13.1 Lessons I’ve Learned While Training for My First 13.1

12m_2

Yesterday, I braved the snow and ice (thanks a lot, Nemo!) and went out for my last long run before the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I planned to take on 12 miles -- my longest run to date. Though the packed down snow and icy patches along my usual route slowed me down a bit, I am happy to … [Read more...]

Small Successes = Big Results

tkd

First, I need to just announce that exactly one month from today, I will be arriving at the Walt Disney World resort for the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend [insert sheer panic here]. This weekend I completed what might be, to many people, pretty small successes. On Friday I finally … [Read more...]

Mastering the Art of Self-Confidence

thaicertificate

This weekend, I earned my Bo-Black belt in Muay Thai kickboxing (in this program, it's the belt right before black...and, not gonna lie, I'm excited because our names are embroidered on the belts). As per my usual MO, I spent weeks freaking out about this test. Was I going to survive the workout? … [Read more...]

Bye, Bye Comfort Zone

You know how people say that you have to break out of your comfort zone if you ever want to experience real change? Well, I'm here now, and guess what? It's scary as hell. I am in the midst of my full-blown training plan for the Disney Princess Half Marathon next month, and as I log my mileage on … [Read more...]

Welcoming 2013 with New Goals…Not Resolutions!

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First things first: for those of you who have followed me over the years, as well as those who are seeing this blog for the very first time, I vow to you that THIS will be the year that I uphold my promise to update more frequently! I've set a very realistic and manageable goal -- two posts per week … [Read more...]

Five Years Later: In for the Long Haul

pumpkin20071

At this time five years ago, I was embarking upon my most recent weight loss journey. I started Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time in November 2007 -- the weekend right after Thanksgiving, no less! This is, by far, the longest I have ever succeeded in sticking to a "diet," and it is absolutely … [Read more...]

Pushing Your Limits…But Not Too Far

giraldafarms10k2

First, the good news: I ran another 10K last weekend at Giralda Farms in Madison, NJ, and while I didn't technically beat my time from my first 10K in September, it was still 6.2 miles. And I ran it. All of it. Even the hills! Now the bad news: my half-marathon training (running 4-5 times per week) … [Read more...]

Staying in Control Through Hurricanes and Snowstorms

dscf1783

As you may (or may not) know, I write from the great state of New Jersey. After living through Hurricane Sandy and witnessing the havoc it wreaked across my state, and now bracing for this lovely Nor'easter that has just arrived (in fact, I'm blogging from a power-less apartment after my electricity … [Read more...]

Persistence Pays Off

pizza5k2012

If I had a nickel for every time I quit something...well, let's just say I wouldn't be writing this blog post from my tiny apartment, surrounded by furniture purchased from the likes of Walmart and Big Lots. My weight has fluctuated up and down (and up and down again) since I was in elementary … [Read more...]

How Self-Discipline Makes All the Difference

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In my Muay Thai kickboxing class, the instructor talks a lot about discipline. The cornerstone of martial arts training, self-discipline is even part of the "Student Creed" we have to recite before leaving class (along with things like perseverance and honesty), and he often ends class with a speech … [Read more...]