Love yourself, and you're set.

"Love yourself, and you're set." 

- Lady Gaga Born This Way

December first. End of the year is upon us and I'm starting, as I always do, to take stock of what has passed. In August, I made an announcement that I would be running my first ever half marathon on February 23rd, 2014. I'm still on track with that goal, but it took me a month or two to really get into the swing of training for it. I guess that's why I set goals far in advance - I know in my heart of hearts that I'll need some time to wrap my head around what I'm doing. 

Then, there comes a time when your wiser self chimes in and says, "Sarah, can it. Stop thinking and head out the door running." And that time is here. Although I took last Saturday through Thursday off for Thanksgiving, I've run the past three consecutive days. Nothing crazy mind you. A mile on Friday, a mile and a half with Charlie on Saturday and 4 miles today, again with Charlie. It feels good to be running again.

Some thoughts:

RUNNING with CHARLIE

Charlie's new favorite game is "chase", which is funny for a kid who cannot walk. He scoots around, army style, while the chaser feigns running with heavy breathing and lots of loud footfall. Then Charlie inches his way around the house, looking back periodically, giggling all the while. He loves when I take him for a run, because it feels like a game of chase. He's out in front while I huff and puff - always just behind him. So he starts giggling uncontrollable while we're running and his legs kick in the air as if he's running away. It's the sweetest thing ever.

LOVING YOURSELF

For me, running is not about speed or distance or time or competition or even getting thin or losing weight. It is about feeling free. When I feel free and in charge of the moment, I can't help but feel deep love and gratitude towards myself. And this feeling, this well of love and gratitude seeps out into every other part of my day. And it's a great reason to simply get up and get out the door. 

On my run this morning with Charlie.

Cool Weather is Running Weather

I'm on day 22 of my Tabata Bootcamp project. It's slow going, but I'm feeling stronger and more balanced because of my workouts. After only 2 weeks of Tabata bootcamp, I lost a half inch off of my hips, waist and chest. My weight did not change, but my shape did! These classes are also helping me prepare my body for the half marathon I'm running in February!

This week I ran 6 miles and walked 5. I've been enjoying the cooler weather and hitting my neighborhood trails in the morning hours. My youngest son Charlie is also enjoying our run and walk routine in the jogging stroller. One of my favorite moments from the week: Charlie was screaming and unhappy for some reason. I laced up my running shoes, wrestled him into the stroller and head out the door for a run. Within moments, he was quiet, relaxed and happily watching the world go by. And so was I. Getting out for a run was a great way to break the crappy house-bound fits.

The "I Did It" List

ran 6 miles

walked 5 miles

improved in almost all categories at my Tabata Bootcamp fitness assessment

snacked on lots of fruit instead of chocolate

complete two paintings and started two more

went on a wedding anniversary date with my husband

hosted 13 graduate students from the theater department at SMU for lasagna dinner

The Next 6 Months

Six months from today, I will be running my first half marathon. Its a tall order, but I know I can do it. So what will transpire between today and February 23rd? What's the plan? There's nothing new in the plan and there never is. A plan to get healthy and lose excess weight is always the same. Eat less crap and get some exercise. There's actually real comfort in that, don't you think? There are a million diet books out there... countless weight loss theories and diet books. And they all manage to rearrange "eat less crap and exercise" into a 280 page best seller. So that's my plan.

You still want a few more details?  Sure... I understand.  Here's my some specifics:


1.  Work out two to three times a week at Positively Fit Lake Highlands. These workouts will include high intensity weight bearing activity mixed with cardiovascular work.

2.  Limit sugar.  Period.  No seriously...  Sarah, stop eating sugar.

3.  Eat mainly whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains.

4.  In preparation for my 1/2 marathon, I'll run at least once a week - starting with shorter distances 2-3 miles and work my way up as the months wear on. When the half draws closer, I'll ramp up how many runs I take a week.

That's it.

To kick off my new challenge, I'm starting with a 7 day juice fast. If you'll remember from previous posts, I love doing juice fasts. I don't know about all the cleansing claims - I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist. But I do know that I feel GREAT when I fast, my skin looks amazing, I have more energy and I lose weight. I'm starting on Tuesday, August 27th and write about it here at Smaller Sarah. I have a friend who is going to do the fast with me, so that will be lovely. We can support each other along the way!

If you'd like to read my past posts about juice fasting, click HERE.

Run Sarah Run

It was 69 degrees this morning in Dallas - SIXTY NINE DEGREES! My family and I took full advantage of the unusual cool weather and visited White Rock Lake for a spin on the walking trail. My five-year-old brought his bike and I laced up my running shoes.

I haven't been running since mid-June and am horribly out of practice. Much to my surprise and pleasure, I was able to keep up with my kid and run with ease for about a mile. I'm looking forward to getting back into running shape. And to make a pledge of my seriousness, I am going to run a half marathon in February. What? Yes. I am running my first ever half marathon in Fort Worth on February 23rd! 

I want to tell you a little story. When I started my Smaller Sarah year in June of 2011, two dear Dallas-based friends followed along and cheered my efforts. That spring both of these women, inspired by my weight loss and healthy goals, began running. They both are now race-hounds, attending 5 and 15Ks all over - one of them has already run two half marathons. Then when life got too busy this spring, I fell off the wagon, stopped eating right and discontinued my work-outs. My two darling friends and I have now switched positions. It is they who are inspiring me to start running again. They've invited me to join them for a half marathon in February, so I'm going to do it!  

Thank you Alison and Meighan! 

Here is a photo of me and my little cyclist pace-setter at White Rock Lake today: