Free Stuff

Hello Everyone.

I apologize for the delay in providing an update. There will be a video coming regarding the successful completion of the first 5K I ran. I've received so many inquiries so I will tell you that I completed it in 35 min 52 sec (YAY!!!) and I walked less than 30 seconds the entire race. I needed to get my breathing under control, so I power walked for 2 stints of about 10 seconds and tried to do a third but was encouraged to push through because I was close to the finish line. I was (and still am) very proud of myself. I was really nervous and doubted that I would be able to run the entire race because prior to that, I had only run a max of 2 miles and only once outside for that distance. I had everything on my side though....the weather was absolutely perfect, I was well rested, and I had two great supporters running with me the entire time. So of course, people are asking me what's next????, a 10K, a half marathon, a triathalon??......uhhhhh, NO! I have no desire to do any of those.

Ok, I may do some more 5Ks and who knows what I will be inspired to do after that. People are also asking me if I enjoy running now......uhhhhh, NO AGAIN! hehehe, but I enjoy the benefits of it, so I will continue running in my quest to achieve my weight loss. I've also been asked if it's easier to complete my workouts. NOPE, you know why? Because as I complete one set of exercises with ease, my trainers increase the intensity, the weights, the reps, etc. So it doesn't get easier but I'm able to endure longer because I'm in better shape and my heart is in better shape. I've noticed that I can jump right into another exercise after I've completed one.......whereas when the competition started, I needed some time to recoup before beginning something else. Things like that really excite me and keep me motivated.

Oh, something else I've observed about myself. It's difficult for me to pass up free stuff. Ex. At the beginning of the UNCF walk/run, a radio station was handing out a bar of some sort. I didn't even know what it was but I HAD to stop and get one. I had no where to put it but after all, it was free. Of course, all those running with me yelled at me to put it back. So Mary said "Just because it's free...doesn't mean you need it!" I asked her to please type that statement & print it out for me. She typed it on nice sturdy paper, printed it and put it up in my cube at work. I so needed that. I'm serious. Another ex. On the plane ride to & from New Orleans, I accepted a beverage (although I wasn't thirsty) and a cookie treat of some sort (although it was not tasty) but I didn't say no when asked. At the hotel, I accepted water and an apple "for later" although my bag was already super heavy and I didn't need to add another pound of anything to it. I don't really understand why I do it but it's something I'm working on.

My quote for this week: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...you must do the thing you think you cannot do - Eleanor Roosevelt

Marina's thoughts: Congratulations on successfully completing your 5K, Alicia! Now you know what you are already capable of and now the sky is the limit!

As always, I appreciate everyone's continued support.

Until next time.........
Alicia