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!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
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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