Run Through The Jungle

I went jogging with Wes this evening. It was a little like being in a jungle because A) Wes doesn't know the best routes through the neighborhood yet and we kept running in spots where there was low-hanging foliage. He'll learn, though. B) It rained on us. I kept thinking of Jumanji and the monsoon. 

I learned something about myself, though. I'm really mean to myself when I run alone. I'm judgy and I get angry when I can't make it as far or as fast as I wish I could. Then I beat myself up afterward when my run doesn't go as well as planned. But I didn't do that tonight. I let Wes take the lead, I followed willingly, I took it easy, and you know what? I felt great at the end. We didn't go as far or cover as much distance as I do on my own, but who cares? I burned a few calories, I worked out with my beau, and I made my body just a little better. 

And now I can eat a little bigger dinner tonight.

(I'm growing out my eyebrows. Can you tell?)

Are you asking for a CHALLEEEEEEEEEEEEEENGE?!?!

Some friends and I are participating in a Summer Slim-Down Challenge. You know the drill. We all check in with each other once a week to weigh in and at the end, whoever loses the most weight wins a prize. The additional attention now put on my fitness by other people has really given me the extra motivation I needed. I don't care if I win or anything. (I probably wouldn't accept a prize even if I were to win, because I'm the administrator of the whole she-bang.) But just the fact that others are passing judgement on my eating and exercising habits keeps me countin' those calories.

As far as running goes, I've been doing pretty well here lately. I'm on week 5 of 9 in my 5K to 10K training. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm already thinking about how to start training for a half-marathon.

Today's picture comes to you from my babysitting job. Check out my cute pigtail buns.