I've fallen off the wagon!

I don't even remember the last time I blogged, or the last time I had a consistently good week that included proper diet and exercise for seven days straight. I feel terrible and I can tell I don't look good either. Time to get back on the wagon!

With the start of March comes a renewal to a past mindset. I will work out six days a week. I will be responsible for what I eat. I will make healthier choices. I still have that 10-miler coming up in April, and while I've had a couple 6 mile runs over the last few weeks, that might be all the exercise I do for a week. That's not good. My pushups are in a sad state.

But here are a couple motivators and highlights- We'll be posting to our 916th Facebook page soon a technique to build your core and help you do more pushups. It's hard, but it works! I implemented the elevated work station before Christmas and guess what? It is actually catching on! I found a great influencer in Lt. Col. Dave Pike. He bought into it and has other people across the wing buying into it. This simple lifestyle change can help you burn up to 500 extra calories a day! Finally, I'm accountable to help mentor others and reach my own goals. Falling off the wagon on occasion is ok, life can get in the way, but you have to get back on and do it quickly. I just feel terrible and I hate feeling this way. At least I've taken the first step in admitting my problem back to the masses. Look for improvement, and more blog posts, in the near future.

Back in the saddle again

I ran for the first time this week in nine months. Not very far and not very fast but I consider it a step (literally) in the right direction. To become a better runner, you need to run. There's no way around that. You can condition all you want by working out on the ellitical trainer, walking, riding your bike or taking a cardio class but it still isn't running. In order to improve your fitness run time, you need to run.

On the quarter mile track, I ran, well, let's be honest, I slowly jogged a half a lap and then walked the other half. I did this for four laps. The first bit was tough but it actually got easier as I went on. Yes, I realize that I didn't even complete the 1.5 miles required for the fitness test but, then again, I haven't run in nine months and injury prevention is key in a good fitness program. Once you get injured, the quality of a workout decreases. I plan to increase the duration and distance of my running as I build back up. I take my fitness test in May.

As for concerns about making time, I've realized that it doesn't take much time to fit a quick workout in. A quick 20-30 minute workout is better than nothing. If you know you only have 20 minutes, increase the intensity by running a little harder than you normally would. Then, take an extra 2 minutes and knock out some pushups. Something is better than nothing! Most importantly, I've decided to make fitness a priority so I look at my schedule and find time to fit it in.

So enjoy this weather and get out there and run. And yes, I did feel it the next day but it felt great knowing I'm a little closer to getting back into shape.