Holy Fatigue, Batman!

I haven't posted in quite some time! I have been battling the worst fatigue. My overall energy level is extremely low and in the afternoon, I can barely stay awake! I'm not sure what the cause is. I have an appointment at the end of the month to see the doctor and hopefully figure out what is going on.

In spite of this, I have kept running. My RB and I run after work, which is sometimes extremely challenging. We both have desk jobs, so it can be hard to go from sedentary to very active in a very short time. I think that's where we become each others' best assets. There have been several days I might have chucked the run if I didn't have her depending on me. We have 7 miles this weekend - it will be awesome!

Running partner

For the first time in my (short) running career, I have a running buddy! One of my coworkers (who is also a good friend) is doing the Portland Fit training program too. We do our weekly runs together after work and hit the long Saturday run as a team! 

Not only does having a partner make it more fun, I'm getting a better workout. She pushes me when I'm trying to slack, and hopefully someday I'll get to return the favor! :) Also, now I'm accountable to someone else, not just my checking account (part of my motivation for staying with Portland Fit comes from the fact that I paid for it!). 

Having a support system is essential to achieving health goals. This support system should be varied and have as many helpful people as possible. I feel very confident about achieving my goals because of the support I have...my running partner being one of those awesome people!

Of sun and celery

The sun is out and my spirits are lifting! I've been so tired of the snow and hail we've had lately. It was NOT fun to run on Saturday morning in the snow...who expects snow in Portland at the end of March?? Hopefully this weekend will be a bit warmer.

My new favorite snack is peanut butter and celery. I know, not a huge revolution in snacking, but it's new to me. I used to hate celery. Now I love it - as long as it's topped with something like peanut butter or hummus. It's the perfect combination of flavor and crunch! I use peanut butter that I grind myself at Fred Meyer. This helps me avoid any extra sugars or preservatives that other peanut butters have. Plus, I think it tastes better.

New partnership

I had my first session with a new client the other night. It was fantastic. This person is what I would consider the ideal client: has clear goals, strong motivation and the will to do achieve those goals. I'm there to be the support and the extra "oomph" when needed.

Starting this new coach-client relationship reinforced to me how much I love doing this. My dream would be to have my own coaching business someday. I think it's attainable, if I work at it.

Shamrock Run 2008

I ran the Shamrock Run 8K on Sunday. It was the first time I'd done the 8K, having run the 5K the last two years. I thoroughly enjoyed this run. The weather was fantastic (cool but not rainy) and the course was great. My time was 48:16 - an incredible time for me. I averaged 9:00 minutes miles!!! I've never done that before. I wonder how well I could do if I actually tried to get better times! ;)

What does the good life mean to you?

My definition of the good life is having enough time and energy to do things that make me happy. It involves ripe vegetables, sweet fruits and whole grains. Stress is fought with exercise, good laughs and cuddling with my kitty. I'm surrounded by good peeps who support me. My hot date for Friday night is a weightlifting session with my husband. When it's time to relax, you can find me curled up with a good book, a good movie or both.

The good life has as many definitions as there are people. It's important to know what it means to you. The role of a coach is to help you achieve the good life, however you may define it.