Training update

I realized I hadn't updated my blog (or my other one) for awhile, so I figured a check-in was probably a good idea.

Training for the half marathon is well underway. Some days I love running, other days I struggle. it's not to say I hate it, but I struggle. Like today. I was out for my 30 minute run, but I just couldn't get a handle on my breathing. I felt like it was all over the place and that I wasn't getting enough air no matter what I did. But I finished it, and that's what matters I figure. Some days are going to be not as good. Tuesday's run was fantastic--I loved it! Jen and I did four miles on Sunday night. That was the furthest I've ever run. In 9th grade PE we were supposed to run four miles, but I distinctly remember asking what would get me a B grade and was told three miles, so that's what I did. PE was the only class I was ever okay with settling on a lower grade. Especially because my PE teacher that year was the wrestling coach. Ever had a wrestling coach for a PE teacher? Count your blessings if you haven't, and if you had, I feel your pain. Anyway, we did four miles. I honestly felt like I was going to throw up for quite a bit of it (the result of too much food and wine the day before, I assume), but I only walked a few times and never for longer than probably 20 seconds. Now this week I think we go back to either 2.5 or 3 miles for our long run, then next weekend it's back up to five.

I haven't been hitting the gym as much as usual because there have been other things going on, but I went Monday and will go tomorrow, then hopefully next week I can get back into a normal routine of going and doing weights. Have I mentioned that I love how I can see muscles?! I was pulling up my hair recently and the husband even noticed and commented on the definition in my arms and shoulders. Hooray!!

Tuesday I had my annual physical. I was pretty excited for my doctor to see how much weight I'd lost, and she was VERY pleased. I had fasted to have blood work done to check my cholesterol. Last time--back in August I think it was--it came back bad. I don't remember what the numbers were, but she basically said I either needed to try the South Beach Diet or go on cholesterol medicine. It worked because my bad cholesterol was 99 and my good was 59--both great numbers! Well, bad cholesterol is supposed to be under 100, so it was barely a great number. My sugar, on the other hand, was "normal but high." I have to admit I'm pretty freaked out about that part. Your "three month sugar" number is bad if it's greater than six. Mine was 6.1. A score of 6.5 means you're diabetic. I was pretty shocked by that because I feel like I'm a very healthy eater, I run three days a week, I do weights anywhere from 3-5 days a week. Aren't those all the things you're supposed to do in order to avoid being diagnosed with adult onset diabetes?? Googling has lead me nowhere this afternoon. I called and left a message for my doctor asking what I can do to get that lower, so we'll see what she says. Turns out my mom and grandma's numbers are both borderline high, too, so I'm kind of hoping it's partly genetic. Who knows. She did say--my doctor, not my mom--that I should be able to keep it in check by always keeping my BMI at 25 or lower. When my weight is at 170, my BMI is exactly 25. Thankfully I prefer my weight to be around 165. I'm wondering if it would be in my best interest to try and drop another 10 pounds, though. Another question for when I talk to her. I have to go back in six months to have blood work done again instead of waiting a year again for my next physical.