Crossing the finish line for the 1/2 Marathon 2006.

My goal for this year is to run the 10K here in Traverse City on Memorial Weekend – yep two short months away. However, it is just my stepping stone to the 1/2 Marathon in May 2011 that I will be running with a friend from school. I ran it before and I have every confidence that I will be able to again (as long as we can get in to it!!).

Signing up for a race is a great way to kick your exercise and nutrition into gear. There are multiple free training programs out there to use as well as nutrition guidelines. Not a runner? Neither am I! Hated it growing up and hate it now. However, I do love the way I feel after a good training day. Like today, we were sweating like crazy and muscles were burning, but it will all be worth while when I cross that finish line.

This past Saturday was our third weigh in with the Fit For You Weight Loss Challenge. Before weighing in, they had us throwing medicine balls against the walls, lunging back and forth across the room, hitting Big Foot tires with sledge hammers, and squatting with kettlebells. It was fantastic and a great way to finish out the training week. Along with following a structured meal plan – which in no way leaves you hungry for more food, I am now down a total of 14# in two weeks!! Yes, two weeks!

For those of you who don’t know where to start with you exercise, contact a personal trainer to get the basics – and good form – of a simple work out. Add some cardio exercises like treadmills, elliptical machines, or go outside and take a walk around your neighborhood or local park. If you don’t have access to a trainer or equipment, use a race training guide for beginners. There are plenty of resources out there for Couch to 5K/10K/1/2 Marathon and so forth. They start you out small and gradually work up while giving you rest days. As for nutrition, contact a local dietitian in your area by going to www.eatright.org and clicking on the “Find a Registered Dietitian” link.

Make a pact with yourself and write it down. Challenge yourself to do something like walk 1-2-3 miles daily or eat at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies daily and do it for 3 weeks straight. Once you get into the habit, you will see how much easier it is to fit it into your daily routine. If you’d like to share your one goal with one or more persons you will find your motivation increasing.

Good luck everyone and see you at the finish line!!