Fitness update

My March issue of Self magazine says it's a good idea to share your fitness goals with friends and family, as that will help you stay on track... So with that in mind, here's an update on my 8k (and general get-back-into-shape) training.

The first two weeks of getting back into the gym was difficult and somewhat inconsistent. I had to re-train myself to make it a "must-do". Getting up early every day is hard (and typically I have to work out in the morning, or else I won't at all).  However, though inconsistent, I kept trudging along, and made it a goal to do some sort of exercise every day, even if I didn't carve out a full 45 minutes. Overall, the first two weeks were kind of on and off.

After the two-week mark, it's become much easier. Technically they say it takes 21 days to create a habit, but 14 seemed to do it for me. I'm pretty much used to getting up early now.

Third week - I started "officially" doing my 8k training. I separated my runs from my weight-lifting workouts. This really seems to improve my enjoyment of working out. Partly because I'm running outside instead of on the treadmill (which is boring), and partly because I like to focus on either running or lifting... that focus is ultimately relaxing and it's "me" time. I'm actually at the point now where I look forward to working out. YES!

I feel like I've gotten over my major hurdle. What I know I have to look out for is when I work long hours or travel -- the workout is the first thing to go. But with the 8k race coming up, I hope that I will feel more compelled to work out. I also signed up for a 5k mud run in April -- I figured it would be a good, fun warmup event. If I like these events, I may just keep signing up for occasional races just to stay motivated to work out.