Mind Over Matter

I've come to the realization that the brain is one of the most amazing organs in our bodies.  It is such a vital part of our bodies and sometimes I take it for granted.  Other times I use it for what it was intended to be for.  It's supposed to be where I store a lot of information - and as I'm getting older I'm noticing that some of that information has gone incognito or simply disappearing.  Is it still there somewhere hiding in my brain or does it automatically choose which information I should retain and which information I should discard? 

Another aspect of my brain is my mind....and sometimes I really do believe I'm losing it.  The logistics within my mind seem to always take over from what I intend to do.  

What am I referring to?  My workouts.  My runs.

This past month I've been running more often in preparation for the half marathon that is coming up in a few short weeks.....three to be exact.  I've been able to run 1, 2, and sometimes 3 miles straight without stopping for a few months now.  However, I haven't been able to go longer.  My 'mind' tells me I'm tired and I need to rest.  So I always eventually decide to stop and walk.

This past weekend I told myself I'm not going to stop.  I have been working out regularly for months now and as a result have become stronger than I've ever been.  I can do this.  I can run 4 miles - without stopping.  And this time when I got to 3 miles I told myself .... "Robin you're doing great.  You've got this... just keep going.  You can make it to 4 miles.  You've got people supporting you.  You CAN DO THIS!"  And that is exactly what I did.  I ran 4 miles without stopping. 

It is all about Mind Over Matter.  What exactly does that mean?  Well after going to Google and looking up that phrase I discovered that "self-help" personalities such a Tony Robbins claim that, through the power of concentration and "positive thinking", people can walk on hot coals without getting burned.  

So I'm not exactly walking on hot coals, but I'd have to agree that through the power of concentration and positive thinking ("YOU CAN DO THIS") I not only will be able to run 4 miles once, but I'll be able to do it again and again.  This is going to be a great week and I look forward to my next long run so I can prove it to myself that it's all in my mind and I CAN DO IT!

Let's Get Healthy

It's been awhile since I've been able to sit down and take a breather and write some words.  For one reason or another it seems that as time goes by I'm getter older and older with each passing day; however, there is never enough time to do all the things I need to do.

In the midst of all the usual things - working a full time job, helping my husband with his business, my workouts, and the usual household duties cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. - I don't seem to have the time to play my Cityville on FB, write my (daily) blog, plan camping trips and beach parties to say goodbye to two of our greatest friends as well as creating and putting together a scrapbook of memories for those good friends.

And on top of all that I've joined a "Let's Get Healthy" Challenge which I am becoming more committed to than all the other things on my enormous plate.  Three little words with such strong meaning and somehow I'm able to incorporate it into my daily routine. 

I wake up at 5:30 every morning to do laundry, make scrambled eggs (or hard boiled egg), slice fruit to go with my low-fat yogurt for breakfast, put together a serving size of blueberries/strawberry and slice a bell pepper for my midday snacks, then do a little stretching before getting ready to go to work.  I have changed my mid-day snacks from crackers, cookies, etc to fresh or dried fruits and nuts.  Then after a long hectic day at work I make sure I get my workout in - whether it be running, swimming, or a Beachbody video.  Dinners have been getting their own makeovers too - sticking to grilling whenever I can.  And then I try to make it to bed earlier just so I can get a good nights rest to do it all over again.

My hubby also decided to get one of those 'infomercial' products 'The Food Lovers' which supposedly incorporates all the foods we love to eat, but using different methods or different ingredients to make it healthier for you.  I haven't had a chance to fully read all the materials so I don't know all the details yet, but it sounds interesting.  

Part of this "Let's Get Healthy" Challenge I've had to set goals for myself - for 30 days - and I'm being held accountable of my goals to the group I've joined.  The group leader, Tonja, provides motivation and inspiration to the group.  For the month of August I decided that I wanted to lose 3lbs, get better at swimming laps, complete 8 mile run in less than 1 1/2 hours, and change my eating habits.  

So with Week One complete I've made a little progress swimming laps and I've made some changes to my diet.  I've been taking out the sugar where I can, adding more fruits and vegetables to each of my meals (including snacks), and seriously downgrading the amount of bread, pasta, and rice.  In addition, I am now more devoted than ever to working out at least 5 days a week (special thanks to being accountable by logging my workouts to the Team Beachbody WOWY workout group).

It was also during this week that I realized how fast time really goes by.  Although in the back of my mind I knew September 4th was just around the corner, I didn't realize that my first half marathon was just a few short weeks away.  My main goal for August is now to run between 4 and 5 miles without stopping.  

I'm still committed to my original goals, but my new goal takes priority.  I'll be running my way to a better, fitter, and healthier me while making better food choices.  And I'm not going to let camping, a beach party, or a night out with friends slow me down.  In fact, I'm inviting friends to join me on my workouts and work on getting healthy and fit together.  With the help of friends, my group leader, and my commitment to the "Let's Get Healthy" Challenge I will succeed.  And I can't wait to share the results.