i should be thankful.
thankful that i live on a hill. so that no matter what route i take from my house, i will have to face a hill. good for my legs, my butt, my lungs. yeah, yeah, whatever. the hill back up to my house plagued me the entire 5 miles today. i couldn't stop thinking about the hill i'd have to surmount during my last mile. which of course makes for a yucky run. but i got through it, even though i had to stop to stretch my tight left calf about 3 times.
i even surprised myself by getting back in just under an hour, which beats my time last week by a full 5 minutes. which in my opinion is a great pace for someone who's not used to keeping pace without a treadmill.
so i guess i can say i broke even on this run. it wasn't fun or easy, but sometimes a good run is a run that's just done.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
sunday
on sunday, i hit the roads...just 'cause. 'cause it was sunny and clear and i'd spent nearly the entire weekend indoors working. so i thought i'd treat myself to a short run.
'cept that it was colder than i'd expected and i felt like a 'tard in my shorts and tee, while everyone else that was out was in pants and jackets. my legs, arms, and hands actually turned red from the cold. and when i could manage to get my legs to move at a decent speed, i realized i hadn't let enough time pass for my lunch to digest. it felt like i was on the verge of a huge burp the entire time. (i've felt this every time i don't run in the morning)
i managed to eke out 2 miles, but it wasn't until i was nearly back home that i felt my legs warming up. too bad the rest of me begged to get back indoors. so my treat wasn't so pleasurable. but it feels good to be back in the running groove again, where on my off days i'm just itching to run.
'cept that it was colder than i'd expected and i felt like a 'tard in my shorts and tee, while everyone else that was out was in pants and jackets. my legs, arms, and hands actually turned red from the cold. and when i could manage to get my legs to move at a decent speed, i realized i hadn't let enough time pass for my lunch to digest. it felt like i was on the verge of a huge burp the entire time. (i've felt this every time i don't run in the morning)
i managed to eke out 2 miles, but it wasn't until i was nearly back home that i felt my legs warming up. too bad the rest of me begged to get back indoors. so my treat wasn't so pleasurable. but it feels good to be back in the running groove again, where on my off days i'm just itching to run.
Friday, January 26, 2007
welcome back legs, i've missed you
6 miles and none of it craptastic! just smooth, fun sailing. with enough energy to spare for negative splits. which i could report if my stopwatch hadn't crapped out mid way through. i know i had negative splits because i upped the speed every half mile or so. all i know for sure is i finished in 75 minutes and felt like i could easily give more.
i can't think of a better way to start off my weekend than a fantastic long run. except for a celebratory beer :)
i can't think of a better way to start off my weekend than a fantastic long run. except for a celebratory beer :)
a thin line between fat and hate
tyra banks of supermodel fame, has said that she's gained 30 pounds since her modelling heyday, putting her 5'10" frame at 160 pounds. while she feels comfortable at this weight, now that she's in "retirement", she says she is hurt by headlines from recent photos of her on the beach: America's Next Top Waddle and Tyra Porkchop. she says "I get so much mail from young girls who say, 'I look up to you, you're not as skinny as everyone else, I think you're beautiful,' " she says. "So when they say that my body is 'ugly' and 'disgusting,' what does that make those girls feel like?"
honestly i don't really like tyra banks and i'm not usually one to defend supermodels, but i do find it alarming that the word fat carries the same level of hate as the n word or the f word (you know which one i mean in this case). except that it is socially acceptable to call someone fat. words like fat and thin are supposed to be just adjectives. like tall and short or even red and blue. but the word fat now connotes so much more. it's an ugly jab people use to demoralize another person. and most people think that's ok.
the fact that the word fat carries so much hate and weight in our society disturbs me more than the statistics about obesity. you can have your opinions on how much responsibility people have over how obese and unhealthy they get, but that doesn't give anyone the right to call other people mean and hateful names.
honestly i don't really like tyra banks and i'm not usually one to defend supermodels, but i do find it alarming that the word fat carries the same level of hate as the n word or the f word (you know which one i mean in this case). except that it is socially acceptable to call someone fat. words like fat and thin are supposed to be just adjectives. like tall and short or even red and blue. but the word fat now connotes so much more. it's an ugly jab people use to demoralize another person. and most people think that's ok.
the fact that the word fat carries so much hate and weight in our society disturbs me more than the statistics about obesity. you can have your opinions on how much responsibility people have over how obese and unhealthy they get, but that doesn't give anyone the right to call other people mean and hateful names.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
my first intervals
i've shied away from these workouts because 1. they're hard and 2. i was convinced i could never do them. but i was wrong only about that second part. because they are hard. but doable. here's the breakdown:
800m warmup: 6:51
400m RUN: 2.25 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:37
400m RUN: 2.35 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:48
400m RUN: 2.25 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:51
400m RUN: 2.26 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:44
400m RUN: 2.25 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:37
400m RUN: 2.19 (6.5 mph)
200m WALK: 1:53
400m RUN: 2.20 (6.5 mph)
200m WALK: 1:55
400m RUN: 2.26 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:46
800m COOLDOWN: 6:18
TOTAL MILES: 3.625
TOTAL TIME: 42:48
the hardest part was converting meters into miles and writing out the splits breakdown on a notecard so i could follow along on the treadmill. and the time passes rather quickly, even if i did only run a little oer 3.5 miles. my half training plan has me scheduled for alternating tempo and interval runs. i might just be a speed racer after all.
800m warmup: 6:51
400m RUN: 2.25 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:37
400m RUN: 2.35 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:48
400m RUN: 2.25 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:51
400m RUN: 2.26 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:44
400m RUN: 2.25 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:37
400m RUN: 2.19 (6.5 mph)
200m WALK: 1:53
400m RUN: 2.20 (6.5 mph)
200m WALK: 1:55
400m RUN: 2.26 (6.2 mph)
200m WALK: 1:46
800m COOLDOWN: 6:18
TOTAL MILES: 3.625
TOTAL TIME: 42:48
the hardest part was converting meters into miles and writing out the splits breakdown on a notecard so i could follow along on the treadmill. and the time passes rather quickly, even if i did only run a little oer 3.5 miles. my half training plan has me scheduled for alternating tempo and interval runs. i might just be a speed racer after all.
i heart bacon
i know i'm going to jinx it, but i'm happy to say i've lost 3 pounds. in 3 weeks. which is MUCH better than the gaining 3 pounds in 3 weeks stint i was on in december. and with 13 weeks until my half, i'm hoping i follow the same slow weight loss of a pound a week. especially with my increasing mileage...i'll be able to eat the same and lo and behold, my pants fall off!! and who wouldn't love that?
because here's the thing. i love food. i love bacon, and potato chips. and chocolate cake. and cotton candy. and fried chicken. and beer. and cheese. and i don't think i have to give up any of it for any amount of time. i don't have to eat as much of it or as often, but to live a life NOT being able to eat the great splendors of the buffet table sounds pretty sad to me. as long as i can run strong and my pants size is smaller than my shoe size, i think i'll be ok not looking like jessica biel.
because here's the thing. i love food. i love bacon, and potato chips. and chocolate cake. and cotton candy. and fried chicken. and beer. and cheese. and i don't think i have to give up any of it for any amount of time. i don't have to eat as much of it or as often, but to live a life NOT being able to eat the great splendors of the buffet table sounds pretty sad to me. as long as i can run strong and my pants size is smaller than my shoe size, i think i'll be ok not looking like jessica biel.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
running the numbers
a few weeks ago, i ran across a training program for a half marathon that looked totally frickin' awsome. 'twas for the santa cruz half and the training program was being sponsored by the fleet feet in sf. totally stoaked, i penned in the dates for their information sessions and first workout on my calendar. and when i saw they sponsored bar nights, they had me hooked!
until i ran the numbers...
i live about 50 miles from sf. and it costs $8 in tolls roundtrip. over an 11 week program, the costs add up. if i ran with them twice a week, gas and tolls alone would cost $395 over the course of my training. 3 times a week and that cost jumps to $549. add the $100 program fee and it seems like a steep price to pay just to run a half marathon. especially since i ran my first practically on my own.
so i re-checked out my local fleet feet, in the next town over. they have FREE runs on wednesday nights for ladies, a thursday intervals run, and a saturday easy run of 3-5 miles. and the distance to and from the store is only 17 miles with NO tolls. and that means only $82 to $100 in gas.
so it seems to be a no brainer. sure i may have to run my long runs on my own, unless i find someone in the course of my training that wants to do them with me. and i won't have a "special" training program. but it sure as hell beats paying up to $600!
the next question: do i finally JOIN the gym i've been "trying out" for the past month?
until i ran the numbers...
i live about 50 miles from sf. and it costs $8 in tolls roundtrip. over an 11 week program, the costs add up. if i ran with them twice a week, gas and tolls alone would cost $395 over the course of my training. 3 times a week and that cost jumps to $549. add the $100 program fee and it seems like a steep price to pay just to run a half marathon. especially since i ran my first practically on my own.
so i re-checked out my local fleet feet, in the next town over. they have FREE runs on wednesday nights for ladies, a thursday intervals run, and a saturday easy run of 3-5 miles. and the distance to and from the store is only 17 miles with NO tolls. and that means only $82 to $100 in gas.
so it seems to be a no brainer. sure i may have to run my long runs on my own, unless i find someone in the course of my training that wants to do them with me. and i won't have a "special" training program. but it sure as hell beats paying up to $600!
the next question: do i finally JOIN the gym i've been "trying out" for the past month?
Monday, January 22, 2007
the run where i didn't throw up
a.k.a the run where i proved to myself i have what it takes.
today i came prepared. water. fully charged ipod. clothes that fit me. all i lacked was a positive mental attitude. even on the drive to the gym i began blogging in my head about what a craptastic 5 miles this run would be.
turns out it was only a craptastic 2.5 miles. the last 2.5 miles were like a dream. the kind of dream where you're a size 4 and your hair falls in perfect cascades as you trot along the beach on the french riveria with your beckham-like boytoy. it was seriously THAT good.
i struggled through the first half of my run, inching along at a speed between 4.2 and 4.3 mph. it was excruciating because i just didn't feel like doing it. i wasn't tired. i wasn't sore. i wasn't winded. i just didn't want to do it. but i made myself, pulling out an assortment of tricks to keep my mind occupied until i knew at some point i would reach my sweet spot.
and about halfway through, i hit it. running nirvana. i just felt lighter. i felt like my body had taken over and the nagging thoughts that plagued me dissappeared in my sweat. at that point the gym was starting to get crowded and there were a series of "hoverers". i knew i wouldn't hit 5 miles in time at my current speed, so i actually had the confidence to crank it up a notch. and then another. and another. by the end, i knew i had to sprint the last quarter mile. and in my sweaty haze, my fingers were somehow able to crank the machine up to something ridiculous like 7.5 mph. even more amazing, my legs managed to run it. even if only for the last quarter mile.
the last couple days have been wrought with a lot of uncertainty, mainly about my job situation. which escalates into anxiety about paying my bills, my life becoming a huge mess, turning into a washout, being a big dissapointment. i know these worries are ridiculous, but that doesn't mean that at times part of my brain doesn't go there.
but today's run taught me that i have what it takes. to overcome the mental battle of "i can't". that gritting through what feels uncomfortable and uncertain now can reap me huge rewards later. and that sometimes you just have to kick your own ass.
today i came prepared. water. fully charged ipod. clothes that fit me. all i lacked was a positive mental attitude. even on the drive to the gym i began blogging in my head about what a craptastic 5 miles this run would be.
turns out it was only a craptastic 2.5 miles. the last 2.5 miles were like a dream. the kind of dream where you're a size 4 and your hair falls in perfect cascades as you trot along the beach on the french riveria with your beckham-like boytoy. it was seriously THAT good.
i struggled through the first half of my run, inching along at a speed between 4.2 and 4.3 mph. it was excruciating because i just didn't feel like doing it. i wasn't tired. i wasn't sore. i wasn't winded. i just didn't want to do it. but i made myself, pulling out an assortment of tricks to keep my mind occupied until i knew at some point i would reach my sweet spot.
and about halfway through, i hit it. running nirvana. i just felt lighter. i felt like my body had taken over and the nagging thoughts that plagued me dissappeared in my sweat. at that point the gym was starting to get crowded and there were a series of "hoverers". i knew i wouldn't hit 5 miles in time at my current speed, so i actually had the confidence to crank it up a notch. and then another. and another. by the end, i knew i had to sprint the last quarter mile. and in my sweaty haze, my fingers were somehow able to crank the machine up to something ridiculous like 7.5 mph. even more amazing, my legs managed to run it. even if only for the last quarter mile.
the last couple days have been wrought with a lot of uncertainty, mainly about my job situation. which escalates into anxiety about paying my bills, my life becoming a huge mess, turning into a washout, being a big dissapointment. i know these worries are ridiculous, but that doesn't mean that at times part of my brain doesn't go there.
but today's run taught me that i have what it takes. to overcome the mental battle of "i can't". that gritting through what feels uncomfortable and uncertain now can reap me huge rewards later. and that sometimes you just have to kick your own ass.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
when things go awry
i should have known that when i couldn't find my keys this morning, it was a sign that i should just stay home.
after searching in every room 5 times, i took off to the gym in my dad's car hoping the run might clear my head to help me look for my keys when i got back. but once i got to the gym i realized i had forgotten my water. doh! ok whatever, spent a dollar, got another water.
undeterred i hopped on the treadmill and started off nice and slow. once i started getting into it, my shorts started slipping. either the elastic had stretched or i had gotten infinitesimally smaller. either way it was annoying. i had to keep pulling them up like every 15 seconds. then i tried to feel comfortable with them riding dangerously low on my hips. but i kept worrying that my crack was in full view. and we all know crack is whack.
and then finally, to end it all, my ipod crapped out...dead battery.
*sigh* some runs aren't meant to be.
we'll try this again tomorrow. after laying out everything i need the night before. and getting a better night's rest.
after searching in every room 5 times, i took off to the gym in my dad's car hoping the run might clear my head to help me look for my keys when i got back. but once i got to the gym i realized i had forgotten my water. doh! ok whatever, spent a dollar, got another water.
undeterred i hopped on the treadmill and started off nice and slow. once i started getting into it, my shorts started slipping. either the elastic had stretched or i had gotten infinitesimally smaller. either way it was annoying. i had to keep pulling them up like every 15 seconds. then i tried to feel comfortable with them riding dangerously low on my hips. but i kept worrying that my crack was in full view. and we all know crack is whack.
and then finally, to end it all, my ipod crapped out...dead battery.
*sigh* some runs aren't meant to be.
we'll try this again tomorrow. after laying out everything i need the night before. and getting a better night's rest.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
meh
never call banks or credit card companies first thing in the morning. it's never the best way to start your day. and i thought an afternoon run would help my mood, but it seems i was only weighed down by my thoughts. but it's nothing a HUGE piece of chocolate cake, a couple white russians, UGLY BETTY, and a nice warm bath can't fix.
splits:
mile 1: 11:55
mile 2: 12:36
.75 mile: 10:38
splits:
mile 1: 11:55
mile 2: 12:36
.75 mile: 10:38
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
the speed in me
i don't know what possessed me to run outside today, but i did. and am glad i did! i mapped out a mile long route from my house on gmaps to do an out and back run. and while it was the least hilly of all my options, it was still damned hilly.
but the surprise came when my ipod stopwatch revealed i run faster OFF the treadmill. jigga what?!
splits:
mile 1: 11:13
mile 2: 10:24
total: 21:37
pretty good for me. and pretty good for a runner who uses the treadmill as a security blanket. i can only account for the second mile being faster because 1. i was warmed up by then. 2. it is less hilly coming back. 3. i knew i was almost finished so i could push myself without fear of not finishing.
so now i have to say, i'm quite intrigued by this running outside and keeping track of your time thing...running might just teach me to be a numbers person after all.
but the surprise came when my ipod stopwatch revealed i run faster OFF the treadmill. jigga what?!
splits:
mile 1: 11:13
mile 2: 10:24
total: 21:37
pretty good for me. and pretty good for a runner who uses the treadmill as a security blanket. i can only account for the second mile being faster because 1. i was warmed up by then. 2. it is less hilly coming back. 3. i knew i was almost finished so i could push myself without fear of not finishing.
so now i have to say, i'm quite intrigued by this running outside and keeping track of your time thing...running might just teach me to be a numbers person after all.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
it's all in the accessories
there's a line in one of my favorite movies that goes: just in case i wasn't a enough of a freak already, let's add a tiara! that's kind of how i felt today. when i donned a sweatband. you know the elastic terrycloth doodads that old men and olivia newton john wear to the gym? my brother had been raving that it really helps keep the sweat out of his eyes. and i'm always looking for solutions to sweat. so i put my pride aside, bought one and strapped it on. i was already wearing a flourescent yellow singlet, so my dorktitude was pretty high anyway.
and i must say, during my 4 mile "long run" that sweatband really did the trick. better than my visor does when i run outside. i may have to invest in a few more of these elastic absorbant wonders. and hope the cute lil running skirts somehow counter balance their dorkiness.
Monday, January 15, 2007
weekend update
3 whole days and not a lick of running. instead:
1. justin timberlake concert. i was instantly turned into a starstruck teenager again. something about the way he dances makes you wonder how he moves when he's NOT on stage. sweet jesus. i'm a sucker for guys who sing and play the piano.
2. shopping. did you know that victoria's secret sells workout clothes?! and this weekend all their clearance was half off! i don't normally shop there because i think their prices are disgusting, but with the sale i was able to buy 13 pairs of undies and a workout skirt and shorts for less than $85 bucks!
3. eating. during the week i was really good about eating well and managed to lose 1.5 pounds. but that was all shot to hell when i got together with my brothers this weekend. there is nothing healthy on the hooters menu. hard to believe i know.
4. drinking and gambling. the nearby race track was having dollar beer night on saturday. and dollar hot dogs. but luckily we had gotten our fill at hooters that we didn't have the hot dog eating contest we had planned. it was my first live horseracing event and it was preety exhilirating. granted we never had more than $5 on any race at a time, and we pooled our money, but still winning 20 cents on the fourth race was the most exciting 20 cents i've ever won.
5. sleeping. too many beers later we all crashed. and spent most of sunday on the couch watching a marathon of ninja warrior competitions.
6. recuperating. i finally got myself a humidifier, and the rest i had on sunday finally kicked whatever ailment i had last week. i'm gonna try to do my 4 miles from this weekend today, and squeeze in the 2 miles i am planned to do today into my other runs or later this week. which shouldn't be too hard.
all of this is probably not how i would have spent the weekend it if i was still on my own on the east coast. but this was the first weekend where i finally felt like i was home. it no longer feels like i'm visiting and i'm not comparing here to there anymore. it feels really really good to have my family be a part of my everyday life again. and that beats all the glamour and sophistication of single urban living any day.
1. justin timberlake concert. i was instantly turned into a starstruck teenager again. something about the way he dances makes you wonder how he moves when he's NOT on stage. sweet jesus. i'm a sucker for guys who sing and play the piano.
2. shopping. did you know that victoria's secret sells workout clothes?! and this weekend all their clearance was half off! i don't normally shop there because i think their prices are disgusting, but with the sale i was able to buy 13 pairs of undies and a workout skirt and shorts for less than $85 bucks!
3. eating. during the week i was really good about eating well and managed to lose 1.5 pounds. but that was all shot to hell when i got together with my brothers this weekend. there is nothing healthy on the hooters menu. hard to believe i know.
4. drinking and gambling. the nearby race track was having dollar beer night on saturday. and dollar hot dogs. but luckily we had gotten our fill at hooters that we didn't have the hot dog eating contest we had planned. it was my first live horseracing event and it was preety exhilirating. granted we never had more than $5 on any race at a time, and we pooled our money, but still winning 20 cents on the fourth race was the most exciting 20 cents i've ever won.
5. sleeping. too many beers later we all crashed. and spent most of sunday on the couch watching a marathon of ninja warrior competitions.
6. recuperating. i finally got myself a humidifier, and the rest i had on sunday finally kicked whatever ailment i had last week. i'm gonna try to do my 4 miles from this weekend today, and squeeze in the 2 miles i am planned to do today into my other runs or later this week. which shouldn't be too hard.
all of this is probably not how i would have spent the weekend it if i was still on my own on the east coast. but this was the first weekend where i finally felt like i was home. it no longer feels like i'm visiting and i'm not comparing here to there anymore. it feels really really good to have my family be a part of my everyday life again. and that beats all the glamour and sophistication of single urban living any day.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
musings from the treadmill
you know how people say running gets them in their happy place? that place of zen and peace and tranquility? where they can escape and clear their head? some people say they get their best ideas on runs and go off to write hit songs, cure diseases, or invent that little gadget that cooks bacon in the microwave so it's all crispy? yeah well, not so much for me. THIS is what goes through my head while i'm on the treadmill:
whoo...okay start off slow...it's called a warmup...ok ok enough with the warmup let's just get to it already, let's crank it up...ok...ok...ok not that much...or THAT much either...ok snail's pace it is...doodoodoo...ew why did i put this song on my playlist...ok much better...doodoodoo...oooh he's kinda cute...but what's with the skull cap, we're inside lame-o...he's got nice arms though...ok now turn around so i can see you from the back...turn turn...there...oooh impressive...hmmm my legs feel like lead...god can i REALLY keep this up for 3 miles?...god damned cookies...i knew i shouldn't have eaten those 3 cookies last night...ok 4 cookies...ok 5 cookies! damn!...or that salami...mmmmmm salami...so we're having spaghetti for lunch today...with meatballs...i wonder how many meatballs i'll eat today...whew, ok first mile done...feeling better...lead feeling gone...ew WHAT IS UP WITH THE PEOPLE WEARING THE VELOUR TRACKSUITS TO THE GYM!?!...aren't you hot people?! they don't make those for people to work out in. they're just for show. just for lounging...you're not fooling anyone. just because it LOOKS sporty doesn't mean it's actually FOR sports...dumbasses...oooh but SHE'S got some killer legs though...damn why can't my legs look like that?..."i be up in the gym just workin' on my fitness, he's my witness..."...ooh gotta remember to keep my abs tight...tight abs, tight abs...should i really run outside on saturday?...20ish degree weather?...does michael really want to drive to tahoe on saturday?...i don't know if i'm up for cold weather this weekend...god when is summer gonna get here already?...i wonder if there will be any cute boys in my training group...woo hoo 2 miles only one more to go...funny how running makes it EASIER for me to breathe...doodoodoo...doodoodoo...i wonder what i'm gonna wear to the concert tomorrow...hmmm no not that, it's too cold...no not that...or that...or...hey! what the...omg will you two shut the eff up?! seriously? you're doing that here? right now? you've GOT to be kidding me...dumb ass bitc....
this was when the girl to my left and the girl to my right started chatting it up with each other, really loudly, talking over (or through me) i guess. so loud that i could hear them over my ipod that i had on full blast. it's like hearing your favorite song then someone playing static behind it. and i already had enough going on in my head that i didn't need to hear their chatter too.
so in the 8 minutes i had left, i adjusted my position on the treadmill to obstruct the view they had of each other and when they would adjust theirs, i would adjust mine. fun little game we had going, until the girl on my left got the hint, jumped off her treadmill and hovered behind mine to wait til i was done to commence the gabfest.
so yeah no heights of enlightenment today, but i'm at least not feeling as sickly and got my second of three running workouts in...as for saturday we'll see if i brave temps cold enough to wear pants and a beanie or whether i'll head inside and brave gabby gym gals again.
whoo...okay start off slow...it's called a warmup...ok ok enough with the warmup let's just get to it already, let's crank it up...ok...ok...ok not that much...or THAT much either...ok snail's pace it is...doodoodoo...ew why did i put this song on my playlist...ok much better...doodoodoo...oooh he's kinda cute...but what's with the skull cap, we're inside lame-o...he's got nice arms though...ok now turn around so i can see you from the back...turn turn...there...oooh impressive...hmmm my legs feel like lead...god can i REALLY keep this up for 3 miles?...god damned cookies...i knew i shouldn't have eaten those 3 cookies last night...ok 4 cookies...ok 5 cookies! damn!...or that salami...mmmmmm salami...so we're having spaghetti for lunch today...with meatballs...i wonder how many meatballs i'll eat today...whew, ok first mile done...feeling better...lead feeling gone...ew WHAT IS UP WITH THE PEOPLE WEARING THE VELOUR TRACKSUITS TO THE GYM!?!...aren't you hot people?! they don't make those for people to work out in. they're just for show. just for lounging...you're not fooling anyone. just because it LOOKS sporty doesn't mean it's actually FOR sports...dumbasses...oooh but SHE'S got some killer legs though...damn why can't my legs look like that?..."i be up in the gym just workin' on my fitness, he's my witness..."...ooh gotta remember to keep my abs tight...tight abs, tight abs...should i really run outside on saturday?...20ish degree weather?...does michael really want to drive to tahoe on saturday?...i don't know if i'm up for cold weather this weekend...god when is summer gonna get here already?...i wonder if there will be any cute boys in my training group...woo hoo 2 miles only one more to go...funny how running makes it EASIER for me to breathe...doodoodoo...doodoodoo...i wonder what i'm gonna wear to the concert tomorrow...hmmm no not that, it's too cold...no not that...or that...or...hey! what the...omg will you two shut the eff up?! seriously? you're doing that here? right now? you've GOT to be kidding me...dumb ass bitc....
this was when the girl to my left and the girl to my right started chatting it up with each other, really loudly, talking over (or through me) i guess. so loud that i could hear them over my ipod that i had on full blast. it's like hearing your favorite song then someone playing static behind it. and i already had enough going on in my head that i didn't need to hear their chatter too.
so in the 8 minutes i had left, i adjusted my position on the treadmill to obstruct the view they had of each other and when they would adjust theirs, i would adjust mine. fun little game we had going, until the girl on my left got the hint, jumped off her treadmill and hovered behind mine to wait til i was done to commence the gabfest.
so yeah no heights of enlightenment today, but i'm at least not feeling as sickly and got my second of three running workouts in...as for saturday we'll see if i brave temps cold enough to wear pants and a beanie or whether i'll head inside and brave gabby gym gals again.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
bubble girl
i don't know what it is, but i seem to have become a petri dish for any and all germs lately. as i walked to my car saturday night after a party, i shivered and just KNEW. fu*k i'm gonna be sick. and sure enough on sunday i felt like poo. and sometime last month when i went out to get the mail i took in a sharp breath of air and couldn't stop hacking for a week. before that it was strep throat and before that it was a sinus infection. this amount of sick is more sick than i usually am in a year.
today it's not one of those oh man i better stay in bed all day kinda sicks. it's like the hangnail of being sick...i'm constantly clearing my throat because of a weird nagging tickle that sometimes becomes a cough. that and i just feel weak. which is made worse from the weights class i took last night. i still feel good enough to think that running 3 miles today won't kill me, but the thought of being at the gym with other sweaty bodies with god knows WHAT germs has me running for the covers. and airborne.
so i'm trading tomorrow's rest day with today and hoping that being a bubble girl will get me well enough to run my 2 other workouts this week and make it to the justin timberlake concert this friday! ya think making a sign that says, "JT, i'm single too" is crazy?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
this is what i look like running
except i'm sweaty and my hair is either plastered to my face or sticking out in random places. oh and that small matter about my thighs rubbing together. oh and i usually have some sort of dorky waist belt to hold water and/or keys and/or id and/or my cell phone. i guess when you're kate hudson you don't have to bother carrying any of that because people know who you are and know to contact goldie hawn. and i don't usually run in my bikini with my nano tucked into the bra because seriously, HOW IS THAT EVEN COMFORTABLE?
regardless, ms. hudson looks DAMN good. and i'm thankful i don't have paparazzi taking pictures of me while i workout. if there were, those pictures would end up in the STAR magazine under the title: stars with cellulite. am i the only one who LOVES reading those issues?
Monday, January 08, 2007
taking out the trash
i cheated today. but in a good way. i ran more than my training plan had scheduled. which i know could also be bad what with overtraining or whatever. but i felt good. and i felt strong. and i didn't go over my 2 mile plan by THAT much. plus i seriously can't fathom getting dressed, driving to the gym, stretching, and taking a shower for just 2 miles of running. so i extended my easy run to 3.75 miles and a full 48 minutes. twas the best 48 minutes of my day. sometimes running can be such an escape that i don't want to stop. but when i do, it at least gives me the boost i need.
i felt so good after my run that i didn't wince too much when i got on the scale and saw that i had gained yet ANOTHER pound. i've weighed myself every time i've gone to the gym this week and each time i've been one pound heavier than the last time. the gravity must be heavier in california than it is on the east coast. it can't have anything to do with all the home cooked food i've been devouring. i know my mom and all my aunts mean well when they cook all my favorite foods in one meal, but i've seriously GOT to stop eating like it's my last meal.
and to that end, today my mom and i did something unthinkable. we trashed all the goodies in the house. all the chocolates, candies, cookies, and other delectable treats that had been accumulating from friends and neighbors. there was just NO possible way the three of us, one of whom is diabetic, was gonna finish it all. i know there are starving kids in melawi, but the trashbag of sweets we pitched wouldn't have been good for them either. half the stuff was food i wouldn't have picked out anyway.
i'm not expecting a miracle when it comes to my weight. i know it will drop eventually once i start racking up the weekly miles. i'm just glad i saved a couple pairs of fat pants when i moved.
i felt so good after my run that i didn't wince too much when i got on the scale and saw that i had gained yet ANOTHER pound. i've weighed myself every time i've gone to the gym this week and each time i've been one pound heavier than the last time. the gravity must be heavier in california than it is on the east coast. it can't have anything to do with all the home cooked food i've been devouring. i know my mom and all my aunts mean well when they cook all my favorite foods in one meal, but i've seriously GOT to stop eating like it's my last meal.
and to that end, today my mom and i did something unthinkable. we trashed all the goodies in the house. all the chocolates, candies, cookies, and other delectable treats that had been accumulating from friends and neighbors. there was just NO possible way the three of us, one of whom is diabetic, was gonna finish it all. i know there are starving kids in melawi, but the trashbag of sweets we pitched wouldn't have been good for them either. half the stuff was food i wouldn't have picked out anyway.
i'm not expecting a miracle when it comes to my weight. i know it will drop eventually once i start racking up the weekly miles. i'm just glad i saved a couple pairs of fat pants when i moved.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
psyching myself up
i'm a big fan of resolutions. i'm most reflective about this around my birthday which is in the middle of august, so it's nice to get another surge of inspiration come january.
this year though, i feel a lot of pressure. the upside to having a fresh start is having hope and endless possibilities. the downside is that i feel like i have to be "better" at "it" this time around. whatever that means. i've been avoiding writing down my resolutions because i'm trying to fool myself into believing that not having goals is better than having goals and possibly not achieving them. which is totally dumb dumb logic i know. but who said fear is logical?
the one area of my life where my goals are pretty clear to me is my running. so maybe if i start "officially" posting those goals, i'll gather the courage to just dive in head first instead of pussy-footing around the shallow end of the pool. so...this year i want to:
1. run my first marathon! (i have my sights set on the nike women's marathon. 1. for the jewelry and 2. it's local)
2. run at least 2 half marathons (i have my sights set on the santa cruz half in april and the runsf half in july)
3. run at least 3 days a week, every week
that's it. pretty simple. i'm sure once i get back into the groove or running regularly, i'll feel more comfortable challenging myself even more.
so, other non-running related goals. this year, i also want to:
1. learn to sew. (this petite chick wants to learn to hem her own pants! and make curtains! and cute dresses!)
2. pay off one of my credit cards.
3. find steady employment, whether it be with my old company i'm freelancing for now or a new job here.
4. live up to (or down to, i guess) the weight documented on my driver's license.
again, pretty simple. once the employment thing works out, i think i'll feel more confident about making more plans and goals.
on the whole, i really am excited about what this year has in store for me. and considering the amount of change that has happened in my life in the past 6 months, i think it's only normal for me to want to take this next phase slow, even if i really am teeming with excitement on the inside.
it's funny, because now after i've written all this, i've really psyched myself up. maybe 2007 won't be so scary after all.
this year though, i feel a lot of pressure. the upside to having a fresh start is having hope and endless possibilities. the downside is that i feel like i have to be "better" at "it" this time around. whatever that means. i've been avoiding writing down my resolutions because i'm trying to fool myself into believing that not having goals is better than having goals and possibly not achieving them. which is totally dumb dumb logic i know. but who said fear is logical?
the one area of my life where my goals are pretty clear to me is my running. so maybe if i start "officially" posting those goals, i'll gather the courage to just dive in head first instead of pussy-footing around the shallow end of the pool. so...this year i want to:
1. run my first marathon! (i have my sights set on the nike women's marathon. 1. for the jewelry and 2. it's local)
2. run at least 2 half marathons (i have my sights set on the santa cruz half in april and the runsf half in july)
3. run at least 3 days a week, every week
that's it. pretty simple. i'm sure once i get back into the groove or running regularly, i'll feel more comfortable challenging myself even more.
so, other non-running related goals. this year, i also want to:
1. learn to sew. (this petite chick wants to learn to hem her own pants! and make curtains! and cute dresses!)
2. pay off one of my credit cards.
3. find steady employment, whether it be with my old company i'm freelancing for now or a new job here.
4. live up to (or down to, i guess) the weight documented on my driver's license.
again, pretty simple. once the employment thing works out, i think i'll feel more confident about making more plans and goals.
on the whole, i really am excited about what this year has in store for me. and considering the amount of change that has happened in my life in the past 6 months, i think it's only normal for me to want to take this next phase slow, even if i really am teeming with excitement on the inside.
it's funny, because now after i've written all this, i've really psyched myself up. maybe 2007 won't be so scary after all.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
face to face
i just stood there. stricken with fear, unable to move. i thought i had already faced this demon. i thought i had conquered it. but here i was paralyzed with terror. again. thoughts raced through my brain but all i could really think was, how could this be? HOW?!
how could there possibly be bathing suits out in the stores in JANUARY!?! ugh!
how could there possibly be bathing suits out in the stores in JANUARY!?! ugh!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
60 minutes
an hour is plenty of time for a good kickboxing workout. but an hour is definitely NOT enough time for dinner to digest before said kickboxing class. oof! there were definitely some times between kicking combos that i thought for sure i would spew. luckily i was able to keep it all down and get through the class. now that i've had some time to sit, my belly still feels like icky. i should probably follow my pre-run eating habits when it comes to kickboxing and save the bulk of my meal for AFTER exercise. unless i want to be known as barfy mc barfeson at the gym. and there are too many cute guys at my new gym to risk that.
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