Version 30.5

Workout: Running- 17 minutes, 1.42 miles @ average pace of 5.0
Days til Dash: 39


Today is my half birthday. 

I know, it sounds ridiculous, but as a kid, I liked the idea of the half birthday. Being that I was a Christmas baby,  I got lumped in with the Christmas/ holiday parties (except when it comes to my family and very close friends- they were always awesome about distinguishing between Christmas and my birthday. Then, a friend created "Lizmas", an in-between date where we celebrated both... you get the picture). It kind of stinks. So, when June 22 rolls around, I get excited.

I mentioned the half birthday to my friend/ co-worker, Amy, on our way out of the building this afternoon- she was moving her car and I was headed to the gym for a run. She said, "Does that mean you're half way to your goal, then?" I said some kind of profanity laced comment and sat down in my car. I didn't even think about that before Amy mentioned it - I should be half way done with my goal. 15 lbs down.

Not so fast.

I think I'm about where I was when I *first* started this 30 lb quest, thanks to all of the setbacks. But that's ok. I'm focused on my immediate goal- the Warrior Dash. The question becomes, what happens after the race? Then what? What's my motivation after I get the horned helmet? How do I accomplish this 30 lb goal in 6 months, when in the last 6 months, I've done nothing by waiver??

I need a plan.

I got on the treadmill angry this afternoon. I mean, there's been little to no weight loss in 6 months. That's ridiculous! But, as I ran  my 17 minutes- slowly adding a minute to each run to work on the endurance- I realized that I still accomplished a lot. I've dropped another clothing size- or am back to where I was 2 months ago. I'm more active. My mood is generally better. Regardless of the scale, my health has improved. And that's a success worth noting.

Speaking of the treadmill, let's talk about why I am still at a 5.0 pace, yet added a good amount of distance by only adding 1 minute. Andrea and my trainer suggested adding a minute onto each run- focus on the time, not the distance, for endurance. So far, I like it- mentally, I can say "ok, one more minute, you've got this" and knock that extra minute out. But, my pace is still somewhat ... slow. 5.0 is a jog, not a lot more than a speed walker. Plus, I had to keep stopping for 90 second intervals, because my heart rate was getting way too high (like 189- too high).  I'm hoping that, with the added time, will come added speed.

When I got off the treadmill, I almost heaved. It's too freaking hot and humid- all of you outdoors runners, what is WRONG with you?! I could barely do 17 minutes in an air-conditioned gym! On a treadmill with a fan! And with a water bottle! Between the humidity, the lack of food in my system (I ate an English muffin with 2 tb peanut butter- and had 2 cups of coffee), and the lack of fluids in my system (again, 2 cups of coffee and no water), I'm surprised I even made it that long running.

I know better. I'll *be* better- next time.