April was a big month for me fitness wise. Twice a year, I have to take the Army Physical Fitness Test. This generally occurs in April and October. Last October I succeeded in one goal which was to earn the Army PT Badge. Now the challenge to myself in April was to keep that badge and shave more time off my run...maybe even enough to get a perfect score. Back in December, I also decided that I wanted to run a half-marathon. There's an annual one about 45 minutes from where I live in Germany. It takes place every April and the course goes through the German wine country.
On April 20th, I took the PT test and on the 22nd, I ran the half-marathon. My running goals were to finish the two-mile run in less than 15:54 and the half-marathon (13.1 miles) in less than 2 hours, 10 minutes. End result: I missed the 15:54 by 7 seconds, but I killed the half-marathon goal and finished in 1 hour, 56 minutes!!!
I was disappointed that I didn't get that perfect score on the PT test. I even thought about taking it again within the next week, but after the 13.1 miles, I was a bit worn out. :-)
What's amazing to me is that I had fun both days. Yes, I said fun! This from a person that less than a year ago, hated running. I ran because I have to in the Army, but I never really enjoyed it. I know that losing weight helped me tremendously with my running. I never thought I would enjoy it though. But with every mile I logged while training, I discovered that I felt so invigorated after a run. My energy levels on the days I ran soared.
So I guess I can call myself a runner now. Unfortunately since running the half-marathon, I have noticed a few aches in my feet that I didn't have before. I have run a few miles here and there over the last couple weeks and I keep feeling the same mild pain in my right foot. The last thing I want to do is create a chronic injury. I've read so much about runners overdoing it and causing themselves issues that prevent their ability to run. So I'm going to back off a bit over the next month or so.
There are plenty of other exercise routines that I enjoy. So thankful that I found Team Beachbody. I'm on my last week of the P90X program. For the most part, I have enjoyed it. The yoga and kenpo routines aren't my favorites, but the strength and plyometric routines are awesome. I know the program helped me grow stronger and assisted with my running as well. This program will definitely be one that I continue. Just wish I had done a better job following the nutritional guidance. I know my results would have been much better if I had. The good news is that I am fitter and stronger, even if my weight and body fat percentage held steady.
I have also realized something else about myself. I have to keep challenging myself and I do get bored with the same routine over and over again. One great thing about being a Team Beachbody Coach is the great discounts on their workout and nutritional programs. And there are so many to choose from. There's a new nutritional program that I am starting on May 21st. It's called Ultimate Reset. It's not about calorie restriction. It's about overhauling my diet and cutting out processed foods. If I am able to stick with the plan, I hope to be on my way to better control over my sweet tooth. That is still my biggest struggle. I can seriously down a pint of ice cream and not blink. Easter candy...wish I could just eat one piece, but I can't. Sugar is definitely my weakness. I did very well last summer when I was focused on getting to a healthy weight. But then I let myself overdo it again and again. I made exercise a habit so I was able to do that and not regain any weight, but I really need to get it under control. So 21 days of clean eating will be my jump start to achieving that goal. I think this will be a bigger challenge than the PT test, half-marathon, or P90X. Wish me luck!
