Once I ran a 1/2 marathon. How did I get started? First with the desire then one step at a time, baby steps you know. How can you? The same way.

Running a marathon begins with the thought "Yes, a marathon sounds like fun! I have the time for training. I want to and I can run a marathon once I learn how." What next? I found friends who had experience, someone who ran a marathon before. They had the knowledge and were willing to mentor me along my way to get going. Then I created a plan, developed key success habits. Made a commitment to myself. I knew I was on my way to reaching my goal. I was unstoppable. After weeks, then months I was ready for the race. I knew I would not be the first to finish, nor the last. In keeping my goal of finishing the race, I did it! Wow, how amazing I felt, enjoying all the benefits and rewards that accompany accomplishing goals.

Was it hard? Yes. Was it challenging? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes.

How did it happen? Do you want it to happen for you? You already know, baby steps. Crawl, walk, run...

At first you will develop a plan to walk a specific amount of time and/or distance. It does not matter how long or the distance just that you get started. When walking becomes easy you will add a walk - run routine, next run, increasing distance and duration as you continue to train.
 

Developing habits to improve eating foods (improves performance) , sleep (rest/relaxation/recovery), your thinking (stress, motivation) all are part of the training. Over time you will develop the habits to complete the marathon. You will feel great, like a winner. Because you are a winner!

Your life is much the same. A marathon of sorts. A life marathon.

The question is "what experience would you like to have on your life marathon?" What is your goal for quantity (how long), quality (how healthy), and longevity (how you age)? Unlike a marathon you run, your life marathon is not optional. You are traveling along your life's path, there is no turning back, you cann't change the past. However, there are many paths you can take that are in front of you. Your future path. Your path is created by a group of habits. Habits that can promote sickness or health, longevity or aging.

Which will it be for you?

Healthy habits help you to feel better, look better and be well.

Unhealthy habits, interrupt your sleep, thinking and leave you sluggish, low energy, sick and tired. There's no middle ground with your lifestyle habits. The choices you make are good for you or bad for you. Your habits will determine how your feel, look, live and even die.

As with any goal it begins with the first step. One foot in front of the other. Small at first. Each building on the other. Moving forward to  reach your goal. Need some help? Ask for it.

I am always left  thinking ... remember to take care of yourself,
if you don't who will?

Your partner in health,

Cindy Cohen RN, BS BA