It’s not just about the running…..

Welcome–I’m back!  I haven’t blogged since just after the SJ Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon last October….but I’m still running. What a year!  Last year, my initial goal was to finish one 1/2-Marathon.   I have realized it was just the beginning of a new phase in my life.

Here I am finishing 2nd for my age/gender group in the Los Gatos Jungle Run 10k! A personal best for me at an 11 min/mile.  (1 hr, 9 min)

In the past 10 months, I have run many races, the Santa Cruz 1/2 marathon (my third 1/2-M)  and already signed up for the San Jose Rock and Roll in October with the intention to run other R&R races in various US cities.

Earlier this year, I lost 25 pounds and am a size “Easy 8”!   I feel fabulous, am at my best fitness level and have a lot of energy.  When people notice I’ve lost weight, their first comment is “it must be all that running.”  Yes, partly.  But last year when I didn’t make any changes other than running, I didn’t lose an ounce!  Really.  So, what’s the difference?

In January, I met with a nutritionist and we worked together to find the right food program for me.  The secret.  I DECIDED. It is that simple.  I KNEW I was ready to take action and nothing short of my goal was going to stop me.   Other than not drinking wine for a few months, it was painless and easy.

A few things I learned.

1.  It takes a team.  They included my nutritionist, my acupuncturist and my chiropractor to keep me aligned and injury free, my running buddy Kathie, and especially my very supportive, enthusiastic family.  It made it healthy, less lonesome, more fun, and mutually inspiring.

2.  I made a decision and a promise to myself.  Why after all these years of hundreds of diet programs, special foods, etc.  this time it all worked. This time I kept the promise to myself.  We typically will keep promises to others, yet are quick to break a promise to ourselves.  If you can’t make a promise to yourself you will keep, then don’t make one.  It only makes us feel bad, less than who we are because we feel we lack personal integrity.

3.  I started where I was.  I have never been a fast runner, but I do finish eventually.  At every race I’ve attended, there are people of every size, age and shape out there. They are starting the race from exactly where they are. It is so inspiring!  I accepted exactly where I was at that day in time and I just started the race.  I urge you to do the same….just start from where you are!

I promise to blog regularly on a variety of experiences and insights about this time in my life…stay tuned!  I’m on the move!