Let's Get This Party Started!

The holiday parties are over . . . a while ago. The new year has begun and it is a good time to make a fresh start. It's time to stop eating crappy food and start being good to my body again--pretend I'm a real athlete. Unfortunately, I'm having a tough time getting into a good groove in 2016. It's been a cold, wet month in Seattle and that makes it hard for me to get out the door with my running shoes on.

But I think the tide is turning! I met up with Tami yesterday for a 3 mile run and it felt sooo good. I am excited to run again tomorrow. I am running a half marathon in 2 weeks, on my birthday, and a marathon the week after that. I know I can be ready for them! (The power of positive thinking at work here.)

I need to stay focused, and stay injury free. To accomplish this:
1) Get plenty of rest. I'm going to try for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. It's now 12:45am so I need to be asleep in 15 minutes to get 7 hours before I get up at 8:00am to get kids to school.
2) No more sugar. I'll start that tomorrow since I am eating a bag of chocolate as I write this.
3) Hydrate. I can drink more water when it's at room temperature. If I'm feeling cold, I'll have some herbal tea to warm up.
4) Stretch. A few minutes before getting in bed, and a few minutes in the shower. That's better than not stretching at all. I hope.
5) Do my glute strengthening exercises daily. I'll make a separate post about this.
6) Don't add too many miles too quickly. My rule is to not exceed an increase in mileage of 10% per week, and per individual long run. However, I'm gong to have to cautiously break that rule if I'm going to run a half in 2 weeks and a full in 3 weeks. Beyond those races, I am registered for a couple of 50Ks and a 50-miler this year.

I have no time to waste. Let's get this party started!!

Eating chocolate after midnight and posting on my blog.