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   Ok friends. I should have started this bad boy up at the start of 2009 but have been busy and stressed. I decided today that this is a now or never thing. So here goes.

   After a long spell of being intensely lazy I spent the better part of 2008 trying to get back on the fitness track. This all started with the Covenant House Rainbow Run (my first 5k). I never ever have enjoyed running but I signed up for this 5k training program to help raise money for charity and I was hooked.  Making it to the finish line in that first race was something I will not soon forget. After that I realized that if I could run 3 miles... I could run more.

  Since then I've done several 5k races and in November I completed my first half-marathon at Marshall University.

    Now I'm getting ready for another half-marathon in March. My friend  Jennifer and I are flying to Orlando for the "Disney Princess Race."
  

   Here's where it gets a bit ugly. I started my training at the start of the month and then fell off the wagon... and folks... I fell hard.

    I haven't been running in 2 solid weeks. I find it much easier to snuggle on the couch with some hot chocolate and my dog than to head out into the frozen tundra for some hard-core running. No doubt, you can relate.

   Now I must find a way to get back on track so I will be ready for the big race. Like a lot of you out there I know how it is to struggle with weight, staying in shape and eating a healthy diet.  I'm hoping that we can encourage each other through this blog. It's always easier to try and achieve a goal when you know there are others out there going through the same thing.

    One thing I have been working hard on is getting those fruits and veggies into the daily mix. Strangely, it's actually working. Even if you hate vegetables, I promise that you can find clever ways to work them into your diet.  I swear I feel so much better since I've been putting the extra effort in.

     Here's just a few ideas. I am no fan of broccoli but it's high in fiber and amazingly healthy... so I make it happen. I grab a bunch (raw)and put it on a plate with a tablespoon of hummus. I do the same with carrots. That tiny bit of hummus is just enough to make it really enjoyable.  You can also do this with low-fat veggie dip. Just make sure you aren't loading up on the dip. Measuring the right amount and sticking to it is the key.

     I'm also on a major homemade soup mission. I chop up tons of veggies and toss them with some shrimp and beans or chicken and beans. You can do the same with lean ground turkey and make some chili too. This is such a flavorful way to get lots of vegetables into your daily routine.

     Once you start eating better you will truly feel better. It's not easy. Nothing ever really is. So you have to weigh the risks against the rewards. Enjoying a hot pizza with a nice cold beer might sound great but that won't help you slide into a smaller pair of jeans.  Believe me, I think about this every time I am in the dressing room in front of the dreaded 3-way mirror (:

     So, tomorrow I am going to get up and get at least an hour of exercise. Then I'm going to let you know how it went. For me, it's all about accountability. It's harder for me to get lazy when I have to spell it all out on the Internet.

    We'll see how it goes and I really hope to hear from you too. If you have recipes, tips, a struggle to share or a story that might inspire others (and me) leave a comment below. We're all in this together.

Good luck and I hope to hear from you!

Jessica