End of Run Tough signals start of yoga

Today was my last Run Tough winter running class. I felt kind of sad as we headed out for our 6 am run. It wasn’t cold and the mornings are much lighter now than they were when we started at the beginning of the month. I’ve learned a lot about myself this past month. I’ve learned that once I get beyond the alarm clock I actually enjoy exercising first thing in the morning. I like having it done, getting showered and dressed before I begin my day. I find I’m tired at the end of the day and something always comes up that prevents me from exercising when I leave it till later. There’s hockey, errands, and stuff to do with my children. It’s far too easy not to exercise when you plan it for later.

We did a 24 minute run this morning. Our goal was to run faster than we did on the first day and beat our earlier distance. And I did. Yeah!!  I have also learned not to hate side planks this month and this morning I was able to do several of them for 30 seconds each. Another big accomplishment for me.

Last week was a pretty good week for exercising. I managed to stay on track every day except Monday, which doesn’t count because I was stranded on the island and couldn’t make it back in time for our winter running class. Tuesday was a swim day, Wednesday and Thursday were days in the gym and Friday was another running day. Saturday was a wash as I was doing a workshop on public relations over in Campbell River but on Sunday, my boyfriend and I took the dog for a two hour walk.

I am feeling much fitter now than I was on January 1. I have more energy and wake up at 5 am most days. I find myself going to the gym at 6 am because I’m awake and why not? Being part of Una’s running group certainly gave me the kick start I needed for January and I recommend it to anyone why likes running. It has been a journey that has only just begun. I begin yoga later this week with Penny Gelber at the Yoga Garden, something I know absolutely nothing about.

I realize I need to continue my visits to the gym and plan on checking out the new fitness trainer’s classes at the rec complex at 6:15 am Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I also realize I need to have my jaw wired shut or figure out how to change my eating habits if I am to be successful in losing weight because as Roche always says: “You can’t out train a poor diet.”