Creating Excitement

I knew this would happen. I've lost my motivation. Yes, I'm signed up for a 1/2 marathon which will be held in exactly 2 months, got sick and now have no motivation to train. I'm trying everything to move myself from being discouraged to knowing that with some hard work, I can get into shape for the October 3rd, race.

My first move, be accountable. I have come to the realization that no one in my family will hold me accountable, so I'm going to invent some accountability! (That happens to be you!) My second plan of action is to share my training schedule. Then, I'll write and tell how each part of the plan is working.

CORE TRAINING/WEIGHT LOSS
After reading many different reviews, I've decided to stick with the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. (I started the program several weeks ago and then changed my focus to just my running program.) I need to get my core in shape fast and this video claims to do that while helping an individual "lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days". Most of the reviews I've run across were posted from people who were either just starting the program or were in the first few weeks. I have not read about many people sticking with the whole 30 days. The couple of people that said they did only lost 8-10 pounds, which is great but still very normal. So, I'm going to see if I can stick pretty close to the video program and do 30 consecutive days of the Shred. Will I be "shredded" after 30 days or will I just feel like it?

The 30 Day Shred program is based on the "3-2-1 Interval System", mixing cardio, strength and abs together to increase quick results in only 20 minutes. There are 3 different levels of workouts (Level 1 - Beginners, Level 2 - Intermediate, Level 3 - Advanced). The goal is to work through each level and at the end of 30 days maximum results should be seen. Each workout is broken down to the following:
A 2 minute warm-up
Three - 6 minute circuits
*3 minutes of Strength
*2 minutes of cardio
*1 minute of abs
A 2 minute cool down
The great thing about this video, the only items needed are some hand weights and a mat if working on a hard surface.

RUNNING PROGRAM
The running portion of the program will begin by building miles during the week, working towards one long run on the weekends. Rest days are important so Wednesdays and Sundays will be targeted as resting days. However, I am flexible but I do plan on getting 5 good days of running.

Mondays will be 3-4 mile runs. Tuesdays will be speed days and on these days I'll either work on hills/inclines or running at a faster level (3-4 miles). Thursdays and Fridays will be days I try to get to Memorial Park to run outside. Building endurance in the heat takes time and I will be hoping to complete 4-5 miles on these runs. Saturdays, the long days, I will set goals as each weekend nears.

FUEL
Eating right is so important and it's the hardest challenge for me. However, if I expect faster results and want to be prepared for October I'm going to have to stick closely to a plan. I have always had great success with First Place 4 Health, so that's the eating plan I'm going to follow and will consume around 1400 calories a day. All good food plans require keeping a food diary and I am going to strive to be consistent!

There will be some meals I will be going off plan. I already know that I might eat a few more calories when I meet 2 of my best friends from high school this weekend but I will try to exercise some self-control! Also, my wedding anniversary will be coming up in the middle of this month. I am hoping that both my husband and I don't forget this year!

My last, but most important step is making sure that I have God's Word in my heart. I have never achieved my goals when God wasn't the center of my life. So, each day I am going to focus on a scripture or passage that will encourage me to endure!

I have been planning this program over the past several days and I realised that excuses are a big distraction. So, yesterday I tried to take away as many excuses as I could. I cleaned the house, washed and put away the dishes, washed and put away the clothes. Now, there is nothing around to encourage me to say, "I would work out but I need to do this first." I am working hard to set myself up for success.

So, I have weighed in this morning. No, I'm not bold enough to just put that out there! Though I did think about it....for about 2 seconds. Hopefully, by the end of this month I will have no problems sharing. But I will share any weight-loss or accomplishments each week.

*Before starting any exercise program please see your doctor. I spoke with my doctor and he told me I was overweight, so I'm sure he's o.k. with me doing this!