40 Days....

of no cupcakes, cookies, donuts. Those are my dessert weaknesses.  Day 1 done, and so far, so good. 39 to go.  For Lent, I typically just try to incorporate something, but this year I decided to add and take away something.  In addition to eliminating sugary carbs, I'm committing to Pure Barre at least twice a week. This is in addition to my training program for two upcoming 10-milers and one half-marathon.  A new Pure Barre studio opened up near me and I bought a 5-week package deal.  Let me tell you, hardest thing I've ever done.  I'd like to think I've tried some pretty intense workouts, but this is like nothing I've experienced before.  Muscles I didn't know I had, in places I've never felt, HURT. A. LOT.  It's suppose it's all a good thing though, because as hard as it is and despite all the shaking (and there's lots of shaking), I'm intrigued enough to keep going back.  In fact, I just read this and it spoke to me:

"It’s about taking it to your edge, trying things you didn’t think were possible, taking yourself out of your comfort zone and believing in yourself.  Discovering you are so much stronger than you realize and embracing that sense of accomplishment with how far you have come. It just keeps getting better…"

Pretty good wisdom to apply to all things in life, huh? 

Looking Forward

For some reason, if I say I'm setting a goal, it's more likely I'll stick to it than if I say what my New Year's Resolutions are.  I've hit the ground running with a few things I'm working toward this year.

This year I am continuing my fitness journey.  I'm notorious to sticking to something short-term, but not so      much in it for the long haul.  I hate starting over, so the easily solution is to not stop! It helps to have races coming up and a few group exercise classes that I've fallen in love with.  I am the most excited for the Nike Women's Inaugural Half-Marathon in DC.  I've never been selected through the lottery for the San Fran race, so I am super excited to be participating in my hometown!

Less social media-ing while driving or at stop lights.  It CAN Wait.

Doing things I want to do.  Just for me. Photography class. Learning to sew. Wine education class. And reading more books!

I will work hard to be more grateful and less grumpy.  A lot of this has to do with work.  I just find myself frustrated. A LOT.  So, I will be grateful for the good days and look to how I can change things up a bit.  Teach Spanish? Maybe. Return to grad school? Maybe.  The point is, I will be more active in the things I can control and not so focused on things I can't change.

Financial responsibility.  I wouldn't exactly say I'm irresponsible with money, but there is always room for improvement.  I've developed a concrete budget via www.mint.com and I committed to the 52 Week Money Challenge.

My hope is that, through this blog, I'll hold myself accountable and have a great year!