Running, running, I love to run…

Well, this past Saturday my training group started up again. The summer/fall session for Marathoners In Training started bright and early. I was so ready because the winter was so bad (icy) that I decided against doing a spring half-marathon. I am looking forward to doing the Columbus Marathon this October for the second time. My only goal is to improve my time and that shouldn’t betoo hard since I came in dead last two years ago (back spasm, long story).

I love training with this group because even though I am slow, I feel comfortable with the program. There is a ton of support, great coaching, and informative sessions from experts. What makes it even more fun is that my dear hubby joined last year and did not grumble when I woke him up at 6am on Saturday (he is so not a morning exercise person). There was no rain despite the clouds but I was just so happy to be outside that I did 4.5 miles instead of the 4 planned. Yes, I’m one who barely tolerates the treadmill but appreciates it during the winter. So, if you happen to be out taking a stroll on the Olentangy Trail, you may be surprised to see how many crazy folks get up early to meet the sunrise in running shoes.

Have you heard of “Half-Assed”?

Half-Assed by Jennette Fulda

I just finished reading this book, “Half-Assed” by Jennette Fulda about her weight loss journey. It is hilarious in places and quite contemplative in others. What I most enjoyed was that she did not offer any excuses for how she reached her top weight (nearly 380 pounds). Instead, her book focuses on making the hard choices that we all must do, to make our lives healthier and happier. That’s what I support – it may not just be an issue of weight for some people – their true need may lie in learning to love and appreciate themselves enough to take better care of themselves.

The book is a quick read but you will want to mark some pages to return to as her story progresses. For example, she was able to cut off her relationship with regular soda pop (several drinks a day) after realizing that it was like ‘liquid candy’. This may be true for many people – I know my husband drinks too much soda and when I used that description, he seemed to give it some thought. Many people who have no problem avoiding the candy dish or say they can skip desserts are consuming way more calories in those 2 liter bottles.

This is not a diet book – it is about one person’s experience with losing weight the old-fashioned way, through exercise and educated eating. Her goal was to save her own life, not just to be skinny. Health should always be the reason we make changes. It reminds you that while weight loss is not easy, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out her website.