Water Challenge & Running a Half Marathon

 On Saturday I met up with Chelly, one of my best friends from college to go for a run.  We decided to run our first half marathon together so training is a must. We both ran track in high school as sprinters. Distance running is definitely new to me (since 2011) and I love it.  Having Zoe put me out of running due to bed rest and then the shock that is first time motherhood. I come from a big family with lots of babies but the saying is true: You don’t know until you know! And boy do I know now. Anyway, completing my first half marathon is  an absolute must in 2014.

So off we went and guess what I could barely keep up with Chelly. I definitely need to work on my breathing but the honest truth is I have not been pushing myself enough.  Since spring, I have run on and off. Then I got my Joovy baby jogger.  I ran more with Zoe but let me tell you something… out of running shape is out of running shape! Now add a 20 lb baby, a 20 plus lb stroller, baby necessities and a bottle of water…MADNESS. Running with the stroller is a skill. I have not mastered it but I am getting better at it. Zoe definitely enjoys the ride and her naps are always great during or right after. Get a jogger mama’s. Even a brisk walk will do the trick. It sits up high and definitely has more shock absorbency then a regular stroller.

To train for the half I have decided to do my runs solo or with a friend. Zoe and I will resume our jogs (will be power walks) once the weather improves.

Wait this post is about my H2O intake, right????

Right! It’s simple I don’t hydrate enough. Most days I have a cup of coffee, 8-16 ounces of water and an occasional cup of tea. This is not good. While out on the run with Chelly, I started to swell. My fingers were as puffy as an old fashion hot dog. In addition, I was getting a cramp after just 1.5 miles. I am sure my lack of hydration also affects my breathing and my ability to keep up (along with this extra weight I am toting around.) With that said I have put myself on a water overhaul.  The easiest way for me to do this is to use a large water bottle and fill it up through out the day. I am big on numbers so knowing I downed 32 oz. at a time helps me to get to my goal. The goal is half my body weight in water! UGH. You read that right. No I am not going to give the amount in ounces or state my weight. Even though I am below my pre-pregnancy weight, I am still overweight. I did not make losing weight on action item for 2014 because being healthy and getting this half under my belt will get me to where I should be on the scale.

Some of the benefits of drinking water are:

1. Slim your waistline

2. Lower stress

3. Increase your energy

4. Hydrate your skin.

Find more health benefits of water here: http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-water-9/slideshow-water-health

Infused waters are all the rage these days.  I am definitely going to try some infused detox water. Check out these great detox water recipes from my blogging friend Beatrice Clay.

As the ever popular saying goes…

More on habit forming later, until then will you accept the water challenge with me? If so, grab a large water bottle, make some infused water (if you prefer), and let me know how it’s going in the comments. Today is day 2 for me. I drank 90 oz. of H2O yesterday and yes that is more than half my body weight (barely, but it is.)