It’s only been a little over a month since I last blogged, which is not bad when compared to the last couple of years. I like to feel that I have something to share when I write, and often I just don’t. This year I am documenting my journey back to running. While it might inspire no one, it will make me more accountable.

I did well on my fitness journey in January. Does that mean I lost weight? No. I might have lost two or three pounds, but then more quickly and easily, I put it right back on. What I did do well was keeping up with my workouts and choosing hard. I worked out 24/31 days, completed 32 workouts, and ran consistently. The running kind of sucked, but I didn’t quit. I have found that during the week, it works better to use the treadmill, and I am doing some really great iFit runs. I have been working through a series that is set in Thailand, and have learned about the culture and experienced the beauty while sweating my buns off. I have developed a pattern of running two or three weekdays, cycling a day or two, and then doing a HIIT workout and yoga. Recently I added Wall Pilates that showed up on a social media page – over and over and over. It isn’t hard; sometimes I wish it were a bit more difficult. I am going to stick with it for a month and see if it makes a difference.

On the weekend, usually Saturdays, I am back to doing “long” runs. My goal for February is to run five or six miles each weekend with the hope that it will become easier. I want it to feel good to run again. This morning I did six miles. I ran 5.8 and walked the .2 on a Boyd Road hill that I have only been able to run up once. It is a beast! What was really thrilling for me was that my pace was much better than it has been. It was in the 10:40s; mile three was actually a 10:16 pace, but I was running down Mozart hill with the wind at my back. I think the treadmills runs are helping to make the street runs better. In January my average pace was more like 11:20, so knocking 30-40 seconds off is significant.

Side note: While running or walking outside, I have to keep my mind occupied or I obsess over every discomfort imaginable. I choose to listen to podcasts. I have listened to Another Mother Runner for years, and just love the information, as well as the banter. Another favorite is Smartless. It was started during the pandemic by Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes. They have terrific guests, and are just hilarious together. Today I listened to one with Tracee Ellis Ross as the guest, and I was laughing as I was running. I’m sure some passersby thought I was finally losing my mind. Check it out if you are into podcasts.

Once I get through February, I will have to begin adding more mileage to prepare for the Indy Mini. While Bethany and I signed up together, we both have different goals for the race. She wants to get stronger and healthier, whether than includes running or not, and I want to be able to run the whole course. I honestly don’t know if it will be possible, but I am going to put in the work. We will both cross that finish line, which is the epitome of a payoff for working hard.

We can do hard things!