Step Away 5K: This year I’ll be ready & able

Last September, the Foundation held its inaugural Step Away from Cancer^TM (SAFC) 5K in Washington, DC.  I had decided to “step in” and get in shape to participate.   I had no idea what I was in for when I made that decision.

Best Laid Plans

“Getting in shape” was more than just working out appropriately to run the race – it also meant I had to walk the talk of healthy living.  Now I preach a healthy lifestyle, but I’m not always good about living it when it comes to eating.  I had a true love affair with Coke and fast food, which I had to break.  It did not come easy!

However, I am stubborn and competitive.  If I’m not good at it, I don’t want to do it.

So I said goodbye to my neighborhood fast food vendors.  Some even called to see if I was okay, I was such a regular.  I could tell you fast food came in because I’m a busy executive who works long hours.  But the truth is, fast food was easy because I hate to cook.   I stayed strong, with a few indulgences, and lost 10 pounds and was feeling much healthier.

Where was the problem area?  Exercise.

Lessons learned

I pushed myself too hard, too fast, and overworked my knees.  The result was stress fractures in both.  Not only was I out of the race all together, I was sidelined from many activities for quite a while.   Of course once I was out, I let some of my bad eating habits start to creep back in.  Not a lot, but enough.

Now I’m healed, learned a lesson, and going to give it another try.

Plans to participate

On Saturday, September 25th  the Foundation will hold its second Step Away From Cancer 5K and I’ve been challenged to do it all again.   And because I’m clearly also into public humiliation, you’ll be able to follow my progress in this blog.  And as I prepare for the Step Away 5K, I would love to hear from you.

Thoughts?

What are your favorite ways to eat healthy and stay in shape? Let me know your thoughts?