D is for Discipline

That is what I will attempt to have as I head into summer.  Now that I am no longer running like a mad woman (and yes, for all you naysayers out there, finishing a half marathon has not changed my mind -- I still don't like running), it's time to be stricter with my diet.  ((shudder))  Yikes, did I just say that?!?

During my training for my half marathon, I was reckless.  I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.  Granted, part of it was because I was busy moving and packing for two months and didn't have much time to cook, but the other part of me thought, "Why not?"  After all, I was burning calories left and right with all of that running.  Admittedly, that is dangerous for me.  I got used to consuming a higher caloric intake that now 1400-1500 calories a day sounds - well - SAD.  Not a great situation for a person who enjoys food.

Part of the problem is that summer is a slow time in my workout regimen.  It's terribly hard to be motivated when it is 100+ degrees outside, and anyone who really knows me can vouch that when I get really hot, I'm just plain irritable.  And even though I pretty much have my own home gym, complete with a few free weights, treadmill, and a brand spanking new elliptical machine, I am afraid that I won't be working out as often as I would like as my exercise room happens to be in the one place of my new house where there is no air ventilation except for windows.  And, well, open windows in the summertime are pointless.  Thank goodness I have my year-round indoor volleyball league to keep me active!

Back to the diet.  Today is the day that I start being hungry again.  Granted, the first few days will be the roughest as I train my body that I no longer need so many calories.  On a positive note though, I am doing well so far, eating whole grains, plenty of protein, and grapefruit, thanks to the abundant tree in my front yard. But if there is one thing that I learned after completing a half marathon, it is that I can do anything that I set my mind to. All it takes is heart and discipline.  If you want it, make it happen!  The sky is the limit.