Funny thing, habits.

I would need at least 12 extra sets of hands and feet to count up the number of times I have said I was going to start this or commit to that. That I was really going to start waking up again at 5am to go for a run or read my Bible or blog or fill in the blank here. 

Why does it seem so hard to start something new? Or start something again? Honestly, I'm not sure. I've jumped back on the marathon journey but this time it's going to be harder. Because this go 'round I am fully (and then some) employed and don't just have hours to spare while my girls are at daycare. My family is first priority and my job is a necessity but my passion is health and right now for me that manifests in running. 

I've written out my training schedule. I've adapted the infamous Hal Higdon's Novice 1 plan. While I could probably do the Novice 2 plan I am doing things a bit differently this time. I'm allowing more time for training and ensuring that I've built a solid foundation. I have already become more diligent about strength training and I've been reading up a lot on it because it truly is important for runners to have a solid strength training routine. I'm also spending a lot of time stretching, with this I've had to schedule at least 20-30 minutes on top of my running time to ensure that I've properly stretched. I won't have my IT band being what brings me down this time. 

What it comes down to this time is ultimately time. This is where habit comes in. This is where it becomes about mind over matter. Do I wake up when my alarm goes off at 5:15am or do I hit the snooze button again? Hopefully, the habit will slowly (or quickly) come back and we'll be off to the races! Heres to the run!