been awhile

So after the disappointment of my last half-marathon, I seriously stopped running.  I got so discouraged and actually started to hate running.  Running is my go to for when I am stressed.  Also got bit by a recluse 2 times around my birthday which meant no working out at all for a month due to the meds, they had me on so my arm didn't fall off.  I have also gained 12 lbs back since I stopped running which I hate.  I hate myself for allowing me to go back to old ways, for not having the self-control I had with food for awhile.  I hate the way my clothes fit now, and know I need to get back on track.  With that being said, I ran a Jingle Jog last month, a 5k in the winter.  For me, that's a big deal because I hate the cold and hate being cold.  I also signed up for a race on the 17th up North so even more of a challenge.  I have learned how to properly layer, and my kind boss gave me a gift card to the sports store for Christmas so I could be properly dressed and prepared.  I have decided to make the jump and 2016 is going to be my first FULL marathon.  I am looking at the Lakefront Marathon in October, been talking to this girl that is planning on running it and she is an inspiration.  Was hit head-on by a car, was told basically her running much less walking career is over, and yet she signed up.  I plan on either that one, or the Lake Michigan one that I did my first half on, and sign up for the full.  Discovered on my last sucky half marathon, I much rather run on trails than street.

On a plus note:  I found out today, the way I spaced my half marathons, 2 in one week qualifies me for the Half Maniac group.  It's this running group that in order to join, you have had to have to run so many actual half marathons in a short amount of time frame, and get accepted to join.  I applied today and found out I can join.

So now the new year started, back on track on the diet, probably not the best since it's supposed to be a quick weight loss program but my clothes I bought for my race on the 17th is a little tight, so quickly trying to lose a few pounds before I get there.  I have bronchitis right now, so no running especially because of the asthma issue.  I leave off with pics from the Lincoln Jingle Jog.

and here's a motivation pic.