107 -- Miles I've Run in 2011

I ran 3 miles before work this morning bringing my monthly total to 41.1 miles! I'm finally making some significant headway toward my 575 mile goal for the year. I was afraid I was falling behind because of the snow days we had in February, I had less opportunities for running, so I'm trying to compensate now that it's nice again. And the Zoo Run is coming up three weeks from this Saturday. So I'm getting in some good mileage as I'm training to run the 10K. My goal is to complete it in 58 min. which will be 5 min. faster than my time last year. I really think I can do it!

I'm also getting closer to my goal weight- 8 pounds to go, to be exact. I am hoping I can get rid of those by the zoo race to help with my time! I'm finding out that once I choose to make good decisions when I eat, when I choose to practice self-control, and when I have a goal date in mind, my motivation increases and I see results! I am glad to be learning this because the first 6 weeks of the year were very frustrating and it was because I wasn't focused. Once I hit this goal, I will finally get to begin the road of maintaining it. I've always come close to my goal in the past and never actually made it. It's been so defeating, but I am determined because I want to be healthy and I want to be an inspiration and encouragement to others who feel like they get "close", but never quite reach their goals. I know for a fact that I feel so much better when I eat well, so choosing to make those decisions each day is important. I am also quite aware (as was the case yesterday) that there will still be days when I want brownies and cookies and cake -- yes *blush* all of those were consumed -- but those days are ok too, as long as they don't turn into every days. I am becoming more confident in myself and feel like I've learned a lot through my weight loss journey. I will let you know when I've reached my goal!

To life... full of healthy choices.