| | I love a good challenge. Not necessarily a tough challenge, but some sort of goal hanging out there in the future to keep me motivated and on track. Following training programs and training for races is a perfect example of having a good challenge to keep me motivated. Additionally, I will informally name a particular time period, "Cross-train month" or "Eat Clean week" or "Don't Spend Any Money Month." I've actually designated May as the Last Chance to Party Month bceause I start marathon training in June, and I've said that from June to October, I'm going to try to be all about health, fitness and training. We'll see.  At work, I'm pursuing a particular speciality within my practice area. Before I really defined my goals, it was hard to take any steps at all, but once I defined my goals and outlined some objectives, I got really excited to have a structure and framework to work within. In blogland, many bloggers create different challenges, and I love reading about them, even if I don't participate. Well, this time I am participating, in one of my new-favorite bloggers' challenges. Bobbi, of NHerShoes, created a Simple Life Challenge, and I'm going to particpate. In this challenge, you get points for making homeade meals, commuting to work in a "green" way (carpooling, running, biking, walking, etc.), and for any other frugal/simple/green things that you do. Now let's be honest - I'm *not* going to win, for a couple reasons. First of all, today is the first day of the challenge and I had to buy my breakfast and will have to buy lunch, since I was traveling for work until this morning. Also, since I live 26 miles from where I work, and I'm in "sunny" Texas, there is no way that I'll ever be green in the way I get to work. AND, I'm going to be traveling again during the last weekend in May, so I know I will be eating out then. BUT, I should be able to make all of my meals on the other days, and there are plenty of other simple/green/frugal things I can do to accumulate points. I'm excited!! I'll try to make sure to come back and update you guys on everything I did.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oh, and Ragnar L.A. was *great*. We just really had a great time. Oh, and my running? I was so pleased! I averaged about 9:00 min/mile for all 19 miles! I felt really good out there, even with my last hilly run. My knees and ankles were pretty sore afterwards, so I just completely rested and did not run, from Saturday until the following Wednesday. Wednesday night I just ran 3 miles when I arrived at my hotel and I felt pretty good (tried out my new shoes). Will probably run again Sunday, then starting next week, I'll be shooting for 25 miles/week plus Jillian Michaels, all the way until June 1, when I start MARATHON TRAINING. I am so excited/nervous/scared/terrified/happy to start marathon training. A full marathon? WOW!! |
