Well Hello There...

This is basically my intro post to expand on my "about me" section a little and update you to my current activities. 

I am a female in my mid-twenties, with a full time job, and working on my Master's Degree. Obviously, this makes me too busy to dedicate 100% of my waking hours to working out (although I have met several people who have tried!). I want to work myself up to run a marathon (more specifically, the San Francisco Nike Marathon -whew! Hills + Firemen + Tiffany's necklace!), but I want to be realistic about it. As I mentioned, I have a pretty full plate, plus I LOVE food.

Yes, I realize I will have to make sacrifices here and there, but let's be honest, if someone invites me out to have a nice greasy burger with fries and a cold one - I can't say no! This is part of the reason I am trying to keep this blog as anonymous as possible, it will keep me honest. I am such a competitive person that I will not want to let anyone know about my failures, just my successes, which wouldn't help anyone. So hopefully, this will be more helpful to you, knowing that everyone will lose a step along the way (whether the will admit it or not!), but the one that jumps over that lost step will eventually make it to the top of the stairs!

Wow... sorry guys... that was fantastically cheesy - but it works!

As part of my training, I am working toward running The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-miler in October right now, so that is what my workouts will be focusing on. My next step in this training is to run a 10K (6.2 Miles) in May through all the beautiful Texas wildflowers! For those who haven't heard of the runDisney events, here is the link to their webpage: http://www.rundisney.com/.

Currently I am in a couple of "challenges" with my roommate that include a 21-day-challenge from http://www.dailyhiit.com/ that is totally kicking my ass right now. If you haven't checked them out - go right now! They have such a huge variety of workouts that range from 12-40 minutes, so there are no excuses on those days you just aren't "feeling it". They also have a Pinterest board with all of the challenges and many other tips for those Pinterest-addics out there (hey-oh!) http://www.pinterest.com/bodyrocktv/.

The other challenge I am involved in is a food challenge. It is one I came up with after realizing I was skipping out on my weekend workouts: no fried food, or alcohol for two months. Luckily (or by design...) this challenge ends on my birthday at the end of April! So I am very much looking forward to that :).

I have noticed huge changes in myself after implementing these two challenges (I can do a burpee now without wanting to die...which if you know what a burpee is, this is a huge accomplishment!) and notice that it is much easier to accomplish something if you can "see the end". Small steps here, people.

I ran my third 5K recently so this week I have been taking it easy on the running as I am very susceptible to shin-splints (the worst). I will also post my stretches and any preventative measures I have found useful for all those who suffer from this ungodly running demon.

I want to challenge you today: What is holding you back from your workout? Is it something you can give up for a week? Two? A month? Then do it! See if you start to notice a change!

All this week I will mostly be updating you with my workout schedule, tips and tools, and maybe a couple of recipes I've found useful!

REMINDER: I have no fitness or nutrition background - I am just a regular person with a goal in mind. If I can help others along the way, then so be it! If you ever have any questions feel free to email me and always ask a doctor before you begin a new regiment!