INTRO, GOALS AND MOTIVATION:

My goal is to run a full 26.2 mile marathon on September 29th, 2013 at Loch Ness in Scotland.
http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/

I AM BASING MY 6-MONTH TRAINING PLAN ON THIS LINK, which will officially start for me on April 1st, 2013 (scroll to the bottom to get the program):
http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/marathon-training-schedule.html

My motivation to run a marathon is based on these factors:

-I need more energy. My husband and I are opening a business at the end of this year and I need to be in peak physical condition - I want to train like an athlete.

-I need to get through the next six months. Under my husband's contract, I am not allowed to work here in Barbados. This has been very difficult to say the least and now that we are on the home stretch, I am getting very itchy to start working again and need something to focus on daily.

-Let's not beat around the bush - I want to look good. I am not overweight by any stretch, but I would love to have a runner's lean body and strength and just feel great about myself when I look in the mirror.

-To gain confidence. I'm a pretty secure person, but a major character flaw I've recently recognized in myself is that I have trouble completing things. I'll be all gung-ho about something for the first stages, then lose interest or move on to something else without following through. Another flaw I have is being terrified of rejection. I tried stand up comedy for the first time last year and it went well, but it took me way too long (almost seven years) to build up the confidence to get to that stage. I think completing a marathon will help me realize I can complete anything I set my mind to, and also to not worry so much what others think.

I am writing this blog for myself, to keep myself motivated and on track and if I go the whole six months without any comments or views that's fine with me! If I can gain any contacts or help anyone else get inspired, it will be an added bonus.

I will keep track on this blog of everything I eat and drink as well as my daily exercise. 

STATS AND INFO:

I am 27 years old, female, about 127 pounds, 5'4". I am a pretty active and healthy person. At the moment I do yoga almost every day and run about 2 miles on the treadmill three times a week. I am currently living in hot, humid, and sunny Barbados where my husband is finishing up his 2-year contract at the end of this year.
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Breakfast: Total greek yogurt, granola and blueberries with honey, 1 cup of coffee

Lunch: Sandwich on whole wheat bread with salami, cheddar cheese, lettuce, mayo and pickled beets, 1 glass of oj

7pm made a pot of coffee, had 2 and a half cups

Dinner: Tuna fish sandwich on white bread with lettuce, and a ginger ale.
Throughout: 3 pints of water
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Exercise: 45 minutes of yoga
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Recap: Today is really representative of the way I typically eat and exercise. I am going on a huge shopping trip tomorrow to try and plan some healthier meals and hopefully be on a very balanced runner's diet within the next month.