motivation for my workouts

This winter has proved challenging when it comes to working out. This is the first winter since 2007 that I haven’t been training for a marathon, and I’m grateful for that. It’s been so extremely cold and we’ve had too much snow to even venture outside for a walk, much less run more than 2 or 3 miles.

With the exception of the 10k I ran in January, I haven’t had any other races scheduled. Until this past weekend. On Friday night, I signed up for the Biltmore Classic 15k. I’ve never run this race before. It takes place on the Biltmore Estate property and actually runs right in front of the Biltmore house. The race is a charity race, supporting Kiwanis. The Biltmore people have decided that after 13 years, they’re finished with hosting the race. I think that’s the reason I signed up for it – when will I ever have the chance to race in front of the Biltmore house?

I now have my second race of the year planned. It’s really funny to think back to last year and how much I was running, and how many races I participated in, and I’m taking it SO easy this year.

I haven’t been doing much running lately. Instead, I’ve either been doing the 30-Day Shred or a new workout that I started yesterday, Jillian Michaels’ No More Trouble Zones. I really like the Shred, but I was ready for something new – and longer than 25 minutes. The new workout is 45 minutes (not including the cooldown) and it’s tough! I made it through the entire workout using 3-pound weights and I thought I was doing well. Today, though, is another story. My legs HURT and my arms feel the burn. I actually struggled through the Shred this morning. And that is why I am looking forward to the longer workout tomorrow. I needed a challenge.

I managed to lose 1.4 pounds in a week, and I’m hoping to continue that trend. I can’t get outside to walk or run right now, and I can only do so many Wii Fit workouts (which I tend to do in addition to my other workouts, but not in replacement of a workout.)

Are you tired yet? Because I am.

And I’m a little anxious to find my next half or full marathon. For now, though, I’m happy with what I’m doing at home. My knees are also thanking me.