i decided i would take a step aerobics class tonight to change things up and work my leg muscles in a different way. but i got to the gym and found the class had been cancelled! i couldn't in good conscience just leave. i mean i had gotten dressed, drove to the gym, walked up the stairs and walked past the entire cardio area AND weights area. i couldn't just walk past all those people 2 seconds later, without a bead of sweat.
because i intended on taking a class, i didn't bring my ipod. but i thought i would suck it up anyway and try to run without it. then i remembered an episode of WORKOUT i saw last season. doug, meathead trainer, was getting his client, jody watley, in shape for her comeback album. he had her walk sideways on the treadmill, while it was set to a steep incline.
so i set the puppy to its steepest and got to work. for 2 minutes i'd face right, and lead with my left leg @ 2.2mph, then i'd turn so i was facing forward and ran for a minute at 3.6mph, then i'd turn and face left and lead with my right leg for 2 minutes. at an incline set at 15, i was sweating in no time. and huffing and puffing the entire 35 minutes.
this workout is great for your hips, inner thighs, and glutes; areas that don't get nearly enough exercise when i run on flat land. i did get a few weird looks but it sure beat trying to run for the same amount of time without music!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
step one
i did it. went to bed by 10 last night so i could get to the gym by 630. the first thing i did was get on the mother effing scale. sure enough, i was a pound and a half heavier than i was a little over month ago.
so yeah, gotta nip that in the bud. i already scheduled a 5 mile race the saturday after thanksgiving. and i'm stealing jess' idea over at 21 days...i'm giving myself 21 days to get back in the habit of running again.. it's easily digestable, a good small short term goal. and no extraneous goals about number of miles, or delusions of ripped abs or even eating well.
and at the end of the 21 days, i have a sweeeet reward waiting for me....a massage.... a free one, even.
so i'm one day in. go me.
so yeah, gotta nip that in the bud. i already scheduled a 5 mile race the saturday after thanksgiving. and i'm stealing jess' idea over at 21 days...i'm giving myself 21 days to get back in the habit of running again.. it's easily digestable, a good small short term goal. and no extraneous goals about number of miles, or delusions of ripped abs or even eating well.
and at the end of the 21 days, i have a sweeeet reward waiting for me....a massage.... a free one, even.
so i'm one day in. go me.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
aussie eye candy
as i approach 30, i find the strangest things sexy in a man: crow's feet, a bald or shaved head, nice calves. my taste in men has changed drastically through the years, from blonde hair/blue eyed to ebony/dark as night. unbeknownst to me, australia has been breeding its own crop of hot men! why didn't anyone tell me!? (just to preface, russell crowe and heath ledger do NOTHING for me) but...man, oh man, these two aussies really do: julian mcmahon (dr. troy is so deliciously devilish on nip/tuck!) and eric bana (WAAAAAAAAY hotter than orlando in troy_)
it's gotta be something in their water. or maybe it's the vegemite. perhaps there is an untapped resource of hot men on antartica and that's where i should be looking for a man. but in all seriousness, i bring this up mainly to distract from the fact that i didn't go to the gym last night or this morning! .
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
shifting my inertia
so one of the big reasons people keep a running blog is so that they do in fact run. like you know, consistently.
consistent hasn't really been in my vocabulary because of my injury. and i'm using my injury as a scapegoat because i still could have been consistent about going to the gym to do something. instead i consistently did diddly and can feel the poundage adding up. more importantly, i can feel my inertia shifting over to the "eats crap, sits on ass and does no exercise" camp. which is a nice place to visit every once in awhile, but not a nice place to call home.
so since i got the ball rolling with a 5 mile run on saturday, i'm shifting my inertia closer to the "gets her ass running, no matter what it takes" camp. because that camp makes me feel better. and that camp fits into size 4 jeans.
my plan tonight is to do a nice easy workout on the elliptical so i don't go crazy on my newly healed parts. then get up the next morning and do an easy run. which i plan to be the first of a whole new slew of morning workouts. falling off the am workout wagon is easy. but getting back on? oof! oh so hard. but doing the pm workouts, even harder.
so as blogger as my witness, this chick is going to the gym tonight. i might even have the courage to get on the scale and check out the damage.
consistent hasn't really been in my vocabulary because of my injury. and i'm using my injury as a scapegoat because i still could have been consistent about going to the gym to do something. instead i consistently did diddly and can feel the poundage adding up. more importantly, i can feel my inertia shifting over to the "eats crap, sits on ass and does no exercise" camp. which is a nice place to visit every once in awhile, but not a nice place to call home.
so since i got the ball rolling with a 5 mile run on saturday, i'm shifting my inertia closer to the "gets her ass running, no matter what it takes" camp. because that camp makes me feel better. and that camp fits into size 4 jeans.
my plan tonight is to do a nice easy workout on the elliptical so i don't go crazy on my newly healed parts. then get up the next morning and do an easy run. which i plan to be the first of a whole new slew of morning workouts. falling off the am workout wagon is easy. but getting back on? oof! oh so hard. but doing the pm workouts, even harder.
so as blogger as my witness, this chick is going to the gym tonight. i might even have the courage to get on the scale and check out the damage.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
her first 5 miles!
a friend of mine has been DYING to go running with me and the opportunities for her to join me dwindle as my moving date approaches. i'm no running snob, i just enjoy the rare time in my day and in my life that i don't have to care about anyone else. i choose the distance, the time, and go at my own speed.
but she's been such a great support in recent events and has been doing so well in starting her own diet and exercise regimen, even claiming that i've been an inspiration in her efforts. so figured i'd suck up my own pride and fear of looking like a retard and run with the girl.
i sometimes get worried that if i invite people to races or to run with me, somehow that "aura" or great achievement that comes with my running will be demystified. or more simply, people will see how slowly i run or see how hard it can be for me and not think it's that big of a deal after all. maybe it has more to do with my little confidence as a "back of packer". and in running circles, while there are the speedy snobs, i think for the most part, people who run get it. and those who do not, to some extent don't.
it just occured to me that maybe it has to do with feeling that my "achievement" as a runner makes me feel better than the non-runners, and if they saw how even a person as slow as myself can do it, anyone can. and then really, if anyone can do it, what's so special about me doing it? especially as "poorly" as i do?
and now that i see all of that in black and white, it sounds so ludicrous. it's just as ludicrous as the people who say "ordinary" people who run 6 hours marathons just to cross them off their to do lists ruin the sport of running.
anyway, i've severely digressed from the beginning of my story. my friend was just happy to have the company and i was happy to share with her a new trail and an experience she's never had. i took her 5 miles, a distance she's never ever run. i had a huge ass grin on my face the entire time because it was one of those fall days just made for running. i'm really really proud of her.
this was the first quality run in a month. and if i could, i would have run for hours. it just felt soooo good. of course without the orthotics, my feet now hurt. but i had healed up enough to make it 5 miles, whereas a few weeks ago, i could barely walk. the orthotics come in this week...i am seriously going to have to restrain myself from bounding on the trails for hours, since i'm supposed to break them in. but it's nice to see the end of my convalencense and be on the road again...i've got a lot more trails to share with this girl before i go...
but she's been such a great support in recent events and has been doing so well in starting her own diet and exercise regimen, even claiming that i've been an inspiration in her efforts. so figured i'd suck up my own pride and fear of looking like a retard and run with the girl.
i sometimes get worried that if i invite people to races or to run with me, somehow that "aura" or great achievement that comes with my running will be demystified. or more simply, people will see how slowly i run or see how hard it can be for me and not think it's that big of a deal after all. maybe it has more to do with my little confidence as a "back of packer". and in running circles, while there are the speedy snobs, i think for the most part, people who run get it. and those who do not, to some extent don't.
it just occured to me that maybe it has to do with feeling that my "achievement" as a runner makes me feel better than the non-runners, and if they saw how even a person as slow as myself can do it, anyone can. and then really, if anyone can do it, what's so special about me doing it? especially as "poorly" as i do?
and now that i see all of that in black and white, it sounds so ludicrous. it's just as ludicrous as the people who say "ordinary" people who run 6 hours marathons just to cross them off their to do lists ruin the sport of running.
anyway, i've severely digressed from the beginning of my story. my friend was just happy to have the company and i was happy to share with her a new trail and an experience she's never had. i took her 5 miles, a distance she's never ever run. i had a huge ass grin on my face the entire time because it was one of those fall days just made for running. i'm really really proud of her.
this was the first quality run in a month. and if i could, i would have run for hours. it just felt soooo good. of course without the orthotics, my feet now hurt. but i had healed up enough to make it 5 miles, whereas a few weeks ago, i could barely walk. the orthotics come in this week...i am seriously going to have to restrain myself from bounding on the trails for hours, since i'm supposed to break them in. but it's nice to see the end of my convalencense and be on the road again...i've got a lot more trails to share with this girl before i go...
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
from one running chick to another
running chick's post about her triumphant hartford maration summed up PERFECTLY why i love running and why it is my metaphor for life. in her words:
I am keenly aware of the fact that my race day was the stuff that dreams are made of. I recognize that everything fell in to place perfectly, and that I am very, very lucky to have had it all come together. While running the race, I did remark, more than once, that I felt that the universe owed me this day..that I had earned it. Last year's marathon was a rain-soaked, menstrual challenge. Then I spent the winter working on my ITB issues. When I tried to run the San Diego marathon in June, I picked up a bacterial Ick-Fest which resulted in a 'Did Not Start' that broke my heart.
I kept working hard on my training. No matter what else life threw at me, I made sure to protect my training time. It wasn't always easy, and there were days when I wasn't sure I could pull it all off. I sacrificed time with family and friends, the cleanliness of my house, and a great deal of sleep. But I had faith in my Coach and more importantly, faith in myself and I wasn't going to give up or give in. I had a bone to pick with the Hartford Marathon, and I wasn't going to lose this time.
On race day, all we can do is run the race that is placed before us to the best of our abilities. Sometimes, we are handed a pile of crap. Other times, we are handed a gift.
I took my gift and ran all the way to the finish line with it. I hope you get a gift for your next race too.
i'm not gonna lie, i got all emotional reading it. it's like she was in my head, in my shoes. my non-runner friends always wonder why in the world i choose running, of all things, for exercise. but it's more than just exercise. and when you come down to it, it's more than just running too. it's about pushing your mortality. pushing your puny, yet powerful human body and spirit. and in a world where things are so convenient and impersonal and techonological (for lack of a better word), running just gets at the heart of what is basic and true about human nature: taking the gift of life with all it's crap and splendor and celebrating the journey day after day, mile after mile.
it's been a month since i've run and i miss it so much. i can tell the tendon is getting better and being busy with moving and packing has helped keep my mind off the asics gathering dust in the closet. but this time off has taught me a lesson in patience that i hope sticks with me.
I am keenly aware of the fact that my race day was the stuff that dreams are made of. I recognize that everything fell in to place perfectly, and that I am very, very lucky to have had it all come together. While running the race, I did remark, more than once, that I felt that the universe owed me this day..that I had earned it. Last year's marathon was a rain-soaked, menstrual challenge. Then I spent the winter working on my ITB issues. When I tried to run the San Diego marathon in June, I picked up a bacterial Ick-Fest which resulted in a 'Did Not Start' that broke my heart.
I kept working hard on my training. No matter what else life threw at me, I made sure to protect my training time. It wasn't always easy, and there were days when I wasn't sure I could pull it all off. I sacrificed time with family and friends, the cleanliness of my house, and a great deal of sleep. But I had faith in my Coach and more importantly, faith in myself and I wasn't going to give up or give in. I had a bone to pick with the Hartford Marathon, and I wasn't going to lose this time.
On race day, all we can do is run the race that is placed before us to the best of our abilities. Sometimes, we are handed a pile of crap. Other times, we are handed a gift.
I took my gift and ran all the way to the finish line with it. I hope you get a gift for your next race too.
i'm not gonna lie, i got all emotional reading it. it's like she was in my head, in my shoes. my non-runner friends always wonder why in the world i choose running, of all things, for exercise. but it's more than just exercise. and when you come down to it, it's more than just running too. it's about pushing your mortality. pushing your puny, yet powerful human body and spirit. and in a world where things are so convenient and impersonal and techonological (for lack of a better word), running just gets at the heart of what is basic and true about human nature: taking the gift of life with all it's crap and splendor and celebrating the journey day after day, mile after mile.
it's been a month since i've run and i miss it so much. i can tell the tendon is getting better and being busy with moving and packing has helped keep my mind off the asics gathering dust in the closet. but this time off has taught me a lesson in patience that i hope sticks with me.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
i look like mariah carey?!
myheritage.com has a fun (read: fabulous time waster at work) feature where you upload your image, or any image for that matter, and it scans through celebrity pics to find the ones that match your face!
the mishmosh of celebrities i "look" like is crazy. i don't even know who some of those "celebrities" are and i don't think i look like any of them. i tried using other pics and came up with "no match" and one that said i looked like jessica simpson, dakota fanning, paula abdul, and courteney cox!
i did the whole office and my sibs. theirs were more accurate. my co-worker was even lucky enough to get vanessa marcil, kristin davis, marcia cross, and linsay lohan among her celebrity look-a-likes!
Monday, October 16, 2006
perceptions of beauty
the following video was made by dove for their campaign for real beauty. it takes an average woman through makeup, photoshoot, photoshop, to billboard.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
behold! the power of denim!
premium denim that is. every designer out there has a line of premium denim to make you feel like spending a million bucks makes you look like a million bucks.
and of course i've fallen for it. for some reason the premium denim really does fit better. and finding jeans that actually fit MY proportions is no short of a miracle. i got suckered into a pair at GUESS because they magically thinned my thighs and made my ass look totally cute. BUT i got the last laugh because they were originally something like $120 and i got them on clearance/sale for $75!! and now that i've had them and totally love them, i can't find them anywhere. not even ebay.
but today while i was at target to get packing tape i saw that lo and behold target's mossimo brand has a line of premium denim! a quick detour into the dressing room had me jumping for joy for 2 reasons: the size 6 was TOO BIG!! and they were on sale for $24! i walked outta target with two pairs of size 4 jeans for less than 50 bucks!
i did manage to keep my head about me and remember to pick up the packing tape.
and of course i've fallen for it. for some reason the premium denim really does fit better. and finding jeans that actually fit MY proportions is no short of a miracle. i got suckered into a pair at GUESS because they magically thinned my thighs and made my ass look totally cute. BUT i got the last laugh because they were originally something like $120 and i got them on clearance/sale for $75!! and now that i've had them and totally love them, i can't find them anywhere. not even ebay.
but today while i was at target to get packing tape i saw that lo and behold target's mossimo brand has a line of premium denim! a quick detour into the dressing room had me jumping for joy for 2 reasons: the size 6 was TOO BIG!! and they were on sale for $24! i walked outta target with two pairs of size 4 jeans for less than 50 bucks!
i did manage to keep my head about me and remember to pick up the packing tape.
Friday, October 06, 2006
a more complete athlete
"In some crazy way this injury has made me a more complete athlete and a better person. I've learned that with a lot of hard work, a little bit of pain, and a good sense of humor, there's really nothing I can't accomplish."
i don't remember now where i found this quote, but the idea of "a more complete athlete" really struck me. because this injury was caused by my natural biomechanics sometimes makes me feel like i shouldn't be a runner. that i'm probably meant to do something else, and i'm probably doing more harm than good. being injured makes me feel like i was doing something wrong. it makes me feel like i'm not really an athlete at all.
but really that's silly. everyone gets injured. even jerry rice. and a real athlete, a more complete athlete, knows how to rest, knows how to rehabilitate, knows how to heal. she knows how to tough it out and think of alternatives. she knows that her life is a series of trials and errors until she finds the delicate combination that makes everything right.
i don't remember now where i found this quote, but the idea of "a more complete athlete" really struck me. because this injury was caused by my natural biomechanics sometimes makes me feel like i shouldn't be a runner. that i'm probably meant to do something else, and i'm probably doing more harm than good. being injured makes me feel like i was doing something wrong. it makes me feel like i'm not really an athlete at all.
but really that's silly. everyone gets injured. even jerry rice. and a real athlete, a more complete athlete, knows how to rest, knows how to rehabilitate, knows how to heal. she knows how to tough it out and think of alternatives. she knows that her life is a series of trials and errors until she finds the delicate combination that makes everything right.
peroneus longus
that's the tendon causing me pain.
that's what the smart, young, cute, female podiatrist told me today. and while i gave her big ups for being a young female doctor, chick had some ugly ass shoes. but she's a podiatrist, what can you expect? i thought she might have some insider info on the comfortable but cute shoes, but it looks like i'm not going to get any sympathy from her on that.
so this lovely tendon runs along the outside of your calf, down to your ankle, along the outside of your foot, then makes a sharp turn at your metatarsals and ends at your big toe joint. this tendon is responsible for pronating your foot. and since i am an OVERpronater, i've used the hell out of this tendon and now it screams with pain. that's why the bottom of my foot hurts.
i knew i had a pronation problem that had started a very mild case of bunions (she kept saying bunion deformity! i was like ack! quit with the word deformity!) i thought i could correct it with an insert and new shoes. but it looks like my biomechanics need more help. as the pain is not longer just at my big toe joint but has now involved this tendon as i've increased the miles.
so my pretty feet (really, i do have pretty feet. deformity, my ass) were cast in a mold for some fancy orthotics. special running orthotics, not just sport orthotics. ooooooooooooh. and normal shoe orthotics. my fabulous health insurance pays for one pair and i had to pay for the second ($480!!!!) but she said they last about 8-10 years. the health insurance would have paid for one every six months, but i'm moving and changing jobs in 2, so i figured i'd reap the benefits now while i could.
it's finally good to be back on track, even if i'm still sidelined. by the time my new orthotics come in, i'll hopefully be healed up and i can start to break those puppies in and FINALLY be on the path to better running!
in the meantime, i'm gonna look into those dorking running belts you wear in the pool to run. and get a pedicure :)
that's what the smart, young, cute, female podiatrist told me today. and while i gave her big ups for being a young female doctor, chick had some ugly ass shoes. but she's a podiatrist, what can you expect? i thought she might have some insider info on the comfortable but cute shoes, but it looks like i'm not going to get any sympathy from her on that.
so this lovely tendon runs along the outside of your calf, down to your ankle, along the outside of your foot, then makes a sharp turn at your metatarsals and ends at your big toe joint. this tendon is responsible for pronating your foot. and since i am an OVERpronater, i've used the hell out of this tendon and now it screams with pain. that's why the bottom of my foot hurts.
i knew i had a pronation problem that had started a very mild case of bunions (she kept saying bunion deformity! i was like ack! quit with the word deformity!) i thought i could correct it with an insert and new shoes. but it looks like my biomechanics need more help. as the pain is not longer just at my big toe joint but has now involved this tendon as i've increased the miles.
so my pretty feet (really, i do have pretty feet. deformity, my ass) were cast in a mold for some fancy orthotics. special running orthotics, not just sport orthotics. ooooooooooooh. and normal shoe orthotics. my fabulous health insurance pays for one pair and i had to pay for the second ($480!!!!) but she said they last about 8-10 years. the health insurance would have paid for one every six months, but i'm moving and changing jobs in 2, so i figured i'd reap the benefits now while i could.
it's finally good to be back on track, even if i'm still sidelined. by the time my new orthotics come in, i'll hopefully be healed up and i can start to break those puppies in and FINALLY be on the path to better running!
in the meantime, i'm gonna look into those dorking running belts you wear in the pool to run. and get a pedicure :)
Monday, October 02, 2006
just because
just because i can't run, doesn't mean i can't do ab work. or upper body work. or swim. or in my case, kick and flail my arms in the water without drowning.
just because i can't run, doesn't mean i should stuff my face with sugar and fried potato products. though i forgive myself for the beer.
i'm over being a brat about it, especially since my podiatrist appointment is only 4 days away and i'm trying very hard not to freak out about my 10 mile race that i so so so with all my heart want to run. i'm hoping that icing and stretching and resting will yield me a green light on race day. and if not, at least my friends already have that morning free for brunch.
just because i can't run, doesn't mean i should stuff my face with sugar and fried potato products. though i forgive myself for the beer.
i'm over being a brat about it, especially since my podiatrist appointment is only 4 days away and i'm trying very hard not to freak out about my 10 mile race that i so so so with all my heart want to run. i'm hoping that icing and stretching and resting will yield me a green light on race day. and if not, at least my friends already have that morning free for brunch.
Friday, September 29, 2006
i should have been a podiatrist
if i would have known that my feet be causing me this much trouble, i would have gone into podiatry!!!!
i actually got my butt out of bed this morning, before the sun rose, and assumed my spot on the treadmill. and oh man it felt so good. i started off walking, then eased into a slow jog, and then i finally broke a sweat. it was like my body was singing. oh running, how i have missed you! i could feel the toxins and stress slowly escaping with each step, with each bead of sweat. i wasn't even a mile into it and i was freaking giddy.
then the stupid effing pain in my right foot came back. and finally at 2 miles i had to stop. i couldn't limp on any longer. even as stubborn as i am, i knew it would be dumb to carry on.
so i cut my run short, and hobbled over to the bikes. poop on bikes! i hate bikes! i get so bored!! and i don't sweat nearly as much. poop on bikes!
and now i'm whining. but I HATE NOT RUNNING!
i did make an appointment with a podiatrist, but the earliest they could see me was next friday. a whole week from now, and only 2 days before my 10 mile race.
i got home from the gym and iced the foot, but it really didn't help. the only thing that does help is to wear heels, because it gets the weight off of the foot. the pain isn't in the heel or the arch. it's more like the side of my foot, creeping into the arch. i have effed up feet as it is. high arches and i over pronate. and i already have teeny bunions and bunionettes forming. so the heels don't help that situation. but it at least means i'm not wincing in pain with every other step.
i've been on webmd all day trying to figure out what my problem is and what i can do before i see the podiatrist. duh on the no running, but i can't NOT walk, so what the hell am i supposed to do?
ugh, i hate whining.
i actually got my butt out of bed this morning, before the sun rose, and assumed my spot on the treadmill. and oh man it felt so good. i started off walking, then eased into a slow jog, and then i finally broke a sweat. it was like my body was singing. oh running, how i have missed you! i could feel the toxins and stress slowly escaping with each step, with each bead of sweat. i wasn't even a mile into it and i was freaking giddy.
then the stupid effing pain in my right foot came back. and finally at 2 miles i had to stop. i couldn't limp on any longer. even as stubborn as i am, i knew it would be dumb to carry on.
so i cut my run short, and hobbled over to the bikes. poop on bikes! i hate bikes! i get so bored!! and i don't sweat nearly as much. poop on bikes!
and now i'm whining. but I HATE NOT RUNNING!
i did make an appointment with a podiatrist, but the earliest they could see me was next friday. a whole week from now, and only 2 days before my 10 mile race.
i got home from the gym and iced the foot, but it really didn't help. the only thing that does help is to wear heels, because it gets the weight off of the foot. the pain isn't in the heel or the arch. it's more like the side of my foot, creeping into the arch. i have effed up feet as it is. high arches and i over pronate. and i already have teeny bunions and bunionettes forming. so the heels don't help that situation. but it at least means i'm not wincing in pain with every other step.
i've been on webmd all day trying to figure out what my problem is and what i can do before i see the podiatrist. duh on the no running, but i can't NOT walk, so what the hell am i supposed to do?
ugh, i hate whining.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
the green light
after nearly two weeks of slovenly living, i'm giving myself the green light to run tomorrow morning. i'm done with my antibiotics, my sinuses are happy and functioning, my foot pain is gone. i'm finally healthy.
well not really. i'm bloated and crabby from eating my weight in refined carbs, as i've worked through every bad food group known to man: pancakes, kettle chips, stella doro cookies, ramen noodles, and finally pop rocks. i've resorted to eating sugar mixed with food coloring and carbon dioxide, people!
the past 2 weeks are living proof that i can only remain sane and healthy if i run regularly. my running makes me eat healthy. when i don't run, i literally stuff anything and everything associated with lard or red #40 in my mouth. i also attribute my lack of concentration at work to my lack of running. because feeling bloated and fat does not make me a productive employee. and racing home to nap after an 8 hour carb-fest at my desk does not make me a productive or happy chick.
so the running starts again tomorrow. i'm laying out my clothes tonight, waking up before the sun rises, and claiming my spot on the treadmill where i belong. hopefully a few miles tomorrow morning will bring me closer to sanity!
well not really. i'm bloated and crabby from eating my weight in refined carbs, as i've worked through every bad food group known to man: pancakes, kettle chips, stella doro cookies, ramen noodles, and finally pop rocks. i've resorted to eating sugar mixed with food coloring and carbon dioxide, people!
the past 2 weeks are living proof that i can only remain sane and healthy if i run regularly. my running makes me eat healthy. when i don't run, i literally stuff anything and everything associated with lard or red #40 in my mouth. i also attribute my lack of concentration at work to my lack of running. because feeling bloated and fat does not make me a productive employee. and racing home to nap after an 8 hour carb-fest at my desk does not make me a productive or happy chick.
so the running starts again tomorrow. i'm laying out my clothes tonight, waking up before the sun rises, and claiming my spot on the treadmill where i belong. hopefully a few miles tomorrow morning will bring me closer to sanity!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
spinning my wheels
i'm so antsy and a.d.d. and i sure as hell haven't been able to concentrate worth shit at work. i have too much on my mind, too much planning and dreaming going on. and my impatience is gonna kill me!!!
plus! i. havent. been. able. to. run.
do you understand how hard that is?! how freaking frustrating that is?! all the energy i usually get out of my system during a run just keeps recirculating through my body with no constructive outlet.
because i still have my sinus infection, i've been told to relax and not stress my body until i'm well. and because i have a new pain in my foot, i can't even freaking walk. for exercise anyway. and it's driving me freaking crazy!!
the good news is my new allergy meds are working like a dream, so any recurring sinus issues are unlikely. i just need to be a good little patient and spend the next couple of days that i have left of my antibiotics to stretch. and maybe i can start off the month of october with a nice, refreshing run!!
i have a ten mile race on the 8th, and i'm concerned i've been out of commission for too long to run it well. i swear to bob the running gods don't want me to race. i mean it's 11 days til the race and i've run only 4-5 miles since my horrible half over a week ago! argh!
but i can't help but get excited!! like i just want to jump out of my skin! race expo! fried rice the night before! cool new race shirt! being among THOUSANDS to race through the city! running in front of my friends!!! i can't wait!
i just so, so hope my body can keep up with my heart this time!
plus! i. havent. been. able. to. run.
do you understand how hard that is?! how freaking frustrating that is?! all the energy i usually get out of my system during a run just keeps recirculating through my body with no constructive outlet.
because i still have my sinus infection, i've been told to relax and not stress my body until i'm well. and because i have a new pain in my foot, i can't even freaking walk. for exercise anyway. and it's driving me freaking crazy!!
the good news is my new allergy meds are working like a dream, so any recurring sinus issues are unlikely. i just need to be a good little patient and spend the next couple of days that i have left of my antibiotics to stretch. and maybe i can start off the month of october with a nice, refreshing run!!
i have a ten mile race on the 8th, and i'm concerned i've been out of commission for too long to run it well. i swear to bob the running gods don't want me to race. i mean it's 11 days til the race and i've run only 4-5 miles since my horrible half over a week ago! argh!
but i can't help but get excited!! like i just want to jump out of my skin! race expo! fried rice the night before! cool new race shirt! being among THOUSANDS to race through the city! running in front of my friends!!! i can't wait!
i just so, so hope my body can keep up with my heart this time!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
break a leg??
so in show business, it's bad luck to say "good luck". you're supposed to say "break a leg".
but i don't like wishing other runners "good luck" for races, because running isn't about luck. and it would be downright wrong to say to a runner "break a leg!" though i would totally laugh if someone said it to me. but then if i had a bad race i'd be like, "crap, that stupid a-hole jinxed me!"
i think i'd prefer something like "run smart" or "happy running". those are really the only two things you can hope for in a race. and if anyone ever told me "run fast", i would just have to laugh.
but i don't like wishing other runners "good luck" for races, because running isn't about luck. and it would be downright wrong to say to a runner "break a leg!" though i would totally laugh if someone said it to me. but then if i had a bad race i'd be like, "crap, that stupid a-hole jinxed me!"
i think i'd prefer something like "run smart" or "happy running". those are really the only two things you can hope for in a race. and if anyone ever told me "run fast", i would just have to laugh.
Friday, September 22, 2006
New Kids On The Block - Step by step
this cracks my ever loving shit up!
i came across this via random websurfing at work (it's friday! seriosuly, people what do you want from me?)
besides the countless hearty chuckles it gave me, i will admit the little dance they do on the stairs is pseduo kinda running related...think of what great exercise that must be for your legs. that is if you don't trip and fall and die trying. i think the pointing hand motion is just for flair though.
me thinks i should add this song to my ipod.
and how did i ever think jordan knight was the end all be all of men? it must have been the boston accent. gets me every time!
this cracks my ever loving shit up!
i came across this via random websurfing at work (it's friday! seriosuly, people what do you want from me?)
besides the countless hearty chuckles it gave me, i will admit the little dance they do on the stairs is pseduo kinda running related...think of what great exercise that must be for your legs. that is if you don't trip and fall and die trying. i think the pointing hand motion is just for flair though.
me thinks i should add this song to my ipod.
and how did i ever think jordan knight was the end all be all of men? it must have been the boston accent. gets me every time!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
the dishes can wait
i knew that if i talked about running enough, i'd finally actually get to running. and i did. i tidied up a ltitle, but left the laundry, left the dishes. the weather was too sweet NOT to run and daylight was burning! i even brought my camera because i knew soon the leaves would be bright orange and yellow until they finally all fall to the ground, posing a slipping hazard.
but i shouldn't be allowed to clean because now i can't find the cord to hook up my camera. it'll turn up at some point when i'm looking for my eyelash curler or something. besides the one nice highlight i have to report i didn't catch in pixels anyway: all the runner boys on the trail. the runner boys and their fabulous flexing calves. mmmm mmmm. thankfully, we all zoom by each other fast enough that we don't catch sight of each other's faces. i'd hate to ruin such beautiful calves with ugly faces.
i was out for about 45 minutes, so i clocked in between 3-4 miles. my legs were a little tight and i had weird pains in the ligaments behind my knees, but after a while i started to get loose. i actually started to get into the groove late into my run. but it grew darker and darker so i picked up the pace to get home before the boogeyman got me. in the dark in a wooded area is NOT where a single girl wants to be, even with lovely calved men on the loose. especially with lovely calved men on the loose :)
but i shouldn't be allowed to clean because now i can't find the cord to hook up my camera. it'll turn up at some point when i'm looking for my eyelash curler or something. besides the one nice highlight i have to report i didn't catch in pixels anyway: all the runner boys on the trail. the runner boys and their fabulous flexing calves. mmmm mmmm. thankfully, we all zoom by each other fast enough that we don't catch sight of each other's faces. i'd hate to ruin such beautiful calves with ugly faces.
i was out for about 45 minutes, so i clocked in between 3-4 miles. my legs were a little tight and i had weird pains in the ligaments behind my knees, but after a while i started to get loose. i actually started to get into the groove late into my run. but it grew darker and darker so i picked up the pace to get home before the boogeyman got me. in the dark in a wooded area is NOT where a single girl wants to be, even with lovely calved men on the loose. especially with lovely calved men on the loose :)
one hit wonder
my schedule has been totally out of whack. i was sick, i was tapering, then i was racing, then i was in the er, then i wasn't in the mood. and now that i don't have a race to train for, i've let excuses come between me and my runs.
i was welcoming "getting back to normal" after "the race" and i wondered what would get me out the door and on the trail. i thought i would need a full week to recover physically, but honestly, besides the er trip i feel totally 100% fine. what i have needed this week for was getting my other crap together: unpacking, cleaning, getting a haircut, grocery shopping, planning.
so while i've been of able mind and body, i've been feeling guilty that i haven't run at all this week. i've been feeling kind of like a one hit wonder. or a one race wonder. what i sometimes forget is what makes you a runner isn't your speed, your trails, or your races. what makes you a runner is that you run! it's consistency.
so i'm gonna get my other shit under control so i can enjoy my "off season" running already. the guilt is building up too quickly. i need to run it off already. but it's so much nicer coming home to a clean house after a run. so that is the scheduled cross training for tonight.
i was welcoming "getting back to normal" after "the race" and i wondered what would get me out the door and on the trail. i thought i would need a full week to recover physically, but honestly, besides the er trip i feel totally 100% fine. what i have needed this week for was getting my other crap together: unpacking, cleaning, getting a haircut, grocery shopping, planning.
so while i've been of able mind and body, i've been feeling guilty that i haven't run at all this week. i've been feeling kind of like a one hit wonder. or a one race wonder. what i sometimes forget is what makes you a runner isn't your speed, your trails, or your races. what makes you a runner is that you run! it's consistency.
so i'm gonna get my other shit under control so i can enjoy my "off season" running already. the guilt is building up too quickly. i need to run it off already. but it's so much nicer coming home to a clean house after a run. so that is the scheduled cross training for tonight.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
race report: with more perspective
i was too crushed and concerned with my health that i didn't get to write about anything else about the race.
the day was PERFECT for running and it was very well organized. plenty of clean portopotties (well clean for portopotties), lots of shady and sunny areas for runners to stretch and relax. i was just super super excited about starting and being "in it". i got so antsy in my corral, impatience, excitement, pride, joy all swelling up inside me. i just couldn't believe that 6 months had finally flown by and it was time to race.
i thought about how i had started, back in the winter, trudging out of my house after work in the dark and cold to get on a treadmill, only to have it defeat me after half a mile. i thought about where my head and heart was at the time. i thought about how difficult it was to get me to the gym to run, for even half an hour. and here i was about to run for over 2 hours!
i thought about all that had happened in my personal life in the past 6 months. how far i thought i had slipped back, but really how far i had come. i thought about how strong running had made me. i thought about how much it taught me, about taking things one day at a time. about celebrating the small victories. about how far one can go with just some training and some time.
and during my race there were so many times i just thought i would burst into tears, not just from pain, but in the beginning from the sheer joy and pride of running, with sooo many other people. so many others had stories behind the race. some proudly displayed who they were running in memory of, what school or charity they were running for. to me it's just so inspiring to see so many others inspired to lace up.
and while this race was "the" race, what running has taught me is that there is no finish line. enjoy each run, enjoy each race. there is no destination but today. and for someone as future and goal oriented as i am, that's a hard but refreshing lesson to learn.
i'm surprised i wasn't more crushed than i was. it helped that my friends were impressed that i finished. and after thinking about it, i finished only 20 minutes later than my expected time, even with my body crapping out on me. and the fact that i finished at all, especially considering how much pain i was in, is seriously a testament to the size of my cajones. i not only finished a hard race, i finished it under very adverse conditions. go me. :)
there will be plenty of races in my future. and i think i got everything i wanted and more from training for this one.
on a health note, i went to the ER monday night after work because i still had a terrible headache, a little dizziness and i wasn't peeing nearly as much as i thought i should, even though when i did it was clear.
i was in the ER the entire night! from around 6 to 11:30! in that time, i was given 2L of iv fluids, peed in a cup, got a cat scan, listened to a belligerent old man in the room next to me complain about a pain in his back and a softball sized growth on his stomach, was attended to by a cute male nurse with a nice butt and got about 70 pages into my new book.
all they could conclude was that i had sinusitus. which explained the headache etc, but not my body failure during the race. there was no evidence of dehydration or renal failure. i'm chalking my body ills on race day up to the extreme amounts of loratadine, pseudoephedrine, and naisds i had the week and day before. the week leading up to the race was honestly abysmal, but i had no choice to run because well the race was scheduled. but i'm looking for new allergy options and in the meantime have 10 days of antibiotics to get through.
i'm not sore at all, which is surprising, but nice. so a short run tonight is in order.
the day was PERFECT for running and it was very well organized. plenty of clean portopotties (well clean for portopotties), lots of shady and sunny areas for runners to stretch and relax. i was just super super excited about starting and being "in it". i got so antsy in my corral, impatience, excitement, pride, joy all swelling up inside me. i just couldn't believe that 6 months had finally flown by and it was time to race.
i thought about how i had started, back in the winter, trudging out of my house after work in the dark and cold to get on a treadmill, only to have it defeat me after half a mile. i thought about where my head and heart was at the time. i thought about how difficult it was to get me to the gym to run, for even half an hour. and here i was about to run for over 2 hours!
i thought about all that had happened in my personal life in the past 6 months. how far i thought i had slipped back, but really how far i had come. i thought about how strong running had made me. i thought about how much it taught me, about taking things one day at a time. about celebrating the small victories. about how far one can go with just some training and some time.
and during my race there were so many times i just thought i would burst into tears, not just from pain, but in the beginning from the sheer joy and pride of running, with sooo many other people. so many others had stories behind the race. some proudly displayed who they were running in memory of, what school or charity they were running for. to me it's just so inspiring to see so many others inspired to lace up.
and while this race was "the" race, what running has taught me is that there is no finish line. enjoy each run, enjoy each race. there is no destination but today. and for someone as future and goal oriented as i am, that's a hard but refreshing lesson to learn.
i'm surprised i wasn't more crushed than i was. it helped that my friends were impressed that i finished. and after thinking about it, i finished only 20 minutes later than my expected time, even with my body crapping out on me. and the fact that i finished at all, especially considering how much pain i was in, is seriously a testament to the size of my cajones. i not only finished a hard race, i finished it under very adverse conditions. go me. :)
there will be plenty of races in my future. and i think i got everything i wanted and more from training for this one.
on a health note, i went to the ER monday night after work because i still had a terrible headache, a little dizziness and i wasn't peeing nearly as much as i thought i should, even though when i did it was clear.
i was in the ER the entire night! from around 6 to 11:30! in that time, i was given 2L of iv fluids, peed in a cup, got a cat scan, listened to a belligerent old man in the room next to me complain about a pain in his back and a softball sized growth on his stomach, was attended to by a cute male nurse with a nice butt and got about 70 pages into my new book.
all they could conclude was that i had sinusitus. which explained the headache etc, but not my body failure during the race. there was no evidence of dehydration or renal failure. i'm chalking my body ills on race day up to the extreme amounts of loratadine, pseudoephedrine, and naisds i had the week and day before. the week leading up to the race was honestly abysmal, but i had no choice to run because well the race was scheduled. but i'm looking for new allergy options and in the meantime have 10 days of antibiotics to get through.
i'm not sore at all, which is surprising, but nice. so a short run tonight is in order.
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