Decisions, Decisions

Good morning! Oh wait, it’s past noon. I’m so used to posting first thing in the morning, I just assumed it was still 7 a.m.

For breakfast, I had a tablespoon of almond butter on whole grain toast and an apple, then proceeded to polish off what was left of the almond butter. I then had a troubling realization – I just bought the jar on Friday!

Hear that? That’s the sound of me cutting myself off from almond butter for the next week. At $7.99 per jar, randomly snacking on almond butter by the spoonful throughout the day is one costly habit I need to kick. It’s also kind of gross to be honest.

I got to the gym a little later than usual this morning and it was so crowded. The weights area is small enough as it is; throw in five personal trainers and all of their clients (I was literally the only person there working out without a trainer. I suppose that’s the the price one pays for working out in a rich neighbourhood; that and the indignity of working out alongside perma-tanned, Lululemon clad fortysomethings who are in much better shape than I am) and there was barely any space. The squat rack was occupied so I did my front squat push press with a 40 pound bar again. It was still challenging at that weight but I’m disappointed because I wanted to try it with the big girl bar. Next time (for real this time)!

For lunch, I had a spinach and cheese quesadilla with some carrots, celery and eggplant hummus. I kinda burnt the tortilla but I also kinda liked it. I’m weird like that.

Over the past couple of days, I’ve been mulling over whether or not I should sign up for a half-marathon. Here are my primary reasons for and against.

For:

The timing is perfect – I’m starting a full-time job in September, making this my last summer without any real responsibilities. I have all the time in the world to train for a half marathon, whereas next year, I won’t have that luxury.

It will shake up my cardio - While I’ve definitely kicked my strength training up a notch over the past few months, my cardio has been pretty much the same since October – Body Attack, RPM, Bodystep and the occasional run. Training for something specific will give a new purpose to my cardio workouts and change up my cardio routine for the summer.

It will get me outdoors – being outside when the weather is nice makes me a happier person in general, which is one of the reasons I love running in summer. I love my exercise classes too but I have all winter to be cooped up inside an exercise studio. 
 
It will give me a huge sense of accomplishment – I think it will feel amazing to cross the finish line.

Against:

Fear of injury – I’m always reading about runners and their busted up knees, shins, feet, IT bands, etc. I know there are ways to minimize the risk of injury but I’m scared of getting hurt. Being active is a big part of my life and I would be pretty devastated if I weren’t able to do the things I enjoy because I pushed myself too hard training for a half.

Interference with strength training – I’m in the middle of the New Rules of Lifting for Women program and I’m worried that adding endurance training to my plate will hinder my progress.

Registration opens on Wednesday and I’ve been wishy washy about this all weekend. Anyone have any suggestions or advice?