Running (and eating) with a Purpose

Do you ever feel like your workout has become too much of a routine? Maybe you've lost sight of why you even do it in the first place?  If you're anything like myself, then this has most likely happened to you. A little over a month ago I found myself in this very situation, though it took an invitation to run the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon to realize it. It's been 3 years since my last half, and I can safely say I haven't run 13 miles since that race. However, when my dad proposed we run the upcoming San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll, I agreed in a heartbeat. After all, I don't remember it being that hard…right?

As soon as  my training program started I had a new found ambition. I had a goal I was working toward. I had a purpose. Sure, I'd been working out regularly prior to this new training regiment, but it was getting dull. The same exercises, same distances, same classes – but what was my purpose? Of course I want to be healthy and stay in shape, but the  excitement of working up to a goal was lacking.

My new motivation not only inspired my workouts, but it also made me reevaluate my eating habits. I'm already doing the exercise, why not supplement that with a diet that's going to further benefit my final outcome? Now when I say "diet" I'm not talking Atkin's or South Beach, but more of a "less pizza more veggies" diet.

With 7 weeks down and 5 to go it may be too early to tell how much drive I'm really deriving from my "purpose", but until then you can find me logging each and every mile with my end goal in sight!