June Challenge

Well, I've made it through three months of challenges. I am now officially off of cokes, not eating out much at all, and working out 4-5 days a week.  I've debated on what to make this months challenge about.  Nutrition, exercise, money, or how I spend my time. I've done two nutrition ones, one money, and one exercise challenge.  Since we will be traveling so much this month, I decided to stick with a running challenge, since that is something I can do wherever I am. Also, I am planning on running in some 5ks this summer, so this would be a great time to train.

My challenge is to run 10 miles a week. To some of you that may seem impossible, others may be thinking that's not much of a challenge.  But for me, where I am right now in my "training" (not really sure what big event I'm training for yet), this is a challenge.  The number one challenge, finding the time to run 10 miles a week and still get some weight training in.  I don't want to take away from my family time.  Since it stays light until about 9:30 here, that gives me about 45 minutes to an hour after the kids go to bed to get a run in. I've struggled with feeling guilty for taking time for myself since we had Ella 4 years ago.  I wanted to work out, but didn't want to take too much time away from the kids and my husband.  This year I decided it was important for me to exercise and take care of myself, so that I can stay healthy to care for them and be a good example for them.  So here we are. Me working out and feeling better than I've felt in years, in turn, having more energy for my kids and husband. In our bible class Wednesday night we studied the virtuous woman (Prov. 31:10-31).  In verses 15 and 17 it talks about how she gives her family good food and her arms are strong.  I've read this scripture many times before, but these verses really stuck out to me this time. ( I wonder why) My favorite verse has to be "She is clothed with strength and dignity and can laugh at the days to come" I just picture this super woman standing in front of her house, cape blowing in the wind, hands on hips, laughing as if to say "I'm ready for anything you can throw at me". I know that's a little off topic, but it was something that came to mind while trying to pick this month's challenge. Thanks for bearing with me.

So anyways, I will be running 10 miles a week. Wish me luck!

June 3- Ran 3 miles before church. Awesome run!
June 4
June 5- 40 minutes at gym
June 6
June 7
June 8
June 9-  5.53 miles  (52 minutes)
Total: 8.53 miles

June 11- 1 hour at gym
June 12- 4 miles  (35.5 minutes)
June 13- rest
June 14- 1 hour at gym
June 15- 4.9 miles  (47 minutes)
June 16- 2.1 miles  (17.5 minutes)
Total: 11 miles

June 18
June 19- 3.1 miles
June 20- 1 mile (7min 32sec), biceps, 1 mile (7min 20sec), abs, 1 mile (7min 30sec)
June 21- 1 mile (7:24), abs, calves, 1/2 mile
June 22
June 23- 3.17 miles (26:44)
Total: 10.77 miles

June 25- 3.14 miles (28:00)
June 26- gym- 1hr.
June 27
June 28- gym- 1 mile(7 min 28 sec), abs, legs, 1 mile (7 min 45 sec) abs, legs, 1.5 miles
June 29- ran 7.07 miles (1(hr): 04 (min))
Total: 13.71 miles


Well, the challenge is over and after a slow start, I still accomplished my goal and am very happy with myself.  There were days that I didn't want to get out and run, especially those early morning runs, but once I started I was glad I did it.  It is just that first 10 minutes after the alarm goes off that are the hardest.  I've learned though that most days if I don't get up and run before everyone else gets up, that run may not happen that day.  I felt so good on the days that I did run in the mornings.  That sore, tired, and kind of sick feeling after a good run is a great feeling believe it or not! It means you've worked hard, pushed yourself, and your hard work is going to make a difference.  Totally worth it.  I'm one more step closer to my goal of running a half-marathon this year.  


I also had set a spiritual goal halfway through the month.  Unfortunately I didn't reach my goal everyday, but it did help me to get in better habits.  And I plan on making up for the chapters I didn't read in July.  I'm really glad I added this on, it's so important and has made me change a few things in my day to day life.  I hope you are doing well in your spiritual goals.