So last week I was so excited to sign up for a half marathon here locally. It is 5 weeks from tomorrow! I signed up with the intention of just having fun with it. I wanted to walk part of it and jog part of it. I wanted to get myself familiar with the trail because they offer it again in August and I have a goal to be able to run the entire thing by then.

But now I am reading everything I can on how to prepare for a half marathon and I am completely overwhelming myself. I am reading stuff about gels and energy jelly beans and protein drinks and stuff to eat to boost your energy during the race... I have never tried anything like that and I don't know how my body would respond.

I am driving myself crazy thinking about how I should break up my walking/jogging intervals. Should I just take it slow and try to jog the whole 13 miles? Walk 2/jog 2??? Play it completely by ear? I just don't know what would be best????

I have actually been so worked up about it I have not been eating well! Which--- when I don't eat well, my runs are poor. I don't feel good after them. Yesterday I finally had a good day of eating. No binging and relatively healthy stuff (compared to the early part of the week--- there is still room for improvement). I guess the stress of Christmas and all of the stuff going on with work and all of the kids' activities this time of year is getting to me. And I am using food to comfort myself- which works for about 2 seconds then it makes everything worse.

I just need to relax and stop worrying and stressing over things. I want my half marathon to be a fun experience. WHO CARES if I finish last. My goal is that I finish! And have fun! I have to admit I have mentioned to a few people that I am "training for a half marathon" and that feels so good to say!!!!! I try not to brag... just mention it in conversation with others who ask me about my exercise/weightloss stuff.

Today is going to be good day #2! It started off right.... I ran 4 miles at the gym this morning. I can't wait for Christmas when I get my Garmin forerunner. I will have a couple of hours tomorrow at the mall in Dallas where they have Dick's sporting goods store and I am going to look for some COOL running gear.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!!