but running was essentially put on hold while I was studying.

Now, I run regularly. My friend runs with me occasionally (although we often degenerate into socializing instead, but that is half the fun of running with somebody). In the past few months, I have participated in a couple of races. I ran a 5k in 32.40.7 minutes, which improved my time from last year pretty significantly. I also ran a 10k with the flu, so I was just happy to finish.That 10k is the most challenging race I have ever participated in due to that flu.

Marathon training has become something of an obsession for me. I somehow ended up on the Napa Valley Marathon website and I felt this burning need to run it. The feeling that came over me was incredible; I got chills and this feeling of destiny. I try not to ignore fate, so I decided to begin training for a marathon.

Running a marathon is on my Kick-Ass Lifestyle list which is just one more good reason for me to pursue this dream! I hope my readers will enjoy following my marathon journey. Through my research, I have learned and re-discovered so much about running that I can't wait to share with you.

Ciao!

Goals: For the End of the Year

In order to build momentum, I am setting a few goals. There are 13 weeks between now and the end of this goal period. Between today, October 1 and January 1st I am going to:

• Run 70 miles or more
• Lose 26lbs (or 2 lbs per week)

• Run the 10K in the Davis Turkey Trot on November 21 (without walking)
• Participate in Hope Walks on October 18
• Weigh myself officially on Thursdays
• Start keeping track of my water consumption
• Abstain from drinking any soda (unless it is in a mixed drink)

Weight Loss Milestone Rewards

Nora's Weight loss rewards:

140: get a manicure
135: Flat boots
130: Pencil Skirt
125: Belly Button Ring & Hollister Jeans (on the same day) :-)
120: New Backpack- that fits right
115: Weight loss ring- to always wear and remember how far I have come
110: The Dooney & Bourke Giraffe Print Bag I have wanted so bad for the last year

I have been thinking about ways to keep myself motivated so that I can reach my goals. As I was going through the SparkPeople message boards I saw some people with their rewards lists under their comments. I decided to make a list of my own.

As I was writing down the weight "milestones" I finally reached 120lbs. My heart dropped, and my eyes welled up. I haven't been that light since I was in junior high, and I can hardly imagine being that small and slender again. My end goal is 10lbs lighter than that at 110lbs and I can hardly wait. I am so ready to lose this weight. I feel like it is holding me back.

So. Whenever I reach a milestone on the way to my final goal it will be a celebration for me. I already feel empowered, and I haven't even been able to step on a scale in 2 weeks. I am already proud of myself for being this committed to my health and well-being.