So I have officially completed my first two 5K races. I have been working for a few months to build up my endurance and to feel comfortable with running outside. I have done one other race before, but honestly I was not prepared for it and ended up walking way more of the race than I wanted to. Being honest I probably spent 75% of that race walking. My goal was to be able to complete an entire race without walking. For some people this might come easy (just ask my husband who hasn't ran in years), but for me it was definitely a challenge.

The first race was in Kansas City at Rock the Parkway.  I was initially just going up to cheer on my sister in law as she completed her half marathon. Did I mention that she is the one that inspired this little challenge? Somehow she convinced me that I was ready for this race and that it would give me a starting point for the real race I was training for in May. My nerves were unreal as we were standing there that morning, but I tried so hard to act like I had it together. As I started off I remembered her words, "don't run too fast in the beginning, just keep your pace." I truly think this is what helped me have the endurance to make it through. After I made the turn and knew I was on the downhill slope, I allowed myself to think about what I was actually accomplishing. Towards the end of the race there were families standing on the side with signs, children cheering on their mothers, and friends encouraging their runner and strangers alike. Crossing the finish line was hard! Yes my legs were sore, I was starting to tire, but the feeling that came over me was so intense. It was a good thing I remembered there was going to be pictures....because I had been running with tears streaming for the last mile. I did it, and not only did I meet my goal of not walking, I finished almost 5 minutes under what I thought I would.

Over the past few months there have been many attempts at finding what routine works best for working out. Working out primarily in the afternoon is hard because my energy is so low and it is really easy to have conflicts that come up.  I don't have the availability to workout over the lunch hour, but I do think this would be a nice option to get in a little cardio when the weather is nice out. The magic time for me has been to get up bright and early and start my day off with a 4:45 am workout.  My runs have slowly progressed to about 35 minutes each day.  When I couple my run with lifting weights, I can easily put in a little over an hour.  

Each year it is easy to start off with a list of resolutions and ways to be better in the coming year.  The problem I usually have is that I feel like the list just hangs there over my head.  Taunting me if I haven't quite succeeded in each area.

Today is the day!  I am joining Amber and Holly and their 30 Day Shred Challenge.  I have to be honest here....I have started this video multiple times before but never completed all 30 days.  I have every intention to do it, but something always comes up!

Eating clean is all about portion sizes, eating 5 small meals, and choosing a lean protein with a complex carbohydrate at each meal.  At first that seems fairly easy.....and then you start thinking about it and trying to figure out what exactly falls into what category, things can get confusing.  Luckily for us the Eat Clean Diet has come up with this handy printable to help keep us on track.  So go print it off and put it on the fridge and  keep eating clean.

So I know it isn't the first of the year and it is definitely past worrying about swimsuit season.....but I am starting a 30 Day Challenge. It isn't a challenge to lose X pounds in Y amount of time, it is truly a challenge to focus on my goals and become fully educated on eating clean. 

Over the next 30 days I am going to be better equipped to start this journey and really focus on what I want to achieve.  I have also started to really kick it up a notch in the gym.  (This may or may not have anything to do with a certain San Francisco trip coming up.)  I really want to push myself to accomplish my goals of getting fit and healthy.  Here is my inspiration board to help keep me motivated and focused.