Sometimes the only way to create something new is to go all the way back to the beginning

So, yeah, it's 1:00 am in the morning, and here's what I'm thinking:

I'm not really big on New Year's resolutions... not that I don't think they're great. They're great. I'm just always making resolutions for myself, so there's nothing super special about making them at the beginning of the year as opposed to any other time.

However, there is something about looking forward and realizing that you have a whole year ahead of you, and that this year could be dramatically different than the last. And sure, there are lots of factors that could affect the next year... but it's pretty cool to think that you are ultimately the one who can make it different.

So, I have a lot of things that I want to do differently this year. But I mostly want to write about one, because I want to make a public statement about it - forcing myself to be more accountable.

I am going to get healthy. I've gone through periods in my life where I'm really focusing on eating healthy, exercising, etc., and it just makes me happy. I know it's cliche. I know it's nothing new. But I am going to rededicate myself, and I'm going to blog about it. And then I'm going to pretend that a bunch of people are reading about my success and being motivated by me, so that it will keep me going (whether or not that's actually true doesn't really matter).

So, when you see me, get ready to see a happier, healthier me. Because this year is going to be different. It doesn't matter how many times I've failed in the past - because I'm starting fresh. [Insert cheesy motivational closing line here]

P.S. I'm going to be looking real hot, so keep yourselves under control.

Runnin' Runnin' and Runnin' Runnin'

Okay, so I might actually start writing on my blog again! This is pretty exciting. My life has been a bit crazy lately, and to help curb some of the stress, I've started running again.

I've realized why I love running. A lot of the time (and yes, this is something I'm working on), I find that I beat myself up... I get mad at myself for eating that brownie, or for leaving my room a little too messy, or for slacking on exercise.

BUT when I run, I transform. I suddenly become this awesome coach/friend/motivational speaker. When I start feeling the burn, I hear myself saying, "It's okay, you can get through this." When I feel like I can't go any further, I tell myself, "Okay, just make it to the next stoplight." Then when I make it to the next stoplight, I hear myself saying, "It's just two more miles. You can do two miles easy." And when I finish, it's like I'm handing myself a gold medal and hoisting myself up on my own shoulders... I couldn't be more proud.

You should try it.

Run Away!!!

I finally got the internet at my place, so hopefully this means more blog posts!

Well, folks, I am doing a half marathon. I've been wanting to for like a year now, so I'm glad I finally found one I will actually do. It is the Halloween Half Marathon, and I am way excited. Leave it up to me to choose the race where you get to dress up :)

Here is the website for it if anyone wants to join!!

I think it's funny I'm running a half marathon. Even just a few years ago I would have heard anything with the word "marathon" in it and would have run away screaming, "Please no! For the love of all that is good DON'T make me do it!!!!!!"

However, I actually like running now. Maybe it's hard for anyone else to imagine how grand of an epiphany this is, but running was seriously always the bane of my existence in my growing up years. Even when I attempted cross country, I would run 3 miles and want to puke my guts out and slit my wrists.

If you would have told me that I, just a short 10 years later, would choose to run 13.1 miles out of my OWN free will and choice, well... let's just say I wouldn't have believed you.

All in all, I'm glad this day is here. Maybe in my childhood the rest of my life was so enjoyable that the pain of running was just not something I would choose. Now that my life is a bit more crazy, running seems like the easy part :)

Did I mention I get to dress up for this marathon? Any costume ideas?