It's been awhile

I've missed blogging. I've mentally blogged several times in the past few months, but have never made the time to sit down and make it happen. Guess that's what happens when life gets in the way.

Yesterday I got a pep-talk from a nice lady whom I'd never met before in JCPenney. We were both digging through the "lowest price" workout gear. She struck up a conversation about how much she loved the shirts, and how cool they were to walk in. I agreed. Then she told me that if she made it to her birthday she'd qualify for Medicare, and that was her short term goal right now. I kind of chuckled and agreed that was a good goal (to make it to your next birthday).

I started thinking about my goals. Since the half marathon was completed in April, I accomplished several short term goals, but hadn't reexamined my long term goals. Fortunately I'm still driven to become a fitter person, physically and mentally, so that continues to motivate me to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle.

The lady at JCP told me at least 10 times, "honey, you're young. It's so good you're doing this now, so hopefully when you're my age you can just enjoy the life that you've built, instead of struggling with weight and being sick."  I was taken back to one of my initial reasons I felt compelled to get in shape...I felt like I was getting old. I want to have kids at some point in my life before my baby-incubating parts no longer work. For the past year I think I've put myself up against the clock ... hurry up, and get fit. Hurry up, and feel better. Hurry up, before it's too late.

Yesterday made me realize it's never too late. 35 isn't old. Sure, it's older than 25, but it's younger than 65. I've still got plenty of years left to keep building myself into what I want to be -- physically, emotionally, mentally.

Since I've last written I finally joined a gym. My friend and teammate LeeAnn and I both joined YMCA of East Tennessee. We were both interested in a facility that had a pool, and organized exercise classes. So far, I've been pretty happy! We've tried Aqua Zumba at 2 different locations. The class this past Friday was at the West Side Y, and it was awesome! The instructor was high energy, and really gave us a great work out!

I've also taken up yard work! I've always helped in the yard, but usually my husband does the mowing, and I do the weed eating, etc. Well, I asked him to show me how to mow. I've learned I enjoy the challenge, and I know it gives me a great workout! I wear my heart rate monitor most of the time I mow so I can track my progress.

Another thing I'm contemplating right now ... and it may be a sign that I have truly lost my mind... I may do another half marathon this year. October 21 is the Seven Bridges Marathon in Chattanooga. However, if you do the half you only get like 3 or 4 bridges. lol. The thought of this challenge scares the crap out of me, which is how I felt when I committed to the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon in April, and the Covenant Health Biggest Winner challenge that proceeded it!

So, I'll keep you posted! A few of my teammates are considering this race as well. If we decide to do it we'll have to start re-training in late July to be on track! I kind of like the idea of a good challenge. A few of my favorites to leave you with ...