Halfway through...the first week.

Monday: Walk 15 minutes
Tuesday: Walk 5 minutes, run 1 minute (repeat 1x) Walk 5 minutes
Wednesday: Walk 15 minutes

So far so good. That's how I feel like the week is going so far. I've gotten up every morning to do my scheduled workout, and after I convince myself to get out from under my warm covers, I'm good to go. It's that warm covers part that makes it hard. So far the workouts, as I've listed above, aren't that strenuous. I think it's good to start off slow and build up. I think in the past, where things have gone wrong, is that I start out too fast and expect too much and get mad at myself and burned out before I make any progress. And unfortunately I am out of shape and running for even one minute is harder than it should be.

I have purchased a couple of Biggest Loser workout DVDs that I've heard are really good. I'm going to add to my run in the mornings with a DVD in the evening a few times a week. I have Power Yoga, 30 day Jump Start, and another one...that I can't remember the title of. lol I know I need to do some strength training along with my cardio so I'm hoping that these DVDs will help with that. Eventaully I would like to start going back to the gym and using the equipment there, but in keeping with the babys steps theme, I'm going to start with DVDs and work up. There's something about actually going to the gym, that for me, is a total mental block. I feel like that is where I have failed every other time I have tried an exercise program. I just want to see what other options are out there that allow you to get in a good workout with strength training where you don't have to go spend an hour in a gym.

For the first time ever I feel like this is a goal I can actually accomplish. It's something I want to accomplish. I want to turn 30 financially and physically fit. I know it's still early, and I still have my beginners enthusiasm, but I really think I can do this. I know I NEED to do it.

3 more days to go until week 1 is complete, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm excited for tomorrow morning.

The night before...

It's the night before the beginning of my one year challenge to run a half marathon in December of 2010. It seems like a long ways away...surely I can do this. Right? I have NEVER stuck to a plan for a year so WHEN I do this a lot more will be accomplished than just the running. I think it's time I prove to myself that I CAN do something when I am determined to do it.

The Nike agenda for tomorrow calls for a .62 mile walk in 15 minutes. Even for me that's not that hard so I'll probably do a full mile. I know I can do more than that, but I want to start slow and not get overwhelmed and burned out.

My alarm is set (5:40 am) and my Ipod is charged. Lunch and breakfast are ready to go too.

I think the biggest challenge of the morning will be getting out of bed. Once that's accomplished I know I'll be ready to go.

Weather Delay

Okay...well...some not so wonderful KC weather has kept me from giving those new shoes a try, and after looking at the weather channel I might have to wait til I'm back in sunny Las Vegas to get rolling. But I'm ready as soon as the weather will cooperate. I have some Christmas candy that needs to get ran off!

Gotta Start Somewhere

Well. Here we go. A new adventure. I figured I would try out the blog world in order to document this new goal I've set for myself.

This weekend a very good friend of mine, Kylar, issued what I'm calling a "Throwdown". That together we will train in 2010 to run the Dallas half marathon in December. Now I know that most of my friends that might be reading this are thinking, "Erica? Run?" I am definitely not what you would call a naturally athletic person and running is not something I have EVER claimed to love. BUT I need to make a change for the better in my life and I know that being active and running is a great way to start. Plus I love a challenge.

To start off this adventure Kylar gave me the Nike+ system for your Ipod. You put the chip in the bottom of your running shoe and plug the connector into your Ipod. As you walk/run, the chip feeds data to your Ipod and tells you distance, speed, time, etc. When you're done with your run you can plug your Ipod into your computer and it syncs to the Nike+ website where you can track your progress and all your runs. This is so COOL!!!!

So for the first 12 weeks I will be working on a Walk to Run program offered on the Nike+website. Kylar and I are starting together on the 28th, and even though I'm sure my enthusiasm is going to have its weak moments, I'm really excited. I need to commit myself to getting healthy and I think this will be a great way to start.

I'm going to keep track of my progress here. Hopefully there are more ups than downs. I'm excited to get started, and might even give those new running shoes I bought today a warm up tomorrow morning.