To say it has "been a while" since my last post would be an understatement. But, I'm happy to say, I've been so busy running so many miles that I just forgot all about almost everything else. Here's the scoop on my progress since April of '07.
I am now stronger than ever. Period. I've ramped up my weekly mileage from 25 to 40 miles a week, and I can easily see myself going farther this summer. My goal is now 50 miles a week. All I need for that to happen is a job so I can afford to keep buying shoes every couple of months!
I've been experimenting with my diet a bit. Lots and lots of carbs and even more water. I've been finding also that eating more is working much better for me, so I will continue to do that as long as it works.
Each run the past month has made me feel nearly invincible. I've run in new places, including up steep mountain tops, the appalachian trail, and 2 am downtown running adventures with my trusty new headlamp. *I love you, petzyl!*
I owe a lot of my success to my garmin, for the simple fact that it accurately tracks my mileage on each run. This device has allowed me a ton of freedom and I feel that piece of mind has helped me mentally.
On a more important note, I will be going back to school in a couple of weeks to get my teaching certification for physical education. If you would have told me a year ago that I was going to be doing all of this, I would have told you you were crazy!
So overall, I've been running very strong, and long, which is my goal overall!
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Starting Over After 9 months
This morning I went out for a short, foggy run. Once again, my mind was overpowering, and despite running 35 miles last week with no problems whatsoever, this week has been totally different. I haven't been in sync with my body at all, and I'm doing far too much walking.
I can literally feel my mind telling my body to stop, even when I probably don't need to. Since I am not competitive in my running, and do it for pure enjoyment, I am going to have to practically start all over again. I know what you're thinking. Don't be a wussy, just keep going? Well, I would agree with you in theory. However, a wise man once said "know thyself"."
If there is one person I know very well, it is myself. Once I get into something, I have a tendency to drop it completely if I overindulge.
I had been running at least 6-8 miles a run every other day and loving it, I think I'm going to have to start with 5k's again for a while, maybe going as far back as 15 mpw.
Running for me is supposed to be fun, and perhaps that many miles was a high point before a plateau. So I'm going to try some shorter runs with short term goals, all in the interest of sticking with it. I know I'm fit, and I'm proud of my prior accomplishments, but if I keep going on this track I know I'll suffer for it even more so.
Your comments and advice are much appreciated!
I can literally feel my mind telling my body to stop, even when I probably don't need to. Since I am not competitive in my running, and do it for pure enjoyment, I am going to have to practically start all over again. I know what you're thinking. Don't be a wussy, just keep going? Well, I would agree with you in theory. However, a wise man once said "know thyself"."
If there is one person I know very well, it is myself. Once I get into something, I have a tendency to drop it completely if I overindulge.
I had been running at least 6-8 miles a run every other day and loving it, I think I'm going to have to start with 5k's again for a while, maybe going as far back as 15 mpw.
Running for me is supposed to be fun, and perhaps that many miles was a high point before a plateau. So I'm going to try some shorter runs with short term goals, all in the interest of sticking with it. I know I'm fit, and I'm proud of my prior accomplishments, but if I keep going on this track I know I'll suffer for it even more so.
Your comments and advice are much appreciated!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Generation XXL
Roughly every decade, the old farts come up with spiffy new terminology for the teen and pre-teen age bracket. The 60's were the Dazed and Confused. The 80's kids were the party crazed. The nineties had generation X. And now, we have a new generation that is yet to be named. Actually, I'm sure that it has, but I'm giving it a new name. Generation XXL.
You know what I'm talking about. You've seen it on the news for the past few years, and the problem continues to grow. Now, it is just plain getting out of hand. Kids are inactive and their diets are out of control.
Not only are they eating complete and total junk, but their portions are outrageous. Despite the sub par efforts of some educators, ask any kid what a calorie is, and they have no idea. It is no surprise then, that these same kids have no idea what a serving is, or how many the daily reccomended servings for a given food would be. And you can just forget about counting calories. These kids were never taught to look at the back of a label, only the flashy front that says "two for one" or "33% more." That one gets 'em every time. Less is more, and most children today are being taught that bigger is better.
So who needs servings when the television is telling you how much to eat. How much should you eat? According to commercials, the emphatic answer is MORE MORE MORE!!!! Would you like to supersize that? Curly fries? The answer with most of us just seems to be yes.
Couple this with the entertainment buzz, and you have a ticking time bomb with the fuze lit. Children to day seem to be born not with silver spoons in their mouths, but rather: playstation controllers in their hands. A television in each room. And, no idea about being active. Old habits die hard, even when you're an impressionable youngster. The more they become accustomed to this lifestyle, the harder it is to become acclimated to an active lifestyle. Suddenly, becoming a child is not about playing outside, it's about being glued to a joystick.
Report after report comes out each year concerning childhood obesity, and I fear that parents are taking each one with a grain of salt. Many go out of their way to sign their kids up for wacky things such as tae-kwon-do, but it's not all about handing a check over to the next big thing. Old fashioned playing in the back yard is just fine. In fact, I think all parents should practically FORCE their kids to be active. I hear so many claiming "I want my kids to be active, if only I knew how to make them do it." Here's a radical concept: TAKE CONTROL!!!! I'm only 25 years old, so pardon the expression, but "back in my day" my parents would turn the tube off and give me no other option. It's too easy to succumb to the temptations of the tube. As barney fife used to say "nip it. nip it in the bud!"
So parents, take a good look at your lifestyle. Read up. And ask yourself honestly. What kind of life do you want for your kids? Better yet...would you like to see them happy and active? Or lethargic and catatonic. The choice is yours, America.
Just a little push in the right direction. I must be running off now...
You know what I'm talking about. You've seen it on the news for the past few years, and the problem continues to grow. Now, it is just plain getting out of hand. Kids are inactive and their diets are out of control.
Not only are they eating complete and total junk, but their portions are outrageous. Despite the sub par efforts of some educators, ask any kid what a calorie is, and they have no idea. It is no surprise then, that these same kids have no idea what a serving is, or how many the daily reccomended servings for a given food would be. And you can just forget about counting calories. These kids were never taught to look at the back of a label, only the flashy front that says "two for one" or "33% more." That one gets 'em every time. Less is more, and most children today are being taught that bigger is better.
So who needs servings when the television is telling you how much to eat. How much should you eat? According to commercials, the emphatic answer is MORE MORE MORE!!!! Would you like to supersize that? Curly fries? The answer with most of us just seems to be yes.
Couple this with the entertainment buzz, and you have a ticking time bomb with the fuze lit. Children to day seem to be born not with silver spoons in their mouths, but rather: playstation controllers in their hands. A television in each room. And, no idea about being active. Old habits die hard, even when you're an impressionable youngster. The more they become accustomed to this lifestyle, the harder it is to become acclimated to an active lifestyle. Suddenly, becoming a child is not about playing outside, it's about being glued to a joystick.
Report after report comes out each year concerning childhood obesity, and I fear that parents are taking each one with a grain of salt. Many go out of their way to sign their kids up for wacky things such as tae-kwon-do, but it's not all about handing a check over to the next big thing. Old fashioned playing in the back yard is just fine. In fact, I think all parents should practically FORCE their kids to be active. I hear so many claiming "I want my kids to be active, if only I knew how to make them do it." Here's a radical concept: TAKE CONTROL!!!! I'm only 25 years old, so pardon the expression, but "back in my day" my parents would turn the tube off and give me no other option. It's too easy to succumb to the temptations of the tube. As barney fife used to say "nip it. nip it in the bud!"
So parents, take a good look at your lifestyle. Read up. And ask yourself honestly. What kind of life do you want for your kids? Better yet...would you like to see them happy and active? Or lethargic and catatonic. The choice is yours, America.
Just a little push in the right direction. I must be running off now...
Sunday, March 18, 2007
running with tunes: part deux
So, Im not sure if I should feel like a bloody hypocrite or not, but I ran with music yesterday for the first time in months. I had been on an anti tunes tirade for those months, claiming that running with music would make any runner's run that much harder, because it would put their breathing and heart rate out of whack.
I wish to issue an apology to the runners who have had success with this method, as I now enjoy running more with tunes once again.
When I first started, I had no idea how to pace myself, I had no earthly clue how to listen to a song with a fast tempo and still run at a pace that was slower than the BPM (beats per minute). What i didn't realize was that after running for a long enough time, most any runner gets to know his or her self on such a level that allows them to 'feel' their own pace, regardless of music.
I decided that the only obstacle I have in running success is 100% mental. I get bored being by myself and seeing the same old things run after run after run. My body (legs, heart, and lungs) is so strong, yet my mind remains weak during most runs. So, this means when I start to get tired up a hill, I've lost the battle many times before my run even reaches halfway.
Listening to music can allow the runner to (pardon the expression) "tune" out these thoughts, or even some discomfort. I wonder if part of this is at least partially scientific. Is there a neurological/psychological basis or foundation here? Farbeit for me to suppose I have any information on the issue, but it would seem to me that if the nerves send impulses to the brain when pain arrives, and the brain is preoccupied with music, that perhaps the brain ignores the pain to some extent, allowing the runner to run about, unaware of the pain.
This is not to say that you should ignore some shooting pain in the knees or the arches just because you run with music. However, if you find yourself in a place where you need a little "boost" I dont see any shame in doing whatever you have to do to get there.
A little long, but yesterday's run was the best I'd had in ages, and I found new success with an old friend.
I wish to issue an apology to the runners who have had success with this method, as I now enjoy running more with tunes once again.
When I first started, I had no idea how to pace myself, I had no earthly clue how to listen to a song with a fast tempo and still run at a pace that was slower than the BPM (beats per minute). What i didn't realize was that after running for a long enough time, most any runner gets to know his or her self on such a level that allows them to 'feel' their own pace, regardless of music.
I decided that the only obstacle I have in running success is 100% mental. I get bored being by myself and seeing the same old things run after run after run. My body (legs, heart, and lungs) is so strong, yet my mind remains weak during most runs. So, this means when I start to get tired up a hill, I've lost the battle many times before my run even reaches halfway.
Listening to music can allow the runner to (pardon the expression) "tune" out these thoughts, or even some discomfort. I wonder if part of this is at least partially scientific. Is there a neurological/psychological basis or foundation here? Farbeit for me to suppose I have any information on the issue, but it would seem to me that if the nerves send impulses to the brain when pain arrives, and the brain is preoccupied with music, that perhaps the brain ignores the pain to some extent, allowing the runner to run about, unaware of the pain.
This is not to say that you should ignore some shooting pain in the knees or the arches just because you run with music. However, if you find yourself in a place where you need a little "boost" I dont see any shame in doing whatever you have to do to get there.
A little long, but yesterday's run was the best I'd had in ages, and I found new success with an old friend.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
dear running:
Dear running,
*ahem*
You and I have had a very interesting, complicated relationship. We've been together through good times and bad, and there have been peaks and valleys all along the way (seriously, those hills can be killer). You give me everything I could ever want. I mean sure, sometimes we fight when I get all excited to go out with you for an hour and it somehow ends up being twenty minutes because I just can't stand it, but I digress.
You also challenge me. Most others would simply roll with the punches, but there are many times when challenging just isnt enough, and you push me to my absolute limits.
Through you, I learn a lot about myself. There are many different approaches I have taken, those who know me really understand the fact that I constantly ***** and moan about the bad times we've had, but I revel in the good. Whether that means running with music or without, working hard or taking it easy, there is always something new, even if it is an unwelcome change (I will always be able to look back and learn from it, and understand why that change was absolutely neccessary.)
I have had a bad habit of jumping into things too fast in previous relationships, and I quickly burn out. I know how to pace myself with you, which leaves me satisfied and never really bored. I am so glad we are taking it "slow."
Even though we have only been together for 8 months, I'm pretty sure you're "the one", and I hope we can grow old together, mile after mile, shoe after shoe, run after run.
I love you.
Can't wait to see you again on monday afternoon!
xoxo
Chance
(call me)
*ahem*
You and I have had a very interesting, complicated relationship. We've been together through good times and bad, and there have been peaks and valleys all along the way (seriously, those hills can be killer). You give me everything I could ever want. I mean sure, sometimes we fight when I get all excited to go out with you for an hour and it somehow ends up being twenty minutes because I just can't stand it, but I digress.
You also challenge me. Most others would simply roll with the punches, but there are many times when challenging just isnt enough, and you push me to my absolute limits.
Through you, I learn a lot about myself. There are many different approaches I have taken, those who know me really understand the fact that I constantly ***** and moan about the bad times we've had, but I revel in the good. Whether that means running with music or without, working hard or taking it easy, there is always something new, even if it is an unwelcome change (I will always be able to look back and learn from it, and understand why that change was absolutely neccessary.)
I have had a bad habit of jumping into things too fast in previous relationships, and I quickly burn out. I know how to pace myself with you, which leaves me satisfied and never really bored. I am so glad we are taking it "slow."
Even though we have only been together for 8 months, I'm pretty sure you're "the one", and I hope we can grow old together, mile after mile, shoe after shoe, run after run.
I love you.
Can't wait to see you again on monday afternoon!
xoxo
Chance
(call me)
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Warm Ups are So Important
Sometimes, our personalities can really hinder our running. Or maybe it's just me. I'm a very spontaneous person. I don't wait for anything. Traffic jams? Outta my way, why are you so slow? Ice storm schmise storm, I want to go for a sunday drive. Gotta have it, gotta have it NOW. The same was true for my running. I have brought my running clothes in a duffel bag to work for months, gotten dressed, hopped out of the car, and just started running after a short stretch. Yes friends, if you know me, this is no surprise. I ignore expert advice. Despite all common sense, I would just get up and run, with no warm ups...
So I decided to warm up the way I should have been for the past nine months, and BOY DID IT PAY OFF BIG TIME!
After running/walking for about 10-15 minutes, I started on my run.
Everything seemed NORMAL until I got to mile marker 1. My watch said 7:25. HOLY CRAP. That's by far the fastest mile I've ever run. In fact, it's a minute and five seconds faster! Woot!
I kept tugging along, totally at peace and with a comfortable stride until I got up a hill...I admit it, I had to suck it up and take a walk break, b/c this hill was HUGE and I need to work on that...so I figured a short walk break would improve my time. This hill was right before the 5k mark, so I kept going until I got to around 3.1. This time, the watch Read 23:19
I won't count this as a true 5K PR because my training called for 6 today and I didn't do the .1 of the 3.1. Ah well, what's 528 feet?
On to the rest... I was at halfway point. I turned around and hightailed it back. THIS is where I knew I was really cooking! I was really hitting my stride even more than before. That same place I mentioned always pooping out at...that one spot that made me crazy and where my mental collapse occured...was nothing. I flew right by it...TWICE!! At that point, all I had was about 2.5 miles. I passed a few runners and had all the energy in the world to say hello, "nice dog" etc. It was great. This is the way my body should always feel on runs. How I've WANTED it to feel for such a long time. I finished out the course up a huge hill at 48:18. My previous 10k was closer to 52 minutes. That's a 4 minute shave-off my time!!! Awesome!!!
Finally, I calculated my average pace, which was 8 minutes per mile. I felt (and still feel) awesome!! I now realize why I was struggling. YEAH! Had to share. So there you go folks, DONT RUN ON COLD MUSCLES!! your body NEEDS the warm up time, and you'll be a lot more comfortable on your runs.
Charlottesville Half, here I come!
So I decided to warm up the way I should have been for the past nine months, and BOY DID IT PAY OFF BIG TIME!
After running/walking for about 10-15 minutes, I started on my run.
Everything seemed NORMAL until I got to mile marker 1. My watch said 7:25. HOLY CRAP. That's by far the fastest mile I've ever run. In fact, it's a minute and five seconds faster! Woot!
I kept tugging along, totally at peace and with a comfortable stride until I got up a hill...I admit it, I had to suck it up and take a walk break, b/c this hill was HUGE and I need to work on that...so I figured a short walk break would improve my time. This hill was right before the 5k mark, so I kept going until I got to around 3.1. This time, the watch Read 23:19
I won't count this as a true 5K PR because my training called for 6 today and I didn't do the .1 of the 3.1. Ah well, what's 528 feet?
On to the rest... I was at halfway point. I turned around and hightailed it back. THIS is where I knew I was really cooking! I was really hitting my stride even more than before. That same place I mentioned always pooping out at...that one spot that made me crazy and where my mental collapse occured...was nothing. I flew right by it...TWICE!! At that point, all I had was about 2.5 miles. I passed a few runners and had all the energy in the world to say hello, "nice dog" etc. It was great. This is the way my body should always feel on runs. How I've WANTED it to feel for such a long time. I finished out the course up a huge hill at 48:18. My previous 10k was closer to 52 minutes. That's a 4 minute shave-off my time!!! Awesome!!!
Finally, I calculated my average pace, which was 8 minutes per mile. I felt (and still feel) awesome!! I now realize why I was struggling. YEAH! Had to share. So there you go folks, DONT RUN ON COLD MUSCLES!! your body NEEDS the warm up time, and you'll be a lot more comfortable on your runs.
Charlottesville Half, here I come!
Friday, March 2, 2007
There is no shame in walking!!
At least that's what I have to keep telling myself everytime a huge hill kicks my ***. Today I went out for 8 miles, and the first four flew by. Then, after turning around at the halfway point, I grew so bored with the scenery (this one spot does it to me every time and I have no idea why), that I just stopped and walked for a minute.
As luck would have it, the minute I stopped, here comes the local Univ XC team like a pack of kenyans on crack. Zoom! I stood and marveled at the sight for a minute, then decided to keep going. Waiting straight ahead was the biggest hill of them all. My upcoming half has a ton of hills, and I knew I couldn't skip this thing. After all, it might kick my arse this time, but I want to kick arse in the half, too.
For some people, this would have been natural. For me, it cuts against the grain. I am not a hyper-aggressive runner. I run to be outdoors and just be alone with my breathing and my stride. It's friggin' heaven to me! So why do I feel like stopping for any period of time makes me any less of a runner? Who knows, probably the visions I got in my head of the upcoming half. Or maybe it was last week's 11.5 mile distance PB that needed no stops (it was the exact same route, just a different direction taken.)
I can remember a time in the past when stopping was actually joyful. Not because I was getting a needed rest, but because the road, my body, and my mind were issuing my soul a challenge.
"Can you really do this? Come on...a mile is like an inch to you now, are you telling me you can't run an inch, two inches, three more?"
No joke, this is the sort of thing that would be recurring in my head. I refer you back to my post about my first 10 mile run.
During every run, there is something there that will try to stop you. The mental aspect of running is perhaps the most challenging of them all. For once you have mastered your body, your mind can still manipulate it to any degree it deems fit in order to make you fail. But you have to remember, it is YOUR mind. So, commit to yourself, say this pledge:
"I, the runner, do solemnly vow to be mentally tough. I will not allow my brain to have the last word. Though the road ahead may be perilous, I know I will THINK it to be more so than it truly is . I AM IN CONTROL."
If your mind says "stop" do what I do (and yes, I am serious, and you should take this literally). YOU NEED TO SCREAM OUT LOUD, "NO, I WILL NOT STOP." You stop when your run is over. Not when you decide to end it. If a short break or two, or three, is what you need to REGROUP for a minute, THERE IS NO SHAME IN WALKING. It is better to take 5 for a hot second than to let your mind stay in a funk because you refuse to quit.
so maybe I'm a wuss, maybe not. One thing I do know, is that I love running with all my heart and soul, and I will do anything to make every run truly enjoyabe, even if it means taking a break or two!
Happy running.
As luck would have it, the minute I stopped, here comes the local Univ XC team like a pack of kenyans on crack. Zoom! I stood and marveled at the sight for a minute, then decided to keep going. Waiting straight ahead was the biggest hill of them all. My upcoming half has a ton of hills, and I knew I couldn't skip this thing. After all, it might kick my arse this time, but I want to kick arse in the half, too.
For some people, this would have been natural. For me, it cuts against the grain. I am not a hyper-aggressive runner. I run to be outdoors and just be alone with my breathing and my stride. It's friggin' heaven to me! So why do I feel like stopping for any period of time makes me any less of a runner? Who knows, probably the visions I got in my head of the upcoming half. Or maybe it was last week's 11.5 mile distance PB that needed no stops (it was the exact same route, just a different direction taken.)
I can remember a time in the past when stopping was actually joyful. Not because I was getting a needed rest, but because the road, my body, and my mind were issuing my soul a challenge.
"Can you really do this? Come on...a mile is like an inch to you now, are you telling me you can't run an inch, two inches, three more?"
No joke, this is the sort of thing that would be recurring in my head. I refer you back to my post about my first 10 mile run.
During every run, there is something there that will try to stop you. The mental aspect of running is perhaps the most challenging of them all. For once you have mastered your body, your mind can still manipulate it to any degree it deems fit in order to make you fail. But you have to remember, it is YOUR mind. So, commit to yourself, say this pledge:
"I, the runner, do solemnly vow to be mentally tough. I will not allow my brain to have the last word. Though the road ahead may be perilous, I know I will THINK it to be more so than it truly is . I AM IN CONTROL."
If your mind says "stop" do what I do (and yes, I am serious, and you should take this literally). YOU NEED TO SCREAM OUT LOUD, "NO, I WILL NOT STOP." You stop when your run is over. Not when you decide to end it. If a short break or two, or three, is what you need to REGROUP for a minute, THERE IS NO SHAME IN WALKING. It is better to take 5 for a hot second than to let your mind stay in a funk because you refuse to quit.
so maybe I'm a wuss, maybe not. One thing I do know, is that I love running with all my heart and soul, and I will do anything to make every run truly enjoyabe, even if it means taking a break or two!
Happy running.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Running is...
The Essence of Running
Running is a road to self-awareness and reliance …
you can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh
reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast
quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin
beneath your feet.
But when you are through, exhilarated and exhausted,
at least for a moment everything seems right with the world…
(stolen)
Running is a road to self-awareness and reliance …
you can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh
reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast
quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin
beneath your feet.
But when you are through, exhilarated and exhausted,
at least for a moment everything seems right with the world…
(stolen)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Has Running Changed Who You Are?
When I was 180 lbs in college, I used to drive a quarter mile from my apartment to the dining hall to get two philly cheese steak sandwiches and two large drinks every day. I would sit and watch tv and listen to music and I thought I was in heaven. Walking was out of the question, even on a nice spring day. Deep down, I knew I was a huge hypocrite, because I was surrounded by mountains and rivers and beautiful wildlife that I adored inside but never ventured outside. I also was surrounded by a bunch of city slickers at the local University that never noticed any of that, no matter how much I preached to them that a good time doesn't necessarily need to include a two story shopping mall or booze. "Look around you" I would exclaim with such conviction. Yet, I never did myself.
I also remember taking a personal wellness course that required you to log a certain amount of time each week for credit. All you had to do was lift weights, run on the T Mill (which I still refuse to do instead of going outside), or play basketball. I had an entire semester to complete it.
I made a B in that course because of it. I also remember my BMI and my REAL AGE tests telling me I was fat and about 29 (I was 22). Yikes!
Walking anywhere was a pain in the ***, even on a nice day. I just wouldn't do it. Now, I purposely park as far as I can from the entrance to stores just so I can get in a 10 second run to the door. Same with the mailbox. Oh...and my regular 25 mpw
In my mind, this is an amazing transformation! It also has done a lot to strengthen my character. I'm more confident than I've ever been, and it has given me the courage to do things I wouldn't have done before, such as oh say...getting two tattoos and shaving my head? I've had a tendency in the past to start things and never finish them. When I started, I wanted to lose three or four pounds and NEVER thought I'd actually be able to do that, let alone stick with it for eight months...
I also feel more at peace with myself. I'm not self conscious like I used to be, and, for some odd reason, I developed about 100000% more backbone than I ever thought I'd have. I think all of this is due to the fact that I'm active, and there are certain biochemical things at work. Somewhere inside of me, a switch has turned ON. That switch, (labeled LIFE) has been turned off for the past quarter century. I'm just glad that I found running, it has done more for me than I ever imagined.
So what has running done for you? Are you more confident? Do you feel younger, brighter, more energetic? Maybe even an increased libido capacity? Once you get out there, and get active, IMHO, the world is YOURS.
I also remember taking a personal wellness course that required you to log a certain amount of time each week for credit. All you had to do was lift weights, run on the T Mill (which I still refuse to do instead of going outside), or play basketball. I had an entire semester to complete it.
I made a B in that course because of it. I also remember my BMI and my REAL AGE tests telling me I was fat and about 29 (I was 22). Yikes!
Walking anywhere was a pain in the ***, even on a nice day. I just wouldn't do it. Now, I purposely park as far as I can from the entrance to stores just so I can get in a 10 second run to the door. Same with the mailbox. Oh...and my regular 25 mpw
In my mind, this is an amazing transformation! It also has done a lot to strengthen my character. I'm more confident than I've ever been, and it has given me the courage to do things I wouldn't have done before, such as oh say...getting two tattoos and shaving my head? I've had a tendency in the past to start things and never finish them. When I started, I wanted to lose three or four pounds and NEVER thought I'd actually be able to do that, let alone stick with it for eight months...
I also feel more at peace with myself. I'm not self conscious like I used to be, and, for some odd reason, I developed about 100000% more backbone than I ever thought I'd have. I think all of this is due to the fact that I'm active, and there are certain biochemical things at work. Somewhere inside of me, a switch has turned ON. That switch, (labeled LIFE) has been turned off for the past quarter century. I'm just glad that I found running, it has done more for me than I ever imagined.
So what has running done for you? Are you more confident? Do you feel younger, brighter, more energetic? Maybe even an increased libido capacity? Once you get out there, and get active, IMHO, the world is YOURS.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Running with tunes..
I've gone through a lot of stages in my running career. There was the run-fast-so-people-don't-think-you're-out-of-shape phase. There was the alternative stride phase. And of course, there was the running with tunes stage. That stage seemed to last the longest of all. I have to say, it was the worst decision I ever made.
Don't get me wrong, here. I don't mean to insinuate that this will apply to all runners. It won't. But I see so manny beginning runners religiously strapping on their ipods, and so many of them get pooped out. There is a very simple equation behind this. At least there was for me. It goes a little something like this:
Music=tempo and beat
tempo, beat, and volume=inability to hear your own breathing
heart rate out of whack.
Once the running with tunes phase ended, the enjoying running more than I ever have in my entire life phase was ready to begin. My pace was manageable, now that I could hear my breathing and pay attention to my heart rate, and my new shoes turned out to be a god send. Mentally I was stronger than ever, and my distances kept getting longer and longer. With music, the longest I could run was 5k, and I had to take walk breaks. This continued for the first few months of running...that's not a lot of forward progress.
Now, my longest run is 10 miles and I will smash that soon. I run 8 miles for fun, at a relaxed pace. And what's more..it has given me a whole new lease on running. With music, I enjoyed running. Without music, I really and truly LOOOVE running. I'm proud to say that, knowing it's truer than it ever was. I'm speach less with the joy it brings me, and the incredible progress I've made.
Something to think about if you run with music...
Don't get me wrong, here. I don't mean to insinuate that this will apply to all runners. It won't. But I see so manny beginning runners religiously strapping on their ipods, and so many of them get pooped out. There is a very simple equation behind this. At least there was for me. It goes a little something like this:
Music=tempo and beat
tempo, beat, and volume=inability to hear your own breathing
heart rate out of whack.
Once the running with tunes phase ended, the enjoying running more than I ever have in my entire life phase was ready to begin. My pace was manageable, now that I could hear my breathing and pay attention to my heart rate, and my new shoes turned out to be a god send. Mentally I was stronger than ever, and my distances kept getting longer and longer. With music, the longest I could run was 5k, and I had to take walk breaks. This continued for the first few months of running...that's not a lot of forward progress.
Now, my longest run is 10 miles and I will smash that soon. I run 8 miles for fun, at a relaxed pace. And what's more..it has given me a whole new lease on running. With music, I enjoyed running. Without music, I really and truly LOOOVE running. I'm proud to say that, knowing it's truer than it ever was. I'm speach less with the joy it brings me, and the incredible progress I've made.
Something to think about if you run with music...
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
A little trail'll do ya!
So I took a week off of running after completing a 7,8 and 10 mile LSD three weeks prior. I could feel myself sort of burning out a little bit, but knew that I would get back into it soon. After my hiatus, I was ready to go, this time on a beautiful trail. The scenery DEFINITELY helped. I love the asphalt trail I usually run on, but my surroundings become monotonous after months of running.
I was surrounded by nature at every turn. Even in the winter months with no foliage, I was astonished at the beauty. It really helped me out with the mental aspect of running. My mind went blank as I just took in all of the trees, the fresh clean air, the sounds and just overall feeling of the woods. I felt strong, confident, relaxed, and for the first time in many moons, I felt genuinely excited. It was just plain fun to run that day.
Case in point, if you find yourself waning a little bit (or a lot), take a few days off to do something else. Pamper yourself, and then when you return to running, run in a place that will ease your mind...it'll still be pampering.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Bad Runs? Or Bad attitude about GOOD ones?
Unless you're a super elite athlete that is used to near perfection, in my humble opinion, there isn't any such thing as a 'bad run'. Why do I say this? Follow me into my run this afternoon.
I had a long day at work, and a longer day when I got home. Some bad news got me depressed right before my birthday. I figured a run would make me feel better. While it didnt miraculously heal my woes, it still helped.
I plotted out a 5k course around town, stretched, got geared up for the cold, and started running. After a while, I stopped to walk. I never stop to walk. Was something wrong? Was I suddenly burned out? Maybe...but probably not. Especially not after three days off. I started running again, and right before a huge hill, I started to walk some more.
I thought to myself...am I having a bad run? Sure, I'm walking...but that's not really a bad run...is it? Nahhh I thought. I'm still running in the freeeezing cold and windy-ness, that's a LOT more than most people are doing. A short blog, but exercise is exercise!
I had a long day at work, and a longer day when I got home. Some bad news got me depressed right before my birthday. I figured a run would make me feel better. While it didnt miraculously heal my woes, it still helped.
I plotted out a 5k course around town, stretched, got geared up for the cold, and started running. After a while, I stopped to walk. I never stop to walk. Was something wrong? Was I suddenly burned out? Maybe...but probably not. Especially not after three days off. I started running again, and right before a huge hill, I started to walk some more.
I thought to myself...am I having a bad run? Sure, I'm walking...but that's not really a bad run...is it? Nahhh I thought. I'm still running in the freeeezing cold and windy-ness, that's a LOT more than most people are doing. A short blog, but exercise is exercise!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Don't Let your body control your mind...
I set out to run 10 miles today. It was, without a doubt, one of the hardest things I've ever done in my entire life. I started about 3.5 miles away from where the trail begins, and the shins were aching right before the trail entrance. I stopped and stretched again , focusing on the shins, and got going.
About a half a mile into it, something inside of me just kind of stopped. I took about 5 minutes to sit down and do some serious, deep thinking. Why was I running 10 miles? Should I be running ten miles? What reasons were behind me running in the first place? I started to tell myself "you're being too competitive, you're not a marathoner!" While part of that is true, it was nonetheless hogwash.
I decided to walk the next half mile to the mile marker there. Mile marker 1. "Okay" I thought...if I just start I know I can keep going. I made it to mile 2,3, and 4.
You guys...mile four was BEAUTIFUL. The state had not gotten around to shoveling this stretch of the trail yet, and oh my GOD. It was covered with FRESH white snow, only about a half inch if that. The trees were bowing towards the center of the trail from both sides, many of which I had to run THROUGH. I t hought that was super cool. I was SO tired, but I know I didn't feel it, because I was just so into the scenery. I wanted to hang out there all day, but I had to keep truding along. Mile 4 was straight ahead.
I stopped here and stretched once more, then hightailed it back.
The rest of the run was pretty strong, a couple more stops and a few water breaks between the way. Maybe 10 miles is a bit much for me right now, but it feels good to finally complete a double digit run after all this time of thinking I couldn't get that far.
I had a lot of thoughts going through my head, and what I ultimately decided is that it is super easy to doubt yourself when you become tired, trudging up hills when everything around you is turned to ice, and you are SOOO cold. You just have to find your stride and crest those hills, your body has a way of feeling better mentally and physically once you've done so.
Brings a whole new meaning to "its all downhill from here."
About a half a mile into it, something inside of me just kind of stopped. I took about 5 minutes to sit down and do some serious, deep thinking. Why was I running 10 miles? Should I be running ten miles? What reasons were behind me running in the first place? I started to tell myself "you're being too competitive, you're not a marathoner!" While part of that is true, it was nonetheless hogwash.
I decided to walk the next half mile to the mile marker there. Mile marker 1. "Okay" I thought...if I just start I know I can keep going. I made it to mile 2,3, and 4.
You guys...mile four was BEAUTIFUL. The state had not gotten around to shoveling this stretch of the trail yet, and oh my GOD. It was covered with FRESH white snow, only about a half inch if that. The trees were bowing towards the center of the trail from both sides, many of which I had to run THROUGH. I t hought that was super cool. I was SO tired, but I know I didn't feel it, because I was just so into the scenery. I wanted to hang out there all day, but I had to keep truding along. Mile 4 was straight ahead.
I stopped here and stretched once more, then hightailed it back.
The rest of the run was pretty strong, a couple more stops and a few water breaks between the way. Maybe 10 miles is a bit much for me right now, but it feels good to finally complete a double digit run after all this time of thinking I couldn't get that far.
I had a lot of thoughts going through my head, and what I ultimately decided is that it is super easy to doubt yourself when you become tired, trudging up hills when everything around you is turned to ice, and you are SOOO cold. You just have to find your stride and crest those hills, your body has a way of feeling better mentally and physically once you've done so.
Brings a whole new meaning to "its all downhill from here."
Sunday, January 21, 2007
ICE STORM
UGH. Usually, I love ice storms. Time off of school, and since I work @ one, that = a day off! Unfortunately, that also means my little 2 wheel drive car can't make it anywhere, leaving me stranded in the house. I HATE not being able to go anywhere.
I was supposed to have a run today @ 12:30, but of course, that was postponed until next weekend. I guess the cool thing about that is, it's my birthday! Maybe I can get all the cool running stuff I asked for and use it at the race! But for now, I'm inside, wanting to run a ten miler in the freezing rain, with no such luck. I feel like a rabbit stuck in tar. Ever read Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch? I feel exactly like that.
I am reallllllllly hoping that tomorrow's weather is more travel-friendly. If I go three days without a run, I might do something rash!
I was supposed to have a run today @ 12:30, but of course, that was postponed until next weekend. I guess the cool thing about that is, it's my birthday! Maybe I can get all the cool running stuff I asked for and use it at the race! But for now, I'm inside, wanting to run a ten miler in the freezing rain, with no such luck. I feel like a rabbit stuck in tar. Ever read Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch? I feel exactly like that.
I am reallllllllly hoping that tomorrow's weather is more travel-friendly. If I go three days without a run, I might do something rash!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Jimmy and Me
Sound crazy? Maybe not. As some of you already know, I work with a middle schooler who has a rare condition called alternating hemoplegia, a neurological disease that causes an akward gait, slurred speech, and unpredictable bouts of paralysis.
Every day, as part of his physical therapy, he rides a full length tricycle around the school. And every day, I put on my old pair of running shoes, and run with him. It really is a joy to see his face light up when he has this free time to himself. It is the one point during the day when he can be his own person, with minimal adult supervision.
With a little steering, he and I are a gruesome twosome, terrorizing the hallways of Christiansburg Middle School. I get a high out of it every single time....even if he is faster than me :D I'm going to talk to his dad and see if I can get him on the bike and go outdoors with him. I think he would make a great running partner.
Peddle on, Jimmy, you're the best.
Every day, as part of his physical therapy, he rides a full length tricycle around the school. And every day, I put on my old pair of running shoes, and run with him. It really is a joy to see his face light up when he has this free time to himself. It is the one point during the day when he can be his own person, with minimal adult supervision.
With a little steering, he and I are a gruesome twosome, terrorizing the hallways of Christiansburg Middle School. I get a high out of it every single time....even if he is faster than me :D I'm going to talk to his dad and see if I can get him on the bike and go outdoors with him. I think he would make a great running partner.
Peddle on, Jimmy, you're the best.
Monday, January 15, 2007
A Second Wind Phenomenon
I have no doubt that every run comes in stages. The warm up, the first couple couple of miles, mid run, and my personal favorite, the second wind? What is a second wind? Well, for me, the second wind is usually the last two miles of any given long run. Conserving my energy for the rest of the run is meant for just such a period.
The body seems to ignore all pain and all thoughts, mostly because your thoughts are not on the pain, but rather on how close you are to reaching that long distance goal. You know it's straight ahead, and you're familiar with the home stretch, because it's where you started. No matter what distance I run, I always seem to get this last mileage high. My pace picks up, my stride is longer, but my breathing is still in concert with the rest of my body, and my heart rate isn't anything to be concerned about.
Maybe it's an individual thing, but I like to think that everyone experiences this. Perhaps its like anything else--you know you're almost done, so your body and your mind kick into zen mode and you're TOTALLY focused. This is always the favorite part of my runs, but also my least favorite, because as soon as I'm done, I'm automatically sad that it's over. I know, I need a hobby outside of running, but once it's over it does feel a little empty, except for the accomplishment.
So, next time you're thinking of quitting, unless your body is telling you you're about to injure something if you don't at least rest and stretch--think about the home stretch. It could be the most empowering part of your runs, and something to look forward to every single time. Often times, your second wind...is just finishing.
The body seems to ignore all pain and all thoughts, mostly because your thoughts are not on the pain, but rather on how close you are to reaching that long distance goal. You know it's straight ahead, and you're familiar with the home stretch, because it's where you started. No matter what distance I run, I always seem to get this last mileage high. My pace picks up, my stride is longer, but my breathing is still in concert with the rest of my body, and my heart rate isn't anything to be concerned about.
Maybe it's an individual thing, but I like to think that everyone experiences this. Perhaps its like anything else--you know you're almost done, so your body and your mind kick into zen mode and you're TOTALLY focused. This is always the favorite part of my runs, but also my least favorite, because as soon as I'm done, I'm automatically sad that it's over. I know, I need a hobby outside of running, but once it's over it does feel a little empty, except for the accomplishment.
So, next time you're thinking of quitting, unless your body is telling you you're about to injure something if you don't at least rest and stretch--think about the home stretch. It could be the most empowering part of your runs, and something to look forward to every single time. Often times, your second wind...is just finishing.
What really is the "runner's high?"
Okay, maybe I'm biased because I enjoy it so much, but I find running to be very therapeudic. Had a rough day at work? Go for a run! My first major LSD was done just hours after a very stressful day at work. Poof, magic, miles and miles that had been eluding me before were now just slipping away. What made the difference, what caused this sudden change?
When I ask runners old and new what they enjoy most about running, the answer seems to be unanimous..."Running is ME time." Everyone needs "me" time, but for runners, what does that mean, exactly?
Does it mean the same as going to the movies? Does it mean the same as lounging by the tv set and catching your favorite show? Well, this is a question with a very individualistic answer, I would assume. However, the general consensus is that running is a time to be alone with your thoughts. When you're by yourself, (save the occasional dogwalker, cyclist, or other runners), the scenery that is otherwise monotonous becomes something surreal. It becomes a part of you. Furthermore, everything else has a way of just "floating away."
I have used runs to contemplate things as trite as "should I really have gotten that last tattoo done" to things as serious as life after college. And it's no surprise. Every brilliant artist or musician has a certain idiosyncratic way of coming about their lyrics or their most recent painting. For many of these, it is something manifested by a brilliant mind, for others, the only way to come across this sort of epiphany is to bring oneself into a meditative state.
Some use yoga, some lift weights. And still others, run mile after mile to escape a chaotic workload, homelife, and personal life. So maybe runner's high isn't always a crazy rush you experience, but rather a wonderful sensation that takes you away as you forget everything else that had previously gripped you mercilessly. Without said distractions, you're left with the scenery, your rhythmic breathing, and that soothing sound of rubber soles on your favorite running surface. Everything else is obsolite.
here's hoping your runs are all this way. And remember, if you hit a wall, come back to why you run in the first place. It'll keep you going.
gotta run
CM
When I ask runners old and new what they enjoy most about running, the answer seems to be unanimous..."Running is ME time." Everyone needs "me" time, but for runners, what does that mean, exactly?
Does it mean the same as going to the movies? Does it mean the same as lounging by the tv set and catching your favorite show? Well, this is a question with a very individualistic answer, I would assume. However, the general consensus is that running is a time to be alone with your thoughts. When you're by yourself, (save the occasional dogwalker, cyclist, or other runners), the scenery that is otherwise monotonous becomes something surreal. It becomes a part of you. Furthermore, everything else has a way of just "floating away."
I have used runs to contemplate things as trite as "should I really have gotten that last tattoo done" to things as serious as life after college. And it's no surprise. Every brilliant artist or musician has a certain idiosyncratic way of coming about their lyrics or their most recent painting. For many of these, it is something manifested by a brilliant mind, for others, the only way to come across this sort of epiphany is to bring oneself into a meditative state.
Some use yoga, some lift weights. And still others, run mile after mile to escape a chaotic workload, homelife, and personal life. So maybe runner's high isn't always a crazy rush you experience, but rather a wonderful sensation that takes you away as you forget everything else that had previously gripped you mercilessly. Without said distractions, you're left with the scenery, your rhythmic breathing, and that soothing sound of rubber soles on your favorite running surface. Everything else is obsolite.
here's hoping your runs are all this way. And remember, if you hit a wall, come back to why you run in the first place. It'll keep you going.
gotta run
CM
My name is Chance, and I'm a runnaholic
Was a crappy ass movie, but it sure is fun to run that far! I busted up my previous LSD by half a mile, and a much stronger run today at that. What a beautiful day outside to boot! It's friggin 57 degrees in JJJJJANNNNNUUUUUARRRRYYYY. Al gore might be right. I kinda miss the weather though....commmeonnnnnnn JET STREAM!!! Canada, you've had your fun, but I want my snow!!! My birthday is in 12 days...youv'e got nearly a fortnight to redeem yourself! I demand snow, in the name of excelsior! Errr...something like that. Can you tell I'm hyper after my runs? I hope so.
Anyway, I think I have a problem. Like a sit-in-a-circle-in-a-church-basement-on-a-wednesday-night problem. "Hello, my name is Chance, and I'm a runnaholic." I just got back from over 10k, and I wish I was STILL RUNNING. What in the h-e-double hockey sticks is WRONG with me??? This is what my parents have been wanting to know for a quarter century now. Probably nothing, but man..I can remember when I would run half a mile and be exhausted. I HATED running. And now? I'm asking for ALL running stuff for my birthday and I couldn't be more excited about it. I will end up having over $1,000 worth of running stuff once it's said and done...and I'll just end up buying more. Matter of fact, with this mileage increase, I'll probably end up buying a new pair of $90 shoes every 2-3 months instead of every 6...okay end of rant!!
Run on, runners!
Anyway, I think I have a problem. Like a sit-in-a-circle-in-a-church-basement-on-a-wednesday-night problem. "Hello, my name is Chance, and I'm a runnaholic." I just got back from over 10k, and I wish I was STILL RUNNING. What in the h-e-double hockey sticks is WRONG with me??? This is what my parents have been wanting to know for a quarter century now. Probably nothing, but man..I can remember when I would run half a mile and be exhausted. I HATED running. And now? I'm asking for ALL running stuff for my birthday and I couldn't be more excited about it. I will end up having over $1,000 worth of running stuff once it's said and done...and I'll just end up buying more. Matter of fact, with this mileage increase, I'll probably end up buying a new pair of $90 shoes every 2-3 months instead of every 6...okay end of rant!!
Run on, runners!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
BREAKTHROUGH!!
Well, I did it. I finally listened to everyone who told me to slow the hell down, and it really worked. Hills, no problem! I dont need no stinkin' hills, I eat 'em for breakfast!! For weeks, I had been pushing myself too hard. I figured that I was in too good of shape to go slowly, and that if i was going 2 minutes below my race pace, I wasn't really running. What a load!
My run was, by all accounts, what a run was supposed to be. Nice and easy. Heartrate was in check and my breathing was totally awesome. I really enjoyed the scenery for a change, and it was almost a sensory overload. My thoughts were totally focused, yet sirene. I didnt need any music, and I dont think that I ever will again, except for cross training during stretching exercises before and after runs. My previous distance PR was about 10k, so I smashed it! Better still, it was easy, and I know now that I can do this every week, making my mileage increases all that much easier. 30 miles per week, here I come. I feel like a REAL RUNNER!!!!
Next week: 21.6 miles!!!
My run was, by all accounts, what a run was supposed to be. Nice and easy. Heartrate was in check and my breathing was totally awesome. I really enjoyed the scenery for a change, and it was almost a sensory overload. My thoughts were totally focused, yet sirene. I didnt need any music, and I dont think that I ever will again, except for cross training during stretching exercises before and after runs. My previous distance PR was about 10k, so I smashed it! Better still, it was easy, and I know now that I can do this every week, making my mileage increases all that much easier. 30 miles per week, here I come. I feel like a REAL RUNNER!!!!
Next week: 21.6 miles!!!
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Follow Suit..new job
Well Everyone an their mom has a blog..so I figure what the hell, right?
So, here is my blogspot. Woot. I know you're super stoked to read it. So anyway, I got a new job this week. I'll be working with a seventh grader who has multiple disabilities. I was a special ed teacher once upon a time, but with a HUUUUGE caseload. I may be going back to school again to see if I want to work with a smaller caseload.
What else, what else....tomorrow begins my 10% training regimen. I'm going to keep going until I get to about 30 mpw. At that rate, I'll need a new pair of shoes every three months.
Also, my birthday is coming up at the end of the month, and Im basically asking for all running stuff. I probably won't get any of it, because my family doesn't "understand" running. I wish for once someone would do some research before they decde something is bad for you. I dont understand how my dad, a 62 year old man who is COMPLETELY INACTIVE, (unless you count sitting in a tree stand as exercise), could possibly have any room to talk.
*End of Rant*
to be continued....
So, here is my blogspot. Woot. I know you're super stoked to read it. So anyway, I got a new job this week. I'll be working with a seventh grader who has multiple disabilities. I was a special ed teacher once upon a time, but with a HUUUUGE caseload. I may be going back to school again to see if I want to work with a smaller caseload.
What else, what else....tomorrow begins my 10% training regimen. I'm going to keep going until I get to about 30 mpw. At that rate, I'll need a new pair of shoes every three months.
Also, my birthday is coming up at the end of the month, and Im basically asking for all running stuff. I probably won't get any of it, because my family doesn't "understand" running. I wish for once someone would do some research before they decde something is bad for you. I dont understand how my dad, a 62 year old man who is COMPLETELY INACTIVE, (unless you count sitting in a tree stand as exercise), could possibly have any room to talk.
*End of Rant*
to be continued....
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