Recless.

Up until tonight, I was recless. A play on words dear friends--I had yet to introduce the rec to my beautiful face--and, tonight we finally met. I apologize for my lack of writing lately...I have made some new changes to this whole getting back into shape plan.

First things first, I am keeping a workout and nutritional journal that has my half-marathon training plan laid out for each and every week in it. I am kind of OCD when I want to be or when I get stressed...I feel like it makes me more motivated to look back at a hard copy of how far I've come and how hard I have worked.

Secondly, seeing that I am running for the first time without the help of a knee brace or patella stabilizer...I have decided to take on a  3-Day Half Marathon Training Plan at Runner's World.com 
So, a basic run down...no pun intended...I get injured really easily when it comes to mileage, and I need a lot of cross-training to keep me in shape and injury free. On this plan, I do speedwork on Tuesdays, I do a tempo run on Thursdays, and a long run on either Saturday or Sunday. The days I don't run, I have been biking for 30-40 minutes and hope to alternate that with swimming soon. (If anyone knows how to actually do the strokes, would you go to the pool with me for a day and help a sister out?) And, of course, I get to enjoy a day of rest :)

So for this week, I have biked and tomorrow I have my speed workout of 4x400's at 2 mins 4 seconds with a 20 minute jog before hand, 2 minute recovery jogs between reps and a 10 min cool down. Thursday I have a 3 mile tempo and Saturday I have 6 mile long run. Holla! I am rather pumped, albeit a little intimidated about the 6...I haven't gone for one of those in almost 3 years. I can do this!

I must say working out at the rec is rather motivating. There are a thousand eyes to keep you working hard and pushing yourself. Boom boom boom. I love hearing back from my readers with comments, questions and success stories...feel free to send them to my mailbag (aka facebook inbox) and I will publish some of my favorites (and entirely confidential/anonymous should you wish).

Happy running!
And, cheers to a good first week after spring break!

Morgan

New reasons to move forward = Motivation City

Sarah, Christina, Katie (I think...not 100% sure of that) and I were selected to run in the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon in June! I am SOO excited and its definitely very motivating every time I hit the treadmill. And speaking of which, this weather is almost good enough for me to run outside which I can definitely handle :) Don't get me wrong, I love working out while watching 'Friends' and 'Will and Grace', but there is something amazing about running outside. I love seeing the people, the river and the new scenery. Plus, I think treadmills lie in terms of the distance you actually run or the pace you are running. Haha that's something I need to work out with myself I guess!

I haven't had spring break plans up to this point; but, my friend Krista from lacrosse invited me to Florida via roadtrip! I am going and I am so freakin' excited, I can't wait! As an airline brat my entire life this will be an entirely new experience for me. I AM PUMPED!! And we get to see so much on our way down...yippee! Yes, yes, yes!

 I am realizing how much I have grown in the last year. And, I believe in myself and hold true to that more than I ever have!

So, I've got new reasons to move forward, new reasons to run and I'm making this the best semester I've had yet! Dinner tonight with Als, Thursday Funday, running OUTSIDE with Megs...does it get any better?

Peace, love, and running,

Morgan Elizabeth

Tricky Tuesday

I got a 3-miler, abs, and PT in this morning...go me! The next 24 hours or so will be solely dedicated to class and getting ready for my classes tomorrow. I only have night class today which is really nice when you have a heavy MW schedule. I am extremely excited to keep moving and get on track to being fit again :) And, I will update again very soon.

Love, Peace, and Running,
Morgan

Beautiful

This has been a great last week and a half! Since cutting out gluten from my diet, my symptoms have completely disappeared. Which is really awesome! I need to make an appointment to get the official testing yet, but I'm optimistic that my new diet will alleviate any further problems. Scott and I even indulged in a GF (gluten-free) pizza from Pizza Luce last night. It was more than amazing and I definitely recommend getting "The Wrangler" if you ever go there! Secondly, I made some purchases of GF items including bread, cereal, pretzels, and cookie mix. It's nice feeling a little more normal again :)

Two of my friends and I have registered as a team for the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon on June. If someone is crazy enough to put themselves through a 13.1 mile run and like it, you need a good solid name? Drum roll please....introducing Team WTF (Witness the Fitness)! Go ahead, enjoy it. My mom might not be too keen, but hey, live a little! 5000 people are selected at random through a drawing--fingers crossed we are chosen as a lucky group! I am really pumped about having something to train for again. Its been too long, and I honestly think its too easy to lose interest in anything if you don't have a goal in mind.

So, today I hit the treadmill for a 3 miler. I swear the most overwhelming feeling with getting back into running is realizing you have to start up again at a pace so painfully slow it kills you a little. But, hey, I'm doing it and every day is a step closer to being in great shape! My stride was really hitting it today, and for the first time in a long time...I felt the burn. Like the burn where your muscles feel like they are on fire and I get a red tint to my skin that itches. I believe it is fair to say, my body is coming back to life. My muscles are on their way back, my heart rate is lower, my flexibility with the help of those at Corepower Yoga is increased and I am really LOVING how I feel! 

Another thing I'm loving is this weather. I know, I'm from Minnesota, what do I know? Well, in the 10-Day forecast the weather is staying above 35 and even peaking over the low 40's a few times. This means (fingers crossed) that spring is well on its way. I am celebrating with a new pair of much needed running shoes and Chipotle tonight! Wooo. I'm ready to tackle mid-terms, so here we go!


Hope you are all doing well! I love your feedback :) Remember to love yourself today, drink green tea and remind those around you how awesome life can be just by carrying a great attitude!


Love, peace and running,
Morgan

Positive thought for the day 

Runners just do it - they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first. ~Author Unknown