A Runner

It's no secret that I am obsessed with Disney. Co-workers don't ask me what I'm doing for the weekend, they ask me which Disney park will I be going to this week. It's a good obsession to have, so I'm not complaining.

I have always wanted to participate in a Run Disney event. Originally I wanted to do the Epcot's Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon, but it sold out quicker than I was able to register. My next option was the Princess 1/2 Marathon, but from what I have heard, it is wicked crowded so for a first race, may not the best option.

Early this year I had put all the pre-register dates on my calendar - just in case. I had completely forgotten that today was the beginning of preregistration for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend for Passholders (one of the many perks), until my calendar alert notified me on my phone.

Naturally, I was working while registration opened so I decided to wait until I got home. I made a deal with myself that if the price was under a certain dollar amount and if it hadn't sold out in the time it opened until the time I got home from work, then I was going to do it.

Well, I got home, walked my dogs, emptied my snack bag and washed my snack containers and then my reminder to check the registration went off on my phone. I checked, it was still open and the price was within the range I preset, so I registered.

I'm an extravert and thrive on being around people. I usually don't do something on my own unless I know someone is going to be there, so this is completely out of my comfort zone. I'm 32 years old. I can do this.

The race isn't until January, so I have plenty of time to train. I realize that the time is going to go by so fast and there will come a point when I will be like "Oh crap! the race is this weekend" but my goal and hope is that when that time comes, I will be prepared and will be able to say, "I got this!"

I have only ever ran 3 miles without stopping. I have a long way to go to get to 13.1, but I can do it! It won't be easy, but the achievement and the accomplishment will be well worth it in the end.

So here it goes. I'm doing a half marathon. I'm slightly freaking out, but I am determined to run across that finish line. Whether or not I run the entire 13.1 doesn't matter. What matters is I am doing this for me and no one else.

 "Strength doesn't come from what you can do.

It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't.

21 Day fix Day one

Back in November I ordered Piyo online through the Beachbody brand. I absolutely loved the workouts and ended up doing the entire 60 day challenge without quitting. Chalene Johnson was just the right about of energy that I needed at the time to kick start my fitness regime.

After Piyo, though I got bored. I ordered Focus T25. The draw for that was every single work out was only 25 minutes. Who doesn't have 25 minutes! The only problem though, is the majority of the workouts have pivot moves which are near impossible on carpeted floor. If anyone has suggestions, please feel free to let m know. I live in an apartment so changing the flooring is not an option. My legs would catch and my knees would buckle and sometimes pop. Not ideal at all.

Then I started hearing about the 21 Day Fix. I wasn't sure about it and did a lot of research before I finally decided to order the program. Coincidentally, one of my friends from college became a Beachbody Coach, so I added her as my coach and ordered the program from her so that she would get some credit. I'm all about helping my friends. She's been great so far and sends encouraging texts and/or Facebook messages. She started a 63 day Facebook Challenge using the program. But it's not technically a "challenge." It is a place where a group of people going through the program are able to encourage each other and keep each other accountable. And that, my friends, is just what I need. Accountability.

The idea of the 21 Day Fix is to designed to teach you portion control and to eat real foods. Depending on your calorie needs you get a allotment of how many colored containers you are allowed to eat each day. Each color corresponds with a food group. That was another exciting factor for me. It seams fail proof right? 


My package arrived after the "challenge" started, so I decided to wait until today to dive in. Well, technically I "started' the program on Saturday by planning out my meals and grocery list. I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time coming up with an idea of what to make for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is so easy. I could eat Breakfast for lunch and dinner and sometimes do just that.

Anyway, it took me a long time (read: hours) to finally come up with a plan that would work for me, and not break my bank account in the process. I am single. I am only responsible for myself, and while sometimes that is great, other times I find is so hard to cook for one. I always end up over spending, and wasting foods. Someone in the challenge group suggested i keep it simple. Stick with one meal and a few vegetables and fruits and then switch it out the next month, or shop mid week for things as well.

After completing my first full day, I have to say - the hardest part for me is figuring out how to get all the colors I need in for the day, and planning the week in advance. Since this is my first week, I decided to keep things super simple. I am eating the same things for breakfast, snack, lunch & dinner throughout the week. Not a lot of variety, but my goal this week is to learn the program and scour Pinterest for ideas.

I found colored pens at Target and a couple of notebooks to help me keep track of my meals. Fitness and nutrition shouldn't be complicated and I feel like sometimes we all tend to complicate things.
 
When I sat down and really focused on my meal planning, I realized that I already had a freezer full of some baked chicken - definitely enough for a week of lunches. So that eliminated the need for having to buy another meat product.

Here is my meal plan for week 1 of the 21 day fix:

 The recipe for the Turkey and Lettuce Wrap was found on Pinterest. Click here for the recipe. it is DELICIOUS!!!

All in all, I think I am going to enjoy this program, once I get a handle on the prep.

"If you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail"