Meet Jess from Running to be Skinny

Today's post is from my good friend, Jessica.  She blogs over at Running to be Skinny.  You will love her posts and writing style.  Not only does she have me laughing all.the.time, I can totally relate to everything she says.  Take it away, Jessica.

Hi, I'm a friend of Kate's, my name is Jessica and I blog over at Running To Be Skinny. I started this blog to help keep me accountable, because I love fitness, I love all blogging, I love all things motivational and because blogging about health and fitness takes the guilt out of talking about myself spending time on the computer.

When it comes to running, I'm kind of a newbie. I started running as a way to relieve stress and burn calories. At the time, I was home schooling my kids and with all the reading, snuggling, baking and putting myself last, I quickly gained twelve pounds just my first year! I knew I had to put the breaks on this fast! I started sneaking out for a short run/walk here or there and eventually I signed up for my first 5k. After that 5k (and definitely not during), I realized how much I loved running and more specifically how much I loved the feeling of finishing something I set out to do. Since then I've done a few 5k's, Pat's Run, a few 10k's and now I'm training for the Phoenix Rock n' Roll Half Marathon.
I'm still learning a lot about running and fueling properly, but here's what seems to be working for me...
1. Be specific. Have something to train for or a specific result to work toward. For me right now it's the half marathon, for you it may be to lose 25 lbs. or to qualify for Boston. Declaring I'd run a half marathon has absolutely helped me be more consistent, something I had failed to do for the last several years. Getting fit is no longer an option, in order to achieve this, I have no choice but to take the necessary steps in that direction (training and eating healthy).

2. Be vocal. Tell your friends and family, this helps keep you accountable. To be honest, this was very scary for me at first. Like most people trying to lose weight, I didn't really trust myself. I lacked self confidence, which was all the more reason I needed to this. Finishing what you start (whether it's a race or something else), gives you a feeling of accomplishment and self confidence that is like no other, not only that, being vocal can help motivate others along the way.

3. Be proactive. Have a plan. Write down specific steps as to how you'll go about achieving this goal, or get the results you're looking for. Read up on the subject. One of the first things I did when I realized running was something I wanted to get better at was sign up for Runner's World magazine, in it you will find knowledge, motivation and stories of success. There are also many great online sources. When I set my New Year's resolution to run a half, I had no idea there was such a huge online community of running bloggers. It wasn't until four month's later when my injury heeled, and I was finally ready to train, that I stumbled upon some great blogs and was inspired to start my own.

Turkey Trot 10k...my son's first race.

4. Be an example. Over the years I found myself eating more and moving less. What kind of example is that for my kids? I knew if I kept it up, they would definitely follow suit. Now, I look at my desire to lose weight and achieve goals from a mom's perspective. Making changes not only for myself but for the good of the whole family makes it that much easier to stick with. Our family benefits from having a happier mom with increased energy and more self confidence, not to mention healthier meals. When it came to moving less, I found one thing that if eliminated, would get us moving more and free up some time. For us (and this may be a little drastic but I know no other way lol), it was canceling the satellite dish. The past few weeks now we've had zero television, and guess what? Not one complaint yet! We have more time for things that really matter, it's also much easier to stay focused on our personal and family goals/tasks. 

Yoga and healthy lunches with my four year old.

5. Be positive. It's easy to let self doubt and unhealthy thoughts creep in, but don't let them! The second they do, shut it down. The way we talk to ourselves (our inner dialogue as Dr. Phil calls it), has a huge impact on us. You know the old saying 'you are what you eat'? Well, it's the same way with our thoughts, we are what we think. If we believe...we can achieve!! I use to think I could never run a 5k, but I did, and so it is with a half marathon. If we put in the work, stay focused and be positive...we can do just about anything. I have to remind myself of this when it comes to the other part of my goal {hence the title of my blog}, which is losing weight. When the scale is being stubborn, I HAVE to stay positive. If I'm losing inches and sticking with my running schedule, it's all good. Eventually the last ten pounds will find their way out the door, so until then I just keep moving forward...
After all, life is a (half) marathon not a sprint!!



Thanks, Jessica!  Writing down my goals sure does help me stay motivated.  Because once it is written I feel like I have to do it. :)  She loves comments so run on over (pun intended) and tell her hi.  Send my love too.