Increased distance

Today as I rolled out of bed and eventually woke up, I laced up my running shoes and headed to my favorite place – Snap Fitness.

My goal, yes not my New Year’s resolution, but my goal for 2014 is to increase those running miles. Day one, huge success. I ran an extra mile and a half today and it felt wonderful. I am determined to strengthen my legs, so they can carry me throughout that cardio workout, which I love so much.

I never thought running would be something that turned into a passion. I remember hating P.E. classes in high school when the teacher made us run around the track. Yep, I was one of those students that took advantage of walking every curve and running the straight aways. I’m so glad that all changed, there is something magical that happens when I take that first stride. It’s therapeutic to run.

Now that my exercise is completed for the day, I can start catching up on some writing, since I graciously gave myself a few days off.

Today definitely kicked off a great start to 2014!

More opportunities have surfaced

This morning I drug myself out of bed a little before 7 a.m., so I could get a workout in early, rather than going later this afternoon. It was a great way to jump-start my day, especially since there was only me and two other’s working out that early in the morning.

That’s the nice thing about a 24-hour gym, whenever you get that urge to workout, all you have to do is swipe your key and walk in the door of opportunities.
I was a little skeptical at first that a staff member would not be present during the hours the gym was opened, but I now love that feature. That was the downfall about working out at the last apartment complex we lived at, I could only workout during the hours of the clubhouse, which was limiting at times.

I spent about an hour at the gym doing my typical run, some miles on the elliptical and some weights. I’m starting to feel those leg exercises I did, especially walking up and down those darn stairs 🙂

Once I got back in my car, I thought to myself, today is going to be a fabulous day. How could it not when I did something for me first this morning – working out?

So after getting ready, I drove to Jonesborough to meet with my editor and the publisher of the Herald & Tribune. It turned out to be a fantastic meeting, one that only lead to more incredible opportunities for me.

Kristen and Lynn offered me more work, which I gladly accepted. I am now covering the town hall meetings for Jonesborough, the school district, as well as submitting feature articles. I am beyond thrilled! I will now be submitting weekly articles instead of a few a month! My portfolio will be growing once again.

I really enjoy working for this publication. The remarks I received from both Lynn and Kristen about my writing were wonderful to hear. It’s safe to say that I am cloud nine once again.

I absolutely love what I do, and yes, I know I have said that a time or two. But really, never in my wildest dreams did I think my career would go in the direction it has! I am supporting myself doing freelance work, this is incredible! I am so fortunate to have found a career I am so completely passionate about. I am excited to see what other opportunities are waiting for me.

It just goes to show that it is important to follow your dreams!

Back at it again

After taking some more time off, unwanted time at that, I finally decided to join a gym!

I researched some gyms in the area and decided to join Snap Fitness, a place right up the street from where we live in Kingsport. It’s a new gym, only been open for the past few months. It’s affordable, open 24-hours and has some nice features. I walked around and was sold – this will be my destination for the next year.

Tuesday morning was the day, the day I laced up my shoes and drove to the gym. I cannot begin to explain how good it felt to workout in an actual gym again, one with new equipment.

I’ve been using the gyms at the clubhouses in the complex we have lived at for the past year and a half. Why pay for a membership, when I can workout for free? Well yesterday answered my question, gyms have much better equipment and atmosphere.

The feeling too, the feeling of working out with others, even though we are all doing our own thing, only motivates me more during my workout. Everyone seems to always be happy while at a gym, which is kind of what I experienced today.

I left the gym with a huge smile on my face, and a little sore from some of the exercises I did yesterday.

This afternoon after I met all my deadlines I got ready for the gym again. All my frustrations of the day were left on the treadmill after my run, as well as the elliptical after an incredible workout. I felt completely refreshed. Yep, working out is supposed to be a part of my life. 

When I got home and climbed the stairs to take a shower I felt every muscle I worked out, walking back down the stairs was a little more intense … love the feeling of being sore, it means I did something.

I can’t wait to go back tomorrow.