Motivational Monday!

Hey there!
It's been a while since I've posted something of huge significance, and when I say this I mean it's been awhile since I've spent more than just a few minutes writing a blog post.
I'll start off by sharing some of my accomplishments, lemme tell ya folks. If I can do these things, ANYONE CAN!
In the past month I started off only being able to run a couple miles MAXIMUM.
After running, I hurt BAD. I didn't want to do it the next day, but I'm so glad that I did.
On Saturday, only a couple days ago, I ran my first 7 mile run. Yes that's right 7 miles! It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but I did it. It wasn't my ideal time, but hey again, I did it!
My 1/2 marathon race is in just 19 days and here lately I've been getting discouraged, just about other things going on in my life and when I'm drained emotionally it's hard for me to keep up.
However, with this change in my life, meaning running, I feel like running is a stress reliever and it helps me cope with outside things. This is just my time of day where it's me and my headphones.
I've learned to love myself and am becoming much happier day by day.

Now I say that anyone can run if I can, because, I used to hate running. (like everyone hates homework or washing dishes by hand). Yeah that much. I  love to run now and although I'm not seeing much difference on the scale, I am seeing a difference in the mirror. Friends, co-workers and family are noticing and this alone is an ego boost!
If you can push yourself to just get to the gym, on the treadmill or to lace up your shoes, you're good to go. that's the hardest part.
If during your run you feel sore, KEEP GOING. I cannot emphasize this enough. There have been SO many days where my legs hurt and feel like they are going to fall off, but I keep going and the hurt goes away once I'm warmed up.

I know this blog was me blabbering about my 7 mile accomplishment, and that may not seem huge to everyone, but to me it is. And that's what matters. :)

For those of you who are struggling today, this week,  or even this month, KEEP GOING. You'll be glad you did a month from now.

Have questions for me about your fitness journey? Feel free to email me directly at:
missxcrystalynn@yahoo.com

Have a great week!

http://mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/pages/clubs/triathlon/training/Half_Marathon.htm
Another 1/2 marathon training program to help fit someone's hectic schedule!

Chicken Gyros

I came across this amazing recipe on Pinterest, Chicken Gyros with homemade Tzatziki sauce. I made these last night and they are to die for. Not only are they delicious, but they're affordable and pretty damn healthy. My husband loved them and is taking them for lunch today. If you're looking to make these I will warn you that the chicken has to marinate for about two hours and the sauce has to sit for about an hour. Other than that, you're golden. 

Check it out here, http://basil-albi.blogspot.com/2011/11/chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki-sauce.html 

Marathon Training

Okay so my wonderful sister in law showed me this marathon training program. It's training to run a marathon in four months. Well as you may know, I'm running a half in 1 month and 3 days.You can use this to train for a half marathon, however you will be about three miles short of 13 miles. I'm not worried about it, because on race day I'll be so pumped that my adrenaline will carry me the last three or close to it. I'm not racing for time, I'm racing to finish and to say I did it! I found this extremely helpful and do-able. I hope you all enjoy this.

http://www.fitsugar.com/Four-Month-Training-Schedule-Your-First-Marathon-1517016#

So here's a little motivation for those of you who are having a rough time.

Training for a Half Marathon

I found this today, because I'm running a 1/2 marathon March 23, 2013. It's crazy I know, but I will do it! Check out this website for a good schedule for running. Please note that you should be able to run 3 miles at least 3 times a week before starting this program. If you cannot it's okay to go ahead and start it, however it will be tough. I have a good 2 mile base built up and can do 3 miles in one workout, but I just go a little slower. It's always important to remember that your pace doesn't matter. As long as you can hold a conversation with someone, then you're going the right pace. 

http://www.halhigdon.com/assets/_legacy/halfmarathon/halfnovice.pdf

Resources for Starting Your Journey

Hey guys! 
I wanted to create a post to give you some helpful websites for starting your weight loss journey. I mentioned in another post that I use calorie and fitness trackers. The two main ones I use are,
www.sparkpeople.com
www.myfitnesspal.com
Both of these are free! They both have supportive communities and track great things for you. (calories, nutrients, water, calories burned, and how many you have left to consume for the day.)
Another thing I find helpful before starting a fitness program is calculating your ideal weights and BMI.
http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm this will calculate both for you. It's a very helpful tool to figure out where you should want to be. It also gives you a window of a healthy weight.
If you're going to start running, I recommend mapping your runs. I do this on my iPhone with the Nike+ app. It's wonderful and I love it. It gives you your average mile pace, and can also show you on the map where you ran your slowest and ran your fastest.
Another great way to get fit is to train for a race. Most people start with a 5K or 3.1 miles. I'm currently training for a 10K since I've already ran a 5K. I have an app on my phone for that too. It's very similar to the "Couch to 5K" program that you may have seen.  If you want to start running here's a good program to start with if you stick with it! http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/
These things take dedication, but I'm sure you know that. Remember in 2 months you're gonna wish you started today if you don't start today.

Feel Short on Time Today?

If you're feeling short on time today don't skip your workout all together, try this one instead!
It takes a whole whoppin' 30 minutes and I promise you'll feel good about it once you've done it.
Start off by doing a 15 minute mile on the treadmill
2 sets of 20 sit ups
3 sets of 10 push ups
3 sets of 1 minute wall sits
50 right leg lifts
50 left leg lifts
2 sets of 25 squats
50 jumping jacks
5 minutes of stretching
If you need more of a challenge try a set of dumbbells with squats and when you do push ups why not put your feet on the couch so you're doing them at a decline.