I know many of you many think I am talking about marathons and miles. I have done 26.2 10 times but that's not what I mean today and given that this is usually a running blog I can understand why you would think that but tomorrow will be my birthday.
I'm not big on numbers because I feel that everyone should look at aging as the opportunity to say, "okay I've had fill in the blank years to get this good. If I'm not happy I haven't used my time well enough."
It is a funny observation that when I turned 26 I stopped counting up. That was a year that I liked. Nothing in particular. I just enjoyed being 26. Oddly enough, later in life that number would mean more to me because of the evolution of my running.
And so tomorrow, I will have another crack at 26...the 14th crack at it. :-)
Enough of my own birthday well wishing. Looking forward this is what I'd like to do for my birthday indulgence this weekend. Check out the elevations. I doubt with those climbs I will be looking at any PRs but I will get a great workout. Any thoughts on the feasibility of this trail 1/2 marathon training run? I have run portions of this route before but not all. I am hoping to get my niece aka pacer extraordinaire to bike support me just in case we run into a problem with the trails. The maps are not always up to date and I know there is a section on personal property...I am hoping to travel through unnoticed.
So that is what I'd like for my birthday. One really awesome trail 1/2 marathon to make me feel powerful once I conquer it!!!
I will have a P90x update soon. Sorry for the delay...littlest has the flu.
It's Just One Foot in Front of the Other ~ on The Trail of My Life
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Weekend Wrap Up
It's hard to believe that I am inside right now typing under this laptop! The temperatures are in the mid-60s today! Yeah, southwestern PA in November. It is awesome! I already did my 6.5 mile run this morning and then took my littlest in the jogger for an hour because I just couldn't make myself come inside!!
Later today, I have a P90x Kenpo workout to fit in but that shouldn't be a problem. I am excited to given that workout a try.
After Friday night's FAIL on all things workout-wise, I got back on track Saturday with a glorious early morning run before my oldest had to head off to work. It was nice and still and cool outside. I found myself in the zone immediately and was cruising along in no time. I found myself completely lost in my thoughts.
And then I realized I had stepped off the road and onto the soft shoulder. No problem. I often run on the softer ground just off the roadbed. Then it happened. My foot wanted to go one direction and my ankle disagreed.
*#@$%@**$%
Okay. I did say a couple words I am glad there was no one around to hear me say but I walked in circles deciding if I had done any REAL damage.
No. All is well. I continue on. No pain. No soreness. Fall right back into the wonderful runner's zone and in no time I am done with 3.5 miles. Yipee.
The rest of Saturday I cleaned the house and prepared for my middle one's play date with her friend. (when did they become play dates? does anyone just play anymore without all the fuss??) A washed out refrigerator, scrub bathroom, washed/folded laundry, cleaned kitchen later, the friend is here ready to play the day away.
I had planned another run during the afternoon with my niece and pacer extraordinaire. I was hoping for my favorite 6.5 mile loop with hills. As the afternoon progressed on and the girls played together so nicely I sat with my littlest to attempt to get him down for a nap while I baked cookies for the girls snack.
Littlest went down rather easily. Yeah! I got him to laid down in his crib and tip-toed out of his room and went into the kitchen to start baking.
Ouch! I must have stepped funny because my ankle hurt. (of course, I had forgotten all about twisting my ankle during the morning run!) I mixed and baked yummy chocolate chip cookies - I only ate one, promise. I went to call the girls in if they wanted to have warm cookies and again my ankle gave a holler.
The cookies were devoured and the littlest was awake again. I found myself sitting on the floor playing with him. Ouch! And this time, I couldn't ignore it. By this time I had remembered the early twistage and was wondered that I had actually injured myself. Ekkk!
After some frantic praying, icing and then warm up and gentle stretching the pain was gone but so was the entire afternoon and early evening. I counted myself lucky and chalked it up to a lesson learned. How quickly my plans could be changed!
I did get a second run with my niece however, we shortened it to 3.5 miles and then I did my P90x - Legs, Back and Abs. It has been a very good weekend after a difficult start on Friday evening.
So much for resting this weekend and getting a little extra sleep, but I think there is a hammock in the woods out back that is calling my name right now and as long as my littlest will let me, that is where I'll be.
Later today, I have a P90x Kenpo workout to fit in but that shouldn't be a problem. I am excited to given that workout a try.
After Friday night's FAIL on all things workout-wise, I got back on track Saturday with a glorious early morning run before my oldest had to head off to work. It was nice and still and cool outside. I found myself in the zone immediately and was cruising along in no time. I found myself completely lost in my thoughts.
And then I realized I had stepped off the road and onto the soft shoulder. No problem. I often run on the softer ground just off the roadbed. Then it happened. My foot wanted to go one direction and my ankle disagreed.
*#@$%@**$%
Okay. I did say a couple words I am glad there was no one around to hear me say but I walked in circles deciding if I had done any REAL damage.
No. All is well. I continue on. No pain. No soreness. Fall right back into the wonderful runner's zone and in no time I am done with 3.5 miles. Yipee.
The rest of Saturday I cleaned the house and prepared for my middle one's play date with her friend. (when did they become play dates? does anyone just play anymore without all the fuss??) A washed out refrigerator, scrub bathroom, washed/folded laundry, cleaned kitchen later, the friend is here ready to play the day away.
I had planned another run during the afternoon with my niece and pacer extraordinaire. I was hoping for my favorite 6.5 mile loop with hills. As the afternoon progressed on and the girls played together so nicely I sat with my littlest to attempt to get him down for a nap while I baked cookies for the girls snack.
Littlest went down rather easily. Yeah! I got him to laid down in his crib and tip-toed out of his room and went into the kitchen to start baking.
Ouch! I must have stepped funny because my ankle hurt. (of course, I had forgotten all about twisting my ankle during the morning run!) I mixed and baked yummy chocolate chip cookies - I only ate one, promise. I went to call the girls in if they wanted to have warm cookies and again my ankle gave a holler.
The cookies were devoured and the littlest was awake again. I found myself sitting on the floor playing with him. Ouch! And this time, I couldn't ignore it. By this time I had remembered the early twistage and was wondered that I had actually injured myself. Ekkk!
After some frantic praying, icing and then warm up and gentle stretching the pain was gone but so was the entire afternoon and early evening. I counted myself lucky and chalked it up to a lesson learned. How quickly my plans could be changed!
I did get a second run with my niece however, we shortened it to 3.5 miles and then I did my P90x - Legs, Back and Abs. It has been a very good weekend after a difficult start on Friday evening.
So much for resting this weekend and getting a little extra sleep, but I think there is a hammock in the woods out back that is calling my name right now and as long as my littlest will let me, that is where I'll be.
Friday, November 6, 2009
I didn't ask for a wrench.
Life sometimes gives you what IT thinks you need instead of what you know perfectly well you DO need. And what I needed was not a wrench in my schedule!
Here is sit under this laptop. It's 9:28 p.m. Have I ran. NO. Have I done P90x. NO. Color me NOT a HaPpY cAmPeR!! This in my world means I somehow???? will squash it all into tomorrow. I have alll day, right. Grrrr! I am not very flexible when it comes to what I have; planned and written down in time line fashion no less, to do.
'"He's so cute."
"Awwww."
"That's a good reason to take a night off."
Okay, listen here.!
That's not what I want you to say. I come HERE for people who understand the obsessive need to run/workout. I can find LOTS of people who will agree that family comes first. Lots of people who will tell me it's okay to sit on my butt. I mean, look I have the cutest littlest ever, smiling his silly little I've-got-6-teeth smile at me with his arms reaching up to me, making his sweet little talking sounds wanting me to do nothing more than...Pick him up. Put him down. Pick him up. Put him down. Pick him up. Put him down. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Luckily for my littlest, I have all day tomorrow to complete today's list and tomorrow's list of runs and workouts. Or else he'd be in really big trouble. No. Not really. He is far too cute to get mad at.
Disclaimer: This post was a lighthearted attempt at some laughter to help me and maybe you through another evening if your day was challenging. Because of course, as a mom and a runner it's a delicate balancing act but my family and most importantly my kiddos come first.
Here is sit under this laptop. It's 9:28 p.m. Have I ran. NO. Have I done P90x. NO. Color me NOT a HaPpY cAmPeR!! This in my world means I somehow???? will squash it all into tomorrow. I have alll day, right. Grrrr! I am not very flexible when it comes to what I have; planned and written down in time line fashion no less, to do.
The Reason.
Yeah, yeah. I hear it all from here.
'"He's so cute."
"Awwww."
"That's a good reason to take a night off."
Okay, listen here.!
That's not what I want you to say. I come HERE for people who understand the obsessive need to run/workout. I can find LOTS of people who will agree that family comes first. Lots of people who will tell me it's okay to sit on my butt. I mean, look I have the cutest littlest ever, smiling his silly little I've-got-6-teeth smile at me with his arms reaching up to me, making his sweet little talking sounds wanting me to do nothing more than...Pick him up. Put him down. Pick him up. Put him down. Pick him up. Put him down. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Luckily for my littlest, I have all day tomorrow to complete today's list and tomorrow's list of runs and workouts. Or else he'd be in really big trouble. No. Not really. He is far too cute to get mad at.
Disclaimer: This post was a lighthearted attempt at some laughter to help me and maybe you through another evening if your day was challenging. Because of course, as a mom and a runner it's a delicate balancing act but my family and most importantly my kiddos come first.
Muscles, why are you yelling at me?
Okay now I am into P90x for 5 workouts. I have been running along with my typically one hour to one and a half hour long cross training workouts. To be honest, I went into this realizing I am NOT super girl so I tried to dial back my running expectations a bit. Going from 13 miles a day to hoping for 7 to 10 miles a day.
I thought that would keep me happy because I really don't like to miss a day of running. Running is my release from all the stresses in my life. And I am obsessed with running, use it as my control point in life, attach a whole lot of self-worth in whether or not I am successful in accomplishing what I set out to do via running. BUT. Today after two days of 3.5 short runs (yesterday my littlest was not cooperating in a.m. so I had to shorten my run) and last night's hour and a half of yoga courtesy P90x, I am beginning to see that I am going to be forced to...darn I say it...limit my running.
Deep breaths. Remain calm, Shelly.
I am attempting to comfort myself with thoughts of longer runs on the weekends and the possibility of a long run through the week when energy allows. I know that I WILL be a stronger better runner by completing this cross training. I know I will be healthier overall. The difficulty stems from letting go of my need to miles. And adding up those miles and keeping track of those miles and meeting a certain number of miles for each month....
With the rural region I live in racing opportunities dry up as the weather gets colder. So all the running will soon be only for me and the upcoming spring season. All these words to try and convince myself that I am doing the right thing with cross training. B.E.C.A.U.S.E., let me tell you running is easier!
Anyone out there who thinks an hour and a half of yoga is a night off has never done this program. I was thinking, 'great, yoga. I love yoga. OOOAAAAAMMMMMM.' Yeah, right. Trying going in and out of plank for 30 minutes and then realize you still have another HOUR!! Oh My GreatGoodness! I was shaking so much I thought I was on one of those old exercise machine that were supposed to wiggle the fat off!!!! Thank goodness no one saw me. And I thought I was fit.
I thought that. Not any more.
So. That is where life is at. Tonight is a hopeful 3.5 miles with littlest in jogger and then a hour of legs and back and then 339 sit ups.
Run strong to all those getting to race this weekend.
I thought that would keep me happy because I really don't like to miss a day of running. Running is my release from all the stresses in my life. And I am obsessed with running, use it as my control point in life, attach a whole lot of self-worth in whether or not I am successful in accomplishing what I set out to do via running. BUT. Today after two days of 3.5 short runs (yesterday my littlest was not cooperating in a.m. so I had to shorten my run) and last night's hour and a half of yoga courtesy P90x, I am beginning to see that I am going to be forced to...darn I say it...limit my running.
Deep breaths. Remain calm, Shelly.
I am attempting to comfort myself with thoughts of longer runs on the weekends and the possibility of a long run through the week when energy allows. I know that I WILL be a stronger better runner by completing this cross training. I know I will be healthier overall. The difficulty stems from letting go of my need to miles. And adding up those miles and keeping track of those miles and meeting a certain number of miles for each month....
With the rural region I live in racing opportunities dry up as the weather gets colder. So all the running will soon be only for me and the upcoming spring season. All these words to try and convince myself that I am doing the right thing with cross training. B.E.C.A.U.S.E., let me tell you running is easier!
Anyone out there who thinks an hour and a half of yoga is a night off has never done this program. I was thinking, 'great, yoga. I love yoga. OOOAAAAAMMMMMM.' Yeah, right. Trying going in and out of plank for 30 minutes and then realize you still have another HOUR!! Oh My GreatGoodness! I was shaking so much I thought I was on one of those old exercise machine that were supposed to wiggle the fat off!!!! Thank goodness no one saw me. And I thought I was fit.
I thought that. Not any more.
So. That is where life is at. Tonight is a hopeful 3.5 miles with littlest in jogger and then a hour of legs and back and then 339 sit ups.
Run strong to all those getting to race this weekend.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Evening Run and Day Three
I just got done complaining about the time change and now I am pleasantly reminded of why I really don't mind the darker evening after all. I had another surreal run tonight. Only 3.5 miles but every single foot fall was perfect. There is just something great about not being able to see where it is your headed that allows you to run just a little bit faster. It's almost as if you can run without the concern of how far you have yet to go.
Tonight I didn't have the wonderful moon. Boo bad clouds, boo on you! I had my handy-dandy head lamp. It has several settings. Tonight I had it set really low to just give me a tiny bit of illumination aimed at the road just a few feet in front of me. AWESOME! Just enough light to be able to run safely. I love the feeling of being the only person outside. When I run by the few homes I pass on this out-and-back, I enjoy seeing people going about the evening within their lit windows. Tonight it reminded me of the holiday season I have to look forward to with the Christmas lights decorating the houses that allow me to go on my favorite 6.5 mile loop with or without the benefit of moon light. There are always things about each season that keep the joy in my running year round.
After my p.m. run my wonderful oldest son kept the two littles somewhat occupied so I could reap the benefits of Day Three of P90x. The joys of Shoulders, Bis & Tris and another round of 339 sit up variations. At first I thought, 'Gee, I need heavier weights.' but after about 20 minutes I was happy that I hadn't tried to be a macho-chic. Talk about burn! And my legs were great, totally into the run but as the shoulder/bi/tri workout started to use my quads in some squats while doing curls and presses, those same legs started whispering about being really really tired! Tonight it was one of those tired in a good way kind of feelings. I hope that is still how I feel in the morning. I have my favorite 6.5 loop on tap in the a.m. and then an hour and a half of yoga courtesy P90x in my p.m. Wish me luck.
Tonight I didn't have the wonderful moon. Boo bad clouds, boo on you! I had my handy-dandy head lamp. It has several settings. Tonight I had it set really low to just give me a tiny bit of illumination aimed at the road just a few feet in front of me. AWESOME! Just enough light to be able to run safely. I love the feeling of being the only person outside. When I run by the few homes I pass on this out-and-back, I enjoy seeing people going about the evening within their lit windows. Tonight it reminded me of the holiday season I have to look forward to with the Christmas lights decorating the houses that allow me to go on my favorite 6.5 mile loop with or without the benefit of moon light. There are always things about each season that keep the joy in my running year round.
After my p.m. run my wonderful oldest son kept the two littles somewhat occupied so I could reap the benefits of Day Three of P90x. The joys of Shoulders, Bis & Tris and another round of 339 sit up variations. At first I thought, 'Gee, I need heavier weights.' but after about 20 minutes I was happy that I hadn't tried to be a macho-chic. Talk about burn! And my legs were great, totally into the run but as the shoulder/bi/tri workout started to use my quads in some squats while doing curls and presses, those same legs started whispering about being really really tired! Tonight it was one of those tired in a good way kind of feelings. I hope that is still how I feel in the morning. I have my favorite 6.5 loop on tap in the a.m. and then an hour and a half of yoga courtesy P90x in my p.m. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A Sampling of Days to Come
The amazing view from my run
in the moonlight
Now that the wonderful time change has set in, I have the opportunity to run by moon light. Which is AWESOME!!! I ran an a.m. 3.5 mile and a p.m. 3.5 mile run on Monday since I wouldn't be able to get a long run in with my work schedule. Only to realize that we had a full moon! Even though it really got chilly once the sun went down I didn't let that stop me from getting my second run completed.
Don't get me wrong. I love to run in every season but there is just something about being wrapped up in your self-created envelope of warmth, feeling like you are the only one alive, seeing the world so quiet and still. IT IS THE BEST! The only way to make it better is to add a light snow fall - which I know will happen this winter.
I ran Monday's p.m. run knowing that with my oldest soon to be off to Basic Training (he has been doing his running & PT. Yeah!), I will have few opportunities to indulge in my love of solo running in the dark-ish. When my hubbs is home from work he tries to support my running need but doesn't always agree with how much or how often I run. He believes less is more. This probably stems from his understanding of fitness via weight training only, i.e. if he can push up a bar with twice his body weight on it then he feels he is fit. (okay, maybe a slight over statement but hubbs is not in love with running. He is more of an acquaintance of running.) I don't hold it against him. Not everyone can understand the drive to run long distances or lots and lots of miles...just for fun.
I digress.
So my weeks will feature more shorter runs done in a.m./p.m. doubles to attempt to keep me happy and my miles up for spring marathon racing season (looking at March & April).
Then there is P90x. I started it on Sunday. Just for those who might be interested in a report of progress, I COULD use my arms on Monday morning but I was aware of muscles that usually don't talk very often. I was very happy with how I felt given how hard the workout was...and that was Day One (Back & Chest & Abs)! Day Two was all Plyo! Sweat, sweat, sweat! Jump, jump some more and then jump some more HIGHER!! That would be a good title for Day Two. I thought my legs were very strong until I was 40 minute into the Plyo workout. I am hoping for a 6.5 mile run tomorrow morning. That may be the real test. Day Three is more upper body work and abs. Oh, I didn't tell you about the 339 sit ups. ouch. They were awesome! ouch. Really.
Overall, (3 days) I think P90x is going to kick me butt! I am going to keep plugging away at it. And yes, there are before pictures. But they will have to wait until I have 30 day pictures to put up and compare them to. Oh boy! I am sure you are excited to see those.
It's only Tuesday and it's been a busy week already. Gee, I hope my energy holds up! Thursday and Friday the littlest goes to work with me. It's been a month since he has gone to work with me. I am sure there will be pictures of his antics to look forward to.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Oh what have I done!
Today was a much better day for me than yesterday. I got up with a plan for the day and stuck to it! Even with the time change, I got up early and got the kids ready for Sunday School and church. Which has been something we have struggled to accomplish lately. So, yipee for me.
After church my oldest watched the two little kiddos so I could run a solo 6.5 mile loop (48:51). When I got back oldest was sitting behind his gaming computer with littlest asleep in his lap. Noise and all, littlest slept. I had to take a picture.
My oldest has joined the Army and will be leaving January 11th. (a.k.a. sad day for mom!) He is hoping to pass the Army PT to complete the work he has been doing (tests and finishing his associates degree) to elevate his rank and pay grade once he starts. I told you all that to explain why after the 6.5 loop and waiting for the littlest to finish his nap on big brother I ran another 2 miles with my oldest while pushing the littlest in the jogger.
He has to complete 2 miles in a minimum of 15:54 to pass the 2 mile. He does(unlike me, where does he get this?) NOT like running. We ran in a little slow. He was about 15 seconds off passing. Littlest and I were 16:21.
So for me I had a good run day. Not the 10 I wanted by close enough. When I push that jogger I always feel like I should be able to count each mile as a mile and a half!
After all the running the kiddos all joined in for the rest of the PT test. Push ups and sit ups. Yippee! To pass my son has to do about 45 of each in 2 minutes. He has a long way to go on push ups and is on track to pass the sit ups.
The rest of the day was productive and busy. Getting things done, preparing to head back into the work and school week. Just like always trying to fit way too much into a day.
As it started to get dark outside super early (yuck), I realized that today would be the perfect day to start my P90X workout program. I wanted to use it over the winter after my oldest leaves for the Army and I lose my daily support for running without any littles with me. But I thought why not?
What have I done? I doubt that I will have use of my arms tomorrow. Which really won't matter because I fairly certain that my stomach won't allow me to stand up completely after all the ab and core work I just did!
And to think I am supposed to do more tomorrow.
Maybe I'll just run, instead.
After church my oldest watched the two little kiddos so I could run a solo 6.5 mile loop (48:51). When I got back oldest was sitting behind his gaming computer with littlest asleep in his lap. Noise and all, littlest slept. I had to take a picture.
My oldest has joined the Army and will be leaving January 11th. (a.k.a. sad day for mom!) He is hoping to pass the Army PT to complete the work he has been doing (tests and finishing his associates degree) to elevate his rank and pay grade once he starts. I told you all that to explain why after the 6.5 loop and waiting for the littlest to finish his nap on big brother I ran another 2 miles with my oldest while pushing the littlest in the jogger.
He has to complete 2 miles in a minimum of 15:54 to pass the 2 mile. He does(unlike me, where does he get this?) NOT like running. We ran in a little slow. He was about 15 seconds off passing. Littlest and I were 16:21.
So for me I had a good run day. Not the 10 I wanted by close enough. When I push that jogger I always feel like I should be able to count each mile as a mile and a half!
After all the running the kiddos all joined in for the rest of the PT test. Push ups and sit ups. Yippee! To pass my son has to do about 45 of each in 2 minutes. He has a long way to go on push ups and is on track to pass the sit ups.
The rest of the day was productive and busy. Getting things done, preparing to head back into the work and school week. Just like always trying to fit way too much into a day.
As it started to get dark outside super early (yuck), I realized that today would be the perfect day to start my P90X workout program. I wanted to use it over the winter after my oldest leaves for the Army and I lose my daily support for running without any littles with me. But I thought why not?
What have I done? I doubt that I will have use of my arms tomorrow. Which really won't matter because I fairly certain that my stomach won't allow me to stand up completely after all the ab and core work I just did!
And to think I am supposed to do more tomorrow.
Maybe I'll just run, instead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)