Great Aloha Run: Check!

So there is that list of things I want to do before the year is up. Well, I got one done on Monday, for President's Day!

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I HATED running. There is no piece of my heart that has a soft spot for it. So naturally, I needed to enter a race! It only makes sense, right?!? I did a 5k a few months ago, which was my first feat. I have no desire to participate in a marathon, but that's just howI feel today. :)

I just completed the Great Aloha Run, which is 8.15 miles. I finished it in 1hr and 39 min. That means I had an average pace of 12:12min miles. I ran about 51/2 miles before I stopped for a brief walk and water break. I then proceeded to jog/walk the rest of the race, which definitely increased my mile time. For the first 5 miles, I averaged a 10:30-11:10 minute mile. Not bad for someone who has never ran more than 3 miles without stopping. It wasn't a fantastic time, but the point was, I Finished! Will I complete one of these again? Who knows. I will enter a 10k, as that may be a little more bearable.

So...I don't completely HATE running anymore. Don't get me wrong, we're not BFF's, but running is an aquaintance that I don't feel like punching in the face right now!

NEXT STOP: find an adventurous activity and do it!

Progress Since January

Well, January is gone...Thought I would post my progress, or lack there of!!!

I have been juggling college (part-time), work (full-time and then some), home cooked meals (every day), training (running or Crossfit: 3-4 times a wk), etc, etc.

Needless to say, life is hectic, but I am trying to handle it as calmly as possible. With that being said...I'm off to a rocky start. I have gotten a little lazy with my "clean" eating. I ended January with about 70% Paleo diet. This month, I began another 100% 30 day Paleo program to clean out my insides and get me back on track. I mushed once. I had a sliver, if you can even call it that, of chocolate cake. It was a young girl's birthday...I had to participate :) I mean, how rude would it have been if I didn't! BTW, my birthday is coming up this week and I am skipping out on the cake portion. I guess it's my way to make up for my tripping face first into the chocolate cake.

Moving on...I have been cooking for myself and two other people at work. This is no easy task. There are many benefits of cooking for others. One that is especially awesome right now, is the accountability level I must live at. Since I am cooking for others, I have to make sure I get something cooked up for the next day. This makes me stay on track. Another awesome reason is I get to help others along on their health journey. That was the main reason I started blogging in the first place. So, how cool is that. I know, people don't say cool anymore, but whatevs...

My additional goal: GET BACK TO OLYMPIC LIFTING
***This is a love of mine. It has been hard to be away. I attended an Olympic meet this weekend, and I just felt in me, that I needed to make the time to get back into it. Love is a two way street...and I know Olympic lifting misses me too! I jumped on a platform this weekend and worked on some lifts. NOT impressive at all. I  have a little work to do to get back to where I was, but I'll get there, and then go farther! Well, cheers for now, peeps. I leave you with this: GO AFTER YOUR DREAMS PEOPLE...NO ONE'S GONNA CHASE THEM FOR YOU!!!

Making It Happen in Twenty-Eleven!

I used to make New Year's "Resolutions," but I realized only a small amount of those ever came to fulfillment...if ever. I decided this year would be different. This is the year of making things happen! There were always too many "wish to" and "hope to" sentences in the past. It's the year of "I Will." Have you taken the time to look at the possibilites of life? There is a lot in store for us, but we must have the courage to make it happen, so you don't have the shoulda, coulda, woulda's when looking back at your life.

I WILL participate in the Great Aloha Run (8.15miles) - Choice
I WILL be the healthiest I have ever been in my life - Choice
I WILL get my new business off the ground - Choice
I WILL take part in exciting adventures that I was timid to do in the past - Choice
I WILL write, paint, and create my best works of art this year - Choice

Life is built on Choices...I am choosing this year to be courageous. I end with this quote by Ambrose Redmoon: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." Living life is more important than missing out on it because we are too afraid to experience the possibilities! GO LIVE AND DREAM OUT LOUD!!!

Recent Success on Paleo...

A friend of mine has an autoimmune disease. I have spent much time researching how I can contribute in getting her healthy. The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf has provided a great amount of information and definitely useful. This book is a must have for any and every body: fat, skinny, healthy, sick, strong, weak...you name it! In researching one day, I saw this quick article that I thought I'd post to share with everyone. A doctor in France had 100% success rate on the "Paleo Perscription" he provided his clients. You can find it here: http://www.myhealthblog.org/2010/03/26/lupus-treatment-success-rate-100-via-paleo-diet-in-france/

I can't even begin to explain all this eating plan has done to save my life, but I will do my best to explain it on the next post...coming soon! For now..."Eat, Play, Love." Eat something both yummy and beneficial to your body. Play...you know, run around and jump around. Love the people you surround yourself with, love what you do and love who you are. If you don't, figure out what needs to change! Go live!!!