How TO:esday: Getting back in shape

I admit it...I'm an interval runner.  And when I say interval runner, I don't mean I do run/walk intervals during workouts. I mean I run for weeks or months at a time and then stop working out for weeks/months at a time.  I'm either off or on.  This Pinterest picture is so me...

 

I have to start over Every.Single.Time.  Ugh!  So I decided to start over yesterday.  My interval this time?  9 months.  Embarrassing, but true.  I leashed up my dog, put on my running shorts, and turned on some Beyonce tunes. I had absolutely no expectations for this run, other than to run.  I am grateful that my goal was just to run.  

Some of you may be saying, why not do couch to 5k, or go for a 30 minute walk?  Well, I played soccer most of my life and into college, and running is all I know.  I will take my baby or dogs for a walk, but I don't think of that as a workout (my own personal issue!).  So, how far did I get?  1.25 miles!  I can think of my workout in two ways:

1.  Yuck!  Only 1.25?  I ran a full marathon 2.5 years ago, and I can only run 1.25 miles now?   Self Talk: Get it together, Mary Beth!

2. Awesome!  1.25 miles!  Self Talk: You haven't run in 9 months and have the most beautiful baby to show for your time off.  Give yourself a break, and be grateful you made it a mile.  This little sign is my reminder that whatever I do is better than sitting on the couch.

  

Here's to getting better Every.Single.Day with diet and exercise.  Oh, and losing this baby weight might be some motivation too! 

 Gotta run!

Work Out Songs, Races, and You Know You're a Teacher When...

Happy Valentine's Day!  I thought I'd share about one of the big things I LOVE!!!  Running and working out!

I have had a couple of comments about what songs I use to run with.  While I have to admit that Justin Bieber can really get me motivated (I know...so embarrassing, but I had to be honest!), I wanted to share this great pin I found on Pinterest.  Many of these songs are already on my playlists, but I was glad to find the others! It has a great list of songs for you to use.  We all know that the winter months are a bit challenging to muster up the energy.

Secondly, I wanted to share that just signing up for a run will be a commitment worth making.  Our school has an annual run to help support our PTO.  They have a 5K and a 10K option, and it's so fun to see your students in this capacity.  Our 3rd and 4th graders have a Running Club at school where they train for the 5K, and then there is a Kid's Fun Run for the smaller kids.  It is a great experience!  I recently signed up for the 10K, and even though it is significantly shorter than the marathon I did, I know I need to be prepared.  

On the other hand, my sister just had her second child and is working out to get back into "pre-mommy" shape!  She is amazing, and inspires me to keep working out once I have kids, but she is training for the 5K.  Whatever your level of fitness is, find a race and REGISTER!  That's the first step!!

What runs, walks, and races have you registered for?  Any reservations? Share with us what you're hoping to strive for this spring and summer!

And in case you are worried about how you look, how others will perceive you, or just getting motivated, I loved this sign on Pinterest!!  That's right...get after those couch potatoes!

Also, I loved this linky party with Jeannie at Kindergarten Lifestyle because they make me laugh at how funny the teaching profession is.  Check out all of them on Pinterest too...so comical!