A Healthy, De-Stressing Lifestyle

Since January, I have been trying to be active and have a healthier diet.  I began training for a half marathon and reduced the amount of fat, fried foods, and sugar that I consumed.  I have a patellar subluxation in my left knee, and after about 6-7 weeks of training, it really started to bother me so I gave up.  I've tried to remain active and run less mileage and alternate with the elliptical/swimming. 

But as the training was occurring, a bunch of stressful things in my life began to happen, and I found my anxiety levels peaking.  As I'd get anxious, I'd want to eat just to keep myself busy and to keep my hands occupied.  I'd just start thinking about food as soon as I got anxious, and then I'd feel hungry.  Now I eat much too often, and find myself eating a lot quicker than usual because as I eat, I feel more and more anxious.  I am trying to fix that problem and become aware of the reasons it happens, the triggers, and how to fix it.  I am beginning law school at Georgetown at the end of August and know that that will bring along a lot of stress as well.  That is why I am trying to start my healthier habits now so that I can continue with them once I get to DC.

I'd also really like to complete that half marathon.  I would like to run the DC half marathon on March 26, 2011.  I need to qualify by running a 5K in under 31 minutes.  I plan to start running 5Ks to get used to running races and to hopefully qualify. 

These are all pretty long-term, self-help type goals, and weight loss is not a motivation (though some more toned arms, thighs, and butt wouldn't hurt).  I'm excited to start tomorrow and to begin to have a healthier life!