Things I noticed:

1. I started the month focused on fitness. Then I put more emphasis on my business. And fitness took a hit. Need to adjust my schedule to make both priorities.
2. Running is getting a lot easier. I am in a good rhythm now. Any day I can jump on the treadmill and push out 3 miles. I am very satisfied.
3. Need new music, now!
4. NEW PERSONAL RECORD: On Aug. 12th I ran my fastest mile @ 8:01

Stats:

Start Month – 254.1 lbs.

End Month – 253.7 lbs.

Miles Ran – 21.2

Average Pace – 10:57 min./mi.

Training Schedule:

Cardio – Following a schedule put together on Runkeeper to get me in shape for a 10k. Missed 55% of the scheduled training sessions. However, I made up most of them by doing the work on different days.

Weights – Still not getting back into lifting, yet.

Summary

Overall, it was a mediocre month. I need to do a much better job staying consistent. That will be my key to success.

Grade: C

via @ RunKeeper.com

The chart above is from RunKeeper. An app I have been using over the past three years to keep track of my workouts.

July was a good month for me. I spent a lot of time focusing on getting back into shape. Finally, my foundation is set. I can run 3-5 miles. It’s a good feeling. My focus on fitness is not new but reinvigorated.

Why Now?

I just feel it is time. I need to ensure that I take care of myself. I am optimistic about the future. And the best way to take advantage of the opportunities I see is to be healthy. So the real question is why not? I have the time and it does not take that much effort. The hardest part was the start.

Why Running?

So, this is actually an illuminating answer.

[Tweet “Because I hate it. And because running is hard.”]

I know not good reasons on the surface, but when you dig deeper it makes sense. There are a lot of things I do becuase they are easy. BUT I never feel that sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. My choice of running is becuase I can win at it. Running is a personal journey and no one can do it for me. My choice is because the only one who wins or loses is me. And I decide everything about it.

I know … that is a lot of thought about running. But at the end of the day. My choices matter.

What’s the goal?

Good question. Maybe next month I’ll have a long-term goal. Right now it’s just RUN.

Lessons Learned

Don’t stop running. Restarting after a few weeks off is Hard. And not in the good way of picking running as my activity. My body does not adjust well to starts and stops. I crave consistency.