#I want warm weather now!
Do you ever have those days in the middle of winter
where it warms up to 40 degrees and you walk outside without your jacket
 and you feel like your in a tropical heat wave?

OK...Maybe not a tropical heat wave but it feels
nice to see the sunshine and feel it's warmth on your face.  

I had one of those days today.... 

It started out cold and I wanted to go for a walk before my iron infusion.  I walked around the IHC hospital campus.  It felt good to be off the treadmill and just be able to walk from point A to point B.  

I was bundled up in the 22 degree weather but my heart was pumping and then.......

I found the parking garage stairs.  Oh my, I couldn't get there fast enough.  I ran up and down the four flights and it was like my body was coming out of hibernation.  My body felt alive.  I was amazed that I could still run up and down them especially with the way my winter has went so far (macadamia nut hangovers, etc.). 

I felt strong!  It's amazing that just one year ago yesterday I couldn't walk from my bedroom to my kitchen without sitting down to rest.  I have come so far.  My journey isn't done but I am on my way.  

So I went outside for lunch to just bask in the 40 degree sunshine.  There were others outside and we all smiled at each other because we knew we felt the same amazing feelings.

Then after my workout at the gym (weight lifting stuff) I decided to walk home from the gym.  I was able to walk 1.5 miles before it got too dark and cold and my husband picked me up.  

I had him measure the distance from the gym to our home.  It's only 2.6 miles.  So on Saturday if we aren't covered in winter snow I am going to walk down to the gym for my workout and maybe even walk home.  

 It feels good to be alive, healthier and stronger.  

My dear friend Michelle started a group on facebook called "Marathon a Month".  I have been keeping track each day since January 1st.  I only have 2.34 miles left and I will have walked a marathon this month.

What are you doing to jump start your year?

 I would love to hear what you are doing.

If you want an invite to the "Marathon a Month" group.

Send me your email address at kostmac@hotmail.com

Starting Again...

I love January because it's the start of a new year.. It's like the calendar says forget about what happened over the holidays and lets try this again.  We set new years resolutions.and start again to fix all the character flaws we see in ourselves.  Some of us set resolutions to eat better, exercise more, lose those 10 lbs we gained eating the holiday treats, de-clutter our houses, pay off our debts and the list could go on and on.  

Last January instead of quitting after two weeks I continued to work on myself all year.  I stumbled, quit for short periods of time and got back up.  I not only changed my physical body but I made big steps into taking back control of my life and I am a different person today.  I am so grateful to all the people who helped me, cheered me on, listened and started their own journeys and shared their experiences with me.  

I think I love hearing other peoples stories the most.  It helps me to know that others go through similar experiences as me. It helps me keep going when I want to give up.  

I am so grateful for my biggest cheerleader...Brett.  He's my amazing husband.  He's always bragging about me wherever we go.  He loves to share my story and how it's changed my life and also his.  This year for Christmas Brett and I gave each other an amazing gift.  We bought a 3 year membership to Gold's gym for both of us.  It's helped me to start again and also Brett on trying to get healthier for the rest of our lives.  
I get to work with a personal trainer twice a month for a year (Thanks Brett) and I will share on my blog what I learn.  

So I give you the challenge I received from my first trainer Justin (my sisters husband).  Set some goals in these four areas: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional and Mental (Learning new things).  Make them achievable, with a time frame, write them down and share them with someone so you're accountable.  

This little challenge changed my life in 2013 and will change it again in 2014. So here's to change and the chance to start again....

Thanks for stopping by....

Karalee