Training is in Full Swing!

My training for the Richmond Half Marathon is in full swing! I'm back to running every other day and doing yoga or working on my elliptical on my off days. I'm using Saturdays for my "long runs" as well. I missed my long run last week, but I'm picking up this week with a four miler.

Currently, my short runs last 30 minutes, including a three minute warm up and three minute cool down. During the 30 minutes, I usually run a little over 2.5 miles. By the time the half comes around, I would like to be up to three miles during the 30 minute period. Hopefully, my speed will be where I want it in November!

On a different note, I am still working on weight loss. I've started to use a website, www.caloriecount.about.com, to track my calories and activities. It's like Weight Watchers online, but it's free! It's very helpful when helping me understand the good and bad about what I eat.

Again, my weight loss strategy revolves around running. I'm very confident that I can stay on track with both!

Happy running!

Vacation and the Aftermath

We are back from vacation and had a wonderful time with terrific friends in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Prior to our departure, I was planning on running or walking on the beach every day that we were there. However, it became pretty obvious that this wasn't going to happen shortly after we arrived at the beach house. I was able to get in three good walks and one okay run (about ten miles total) during the week. This certainly is not bad at all, but it was overshadowed by the food and drink that I consumed. This brings me to the point of today's blog. I have decided to embark on a weight loss journey to lose about 30 lbs. (31.5 to be exact). Although I've never really been a weight by the number type person, I think that having a number in mind is very helpful. Running is already at the forefront of my plans. I need to start training for the Richmond Half in a couple weeks, so I already have plans up on my calendar. I'll supplement this by getting back to yoga class when I can and using my dusty eliptical. My goal is to cross the finish line at the Half 30 lbs. lighter than I am now. Wish me luck and Happy Running!!