Getting Healthy.

Recently, with the turn of the new year, I have found more and more people looking into eating healthier and exercising more - two things I strive for every year and somehow manage to fail at. My resolution always includes something like 'I will run 3 times a week' or 'I'm going to cut out soda' - and I never end up doing those things (although the running thing - it's real this year! I swear!) My goal is never just to lose weight though. While losing weight is always a benefit, I'm always mostly concerned with getting into shape. If getting into shape means not losing any weight, but gaining muscle and cardio-vascular strength, I'm game! I've always wanted to feel like I was accomplishing something to better my life style and make myself healthier. 

I am a pretty sedentary person, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I sleep in, I watch a lot of TV, I drive places instead of walking... these things are not uncommon or unusual in my life, but they aren't uncommon for a lot of people, which I why I don't mind saying so. I have a goal this year of slowly increasing my activity levels and going for walks and runs around my neighbourhood. I live in a city with LOTS of trails and parks to run in, in fact I live down the street from a big track that I've never used, and I think that I would like to start seeing those parts of my city a bit more.

The downer for me is that it rains a lot in Vancouver. I wake up in the morning with the intentions of putting on my work out clothes and my runners, and then looking outside to see the monsoon that is often falling from the sky, and instead of facing the storm, I sit on my couch instead. A lot of people say to me "Well, exercise inside then!" but I find that very difficult because for me to get motivated I need to leave my house and go somewhere, be it around the neighbourhood or to the gym. I also find it hard to get motivated because I'm alone when I want to go! Because not running isn't letting anyone else down, I don't feel so bad about not going out - but what I forget often times is that I'm letting myself down. This is something I really want to stop.

Today, I bought a new lightweight rain jacket, as seen above, so I can go running no matter the weather. It's super lightweight, reflective, water resistant, has earphone exit from the pockets, and it's warm! I've loaded up my iPod with some upbeat running music, pulled out my running shoes and have every intention to getting up tomorrow and going for a run, even if it's only 15 or 20 minutes, rain or shine. I think I might go for a run to the grocery store and pick up some M&M's. One step at a time here people, one step at a time! 

I will update on whether or not this happens. Would I love this to be the reality as of tomorrow? Yes, but it takes some time for me to motivate myself!

Blog, and be happy!

Kyleigh.