{Jessica Runs}: in January

 

I hardly know where to begin this post.

I have never felt like a runner.  I've never even had the desire in the past to be a runner.

But something changed last year.  And overnight I seemed to have developed this hunger to be a distance runner.. to push myself in ways I never thought I could be pushed.  I think I especially wanted to push my mind.. push it into believing I could do this. 

So often when I would try to distance run in the past, I would cop-out at the first side stitch, the first moment of laboured breathing, the first ache in my legs..

 

Now it's different.  I try to push myself past all of that.. past all the negative self-talk and pain.. some days I'm more successful than others.  But the bottom line is (for me) if I am willing for a little pain and a little discomfort, I can push through to this state of complete euphoria.

Yes. The runners high.

I can't say I've experienced it in all it's glory yet, but I've had a moment or two where all of a sudden I'll just 'hit my stride'.. it's pretty cool, it really is.

The other state of euphoria is finishing.  When you can actually tell your mind that you ran 5km or 8km of even 1km if you're just starting out; it's kind of amazing.  Well for me it is.. I have lots of years of telling myself I am not a runner and I can't run or I will never be able to run, so sometimes it just hits me that together my mind and body accomplished running five consecutive kilometers.

 

My training this month has been full of highs and lows.  I ran my personal best 5K at 37 minutes, but I also got really discouraged after running my first 8K that took me about an hour and 6 minutes.  I was in a lot of pain during and after that run.  The whole time I was thinking, how on earth will I be able to run 21 kms?!

But I just have to remember that I am building my endurance.  21 kms will not be accomplished overnight.  Endurance running is about enjoying the journey, pushing through the mental blocks and giving a little more each time.

 

One of my most favourite sayings I've discovered since I began is this:

There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.

Well isn't that the truth? And maybe even just one big metaphor for life.

So I've been trying to keep that little golden nugget in the back of my mind as my short little legs plug away at each kilometer.

 

Something else I've really enjoyed during this first month of training (and I know it will continue) is all the spiritual lessons I am getting out of this training.  I might save them for another post, but I have been most inspired by this. :)

Well, for not knowing 'where to start' with this post, I sure did manage to say a lot.. haha.. typical.. ;)
I am excited to see where the rest of this month takes me.  I've made little goals along the way for myself and this month my goal is to feel comfortable running 8km.  I'm not there yet, but I think I'm on my way.

xo ~ Jessica


 

{Jessica Wears}: Black & Denim. Again.

black jersey dress: kenar via winners | denim button-down: joe fresh

The best part of this shot is the shovel in the background. :)

accessories: black tights: joe fresh | wool cowl: h&m | oxfords: spring

We've had quite the warm snap these last few days and I have been loving it! Anything to take the edge off of January.. 

Wednesdays have become my new favourite day of the week as it is my day off.. it's been fun to take a break from corporate wear in the middle of the week and work on my 'snappy casual' wear.  However, I am thinking that I need to branch out from denim and black.  It's just so dang hard when it's so easy. Sigh.  

I've always felt like I've got the dressy wear down but need help in the casual wear.  Or at least casual wear with interesting elements.
 And not having to wear a jacket (at least not for the photos) is always a bonus.  So I can show off my sweet 80's-like knot on my denim shirt.

:)

xo ~ Jessica

{Jessica Kicks Off}: Twenty-Thirteen

Finally. :)

So hi! Happy New Year!  Is it too far into the year to be saying that still? Probably.  But you know me: always a little bit behind.

Speaking of behind........ I think I have a little catching up on this ol' blog, no? :)

I've been thinking a lot about my blog lately and the direction I want to go and all these ideas I have.. and then my mind gets going and I get so overwhelmed with the thought of everything that I just don't post at all.  Which is the opposite direction of where I want to go... sigh. And so the cycle starts...

But then I got thinking again.  I love my little blog, I really do.  And I don't want it to be a "guilt thing" that I should be stressing about posting and getting content up and all of that.  And then the thought hit me:

My blog is really a little extension of my life.  And like all things, there is an ebb and flow to it all.. So I just want to be more a accepting of that.  Life has holidays and sickness and down times and it's ok if I don't post during those times because hey, that's just life.  Sorry for the cliché, but it's true. :)

Anyway, this is not a new thought and I'm sure most of you have this already figured out. For me, I don't officially have something figured out until I write it down.  (remember: words girl)

So where does that leave me/us now? Well, I'm not gonna lie, I am pretty excited about a new year and new goals and new adventures awaiting.. And when the mood is right and I'm in the groove, I'm gonna blog my heart out. And when I just wanna chill and shut off my wifi connection and relax with my dog, I'm gonna do that too.  And all will be well. :)

That all being said, I would like to share some of my goals for this year for my blog!

* more outfit posts because I heart doing them so much and I wanna do more of what makes me happy this year.

* this year I turn 30!!  So bring on my "30 before 30" list! And I'm going to blog about as many as possible!

* a possible blog re-design :)

* a monthly post about my progress/training for my half marathon in June (but I'll try not to be super annoying about it. Promise).

That's all I'll commit to right now.. anything else would be promising too much.. haha.. me and "follow through" need to have a little heart-to-heart this year.. :)

So there you have it - my first post 2013! Hope you all have a wonderful week and may your goals and resolutions last well beyond Groundhogs Day! I hope mine certainly do..:)

xo ~ Jessica