Half Marathon Journey #1

For the past few years I have been so set on becoming a runner, but I haven't been pushing for it. Obviously I have been hoping for the running fairy to come give me magic running shoes that make me the best runner ever. I hate to break this to you, but that fairy doesn't exist... No matter how much I want her to.

I have been trying so hard to be a runner. I follow programs, I run when I don't want to, then I give up. Either I don't focus on the end goal, I get too frustrated, I injure my knees, or I just don't want to run. However, the other day I found a program for very beginner runners. It is easy on your joints, and it's super slow paced (which, as much as I hate to say it, is what will keep me doing it)! So I started today. I walked for 10 minutes. I know it isn't a lot, but I am starting.

Why am I sharing this with the world? Because it will keep me motivated (Yes, this means that I will be sharing info with you. Yes, I actually will, more than I have in the past. :D). I want to run a half marathon so that I can prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. I CAN do hard things.

Nasty Air

I just wanted to share this picture with the world. This picture was taken by one of my coworkers. It is a picture of a good air quality day versus a bad air quality day (aka yesterday)! I couldn't believe it. I think it's time to go on a vacation to get rid of this nasty stuff! YUCK!

NeW yEaRNeW yEaR!!!!

Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe that it is already 2013! Can you? So with a new year comes new resolutions. For the past few years my resolution has been to date... I know, I can hardly contain my laughter as well. I haven't really taken my resolutions very seriously, obviously. However, this year I really want to be better. I decided to ponder what resolutions would be the best for me at this time. Here are the goals I have set for myself this year. 

1- Run a half marathon. I have said this in previous posts, but this is something I WILL do this year. I want to be healthier, and I want to enjoy running. This will happen. To accomplish this, I will get on the treadmill at least 4 times a week and slowly build up to run everyday.

2- I want to build a stronger relationship with my Father in Heaven. That means that I will be taking my scripture study more seriously. I learn so much when I search the scriptures. I have better days when I invite the spirit into my life through prayer and scripture study. I will read my scriptures daily, and pray more often.

3- I want to save money. This year I am cutting back on going out to eat, going to the movies, etc. One of my biggest goals in life is to study in England, and I will have the opportunity to do so next year(2014). That means I need to save for it so I can pay for it. Another reason is I want to pay off as much as my student debt as I can before I get my degree.

4- Last, but definitely not least, I want to be a better person all around. I want to be nicer to all those people I come in contact with, family or strangers. I want to be the type of person that doesn't have to think about how to serve or who to serve. I want to be the type of person that just does it. I want to be more positive than I already am. I just want to be a good person.

I know that this list is probably a cliche of every new year's resolution, but I truly believe that I need to accomplish these things. I also know that I can accomplish these things. They will be a challenge, but what is the point of making goals if they aren't a challenge? 

I hope that at the end of this year I can honestly say that I am better because of this list. I want to be able to look back and see that the year 2013 was a growing year for me, that I accomplished a lot, and I want to be able to view this year as a great success.

"Begin today. Declare out loud to the Universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and are willing to learn through joy." -Sarah Ban Breathnach

"Start wherever you are and start small." -Rita Baily

"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect."