Being positive in 2020

The last couple of years have presented me with lots of challenges putting my running on the back burner. I'm up and going again...with more of "me" than ever before and starting ALL over. I'm good with that because I wouldn't have changed a thing during this time. My family is the most important thing to me and I'd do it again and again.

I've begun Weight Watchers again...yes, again! And, I hope I can stay with it until this weight comes off...OR...I begin distance running again and that should take and keep it off. Because I DO want to do my half's again. Boy, have I missed those!

For now, my main plain is to stay positive regardless what comes my way. I will admit that I'm not totally strong in this area.

We got an RV at the end of 2019 so we'll be on the road a little more than before; hence, another challenge to stay moving and eat better. We're hoping this will afford us the opportunity to do races on the MS. Gulf Coast again with that running club; which we rejoined last week. I wish I could say that this will be as easy as before but I'm going at this from the opposite direction. Before, I lost the weight, felt great, started walking, then running, then running distance.....and, now, I'm run/walking with planned races in the near future [to keep me going], feel horrible and trying to lose more weight than before. Oh, well...it is what it is! LOL.

My health has got to take priority with my running/walking second. Trying to eat correctly is going to be my biggest challenge because I'm not fully "in" yet like I was before. But, I'm trying. My reflux is bad and I've been told that weight plays an important part in this. I didn't have reflux until I gained this nasty weight.

One of my goals this year is to join monthly challenges. If the one presented isn't one that I feel I can stick with, I'll pull out one I've done in the past and do it. These are challenges and I always feel good about my accomplishment when the month is over...and stronger: mentally and physically.

I've signed up for two races a while back thinking I would be in better condition when they got here...but I'm not. One is this weekend at the Casino Bridge 5k and whether I run much or not, I'll be out there doing the best I can whatever it is. And, I'm going to put a smile on my face and take whatever I end up with. The following weekend is the Double Bridge 15k. I know, I know...how in the world am I going to do that?? Well, again, I signed up early and just "knew" I would be ready to run most of it. Now, that's not going to happen either. This is the first year on the new bridge and I'm going to do it if I have to crawl to the Finish Line. I can hardly wait. I missed it the past two years and it's one of my favorite races. I got in 6 miles last week and plan to get in at least 8 this week. Normally, I wouldn't do this because you're setting yourself up for injury but since I'll be walking more than I want to, I believe it will be alright. Yep, I'll be the tortoise. A tortoise with a big ole smile on my face...because I'll be out there. I do hope that I'll be able to do a half or two by year end with these races under my belt; that is, if I don't encounter any injuries along the way.

If and when I fail, I will not put myself down like I have so many times. I'm a beginner again and I will overcome. I will NEVER give up...no, not ever!! For those out there that may be struggling like I am, let's hold hands and know that we're not alone. So, let's get out there and

Run 4 It