30 Days of Gratitude: Day Nine

I am grateful for exercise.

When I was in college (the first go-round, hehe) I used to run on campus all the time.  I loved it.  Of course, I lived in Hawaii and there was something about the trade winds blowing against my skin, and the salty air breathing through my pores that made it a bit addicting.  Anyway, I loved the way I felt, and I was in fairly decent shape.

Fast forward through marriage, pregnancies, illnesses, medications, surgeries, divorce...  and anything else that might add a few pounds.  I've exercised on and off throughout the years.  Ran some, walked some, worked out some, lost some, gained some back, and so on and so forth.  Thankfully, I am back to a regular workout routine which I love.  

I love the way I feel empowered when I finish the grueling workout my trainer gives me.  I love how good I feel and how strong I feel (even though, I'm not really that strong yet) when I am done.

I am truly grateful for exercise.

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!

To make a very long story short, I joined a gym. Not just a typical gym - this is like a gym on steroids. I've never seen so many ways you can work out with tires before!

The first time I went was Saturday. I knew I'd be sore afterwards. But it was worse than I expected. I spent the entire weekend stretching, icing and Aleving, eventually adding heat therapy too.

They say 48 hours after is the peak of pain. It's true. The second day was much worse than the first. My quads were killing me, especially while going from a standing or sitting position to the other. I had to laugh when I could barely sit down on the toilet. Then I panicked, realizing that somehow I'd have to get back up!

By today, I felt much better and went for my 2nd workout session. Luckily, it was easier on the legs today but totally harder on the upper body. I have never lifted free weights before, let alone while laying across an exercise ball or leaning against a punching bag. By the time my hour was up my arms felt shaky. I knew that once I left the parking lot, I'd have to drive straight to the gas station because tomorrow I might be too sore to even work the pump! And once I got home I headed straight for the shower, for fear the longer I waited the more painful it would be to lather, rinse, and repeat. Do Not Stop. Do Not Pass Go!

I can feel the pain starting already. Forget about pumping my own gas or washing my hair, I think the simple act of brushing my teeth will seem like an impossible, strenuous chore tomorrow.

I was told that the pain will begin to fade and after about 2 weeks I will stop feeling like I will throw up or pass out, or throw up and then pass out. In the meantime if you call and I don't answer, you'll know why. I've probably fallen and I can't get up and I am in so much pain the mere act of texting is burdensome.

I'll Take an Immediate Consequence Please

I don't eat ice cream. I can count on 1 hand how many times this year I have eaten any at all. The last time I had a few scoops was over Memorial Day weekend, at my parents' house.

It's not that I don't like it. It's that it makes me cough. Sometimes for hours even. I hate constantly trying to clear my throat and that coating is still there - bleh. (Which is why I don't drink milk either, aside of the taste I can't stand.)

I don't really eat fried foods either. Ever since I had my gall bladder taken out over 13 years ago, fried foods do not agree with me. I might as well flush them straight down the toilet, because that is where they will end up before I've even had a chance to wipe the grease off my fingers!

I don't eat these things, and truthfully I don't miss them. When I see greasy foods I don't usually crave them. I know that I can eat a couple of french fries but that's about it. When there is a party and everyone has their big bowls of ice cream, I don't wish I also had one. I do feel pressure to get a child-size cup of something-or-other when a group of friends and I go to Coldstone or something. But, I don't crave these things perhaps because I know the immediate consequence.

The problem is I still enjoy food, bread especially, or main dishes with cream-based sauces. Yummo. The other problem is that my school and work schedule have been so hectic I've not truly exercised like I used to in over a year. A Big Fat Year. And not only have I gained everything back I lost, I have added a few too. (Insert uphappy groan here.)

I read somewhere that what we eat is half of our success to weight loss, while strength-training is about 35% and aerobic activity another 15%. SIGH. I guess I are what I eat.

That being said, why can't the other foods -- the breads and creamy sauces and sugary treats -- why can't they have a consequence to make me not crave them too? I mean, I know they have consequences. In the words of Scott Pilgrim, "Bread makes you fat?!?!?!" I just wish they had IMMEDIATE consequences. Like, give me a fat butt overnight. Or, make it so that by eating these things I will throw up. I hate throwing up. That would stop me for sure.

I am actually considering a few new things to help... but not until AFTER my reunion trip! haha!

Dear Treadmill and Running Trails

Dear Treadmill and Running Trails,

I just wanted to drop you a quick line to let you know how much I enjoyed our little reunion the other day. Thank you so much for welcoming me back with open arms, and not taking my absence personally. I can't believe I allowed so much time to pass us by without seeing each other! I guess school has kept me busier than I thought. To think I haven't seen either of you since my first day back to school last August!

I forgot how much fun we used to have until the other night! How could I have forgotten? I feel so bad for not getting back to you sooner. I know, I know... it was all me. I am the one with the busy schedule. I am glad that you two are always there for me- rain or shine. I need to do better at seeing you on a regular basis. It was starting to get so bad I almost forgot what you looked like.

I know your cousin Stationary Bike was a bit shocked to see me show up. But, I plan to get to know her a little better too. There are some areas I need improvement on, and I think she could really help out. I think to be fair to all of you with regards to my time, I will visit you Trail, on bright and sunny days, when it's a bit warmer. Treadmill, I will stop by and visit Stationary Bike for about 10 minutes before coming to see you. Hope you don't mind. It does mean that I will have to cut our visits a little shorter, but truly, I think it is best all around.

I know I won't be spending as much time with you as I was six months ago, but I will take what I can get. After all, this relationship means too much to me to simply throw away.

See you soon!

Emma

Chicken Soup for the Skinny-Minded Soul: Week One

I have gotten fat. Not that I was skinny before... well, not since before having three kids anyway. The last time I felt "skinny" was when I was 19 years old. True, I always had somewhat curvy hips. True, I always had "the girls" around. And True, I always had a little bit of a gut... but it was more like a "belly belt"... and I could SUCK.IT.IN. and no one would notice. AND if I wanted to lose 5 or 10 lbs **gasp** I'd eat apples and drink slim fast for a week and I was as good as gold!

However, 1 marriage, 3 kids, 1 divorce and 4 jobs later... that extra belt o' belly has grown into more of a belly skirt. BLEH!

So, about a year and a half ago, I started walking, and then running. And I lost about 39 lbs. Then I got myself a someone special and well... I think I got too comfy and last year around this time I gained about 10 back. Then that someone special went bye-bye and I gained about 10 more back. Then, I "got back on the wagon" and started walking and running again, and loving it. I lost some again.

But then school started, and I just couldn't figure out how to balance three-quarter time school, full-time work and over-time mom with that itsy-bitsy thing called exercise. The results: I'm fat again. I feel it in my thighs, I see it in my chipmunk cheeks, my jeans are crying "uncle" and my belly-skirt is starting to cast a shadow over my knees. NOT.GOOD.

So, now what am I gonna do??? I wanna feel not-so-self-conscious when my new-but-old-someone-special is around. I wanna feel good again. Even if I never get "skinny"... I mean, I don't have to be the sports car, but I do wanna be the best-consumer-rated Sedan around. Make sense?

Ok... so what I need here is some good motivation. I am not gonna do a crazy diet wherein I starve myself for the first 6 weeks. Been there, done that. And when I gained it back it went to places it hadn't seen before. True, school is starting up again in a few weeks, but now that I am getting the feel of it, I am gonna try to figure out where to fit this exercise thing in. My neurologist, whom I see for my Atypical Migraines suggested that even if I am busy with school I at least do a long workout on Saturdays. Point taken. So... here we go. I want to "think thin" and get back to healthy food selections.

I decided that I can't just announce my goals on the blog and leave it. I mean it's not like that infomercial, "Set it and forget it!" No, this is something I've gotta keep at. I have decided that Sundays is the day I will weigh in each week. Sundays will also be my "Chicken Soup for the Skinny-Minded Soul" days. I will blog about anything new I've discovered, progress, set-backs, challenges, etc. I am calling it "Chicken Soup" because I want my regimen to revolve around healthy choices. "For the skinny-minded soul" because you have to be able to have positive thinking and love yourself for who you really are deep-down.

So, if you don't like reading about weight-loss, I won't feel offended if you choose to skip reading my posts on Sundays.

I don't have to be skinny to be beautiful, but I have to be willing to love myself. And, if I'm not comfortable in my own skin, then it is up to me to change it. That's what this journey is about. If anyone cares to join me, the more the merrier!

My First Milestone Goal: Lose 2 dress sizes by Valentine's Day.
Something I will change/incorporate this week: Drink Water Every Day.

Babysteps

I have already told you that I am "training" for a 5k in August.

In college I used to run every morning. I loved running outdoors because I could feel the trade winds off the ocean and I loved the fresh Hawaiian air. And afterwards - I know this sounds gross - but I loved tasting the saltwater off my lips.

Then I got married and had children and had to work outside the home. Running wasn't a priority. Eventually exercise wasn't even a priority. I struggled to find peace and happiness in what was supposed to be wedded bliss. I became sick on top of that and was on several medications (mostly hormones and a partial steroid) for years. It seemed that as each year passed, another five pounds was added. Sure, within a year a five-pound gain isn't horrific. But times that by oh - how many years? and that's like a gajillion pounds! Well, all right, maybe not THAT many, but still.

Finally with my divorce, I wanted to start feeling good again. I had already had surgery to remove the diseases so that was taken care of and no more meds. I had ventured a few trails on my own and I also found a place I like to walk outdoors. I had a great view of the valley and I usually walked at night, so the setting sun was always gorgeous. I walked that path several times a week, saving my trail for Saturdays.

Then I met Big-D, who is a trail-runner. I was impressed by how far and how high he'd run. Suddenly my little 2 or 3 miles seemed like nothing. I went with him a few times to his trail and loved it. The more I went the more I wanted to go. We would always start off at the same point, but he would take off running and I would of course, walk. I would time my walks so I knew when to turn around at the half way mark, and we'd finish together. I made it up to the radio towers and back for a total of 3.22 miles.

Then the "break-up" happened and I no longer went to the trail with Big-D except on occasion. I have done a lot of "walking" exercise over the past year, but the more I walked, the more I wanted to run. I can't explain it other than to say it was like an itch that needed scratching. As I would walk on the trail or the track or treadmill, it was like I had this energy brewing, waiting to explode. Like, I had this "thing" that was being held captive... I don't know what this "thing" is, other than perhaps "desire".

I decided to go back to the gym. I really wanted to run. BUT I did NOT want to run in front of all of those girls... You know the ones; the ones that aren't really even there to work out. They show up in their tight short-shorts and sports-bra tops and perfectly sculpted, perfectly tanned bods and they "pretend" to work out while they check out the guys who are of course also checking them out. NO. I did not want to run in front of them and feel all fat and frumpy and dumpy. Then I discovered the MOVIE ROOM! Yes. The gym has two rooms with big screens and the rooms are dark. I started going in there to use the treadmill. I figured most people were watching the movie and therefore, would NOT be watching me.

So I started running one night in the movie room. Or should I say I TRIED to run. I was no good at it. My knees started screaming, "Hey, Fatso! Remember us? We haven't hauled you around at this speed in over 16 years! And there's MORE of you now! What are you trying to do to us???" So, I walked. Then when I got home, I googled.

I found an article online called "From Couch Potato to 5K". It was a coaching guide for beginning runners to get them ready for a 5K in 8 weeks. It was perfect. After reading that along with other articles, I started to find a common denominator. They say for beginning runners, the first thing you should do is WALK! Brilliant.

So, I changed my work out a bit. I started riding the stationery bike first, to condition my knees. I did this before every "run". After 2 weeks of that, my knees felt great and I no longer needed the bike. Then on to the "training". I warm up with a 5 minute walk and then alternate running with walking. I only run until I feel winded or my chest hurts, and then I slow down to a walk. At first the running was as little as 90 seconds; sometimes more. But the whole idea is to gradually build up to a pace in which I will be able to run the entire 5K without killing myself. Again, brilliant.

A few weeks ago, I went with Big-D back to the "radio towers" trail. He was going to run "only 7 miles" that night. I figured out my half-way time and we were off - though not before him telling me to keep my eyes open as he had recently seen several rattlers and even 1 tarantula on that trail in the last few weeks. Great, I thought.

I put my music on and started off with my walk. The weather was perfect. And I noticed that I could walk much faster than before without getting winded. Then came the first little incline in the mountain. Ok, I can do this, I told myself. And I did. A few more turns, a few more inclines, and then one little down-hill. I decided to run down. Soon, I was at the radio towers. I looked at my watch. Holy Cow. It was my best time ever. I still had 10 minutes before I would have to turn around to go back. I kept going.

I felt exhilarated. I was now going to see what the other side of the mountain looked like. "Don't cry," I told myself. "It's just a freaking mountain." And yet to me, it was so much more.

I figured I wouldn't get very far in the ten minutes. But, I was wrong. To make things better, I even saw a baby deer. Soon I had hit my ten minutes and it was time to go back. I got back up to the radio towers and took some deep breaths and stretched my shins out a little. Then, I looked down the mountain towards the car. I suddenly felt on top of the world. I felt a surge of energy throughout my body and it consumed me. I decided I was going to run the rest of the way.

And I did. I ran the entire way down the mountain. When I could see the car, I slowed to a "cool down" walk. And when I got there, I realized I still had a few minutes to spare before Big-D would finish. I stretched a little and waited; secretly feeling proud. I wanted to cry and giggle all at the same time. We mapped my progress on google earth when we got home, and I had added a whole other mile! I walked/ran a complete 4.22 miles with a total elevation of 700 ft! I felt sore and tired, but I also felt great.

I don't know if I will be able to run the entire 5K come August. But I will say that my progress has me excited. For once, I feel like I am accomplishing things. This is something ONLY I can do for myself; no one can do it for me. I finally feel like I am on my way, whatever that means. And I'm not even really sure to "where"... I just feel like I am on my way.

Crap! Now I'm gonna go have a good cry... self-realization does this to me sometimes. ;)

Put Your Helmet Back On...You're Not Done Having Fun Yet

So, a few weeks ago I just didn't "feel well". It was the week leading right up to Memorial Day. Basically the Sunday before, I had a headache. Later that night, I took a 2-mile walk. Then Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I hit the gym and increased the intensity of my work out, but didn't sleep any better. Thursday night was the broken-van thingy...so no gym. Friday night, I just felt exhausted. So - no gym. Instead, beddy-bye early. I took an "old-lady nap" from about 6pm - 10pm. Then, of course I was wide awake till 3am. So I figured Saturday I could sleep in. And I did. And I slept and slept. Well, more like I just stayed in bed all day, tossing and turning, with 15 minute cat-naps here and there. But three kids at home all day with no TV turned into a lot of "I'm bored", "he's touching me!" and "tell her to stop looking at me". Finally at about 3 pm I got out of bed and hopped in the shower. I told the kids to "get ready". Ears perked up, eyebrows raised, and the questioning began.

"Are we going somewhere?" they all wanted to know. "Yes," I responded. "We're going to the trail." Suddenly, all looks of hope and excitement turned into disgust and despair. You would have thought I told them we were going to clean out the sewer lines by hand or something. But I wanted to go and exercise, and I knew they needed to get out of the house before they either killed each other, or I killed them all. I told them I was taking them on an easy trail. And it really is easy too. The Lagoon Trail is a 1 mile (each way) paved trail, set mostly in the shade. It is great for walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians. It runs behind the local amusement park and there are elk and buffalo along the way too. It's really pretty.

I knew the youngest two wouldn't be able to keep up on foot. So, we loaded their bikes into the back of the van. The oldest doesn't have a bike as it was stolen last summer. I didn't want him to be bored, walking along side of me, so I agreed he could invite some of his friends. Plans were set in motion and we were off.

The oldest seemed to be excited, since his friends were coming. And the youngest loves exercise, so she was okay with it. However, the middle one, LittleDuckling, well, he still did not think this was a good idea. A lot of it probably has to do with his ADHD... if he can't see the end from the beginning, he assumes it is gonna be hard. So me telling him that it was a "short 2-mile bike ride" meant absolutely nothing. I might as well have said, "it'll be 20 miles of hard, labor-intensive pedaling". Anyone who has a kid with ADHD knows that they have a different frustration level and things always seem harder than they really are.

Thus, the entire way there I heard the moaning, the groaning, the grunting, and complaining. We park at the trail head. The older boys take off with the pooch while I unload the bikes for the little ones. LittleDuckling starts in with the whining. I had had it. Teeth clenched, finger pointing, my voice low and firm, I said, "Look here, young man. You will NOT ruin this day for me. We are here to have fun. So you are going to put your helmet on, you are gonna get on that bike, you are gonna ride the trail, you are gonna stop complaining, and you are gonna have fun! Do you hear me?" LittleDuckling nodded his head in acknowledgement and begrudgingly put his helmet on. I stuck my earphones in and tuned in to my "workout playlist". PrettyPrettyPrincess took off to ride in the wind.

Halfway through the first mile, there is a little cul de sac and a road we must cross to get to the next half. Since we are ahead of the older boys, I tell the two younger ones to ride their bikes in the cul de sac while we wait. LittleDuckling had other ideas.

Of course he was "hot" and then the "helmet made his head itchy" and it was "too tight" and then it was "too loose". I threw him one of my "what-did-i-tell-you" looks and said, "Get that helmet back on your head and get back on your bike. You're not done having fun yet." He did as told, and by the time he got it all buckled the older boys had caught up.

I had them pose for a pic before starting the next section of the trail. LittleDuckling tells me he IS smiling. What do I care? I think... and just snap the picture.

We continue the rest of the trail in peace and tranquility, amazingly enough.

Afterwards, I take them for pizza. And then - after THAT, LittleDuckling says, "That was fun. We should do it again sometime."

Discovery of the Bra-Pockets

So a few weeks ago, Yaya (click here) was talking about sitting through a class when a woman pulled her cell phone out of her bra! It made me think... "ooops..... I do that!"

It's true. But, let me explain...

It all started with this:

I LOVE my Champion Sports bra! It has a "double dry" design to keep my Double Dang-sized girls from getting too sweaty while I work out. Not to mention that it offers AWESOME support! And all for $42!!! I was so ecstatic to find one in my size (I got it at Kohl's).

The problem began when I started running/walking trails. My work-out jackets *do* have pockets. But, I was worried that my phone, my iPod, my Driver's License and Keys would fall out of them. So, I quickly discovered that I could tuck each of these items in my handy-dandy Champion Action Tech Double Dry Sports Bra! Luckily I have enough of "the girls" to help keep these items in place too!

I simply turn my phone on "vibrate" and tuck it into the "left pocket". This way, I can tell if someone is calling, even with my ear phones in. My keys and DL get tucked into the "right pocket, while the iPod gets turned into the "locked" position, and you guess it, snuggled right between "the girls" (TMI???)

Besides... who wants to wear one of these lovely things?

Not ME!!!

Anyway, it has become such a habit, that once when I had to run errands and didn't have a pocket, I threw my cell phone in my bra. I totally forgot about it until I was at the check-out lane, and my "left girl" started ringing. I pull the phone out, and the check-out girl throws me a "you just pulled that outta where?" look. Ya - she did.

Also, one time in band camp after spending all morning cleaning the house, I needed to call someone. I could not find my phone. I looked EVERYWHERE. I looked on the night stand behind my bed. I looked on the kitchen counters. I checked the bathroom. I dumped my purse out -- twice! Finally, I had one of the kids use the house phone to call it. I about jumped when my "left girl" went off. I totally forgot I put it in there. True story.

Some women keep their cigs or wads of cash in their bra... Me? My phone. But I will try to limit it to only when I am exercising.

My kids think I am certifiable.

Kissing Burns Calories

It's true. Kissing Burns Calories. According to "studies" (y'know, tested, tried & proven studies), Hugging & Kissing burns about 68 calories.

I did the math. That means I would have to engage in kissing for nearly 4 hours to work off 1 regular size Snickers Bar. I laughed when I read that. I told Big-D that if he was really supportive of my goal, then...er...um... hehehe. No pain, no gain, right?

So, in my research of "activities that burn calories" here is just a sampling of what I have learned: [cph=calories per hour]


50 cph - Sleeping for 8 hours
68 cph - Hugging & Kissing
68 cph - Praying (while kneeling)
102 cph -Sitting while Talking on the phone
102 cph - Playing board/card games
102 cph - Typing (including Blogging, which means I am burning calories as we speak!)
136 cph - Casual/Slow Walking (less than 2 mph)
156 cph - Grocery Shopping
170 cph - Playing the piano (or organ)
238 cph - Vacuuming
258 cph - Walking at "brisk" pace (3.5 mph)
306 cph - Weeding
408 cph - Swimming (leisurely, for "fun")
544 cph - Synchronized Swimming (good reason to join the "team", right?)
748 cph - Fast, vigorous Swimming
918 cph - Running (8 mph)

To check out more activities Click Here - Activity Counter

So, I've reviewed all of the listed activities and decided that I definitely need to add more Kissing, more Talking on the phone, more blogging, and more piano practice. All of these things can only add to my work-out experience, right?

Oh - and I suppose it is true that running is the fastest way to burn calories. Guess I will keep working on that one too!

The Non-Post Post

I have so many posts I am working on. Non ready for today, however. I know - sad. I have been kicking my work-outs up a notch. Same 3 miles, but working harder at them, trying to increase speed, decrease time, add strength training every other day plus a 5-10 mile bike "ride" 1-2 times per week. And y'know what? I am TIRED! Whew.

Ergo, today is a Non-Post Post. Tomorrow we will be back to our regularly scheduled bloggy-program.

Here's my to-do list for the next few days.

• take out "junk" to curb for neighborhood clean-up (has to be done tonight. they come tomorrow @ 8am!)
• clean house
• organize bedroom
• get more laundry done (kids have been helping with this as their "spring break chore")
• spend time with sis's family for Easter. (gotta sink my teeth into somma that hammy!)
• fill in the gaps with flirts, giggles, and my usual shenanigans (my co-workers tell me that the "substitute" FedEx guy may have dropped a hint yesterday... mmm... men in uniform...)

'nuff said. What are y'all doing for Easter this weekend? Big plans? No plans?

You Don't See That At the Gym!

Lately, I've had this eerie feeling; like I'm being followed. And it was happening everywhere. Home. Work. Church. You name it and I've sensed it happening. Pretty much the only time I didn't feel that way was when I was driving or sleeping!

Anyway - it creeped me out so much, the hairs on the back of my neck started to stand up. My pulse would race. I could feel my heart pounding through my chest. Finally, I had enough. I wanted to try to catch this so-called prowler and tell him to knock it off. Quit Following me!

So, just the other day, I was walking around the grocery store, picking up this and that. Just as I turned the corner into the frozen food section, I felt it. Like a cold breath on the back of my neck. It felt like someone was walking right on my heels! They/he/she/it was SO CLOSE. I turn around. No one. I turn back the other way. Nothing. Finally, I do a 360 while catching a glimpse of my reflection in the glass freezer doors!

You won't believe what I discovered! In all actuality, no one was following me at all. Fact is - It was my butt! It had gotten bigger! Can you believe that? When the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks did that happen?

I decided to tell this "thing" to get off my butt - literally. Last year I waited till spring to start my outdoor hikes/walks/runs. Not this year. I could not put it off another day.

I decided to get my ear warmers on, my long running pants, jacket and gloves and hit the hills. So I did. As usual, my boyfriend, John Mayer came with me via the iPod. He's a great work-out buddy. Also, I can sing all of his heart-ache, dealing-with-break-up songs in my head... Gosh, he just gets me! I digress.

Anyway, never mind the fact that I get Bronchitis every year as soon as the inversion hits. Never mind that I haven't slept for days and should instead be napping. Never mind that it is COLD!!! I don't care whether or not Punxatawney Phil saw his freakin' shadow or not. I had to get out there.

My friend asked me why I just don't join a gym; then I could run all year long. I have belonged to gyms in the past. I really love the machines, free weights and classes. I don't really know if I am working the right stuff to the right capacity or weights, but I enjoy it. However for cardio - I do NOT enjoy treadmills and the like. Why? I dunno... let me muse that over for a sec. [dee dee doo da, dee dee dum. dee dee do da, dee! dee, dee-dee dee-dee...] Ok, I think I've figured it out.

If I run on a treadmill, I get bored. Sure I can bring my iPod. I could watch the wall mounted TVs. I could even people-watch. But the point is, I'm not going anywhere. I know - that is the whole point of "stationary". I realized tonight on my run that I love running out doors for many reasons.

I love the fresh air. And where I run - I love the view. Plus, at the gym on a treadmill, I give up too easily. About 10 minutes shy of my goal, I think, "Ah! That's good enough!" and I get off the machine. On the contrary, when I run outdoors, I park at one end of my route or trail. I walk/run to my halfway point. Then I turn around and come back. See - there is no bailing out ten minutes early. I HAVE to go back to my car. Otherwise, I can't get home. So - for me, this works.

Tonight's run was good for me, especially for a winter run. First of all, I only did 3 miles. Secondly, I actually only ran about 1 of the 3 miles and walked the other 2. Oh well... baby steps, right? Besides, I didn't get fat overnight, so I shouldn't expect to lose it all over night either, right?

Here are some pics from my run. Like, tell me you're ever gonna see these at the gym! (sorry for the graininess...these are from my phone, and with the inversion they are not that clear.)

The Bountiful Temple. This is close to where I park. So, I start off seeing this and it's what I come back to at the end.

Something about being in the mountains makes me feel empowered.

Like, literally, I am "on top" of the world.

Then, when I near the top, I can see practically the entire valley below.

But the highlight of this particular run... was the family of deer.

I'm never gonna see these types of "young bucks" at the gym. And trust me... comparatively speaking, I'd rather see these some days!

What about you? What motivates you to exercise? What type of exercise do you enjoy most and why?