Running block

[Crankin]

There is a real and definite progression when someone goes through the stages of change... what you are describing is totally NORMAL. And yes, it applies to recovering alcoholics, dieters, drug users, exercisers, etc. Anyone making lifestyle or health changes.
"Your head messing with you" is the major reason why people give up when they relapse, which by the way, is part of the cycle of change. It's also the reason why people don't listen to their doctor or comply with medication routines, even though they know there might be life threatening consequences.
You've achieved a great amount already. Be kind to yourself.

[Bike Chick]

I must've quit smoking 5 or 6 times before I finally became a non-smoker. Crankin's right about the progression of a life change. It's a mental thing and whether it's food, alcohol, or cigarettes, it's tough and few people can do it overnight. Hang in there and try not to listen to the negative self-talk. Man, I hate that little person inside my head. You know, the one that tells me it won't hurt to eat those cookies, french fries, or buy a pack of cigarettes when you've gone 3 weeks without one!

abejita, it always helps me to find an event to train for. That alone is motivation to go run when I don't feel like it. I find an event, pay my money, then put the training schedule on the refrigerator and follow it.

Good luck!

[abejita]

Just got back from our 60 mile ride. It was so hot...I was trying not to look at the bank temp on the way home when it was yelling that it was 106, LOL!

Hubs and I are training for the hotter'n hell 100 at the end of august. i also seemed to have gotten roped into to signing up for the Dallas half marathon in November, although I am sure there will be a lot of walking involved.

You ladies are so awesome! Made me feel a world better about everything!

[jessmarimba]

Just thought of one more thing for ya...you might want to give the Galloway method a try. It advocates a strategy of run-walk, say, 8 mins running, walk 1, etc and it can definitely help if you get plateau-ed with a running program. You end up increasing speed for the run sections & not wearing yourself out over the course of a race.

Just a thought! Good luck with the half - I'd gladly offer to pace you if I could!