"The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed"

The weather is starting to warm up, my blog layout is pretty much finished, running totally kicked my ass the other day & today is my day off.  What do I plan to do on my day off you ask (or you would if you were reading this & of course you are because my blog is just so incredibly-super-interesting, so who could resist reading it really?)?


First, more coffee.
Second, a nice long shower.
Third, the gym.
Fourth, ok - I didn't actually get that far yet, I do need to run out & get some milk though (exciting - I know!) ...

I am excited to get to the gym though.  I took yesterday off to rest so today I'll be walking a good 1/2 hour prior to running.  I'm really going to focus on my form because I've been doing some reading & I think I'm a major heel striker.  It's a bit controversial - some say it can/may cause injury & some insist that's absolutely untrue.  Additionally, I'm a sloppy runner so I'll be concentrating on maintaining not-so sloppy (lol) form as well.  I also plan to start out running a tad slower than I have been so I don't bonk 1/2 way through.  I had a hard time getting through my last run & I'm almost positive it was due to my running speed.

Oh & the saying that's the title of this post kept me going during that run so I wanted to share it.  It's an old Chinese saying (I'm not sure of the author) that I find to be simply amazing.  I found it to be such even prior to running & more so when I was fighting a mental/physical battle running & it rang as completely true.  I hope you like it too.

If anyone has any other quotes they'd like to share - please do!

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Brrrrrrrrrrrr!

After a brief break from the cold weather in South Florida (yes, I used the words SOUTH FLORIDA & cold weather in the same sentence), it has once again reared it's ugly head. In some areas (slightly north of here) there were actually reports of freezing rain & flurries. This is something I haven't seen in my 2+ years down here & it's a first for SoFlo as well. Record breaking low temperatures in fact!

You see folks, in Florida, going outside & being able to see your breath is not something that occurs very often (ok, not at all), however this morning, low & behold, as I stepped out onto my terrace, I saw my breath. This made me think 2 things:

1. Ok, I'm not being a sissy. It IS flipping cold out! &
2. OMG, it could actually snow (I didn't look at the weather reports of said snow until after these thoughts, but I'm from CT so I know the tell-tale signs).

This is by far the strangest winter down here. I feel so bad for the northerners that came down for Christmas or just a vacation from the cold, only to find themselves ... well, in the cold.

I can't help but ask ...

Mother Nature?

If you're reading my blog (which I'm totally sure you are, because anyone who's anyone reads my blog) ... Could you please bring back the warm temperatures? Or at least give us one good, true snow so we feel like it was worth it? I mean, what are cold temperatures good for unless they produce some type of frozen precipitation? A little help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Oh, & please don't let this kill the flowers.

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Still Working on Updating ...

Wow, I picked out one template & then found some really nice backgrounds & voila ... started searching more & found more & more.  Unfortunately, one can completely zone out while sitting at their computer trying to find the "perfect" layout for one's blog & I have been doing just that.  I did have a lot of fun tweaking my header picture & I'm very happy with how it came out.

I did end up finding one that I really like (the one you're seeing now) however, it has tons of options so I'm still working on changing it to be just how I want it.  When I started, I didn't realize I would be spending hours upon hours until I was happy with the final outcome.  Watch me end up changing it completely back to the way it was!  I'd totally kick myself in the ass for that but, yet .. at the same time ... I wouldn't put it past myself :-)

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Under Construction (again)

Sorry folks, I'm revamping the blog layout again.  As previously stated, I realized the previous template wasn't compatible with Chrome or FireFox & I'd like for it to be compatible with all browsers.  It shouldn't take too long so kindly bear with me :-)

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Exercising & the runner's high

It's been a while since I've gotten off my lazy butt & truly exercised.  Well, until this past weekend anyway.

I know the stigma associated with making a "New Year's Resolution" ... blah, blah, blah ... however I've been putting it off & putting it off so I figured it was the perfect time.

Without delay, immediately on New Year's Day I went in search of the perfect routine to get started.  I used to be a Certified Personal Trainer so I know where my weak areas lie & I know what I need in order to stick with a program.  Taking that into consideration, I went with a Yoga/Weights combination workout & to kick my cardiovascular system into gear, as well as to maintain health, I also added a beginner's running program.

I also put them both into a spreadsheet so I can monitor my progress & be held accountable for my actions (or lack there of should I miss a day).  This is key (for me anyway).  I need to be able to map out my plans & also be able to watch my progress.  This monitoring for me = motivation.  Granted, I don't have to answer to anyone but myself ... but, it's still there in black & white (well, & green & blue because I used MS Excel & made it all puuurrrty :-)).



Anywho, thus far it has been terrific.  I love that I've worked Yoga into my routine & that weights are a part of it.  I feel wonderful afterwards & I know I'm doing something good for both my mind & my body.  The other terrific aspect about yoga is the versatility.  I can add & deduct poses & even completely change it around of I want to.  I tend to get bored easily when working out (if I do the same routine for a while) so change is imperative!

I chose the beginner's running program because quite frankly I've really hated running in the past.  Admittedly, I far too often started out too gung-ho & ended up getting shin splints & being out of breath & frustrated.  This time, I'm doing it right.  Also being a beginner's program it includes a lot of change to help you progress in running skills.  The program also involves walking which bores me but it's good because it forces me to slow down & gives me a chance to "rest" while also getting exercise.

Since starting my new routine I've also been sleeping A LOT better & I'm loving it!

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