I hate to run. I really do. I always have. I think it started back when I was a senior in high school. My boyfriend at the time was a runner, and I tried to run with him one time. I pushed it too hard, not being used to running, and ended up throwing up.

So why, you ask, would I want to run a half marathon. Part of my answer is that I really don’t want to. It’s not like it has been a burning desire of mine. Mike, however, thinks it’s a good idea, and I have learned that when he thinks something is a good idea, it usually is. He’s a pretty smart guy (even though he doesn’t like to admit it.)

Of course, I also have to admit that part of me wants to do this. I have come a long way since last June, made changes in my life that I never thought I could. I have stuck with eating clean and exercising faithfully since June, and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life. So, if I have already made such drastic changes, why shouldn’t I believe I can also run a half marathon? Just think what an accomplishment that will be! If I can run a half marathon (and I believe I can), then what else can I do? What else can I accomplish? It’s rather exciting to think along those lines, isn’t it!

Do you have the same defeatist mind-set that I used to have, that maybe other people can accomplish these kind of life-changing feats, but you can’t? Do you think you’re not disciplined enough, or that you don’t have enough will-power? That’s how I used to think. I used to look at others who were doing these kinds of things and think, “Oh yeah, it’s easy for them. They have the right kind of personality. I don’t. I’m too weak-willed, lazy, tired, etc.” The excuses are many, but you know what, they really are just excuses. If you look at yourself really honestly, you will see that. And if you make your mind up once and for all that you’re going to do this, then, yes, you can.

No, it’s not easy. It takes work day after day. It takes making your mind up day after day that you’re going to continue down this road you started. It takes exercising and eating right day after day, even on those days you don’t feel like it. Do you want to know something else, though? Once you do start eating right and exercising, you’re body will start to change. You will start to feel better. You will gain more energy. When you see those changes, you will be encouraged and you will want to continue to see those changes. That’s your reward, and it makes the journey so worthwhile. But as with any journey, the hardest part is the first step.

Beachbody’s slogan on their workout videos is “Decide. Commit. Succeed.” Three simple words that say it all.

  1. Decide - Decide right now, today, that you are going to change your lifestyle. Make that decision and really mean it. No waffling, no back-peddling. Take that first step, and create a plan that works for you and your lifestyle - be sure to include both exercise and eating right.
  2. Commit - Commit yourself to following that plan every day. Schedule your exercise on your calendar so that it’s part of your daily plan. Get rid of the junk food in your house and buy food that’s good for you. Day after day, recommit yourself to the plan. Don’t give up when you have a bad day! Turn your back on the bad day, recommit and move forward.
  3. Succeed - over time, you will succeed. Accept the fact that it is going to take hard work and dedication on your part. Accept the fact that it’s going to take time, and that you will have bad days. But over time you can and will succeed. Celebrate the successes. Pat yourself on the back and then dig in with even more determination than before! You can do it!

And if you’d like help on your journey, please contact us. We are only an email away and would love to help you succeed!

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