My Writing Space, The Progress of Book 1, and a 56 Day Writing Marathon

MY WRITING SPACE
Recently, my husband and I ought new furniture for my study/office, where I sped all day doing Bible study and writing. I was in desperate need for some organization and smaller furniture to take up less space in the room, but still be functional. So, Ikea came to the rescue and fulfilled both of those requirements. (This is only part of my work space. I will share more photos later, by the way.)

MY WRITING PROGRESS OF BOOK 1
I still have no idea of a title for Book 1 of Land of Risina Series. Then again, the idea is so new I'm not surprised. I've started to do some of an outline, some planning, and some writing and have 23 pages, 3,496 words so far.

56 DAYS OF A WRITING MARATHON
Starting Saturday, I'm am going on a writing marathon, where I plan on writing at least 3,000 words per day for 56 days, for a total of 168,000 words minimum. Usually, I write about 2,000 words per day.

Also, I plan on writing at least twelve hours a day. So, I may get a great deal more written than I anticipate. We shall see.

EXERCISE 
Also, during those 56 days, I plan on increasing my workout. I am a runner, something I took up just a couple of years ago, after over three decades of only running in order to avoid getting hit by upcoming traffic or if I didn't want to get drenched by rain. Once a week, I run a 10k, but it hasn't been consistent. I do it once to twice a month. I would like to run more than that. Moreover, my minimum run is a 5k and I want to increase that to five miles a day, three days a week and 10 or more miles once a week. Ideally, my long run will be a half marathon, then a marathon. But, I need to get serious about working up to those distances. So, I plan on doing this the next 60 days or so--in order to establish a habit. From there, I will continue it and try to keep increasing my distance.

WRITING IS A SOLITARY ACTIVITY
As a writer, it's easy to get lazy and not keep in shape like we should. That's why I am adding to my writing marathon more physical running. It's my desire to lose weight and get in better shape than I've been in a long time, if not ever.

As a writer, it's essential to have a balanced life. The next 56 days will be part of that. I will also be doing two to three Bible studies at that time as well.

Now, back to writing.

(Top Image Credit: Stacy Duplease 2014. Middle and Bottom Image Credit: Microsoft images online 2009-2014.)

Training for a Half Marathon (and Losing Weight)

While this is my writing blog, I also want to include the stuff of life on this blog. We are all doing this thing called life and I would love to hear your story. Feel free to add a comment at the end of any blog post or send me an email. I would love to hear from you.

I write fiction, but I also journal and write memoir. This is one of those journaling posts.

Just over a year ago, I did the unthinkable. I took up running. I NEVER ran before. And, when I say never, I mean it.

Well, that isn't entirely true. I would run from the car to the store if it rain cats and dogs, but that's the only exception. I exercised. I did power-walking. Five miles worth, mind you. I also did some yoga and Pilates. But, running. No.

And, not just no. But, heck no! No way. Running just wasn't for me.

Why did I take it up? I wanted to get in the best shape I've ever been in. And, I quickly discovered how I loved it. Loved it. No joke. It's freeing. It makes me feel so good and is wonderful to get rid of stress, clear the head, work on Scripture memory, and dream. Never mind how much it helps arthritis. It makes me feel better than I've felt in years. (Who would've thought?)

Also, I've always been the type who has to watch my weight. Every bite I put in my mouth, I have to count or I gain weight--and I am hypoglycemic (low blood sugar), so I literally do have to watch everything I eat. Running helps with my weight and my hypo.

Then, life happened. I had two surgeries, hubby had one, life got busy, blah, blah, blah. We still worked out, but not with sheer determination. So, I gained weight.

Then, we started a new running program, which felt great. Now, I am gaining weight, on top of my already heavier self (thanks to muscle growth--muscle weighs more than fat--Ugh!). I know it will come off. I am counting my calories. So, it's just a matter of time before the weight starts coming off.

But, at any rate, we have been consistently running a 5k three days a week and a 10k one day a week.

So, this led to the: "Why not train for a half marathon--and in time a marathon--even if it's just on the treadmill at home?" (Lord, help us!) So, that's what we're doing.

Sunday, I ran a 10k. It was my long-run day. Today I need to run 4 miles.

Why do I share this with you?:
1 If I can do this, anyone can. No joke.
2 To help inspire you to do the same--even if it feels like a half marathon training in making a dream of yours come true.
3 To show you how to be an overcomer.
4 To hold myself accountable.
5 To be real with you and tell you how this is a little nerve-wracking for me.
6 To see if anyone else runs. I would LOVE to hear from you.
7 There are many comparisons of running a race and living a live of faith.
8 Training is goal-setting and goal-keeping.
9 Training to run a half marathon and writing a novel have many comparisons as well.

We found a 20-week training plan. I think we're going to start with week 3, though, since we've already got weeks one and two down pat, which is running miles of 3, 3, 3, 4 each week. This week, week three, is: 4, 4, 3, 5--with a day off between each except Saturday and Sunday.

(Image below credit: Microsoft images online 2009-2014.)