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A few More Victorious Steps

I've decided that my latest mantra is every step a victory because with each step I take running I am declaring a victory over congestive heart failure. That in no way implies that I am throwing caution to the wind (not that I wouldn't love to do that!) but that every step I take I can cherish as one more that keeps me ahead of the game.

I hadn't run since the half on Sunday partly because I have been sore this time and partly because I didn't want to take a chance at overdoing it. One of the things I have planned into my marathon training is taking days off. Days following long runs and even harder runs I'll have scheduled off. I think this is necessary in order to protect myself from overdoing and getting myself in a bind again.

So today I went out to grab a couple of easy miles and I did pretty good I think. I didn't try to go fast or hard, just enjoyed the sunshine on my skin and the fresh air in my face. The park behind my house is the perfect place to run as it is exactly a mile from my door, through the park and back.

For right now I think I have my head on straight. I'm feeling a LOT better, have more energy and I'm getting a lot more done in my busy life in general. I'm a freelance writer by trade and have been through a slump and work is now picking back up. More importantly, my physical slump seems to be over too so I'm actually turning out more work. It's a wonderful feeling to feel like I can actually go out and get clients again and meet deadlines. On days like today I realize how long I've felt badly and how great it is to feel good!

That means that I have to protect myself. That's the whole reason behind only getting in 2 miles today. I want to continue to function - and I've got lots to do.

On diet - I've been slightly off for a few days. I haven't blown it totally but I have let up a little bit. So today I threw away the cookies that were here. Did you know they have about 50mg of sodium each? Is that crazy? It's really not possible to eat prepared foods and stay within strict sodium guidelines. However, I have started learning first to eat without adding salt - and I'm enjoying it. That's actually really important. It's essential that our meals really satisfy us and if we don't enjoy the flavor or the dish, then we are not satisfied. What's the point?

So I did splurge with a little cheese and some chips - okay so it was nachos. But I'm back on the straight and narrow. I have no intention of messing this thing up! I think I can say that I am.....

Dedicated to the journey where each step is a victory!

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