Back At It AGAIN

Well, it's been a long time yet again since I blogged.  I'm going to give it a go once more.  Life has been just a touch on the busy side for me to keep this up.  My goal now is to blog at least twice a month, maybe less (yeah, I know how much less?), and see where things go.

LIFE UPDATE


Don't I look lawyerly!?!?

I've since graduated from Michigan State College of Law back in December, 2015.  I've also studied and taken the Michigan Bar.  Yes, it is as difficult and daunting as any bar exam.  No, I did not pass.  I missed by 3.5 points.  Yes, I was that close, yet I was that far away (in Michigan one needs a 135 to pass).  So, being the newly minted graduate with a law degree, I did what any self respecting lawyer-to-be would do.  I appealed.  Yes in Michigan, you can appeal your essay score.  That's what I'm waiting on now.  The appeal has been submitted, and now, I wait again for a score.

In the mean time, I'm looking for a job and running.  I've also joined this FAD called crossfit.  Have you heard of it?  My Run Crew, well one in particular in my Run Crew, has been pestering me...nay...NAGGING (that's a better term) me to join.  Well, I did.  I must say, it is a HUGE workout.  I joined a different crossfit gym than the one my Run Crew attends to be closer to home.  I'm going to regret saying this, but I like it.  Why?  Well.....

EXERCISE UPDATE

This is my theory on why I have stuck with running and with crossfit.  And is it crossfit or Crossfit?!?!  Anyway, its the group, the camaraderie, the fun that I have with the people who I interact with.  Honestly, I've been on diets, I've started exercise programs, and I've purchased from .... yes, from infomercials the latest and greatest ways to lose weight and keep it off.  Why didn't those work?

My opinion is because I went at it alone.  Sure those programs have online message boards or mentors you can connect with so you aren't "alone."  But you are.  There's no one there.  At least that's the way I look at it.  I can't touch them.  I don't hear them cheer me on when the workout gets to be brutal and I want to stop.  My mind is saying quit, but I know my body can keep going.  Do I run to the message board and type a post in 30 seconds and wait for a reply?  Well, in effect I've taken a break when I could have kept going.

I don't mean to say they are there to push me to my breaking point.  The Run Crew has been there to go on runs together to cheer each other on and offer encouragement.  I love them.  The Crossfit (I'm going with this one from now on) family that I've become a part of is there to make sure I keep going.  Keep reaching....keep pushing myself to get stronger.  

How do I know this is working?  I miss them when I don't run with the Crew or go to Crossfit.  I did not say I miss working out or taking long runs although that sometimes does happen when I wish I was out running instead of driving my car or doing errands or school work.  I miss the people.  I miss the conversations.  I miss my friends.  

This is what has kept me exercising.  My friends.  I'm not a lean mean machine anymore.  I've gained a ton of weight...well, not quite a ton, but a lot, since I started law school.  Juggling a full time job at the time, kids, study time,  and class time, all took a toll on me.  I've gained even than I thought.  I weighed myself today.  I'm down over 10 pounds.  I don't know exactly how much because I went over the limit of the scale I have.  Yep, I was up there.

I try to run.....ok, slog, at least twice a week.  My real goal is three times a week.  I also try to get to Crossfit once or twice a week.  I'm still trying to add my bike in there and a swim.  I'll get there.  I'm still shooting for a triathlon before summer is over, if not, then next year for sure.  I started this journey about 3 years ago when my long run was a mile.  Yep, that was my LONG run.  Now, this weekend it's going to be 4.5 - 5 miles.  I'll be Run/Walk/Running the whole way.  I'm excited.

In November, I'm travelling to Las Vegas to do the Rock N Roll half marathon.  I'm excited and it's good to have something to look forward to and train for.  Plus, it's VEGAS BABY!!!!  YEAH!!!

BLOG GOAL

Again, I hope to keep this up twice a month and see how things progress.  I'll be posting on my workouts and runs plus whatever else comes to mind.  

You can follow me on the Twitter (yes, I know it's just Twitter) and Instagram @phairston99.  

There will be a couple of race reports that I haven't done in there too.  I did manage to go to Disney World and run in the half of half marathon of the Wine and Dine last November with the Run Crew.  Then post race we jumped on the Disney Dream for a cruise.  It was brutal, let me tell you.

Until next time.....Keep Sloggin Along.