Having a goal keeps me motivated...

I registered for the St. Louis Half Marathon on April 10th. It's going to be tough, but this will be my third 1/2 marathon and I did pretty good on the first two so I'm not too worried. Today is the official starting day of training, and I'm pretty pumped. Ask me how I feel on day 3 or 4 and I might not feel the same way. I have a pattern of getting really pumped up for an event and training hard at first, but I lose my mojo or something by the end of the first week and take a few days off. Then I get really excited at the start of the next week and so the cycle continues. One of my best friends Katie Rau has graciously agreed to run the race with me, even though she's a stud runner who has ran multiple half marathons and full marathons. She even made up a training schedule for me to go by to help keep me on track. Love that girl.
Check out Katie's blog and read more about her active lifestyle!
http://www.katiesfavphotos.blogspot.com/

Today's workout is cross train or slow 2 mile jog. Cross train means do something other than running, like biking or using a cardio machine. Since I'm not quite ready to work out at the SEMO Rec center in front of a million skinny sorority girls, I'm going to the track today after work to run a slow 2 miles. Wish me luck! Also, please help keep me accountable by asking me every once in awhile if I'm still training. It helps when people ask because I can't lie and say it's going great when it's not.

Here's a link to the GO St. Louis Website. If you want to try to run with me, let me know! We are making matching tees and everything! :)
http://www.gostlouis.org/

Another great motivational tool for me is my swimsuit. I have this beautiful two piece bikini that is actaully really flattering on me when I'm in shape. We are planning to go on vacation after the race in either April or May so I want to be excited to wear my swimsuit. Here's a pic of the suit. If you like it, might want to pick yourself up one because it's on sale right now! http://www.landsendcanvas.com/

I love the "deep sea" color, because it's flattering like black but not as harsh. Also the halter strap detaches so I can wear it as a tube top.
Here are the bottoms. LOVE THEM! Hands down the MOST flattering swimsuit bottoms I've ever purchased.

It's a little hard to tell from the photo, but they have a foldover waistband that you can fold down or up depending on how low you want to go. I used to think the boy short style wasn't that flattering, but I love that style in panties so I wanted the same effect in my swimwear. Only $7.99 right now ladies!

Here's a pic of me before running the St. Louis 1/2 marathon back in 2008. Yep, I ran in a running skirt. Stylin' even when I'm runnin'!

How do you stay motivated to work out? If you need encouragement or motivation let me know and we can help each other! Have a good Monday!