About 6 days ago, a FB friend posted he was doing an indoor tri at the YMCA. I was curious about the logistics of it. How would they run it, how do they manage that many people in the pool, what bikes do they use, etc? He told me the details and said I should give it a try. I laughed, ha ha! Sure! I just started swimming last summer and all of it has been somewhat awkwardly self taught. I tried to get a few pointers from fellow swimmers but I think my brain learns best from someone either showing me or directly working with me. Since I didn't have that luxury, I used a lot of trial and error. I never took swim lessons as a kid and in fact my mom still doesn't know how to swim.
I have really enjoyed swimming and find it to be a very gratifying way to cross train. I love the feeling when I first jump in the water and my arms start to move. I feel like I am one with the water. If my muscles are sore from running or lifting weights, they feel light in the water. Even if I'm only swimming for 20 minutes I feel like I got a great workout in.
For the next 24 hours I thought about that tri. The set up is great for a first time tri. It's 15 minutes of swimming, 15 minutes of biking (stationary bike) and 15 minutes running with 5 minutes in between to change. I wouldn't have to worry about having a bike or any other special equipment. While I haven't used a bike since last summer (we canceled our gym membership since we weren't using it enough), I figured it's only 15 minutes. So physically, I knew I could do it.
So all that was left was my own fears. It kind of scares the pee out of me to think about competing against other people in something that's unfamiliar. The first time I do anything new I get a bit anxious. Not knowing exactly how the process will go or what to expect, worries me.
I worried about all the things that could go wrong. "What happens if I can't change fast enough?" So I start a little later, no big deal. It's not like I'm training to win. "What if my legs are sore from the bike?" So they're sore, get over it! I've been much more sore and ran without problems. It might not be my fastest time but who cares?
"What happens if I look foolish in the pool?" Ok, in fairness this one happens a lot so I'm already prepared to deal with it. Just yesterday while practicing flip turns I managed to land up in the lane next to me, nearly colliding with a fellow swimmer. He asked me later what happened and I told him I'm learning turns and not so good at them. He complimented me and said I looked strong out there and I said "Yeah, I'm so strong that I flipped into another lane. That takes a special kind of talent!"
That led me to think about last year and the many changes I had made. It led me to think about all the things I tried that I feared and how they all have helped me become a better, stronger person. This ultimately led me to fill out an application and sign up this Sunday, February 27th - just 5 days away.
Once I actualized my fears, I realized there is no reason not to sign up. The only thing that would be holding me back is myself and the millions of excuses I could generate as to why I shouldn't do it. So instead, I'm going to challenge myself. Now the closer it gets, the more excited I'm getting. I'm looking forward to trying something new and pushing myself.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Where Did I Go Wrong?
This is not a tale for the faint of heart or for those that easily get queasy or who are perhaps thinking about having children. It is a parenting story that I questioned if I should tell or not but in the end decided that I would. I figure if nothing else, you can have a good laugh at my expense : )
I sometimes feel like I am living on a reality show and I just can’t see the cameras but I’m convinced there is an audience because the things that happen in my house do not seem normal.
My kids and bedtime have graduated from letting them crying it out as infants to just laying them down knowing they would pretty easily go to bed unless they were sick or teething. Oh how I miss those days. I remember feeling guilt about laying them down so Jason was usually the one to do that task. I always worried they would cry and if they did I wouldn’t be able to resist picking them up.
In toddler years it graduated to an hour long (if I was lucky) process of reading, coloring, leaving the room, having them come out needing water, a snack, brush their teeth, going back in their room, dancing, more coloring, more reading, reassuring them there were no monsters “See I sprayed monster spray! No more monsters” (Monster spray = air freshener). It was a ridiculously long routine that we didn’t make the mistake of doing with our second.
Bedtime then graduated to a much simpler and quicker process. Brush your teeth, choose one of the following options (read, color, talk) for a few minutes and Jason and I would go downstairs to watch television. The kids were free to play for a bit and then go to sleep. This usually involves one or two trips by them downstairs with some made up excuse like “This is an emergency, mom. I had to come downstairs because I can’t find my crayons.” All in all, not a bad bedtime routine compared to the hour and a half long process we previously did.
They look so innocent, don't they?
Last night put this bedtime routine into a whole new category of which I still am wrapping my head around. I want to believe it was just a bad dream and it really didn’t happen.
The night began as our normal bedtime did. Kids came downstairs twice, we cuddled, told them to go back to bed and they went upstairs. A little while later I heard them making loud noises, I figured I would give them a minute before going upstairs to investigate. So wish I had done that in hindsight!
A few minutes later we can hear the pitter patter of feet coming down the stairs. What are they doing now? I hear my 4 year old yelling as he came down the stairs. “Mom, Ava pooped in a cup!”
Ok, what the hell? Did I just hear that right? Some of the thoughts floating in my head were “Ok, they clearly have our sense of humor and are joking right now.” “ They’re making up wild stories.” “They put a tootsie roll in a cup and are trying to trick us.” “Are they crying out for attention?” “I misheard him. He said Ava is playing with cups.”
I’m getting out of bed to further investigate when Ava fell down the stairs. I should mention she was overtired and everything is more dramatic when she is tired. She’s crying, Reese is still yelling “Ava pooped in a cup!” as we both run to them. Oh dear god, I see a cup on the stairs! Jason gets cup duty (oh thank you Jason!) and I go to console my daughter.
I carry Ava back upstairs and tell Reese to go to his room. I would talk to him after I got Ava to calm down. Meanwhile, Jason is still on cup duty and dear god there is actual poop in the cup. I don’t even want to hear the details at this point. What kind of animals did I raise? I really dropped the ball somewhere. Maybe there’s a kid at school I can blame this on : ) Sadly, I know these are 100% my children and these ideas come them.
Ok, I finally get Ava to calm down. I’m rubbing her back. All the while thinking “How did they get poop in a cup?” No, no I don’t want to know. First things first, consequences. No treats, no tv and no computer for one day. Then I give my mini-lecture about cleanliness and the sickness that can come from their actions. I tell her to go to bed and we would talk about this more in the morning after she rested. I then talked to Reese and gave him the same run down.
I did talk to them the next morning. I asked my daughter what she was thinking and she told me “I really wasn’t thinking about anything mom.” Which led to a discussion about listening to that inner voice or questioning your own actions and the consequences of them. She is only 6 and isn’t able to judge all of the consequences of her actions but I tried my best to make it a teachable moment.
The next day I was ready for the details in case you’re curious. They pooped in the toilet and then fished it out with a cup. It feels gross just typing that sentence….eeew!
I will laugh about this in the future and she’ll have one hell of a nickname or I’ll have a good story to tell future boyfriends in the name of embarrassment : ) One thing I can always say about kids……They are always entertaining even if that entertainment comes at an expense and with a huge gross factor…..and they are always unpredictable!
I sometimes feel like I am living on a reality show and I just can’t see the cameras but I’m convinced there is an audience because the things that happen in my house do not seem normal.
My kids and bedtime have graduated from letting them crying it out as infants to just laying them down knowing they would pretty easily go to bed unless they were sick or teething. Oh how I miss those days. I remember feeling guilt about laying them down so Jason was usually the one to do that task. I always worried they would cry and if they did I wouldn’t be able to resist picking them up.
In toddler years it graduated to an hour long (if I was lucky) process of reading, coloring, leaving the room, having them come out needing water, a snack, brush their teeth, going back in their room, dancing, more coloring, more reading, reassuring them there were no monsters “See I sprayed monster spray! No more monsters” (Monster spray = air freshener). It was a ridiculously long routine that we didn’t make the mistake of doing with our second.
Bedtime then graduated to a much simpler and quicker process. Brush your teeth, choose one of the following options (read, color, talk) for a few minutes and Jason and I would go downstairs to watch television. The kids were free to play for a bit and then go to sleep. This usually involves one or two trips by them downstairs with some made up excuse like “This is an emergency, mom. I had to come downstairs because I can’t find my crayons.” All in all, not a bad bedtime routine compared to the hour and a half long process we previously did.
They look so innocent, don't they?Last night put this bedtime routine into a whole new category of which I still am wrapping my head around. I want to believe it was just a bad dream and it really didn’t happen.
The night began as our normal bedtime did. Kids came downstairs twice, we cuddled, told them to go back to bed and they went upstairs. A little while later I heard them making loud noises, I figured I would give them a minute before going upstairs to investigate. So wish I had done that in hindsight!
A few minutes later we can hear the pitter patter of feet coming down the stairs. What are they doing now? I hear my 4 year old yelling as he came down the stairs. “Mom, Ava pooped in a cup!”
Ok, what the hell? Did I just hear that right? Some of the thoughts floating in my head were “Ok, they clearly have our sense of humor and are joking right now.” “ They’re making up wild stories.” “They put a tootsie roll in a cup and are trying to trick us.” “Are they crying out for attention?” “I misheard him. He said Ava is playing with cups.”
I’m getting out of bed to further investigate when Ava fell down the stairs. I should mention she was overtired and everything is more dramatic when she is tired. She’s crying, Reese is still yelling “Ava pooped in a cup!” as we both run to them. Oh dear god, I see a cup on the stairs! Jason gets cup duty (oh thank you Jason!) and I go to console my daughter.
I carry Ava back upstairs and tell Reese to go to his room. I would talk to him after I got Ava to calm down. Meanwhile, Jason is still on cup duty and dear god there is actual poop in the cup. I don’t even want to hear the details at this point. What kind of animals did I raise? I really dropped the ball somewhere. Maybe there’s a kid at school I can blame this on : ) Sadly, I know these are 100% my children and these ideas come them.
Ok, I finally get Ava to calm down. I’m rubbing her back. All the while thinking “How did they get poop in a cup?” No, no I don’t want to know. First things first, consequences. No treats, no tv and no computer for one day. Then I give my mini-lecture about cleanliness and the sickness that can come from their actions. I tell her to go to bed and we would talk about this more in the morning after she rested. I then talked to Reese and gave him the same run down.
I did talk to them the next morning. I asked my daughter what she was thinking and she told me “I really wasn’t thinking about anything mom.” Which led to a discussion about listening to that inner voice or questioning your own actions and the consequences of them. She is only 6 and isn’t able to judge all of the consequences of her actions but I tried my best to make it a teachable moment.
The next day I was ready for the details in case you’re curious. They pooped in the toilet and then fished it out with a cup. It feels gross just typing that sentence….eeew!
I will laugh about this in the future and she’ll have one hell of a nickname or I’ll have a good story to tell future boyfriends in the name of embarrassment : ) One thing I can always say about kids……They are always entertaining even if that entertainment comes at an expense and with a huge gross factor…..and they are always unpredictable!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Running Highs & Lows
It seems I have been in a bit of a manic cycle when it comes to running. There have been great high’s (days I feel like I can run forever) and great lows (days I am mad at winter). I am keeping my fingers crossed that the fog has lifted and I will continue on with only running highs after yesterday’s run. Who knew 39 degrees would feel like the equivalent of running on the beach for me?
I’ll start with the low’s. I have gotten very angry at the blizzard 2011 we had a few weeks back since it heavily covered the trails I like to run on. I don’t mind running in snow, I actually find it very beautiful and peaceful but this wasn’t running as much as it was plodding through calf deep drifts. While it was a great all over work out and the first couple of runs I felt like a badass, I was quickly growing more and more agitated by the snow.
I didn’t want my love of running to be tainted by cold weather and drifts so I took my running to snow covered roads. Roads were mostly fine as well but when the temperatures hit the single digits I again grew very angry. Layering helped but I still wasn’t able to completely warm up on my runs. I decided to run outside on the roads when I could and use the treadmill when it hit single digits.
That led to the treadmill. Again, I felt like a badass when I was running 9 miles, 6 miles, etc. but I quickly grew bored from running in place. No matter what shows I put on or how I tried to convince myself this was great because I wasn’t freezing my butt off I still couldn’t muster enough motivation to keep it up.
So those were my lows and I apologize if they are a bit rant-ish. I really try not to complain too much about winter because that doesn’t really serve any purpose, I guess it helps me appreciate the really good runs. Which takes me to my high’s!
Again, the first few runs in winter or plodding through snow are very tough. I can feel all my core muscles being used and am sore the next day. I don’t mind wet feet as long as the temperatures aren’t too low and I’m moving at a decent pace. The first few times I don’t mind because I feel like I am really accomplishing something. I am running, using all of my muscles and if the snow isn’t too deep it’s just plain fun.
Visually, running the trails in snow is completely gorgeous. The first few times I ran trails I ran very slowly to take in all of my surroundings. The snow glitters like diamonds and when the sun is poking through the trees it takes your breath away. I feel very serene and connected to nature.
During one of my 6 mile outdoor runs the snow was coming down in wet, fat flakes and I felt like I was running in a snow globe. Nobody was outside and I felt like I was running alone and running free.
I have been very lucky to be able to run with my running buddy. This always makes me happy. I don’t even feel the run because we are chatting away. Even if it’s cold or blustery, running alongside her always makes my day.
Which takes me to yesterday’s run. I had a bad run the day before. I was tired, grouchy and run down. I cut the run short and went home and took a nap instead. I’m getting better at listening to my body and I don’t want to make running a chore.
On a whim, I texted my running buddy to see if she were free to run and luckily she was. The wind picked up just before I went outside so I worried that it would be biting cold again but I was pleasantly surprised when I took my first few steps.
I could have skipped the tights I was wearing entirely because it felt so warm to me. The temperature was only 39 degrees but compared to the week’s prior temps it felt like a little slice of heaven.
It made me excited to run again and filled me with hope that my winter blues might have finally turned the corner. The snow is melting fast and they are predicting temps in the high 40s to low 50s! I cannot wait for my next run outside!
I’ll start with the low’s. I have gotten very angry at the blizzard 2011 we had a few weeks back since it heavily covered the trails I like to run on. I don’t mind running in snow, I actually find it very beautiful and peaceful but this wasn’t running as much as it was plodding through calf deep drifts. While it was a great all over work out and the first couple of runs I felt like a badass, I was quickly growing more and more agitated by the snow.
I didn’t want my love of running to be tainted by cold weather and drifts so I took my running to snow covered roads. Roads were mostly fine as well but when the temperatures hit the single digits I again grew very angry. Layering helped but I still wasn’t able to completely warm up on my runs. I decided to run outside on the roads when I could and use the treadmill when it hit single digits.
That led to the treadmill. Again, I felt like a badass when I was running 9 miles, 6 miles, etc. but I quickly grew bored from running in place. No matter what shows I put on or how I tried to convince myself this was great because I wasn’t freezing my butt off I still couldn’t muster enough motivation to keep it up.
So those were my lows and I apologize if they are a bit rant-ish. I really try not to complain too much about winter because that doesn’t really serve any purpose, I guess it helps me appreciate the really good runs. Which takes me to my high’s!
Again, the first few runs in winter or plodding through snow are very tough. I can feel all my core muscles being used and am sore the next day. I don’t mind wet feet as long as the temperatures aren’t too low and I’m moving at a decent pace. The first few times I don’t mind because I feel like I am really accomplishing something. I am running, using all of my muscles and if the snow isn’t too deep it’s just plain fun.
Visually, running the trails in snow is completely gorgeous. The first few times I ran trails I ran very slowly to take in all of my surroundings. The snow glitters like diamonds and when the sun is poking through the trees it takes your breath away. I feel very serene and connected to nature.
During one of my 6 mile outdoor runs the snow was coming down in wet, fat flakes and I felt like I was running in a snow globe. Nobody was outside and I felt like I was running alone and running free.
I have been very lucky to be able to run with my running buddy. This always makes me happy. I don’t even feel the run because we are chatting away. Even if it’s cold or blustery, running alongside her always makes my day.
Which takes me to yesterday’s run. I had a bad run the day before. I was tired, grouchy and run down. I cut the run short and went home and took a nap instead. I’m getting better at listening to my body and I don’t want to make running a chore.
On a whim, I texted my running buddy to see if she were free to run and luckily she was. The wind picked up just before I went outside so I worried that it would be biting cold again but I was pleasantly surprised when I took my first few steps.
I could have skipped the tights I was wearing entirely because it felt so warm to me. The temperature was only 39 degrees but compared to the week’s prior temps it felt like a little slice of heaven.
It made me excited to run again and filled me with hope that my winter blues might have finally turned the corner. The snow is melting fast and they are predicting temps in the high 40s to low 50s! I cannot wait for my next run outside!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
My Sweet Valentine
I'm not usually one to be sentimental but our 7 year wedding anniversary is coming up and I'm reflecting on my husband and I's time together.
Jason and I have had our ups and downs. We have had our low points and I think those have been the defining moments in our relationship. How we dealt with with those low points defined what we meant to each other. When things are good, you tend to go with the flow, but in those times of conflict, you really come to full terms with your relationship.
I saw things in myself that I didn't like. I saw things in Jason that I didn't think possible but we were able to move forward and grow together. I like to think we are stronger for it.
I would like to highlight some of the things that Jason does for me that allow me the freedom to be myself. These are the things I most love about Jason (sorry for the mush-factor)
Some of these will probably seem really silly but are huge in my book. In no particular order....
* I could live in pajama pants. The first thing I do when I get home from work and put them on. If it were socially acceptable I would wear them to work. My variation of pajama differs. I have cute pairs and I have the equivalent to flannel pj's pair as well. There are times when I need those fuzzy all-forgiving pajama's and no matter what I put on, Jason doesn't mind.
* 3 kids later and I still feel beautiful in his eyes. Before, during and after pregnancy I never felt self-conscious about myself and he always made me feel attractive.
* Jason won't admit to this but he's a romantic. For one of our anniversaries he took drove to places that meant something to us, took pictures, put them in a book and wrote notes about each place as my gift. This is before digital cameras when you had to drop off the roll of film and wait for it to develop, usually 3 days.
* He's a wonderful parent. He lets me discipline the kids and doesn't interrupt even when I'm probably being a little unreasonable. Telling the kids "You are never going to eat sugar again!" probably is unrealistic but he lets me figure those things out for myself.
* I love running with him. As a runner, you see and do things that become oddly normal. We took our kids sledding and I had to go to the bathroom. It didn't for a second cross my mind that going behind a tree might not be normal....nor was it to Jason. You see people at varying stages of distress while running and in my case sometimes whining.....and he puts up with it :)
* He's my biggest cheerleader. Last spring I ran my first 20 mile run. At mile 17 he gave me a high five and said "You can do it! This is the longest you have ever run and I'm so proud of you." and he kept me going until mile 20.
While nothing is perfect and we are still trying to figure out our place in the world, I am really happy to be on this journey with Jason.
Jason and I have had our ups and downs. We have had our low points and I think those have been the defining moments in our relationship. How we dealt with with those low points defined what we meant to each other. When things are good, you tend to go with the flow, but in those times of conflict, you really come to full terms with your relationship.
I saw things in myself that I didn't like. I saw things in Jason that I didn't think possible but we were able to move forward and grow together. I like to think we are stronger for it.
I would like to highlight some of the things that Jason does for me that allow me the freedom to be myself. These are the things I most love about Jason (sorry for the mush-factor)
Some of these will probably seem really silly but are huge in my book. In no particular order....
* I could live in pajama pants. The first thing I do when I get home from work and put them on. If it were socially acceptable I would wear them to work. My variation of pajama differs. I have cute pairs and I have the equivalent to flannel pj's pair as well. There are times when I need those fuzzy all-forgiving pajama's and no matter what I put on, Jason doesn't mind.
* 3 kids later and I still feel beautiful in his eyes. Before, during and after pregnancy I never felt self-conscious about myself and he always made me feel attractive.
* Jason won't admit to this but he's a romantic. For one of our anniversaries he took drove to places that meant something to us, took pictures, put them in a book and wrote notes about each place as my gift. This is before digital cameras when you had to drop off the roll of film and wait for it to develop, usually 3 days.
* He's a wonderful parent. He lets me discipline the kids and doesn't interrupt even when I'm probably being a little unreasonable. Telling the kids "You are never going to eat sugar again!" probably is unrealistic but he lets me figure those things out for myself.
* I love running with him. As a runner, you see and do things that become oddly normal. We took our kids sledding and I had to go to the bathroom. It didn't for a second cross my mind that going behind a tree might not be normal....nor was it to Jason. You see people at varying stages of distress while running and in my case sometimes whining.....and he puts up with it :)
* He's my biggest cheerleader. Last spring I ran my first 20 mile run. At mile 17 he gave me a high five and said "You can do it! This is the longest you have ever run and I'm so proud of you." and he kept me going until mile 20.
While nothing is perfect and we are still trying to figure out our place in the world, I am really happy to be on this journey with Jason.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Dreaming of an early spring.....
I've been on a little bit of a hiatus. I think I have a touch of winter depression. I'm trying to stay positive and embrace the fun things that can be done during the winter and snow but any such feelings have since left :)
I went sledding with the kids and saw each of their personalities come out. Ava is full of adventure and the faster the better. Reese is cautious and needed some reassurance that he wouldn't hit the trees. Ty is something else! He is 21 months and has no fear. He wanted to run down the sledding hill at top speed. He brought the sleds over multiple times and was trying to go down the hill by himself until I saw what he was up to and joined him in the sled.
I also took the kids ice skating. It was the first time for Ava & Reese (6 & 4). It was an indoor rink and luckily they rented out holders for the kids to hang on to. I was out on the ice with them by myself while Jason entertained Ty. Again, Ava went full force and by the end was skating on her own for short times.
Reese impressed me with him speed at the end. Those little holders were flying! He would knock himself down and get right back up. I was a little worried at first having both of them trying to skate for the first time with just me helping them but they had a great time and impressed me with how quickly they picked it up.
While I'm trying to stay positive, winter running is really starting to wear on me. I despise the cold and the latest arctic air we've had does not inspire me to run outside. I have gone out a handful of times. Running on trails in the winter is always an adventure but it becomes hard to find places that are runnable. One time I headed out and had to turn around because the trails were more reminiscent of an ice rink.
I've been forced to run more roads but the roads are snow covered, which is actually better for me. While it's tougher to run because it feels like running in sand, it gives me the illusion of a trail. I'm also using my treadmill but I'm not running the distances I would like to.
Instead, I will try and focus on cross training and swimming. I will cling to the hope of an early spring. Soon I won't have to pile on layers of clothing, I will be able to feel the sun on my skin and wind in my hair.
I went sledding with the kids and saw each of their personalities come out. Ava is full of adventure and the faster the better. Reese is cautious and needed some reassurance that he wouldn't hit the trees. Ty is something else! He is 21 months and has no fear. He wanted to run down the sledding hill at top speed. He brought the sleds over multiple times and was trying to go down the hill by himself until I saw what he was up to and joined him in the sled.
I also took the kids ice skating. It was the first time for Ava & Reese (6 & 4). It was an indoor rink and luckily they rented out holders for the kids to hang on to. I was out on the ice with them by myself while Jason entertained Ty. Again, Ava went full force and by the end was skating on her own for short times.
Reese impressed me with him speed at the end. Those little holders were flying! He would knock himself down and get right back up. I was a little worried at first having both of them trying to skate for the first time with just me helping them but they had a great time and impressed me with how quickly they picked it up.
While I'm trying to stay positive, winter running is really starting to wear on me. I despise the cold and the latest arctic air we've had does not inspire me to run outside. I have gone out a handful of times. Running on trails in the winter is always an adventure but it becomes hard to find places that are runnable. One time I headed out and had to turn around because the trails were more reminiscent of an ice rink.
I've been forced to run more roads but the roads are snow covered, which is actually better for me. While it's tougher to run because it feels like running in sand, it gives me the illusion of a trail. I'm also using my treadmill but I'm not running the distances I would like to.
Instead, I will try and focus on cross training and swimming. I will cling to the hope of an early spring. Soon I won't have to pile on layers of clothing, I will be able to feel the sun on my skin and wind in my hair.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Running Blues
This winter has been a little tougher on me than last year. I remember running last year in 2 degrees and having no problem. This year anything in single digits and I'm shaking like a leaf. Since having my thyroid removed, I have noticed I am more cold than I previously was and maybe that has made a difference.
I have abandoned my treadmill for almost two years now. I love running outside, specifically trails and just thinking about the treadmill was unsettling. I didn't know if I had it in me to run any length of distance but I knew it would at least be warm.
Last week, my 4 year old was home with a fever. I was planning on running trails after school with Jason but wouldn't be able to. I was wracking my brain thinking of how I could get a run in. This is the point where I realized I think I'm a true addict : )
The only option would be hopping on my treadmill but I didn't know how long I would last. My son was resting in my bedroom, getting the king size bed all to himself. I put on a dvd to watch during my run and hopped on the treadmill.
The one really nice thing about a treadmill in your house is you don't have to layer up. I threw on shorts and a sports bra and felt totally liberated that I didn't have to dig up my gloves, compression top, hat, jacket, tights, socks and so on.....
It had been a while since I've had a longer run and my goal was to run 6 miles. The longest I've ever run on a treadmill before is 7 miles and I remember that feeling like I ran twice that distance. I feel like I can run much farther outside but only when it's not frigid temperatures outside.
I was watching an episode of Nurse Jackie which I was really caught up in so that definitely helped. Each episode was around 30 minutes long so I figured if I could watch 2 episodes I would be golden.
The first episode flew by. My son was watching Caillou in the next room...don't get me started about that show. So many questions float in my head when I'm watching it with him. Why does each scene seem to be in dream sequence with the white blurred screen effect? Why is Caillou bald but his younger sister has hair? How on earth does Caillou's mom seemingly have so much patience..is it Xanax, alcohol or is she an emotional eater? But I digress....
The other nice thing about a treadmill is I can go potty any time I need to without scouting out a place to go. Last week while running trails I think I flashed my ass to a fellow trail runner when I thought I went off to the side to enjoy some privacy and heard voices behind me. Apparently the trail looped back around right where I was peeing. I just told myself he was probably looking at his feet and making sure he didn't fall on the snow covered path, right? :)
3 miles done and I was ready for episode number 2. Surprisingly that episode flew by as well. The run was feeling really good. It felt great to be enveloped in sweat and heat. Both I have missed since the temperatures dropped. I decided to go for episode number 3 for a total of 9 miles.
I know this probably doesn't sound like many miles to others than run on treadmills. I've heard of women training for marathon distance on treadmills alone which I cannot even imagine. If it weren't for the warmth of my house, I would gladly go outside and run instead.
At the end of 9 miles I felt like a rock star which is probably silly but I didn't think I could run 3 miles much less 9. I really needed the mileage to boost my spirits and calm the voices in my head.
I'm going to try and continue running when I can on the treadmill. I'm still much more motivated to run outside and on trails but the allure of warmth will always tempt me on days when the temperatures are in the single digits.
I have abandoned my treadmill for almost two years now. I love running outside, specifically trails and just thinking about the treadmill was unsettling. I didn't know if I had it in me to run any length of distance but I knew it would at least be warm.
Last week, my 4 year old was home with a fever. I was planning on running trails after school with Jason but wouldn't be able to. I was wracking my brain thinking of how I could get a run in. This is the point where I realized I think I'm a true addict : )
The only option would be hopping on my treadmill but I didn't know how long I would last. My son was resting in my bedroom, getting the king size bed all to himself. I put on a dvd to watch during my run and hopped on the treadmill.
The one really nice thing about a treadmill in your house is you don't have to layer up. I threw on shorts and a sports bra and felt totally liberated that I didn't have to dig up my gloves, compression top, hat, jacket, tights, socks and so on.....
It had been a while since I've had a longer run and my goal was to run 6 miles. The longest I've ever run on a treadmill before is 7 miles and I remember that feeling like I ran twice that distance. I feel like I can run much farther outside but only when it's not frigid temperatures outside.
I was watching an episode of Nurse Jackie which I was really caught up in so that definitely helped. Each episode was around 30 minutes long so I figured if I could watch 2 episodes I would be golden.
The first episode flew by. My son was watching Caillou in the next room...don't get me started about that show. So many questions float in my head when I'm watching it with him. Why does each scene seem to be in dream sequence with the white blurred screen effect? Why is Caillou bald but his younger sister has hair? How on earth does Caillou's mom seemingly have so much patience..is it Xanax, alcohol or is she an emotional eater? But I digress....
The other nice thing about a treadmill is I can go potty any time I need to without scouting out a place to go. Last week while running trails I think I flashed my ass to a fellow trail runner when I thought I went off to the side to enjoy some privacy and heard voices behind me. Apparently the trail looped back around right where I was peeing. I just told myself he was probably looking at his feet and making sure he didn't fall on the snow covered path, right? :)
3 miles done and I was ready for episode number 2. Surprisingly that episode flew by as well. The run was feeling really good. It felt great to be enveloped in sweat and heat. Both I have missed since the temperatures dropped. I decided to go for episode number 3 for a total of 9 miles.
I know this probably doesn't sound like many miles to others than run on treadmills. I've heard of women training for marathon distance on treadmills alone which I cannot even imagine. If it weren't for the warmth of my house, I would gladly go outside and run instead.
At the end of 9 miles I felt like a rock star which is probably silly but I didn't think I could run 3 miles much less 9. I really needed the mileage to boost my spirits and calm the voices in my head.
I'm going to try and continue running when I can on the treadmill. I'm still much more motivated to run outside and on trails but the allure of warmth will always tempt me on days when the temperatures are in the single digits.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
First Race of 2011!
Last year was an interesting year in running for me. I ran by far the most races in one year than any years past. I ran longer than I thought possible and faster. I kicked off 2010 by running Sgt. Preston (6 miles) with a finish time of 1:04:18 or a 10:43 pace. It was my first winter race and one I signed up for the night before. It was also my first race in Vibrams (KSO's). There was lots of snow on the ground last year and at times it was a bit slippery but I finished and I was happy that I tried something new.
This year I signed up for the race a little bit earlier (about a week)...I'm a huge procrastinator at times. I haven't been doing any hill work or speed work lately. Winter, snow and cold is a huge downer for me. I thought signing up for races would help motivate me but I haven't decided that December is just one of my blah months and I won't feel bad about my lack of running or cross training. I will just consider it my rest and recovery time and know that that fire will come back in time.
I knew I wasn't going to be as fast as I was in my previous 5k but I figured I would at least set a new PR. It was a perfect day for running. This is a road race but one with a huge hill at the beginning. The roads were clear and although it was cold it wasn't as cold as it could have been. I was wearing my KSO's again this year.
There were a few people running the race that I chatted with at the beginning. At the start of the race, I ran with Jason, who was running barefoot. He was going to wear his sports kilt but since it was really windy he worried he might show a little more skin than he should. I also started out with Brandon, who was wearing his Treks.
The first mile I felt great! I was running light and happy and keeping up with Jason and Brandon. The first mile includes the big hill. I slowed down near the top. I felt a little strange that morning, which I thought was low blood sugar but it came in waves even after eating. I think I had a touch of a bug or something because the rest of the day I had waves of nausea. Nothing too terrible, but enough to be annoying.
At this point, Jason and Brandon were ahead of me. There was a small window in which I thought I could catch up but that quickly closed. Miles 2 and 3 were very weird. I felt really bad. My stomach hurt and it wasn't due to running but I was still plugging along.
At mile 3 there was an aid station. I thought a little water would help perk me up so I grabbed a cup and it did seem to help. It was right after this aid station that I saw Stuart, a fellow Hobby Jogga holding up a sign. He is so awesome. Brandon captured a picture of Jason high fiving him with his camera. As I ran by him, I gave him a high five as well.
This is where I started feeling better. I picked up a the pace a little, glad that my bout of stomach issues had subsided for the time being. At mile 4, my right knee twinged a little. I did something to it about a week ago. What exactly I did is a mystery. I walked down a flight of stairs and turned it awkwardly and it's been an issue but only when I run roads. It wasn't hurting too badly but I knew I would have to rest it after this race.
At mile 5 I started to get excited to finish. I visualized running to the finish and really kicked in my pace. I passed a fellow running whom we had been passing each other a few times over the last mile and a half.
I was feeling good as I rounded the corner and headed into the finish. I heard Jason yelling in his teacher voice aka....loud "Go Shelly!" which always makes me smile. I finished strong at the end and checked the time. I thought I finished in 54 or 55 minutes but when they posted the results my finish time was 53:06 or an 8:51 pace. I was really pleased! My original goal going into the race was to maintain a 9 minute mile pace so this was a pleasant surprise. With my stomach issues I wasn't sure if I would be able to achieve that or not.
Me and Jason at the finish
Jason & Brandon at the finish
All in all, it was a great way to start off 2011. I beat my previous time by 11 minutes. Yeah! While my ultimate goal isn't necessarily speed it is a great feeling to get faster. I don't have any defined goals per say but I do have two goal races.
The first is Mind the Duck's 12 hour race in May. Last year I ran a hair over 40 miles and I would like to shoot for 50 this year.
The second is to finish a 50k. I haven't decided which race that will be since our summer plans are kind of up in the air right now. I do know that it will be some place warm! : )
This year I signed up for the race a little bit earlier (about a week)...I'm a huge procrastinator at times. I haven't been doing any hill work or speed work lately. Winter, snow and cold is a huge downer for me. I thought signing up for races would help motivate me but I haven't decided that December is just one of my blah months and I won't feel bad about my lack of running or cross training. I will just consider it my rest and recovery time and know that that fire will come back in time.
I knew I wasn't going to be as fast as I was in my previous 5k but I figured I would at least set a new PR. It was a perfect day for running. This is a road race but one with a huge hill at the beginning. The roads were clear and although it was cold it wasn't as cold as it could have been. I was wearing my KSO's again this year.
There were a few people running the race that I chatted with at the beginning. At the start of the race, I ran with Jason, who was running barefoot. He was going to wear his sports kilt but since it was really windy he worried he might show a little more skin than he should. I also started out with Brandon, who was wearing his Treks.
The first mile I felt great! I was running light and happy and keeping up with Jason and Brandon. The first mile includes the big hill. I slowed down near the top. I felt a little strange that morning, which I thought was low blood sugar but it came in waves even after eating. I think I had a touch of a bug or something because the rest of the day I had waves of nausea. Nothing too terrible, but enough to be annoying.
At this point, Jason and Brandon were ahead of me. There was a small window in which I thought I could catch up but that quickly closed. Miles 2 and 3 were very weird. I felt really bad. My stomach hurt and it wasn't due to running but I was still plugging along.
At mile 3 there was an aid station. I thought a little water would help perk me up so I grabbed a cup and it did seem to help. It was right after this aid station that I saw Stuart, a fellow Hobby Jogga holding up a sign. He is so awesome. Brandon captured a picture of Jason high fiving him with his camera. As I ran by him, I gave him a high five as well.
This is where I started feeling better. I picked up a the pace a little, glad that my bout of stomach issues had subsided for the time being. At mile 4, my right knee twinged a little. I did something to it about a week ago. What exactly I did is a mystery. I walked down a flight of stairs and turned it awkwardly and it's been an issue but only when I run roads. It wasn't hurting too badly but I knew I would have to rest it after this race.
At mile 5 I started to get excited to finish. I visualized running to the finish and really kicked in my pace. I passed a fellow running whom we had been passing each other a few times over the last mile and a half.
I was feeling good as I rounded the corner and headed into the finish. I heard Jason yelling in his teacher voice aka....loud "Go Shelly!" which always makes me smile. I finished strong at the end and checked the time. I thought I finished in 54 or 55 minutes but when they posted the results my finish time was 53:06 or an 8:51 pace. I was really pleased! My original goal going into the race was to maintain a 9 minute mile pace so this was a pleasant surprise. With my stomach issues I wasn't sure if I would be able to achieve that or not.
Me and Jason at the finish
Jason & Brandon at the finishAll in all, it was a great way to start off 2011. I beat my previous time by 11 minutes. Yeah! While my ultimate goal isn't necessarily speed it is a great feeling to get faster. I don't have any defined goals per say but I do have two goal races.
The first is Mind the Duck's 12 hour race in May. Last year I ran a hair over 40 miles and I would like to shoot for 50 this year.
The second is to finish a 50k. I haven't decided which race that will be since our summer plans are kind of up in the air right now. I do know that it will be some place warm! : )
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