A healthy habit.

So I run. I'm not a biker or a swimmer. While those are great exercises, the only one that seems to help me maintain my weight and health has been running. I use biking and swimming for cross-training or back-ups when I need to be careful about my bones.

I am waiting to run another big race until after my husband completes his. He was extremely supportive of me during my marathon, and I want to do the same for him. This time around the spotlight is only on him. We will most likely run future races together.

I like to run outside. I hate treadmills. For now, my running goal is a 6 minute mile. Some people may think this is a crazy goal and others may think this is an easy goal. For me, it is challenging enough to push me quite a bit, and-- I believe-- fully attainable.

Once I get my time to 6 minutes, I'll probably take the next step and aim for two miles in 12 minutes. But if anyone knows me, I can't just run for one mile. So I have tried to set some long-distance time goals too which are only slightly challenging.

Lately, I've noticed that a lot of people have a problem with exercise. There are endless excuses. I'm not saying that none of them matter or are not true or real. I've witness people press through many difficulties, but the biggest one is self-discipline. If you want to get in shape or improve your health, you can't expect to only do it when you are in the mood.

Which brings me to:

TODAY's HEALTHY HABIT:

Get some fresh air daily, the more the better.

It's been long known that fresh air brings health, prevents and heals respiratory issues like allergies, bronchitis, and coughs. It also lifts one's mood, and calms nerves. I don't think there is a recommended amount of fresh air one is supposed to have.

Winter, in many places can put a hamper on this. People naturally want to hide from the cold in their homes.

So if I were to tell someone a tip today, I'd say, "Get some fresh air; I don't care how cold it is, show some back bone. Get out there in your warmest clothes and breath in and out slowly. Of course if it's summer in AZ, I'd say get a fan and a spray bottle, and then go out side and get that fresh air. How ever you have to do it, get that fresh air."