I Cheated...

Pretty dramatic title huh?  Don't worry, I didn't do anything scandalous, but I did cheat and start working on one of my New Year's resolutions in the middle of December.  Therefore, I have made some great progress over the last six weeks that I can now report since it is a habit.

I have been taking Parker out on hour-long walks since September since it cooled off.  He loves to look around, take a little snooze, and I love the "alone" time with my headphones.  It occurred to me around Thanksgiving, that I could really get into shape if I started running some since I had already committed 4-5 hours per week for exercising.  I found a used jogging stroller through a teacher friend for $50, bought a bicycle pump for the tires, learned one of the tires needed repair, and spent another $15 at the local bicycle shop.  Ta-da! Newly used jogging stroller for about $75!

I started using the stroller the middle of December and began alternating between running and walking during my 60 minute trip.  This method wasn't anything new - it was what our soccer coach required us to do every August when we started Cross Country practice.  He was never concerned about distance, but rather stamina.  Using Coach Warner's philosophy, I needed to be able to run for 20-30  minutes straight and then I could work on my speed.

I made it through Christmas break and worked out in Wichita Falls, took a break for the cold weather after New Years, and will take time off this week for the ice storm, but its now something I look forward to everyday.  After six weeks I can run two miles without stopping or I can run for 20 minutes straight.  I try to go out for at least 45 minutes four days each week with the stroller and its a treat if I can go for a quick run without Parker while he's napping and Benton is home.  I also feel better and sleep better after a good long workout - which I know should be common sense, but its been awhile since I've been in the habit of exercising every day.

Ultimately, I was also inspired by some friends/bloggers that update on their families and their running.  Thanks to Brynn (http://hodder.blogspot.com) for motivating me with your double stroller all over Coppell and now Brisbane and to Jessie ( http://therunningfamily.blogspot.com) for sacrificing your tush in the cold dark Oklahoman mornings (I prefer late afternoon jogs myself). Through Jessie, I also found an entertaining running junkie who reminds me of what it was like to be 24, newly married, and teaching high school kids.  I'll never be a marathon junkie, but it makes me feel like I'm training for a marathon when I read her daily posts (http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com).

What did I do before blogs?  Oh, yeah, I worked from 7:30am to 6:00pm everyday...