I love doing this blog and reflecting each week but I have a ton to do, so my challenge to myself is to make this quick and move on to the other, less fun things I have to do.
1. I think I prefer running without music. While reading TRAIN LIKE A MOTHER, one of the authors says that music during a race is too much stimulation for her. That made SOOO much sense for me. I always prefer quiet of music so I tried it again with running and I love it. One less thing to think about, to worry about, to deal with. Much better runs.
2. I am going to try Nuun. I have not been good at water and hydration and this sounds like a smart thing--especially for days I do yoga since it is 1000 degrees in there....
3. I registered for Race for the Cure and ordered Team Sparkle skirts for 5 of us for the event. I'm pretty sure once people see them, more people will order....right, Mary Lee?
4. I have realized that Lululemon clothes are great for daily wear as well as exercise. The tanks are great under a cardigan and they are comfy. I think I am also a better writer when I am dressed in Lulu clothing. I am so happy wearing them because they are so comfortable that writing is far more fun. And it seems they have new products every week..The addiction continues.
5. I think I am running about a 13 minute mile. I think I actually ran 2 miles for my long run. I ran 30 of 36 minutes (run 5/walk 1 six times) and am running about a 13 minute mile. Which means I ran 2+miles. Actually ran them. That is my lifetime record. In college, I loved 80s aerobics and every so often I'd run too. The most I ever ran was 2 miles and I remember being thrilled with myself then. So, lifetime record today:-)
6. I am reading TRAIN LIKE A MOTHER and am loving it. These two authors have sustained me with their blog and books. They are great support no matter where you are in your running journey.
7. I prefer running in leggings-type pants (tight at knee and ankle) and a big, but not too big, t-shirt. One that is long enough that I don't have to worry about it but short enough that it doesn't blow around with wind.
8. I ran outside on a windy day. Quite the experience. I can see where my Sparkly Soul headband will come in handy....
9. Katherine's post and our texts this week reminded me that it takes a village to keep me running. Seriously, I have really good friends and cheerleaders. I have a friend who I text every day before my run to whine and after my run to celebrate. I have friends from all over checking in on me periodically to see how it's going. I have friends who have run for years and friends new to running. I have people I know and bloggers I've never met who keep me on this track. I have friends shocked that I have made it this long without getting bored. As I said, it takes a village. Love my friends.
10. A funny thing happened this week. I decided to do my run Tuesday while my daughter was at dance. I got in the car to drive to the rec center because it was cold. At 6:28, about 3 minutes from my house, I remembered I had scheduled a 7:00 pm podcast interview with Penny Kittle for Choice Literacy. I realized I couldn't get my run in at the rec center. But....I turned the car around, pulled into my driveway at 6:32. I knew I had a 24 minute run so I started in my driveway at 6:32, ran exactly 12 minutes and turned around. Got back home at 6:55ish, ran in and made the phone call! It was cold and I was not dressed for the outside. (It was the first time I wished for Sparkle Sleeves...) But I knew if I waited until after the podcast, I wouldn't go. A good run and a great podcast with Penny:-)
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
10 Things Week 12: In Which I Learn That Every Hobby Seems to Have a Vest
This combination of running and blogging seems to work for me. Every so often I think, "Hey, I should be running instead of writing about running." This is a big problem in my life. For years I have been reading about running and not actually running. But I think the comfort of writing helps me get through the pain of fitness. So these weekly posts help me. They keep me paying attention through the week and reflecting about my progress. As with writing across my whole life, this blog is keeping me focused and honest about my fitness goals. It is helping me see things more clearly. This week was Spring Break. I thought exercise would be easier since I'd have more time, but what I found was that with so much flexibility, it was actually harder for me. For me the structure of a workweek's schedule keeps me a little more on track. I realized that it is no easier to fit exercise in when I am not working, than when I am working. Who knew?
2. I have started following a blog called THE GREAT FITNESS EXPERIMENT. I love the blog and especially enjoyed the photo she had on her blog post earlier this week. I laughed out loud. So me--I can't even begin to imagine how I look when I am running. I try not to think about it or to care. And that seems to work:-)
3. I feel like all I have been doing is exercising. I feel like my whole life revolves around when I can exercise. But when I really look back, that's not true. I have been pretty balanced. Last year, I read 305 books and I know that this year, I won't have as much time to read if I commit to adding fitness to my daily life. But when I checked my reading numbers on GOODREADS, I am pretty much at the same place I was last year. So, even though I feel like my whole life is exercising, I am only spending 3-5 hours a week exercising. It just takes energy to make it a habit so I think that's why I am feeling this.
4. I tried to run and do a yoga class in the same day this week. It was spring break and I was feeling good. I think it was a very bad idea. Both running and yoga are hard for me and I was totally exhausted for 2 days afterwards. Exhausted in an uncomfortable way. I think I'll wait a while before I try that again. Running takes a lot out of me but yoga seems to be even harder in terms of exhausting my body. I am hoping that I will start sleeping better soon so that my body recovers more easily.
5. I had to get some writing done this week. I am finishing up a book on minilesson planning but have been stalling on the work I need to do. I wrote lots on Wednesday, but I didn't get any exercise in on that day. I felt like I needed a full day to write without worrying about exercise and all that comes with that. Writing requires different energy, different foods, different patterns, different energy. I can’t figure out how to fit both in one day and I couldn't put the writing off any longer. So I didn’t. I took that as one of my rest days.
6. I am following a runner who is participating in this thing called a 100Moab. (Her other goal is to run 50 marathons in 50 states--quite the inspiration!) Since I had no idea what it was, I investigated further. It sounds excruciating. 100 miles of something. I can't even imagine. But in the process of learning about this Moab thing, I learned that all hobbies seem to have vests. I had no idea. In the literacy and tech worlds, the ScotteVest is quite the rage. But while reading, I learned about a running vest that seems to be the equivalent of the literacy Scottievest. It is called the Nathan Hydration Vest. I can't imagine ever needing one of these, but it is good to know about it, I think.
7. I read this in our local newspaper this week. A runner is running 31 races over 31 weeks to support cancer awareness. Such a great plan. He is sharing his story on a blog, The 31 Initiative, taking donations, etc. I am amazed at what runners do and at the goals they set for amazing causes.
8. I ordered my first Sparkly Soul Headband. My hair is at a very odd length. Too short in the back to pull up in a ponytail, but too long not to. So I am hoping this headband will work. They are non-slip and they get great reviews from lots of runners. They sound miraculous and they are very very cute! I ordered Pink:-)
9. I continue to find blogs and people who inspire me. I did not have a great week in terms of confidence. I should be thrilled-I am running 20 out of 25 minutes at 4 minute run intervals. I know I am making progress but I still feel like it is really hard and not at all enjoyable. Plus, I have a little bit of a "runner's injury" this week. I think it is inflammation but the top of my foot hurts when I put weight on it. I am icing, etc. and hoping to get my long run in on Sunday. So, I've been feeling sorry for myself--thinking I'm never going to get to running a 5K. Then, I read FROM FAT TO FINISH LINE and am amazed at the running progress this woman has made in just two years. When I read her story and saw that she only ran 1 minute on her first day, I felt better. There are days when I think that no one could possibly have started out as slowly as I've started but when I read things like this, I feel that it's doable for me. I so appreciate everyone sharing their stories. They help keep me going a lot.
10. And since I cannot post without mentioning how much I love Lululemon...I learned a few things this week. I am not the only one obsessed with Lululemon. 50marathons/50states says, "I tasted the LuluAid and I am obsessed. I am going to have to block their website. I swear I have never seen a company rotate through product so fast in my life." I have been wondering how my obsession with Lulu happened so fast. The product is easy to fall in love with. Over spring break, I wore Lulu every single day. I was so happy. Then a twitter friend sent a link to this article (Lululemon's Secret Sauce) and I can see why we are all so obsessed. It is a good product and smart marketing. I am happy to be addicted to it, actually.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
10 Things Week 11 in Which I Enjoyed Listening to Birds on My Morning Run....Who Knew?
2. I bought a few more treats. Two great shirts from Lululemon. As for now, I think I am pretty set. I seem to have what I need to do the workouts I am doing. I have one shirt I love for running indoors and a few that are okay. I have yoga clothes I like and a great yoga mat. I have new running shoes and good Lulu running/yoga pants. I think I am set for a while. I do need to figure out what clothing works for outdoor runs. It is a little trick but I am trying things out. And I don't feel like I need to buy myself a treat every two weeks to keep going. I think I can continue without having new things to wear:-)
3. I am loving all of the running blogs I am reading. They are really helping. I appreciate every runner who writes regularly. It makes a big difference in me sticking to it. One of my favorite blog posts this week was one from THE GREAT FITNESS EXPERIMENT about makeup made specifically to work out. Seriously, not for me!
4. I had my first successful run outside this week. I worked on going VERY slow. I was actually slower than people walking their babies in strollers and only a teeny tiny bit faster than a 4 year old on her bike with training wheels. But it was a REALLY good run. Maybe my best yet. I was probably running a 13-14 minute mile and kept the slow pace the whole time. It was 70 degrees which was absolutely perfect for me. Sunny, no wind and 70. Warm enough but not spring yet so not a huge pollen issue. I have a new idea of what outside running might be. I am a bit more hopeful about it:-)
5. I have found some great new blogs to follow. Really fun people who blog. I found these through Heather's blog-365 DAYS OF AWESOME, which took me to Rose's blog-EAT, DRINK, AND BE MEIRI, which took me to LITTLE FRUITFLY IN RAINBOW COLORED SOCKS and to THE ALMOST RUNNER. I knew I liked this girl when I read this line in her bio/goals: "Running is hard, and it's uncomfortable at first. But then I got it- that's the point. You don't start running because you love the feeling of wheezing exhaustion. You do it because, once it's over, it feels great; you're proud of yourself. It starts getting easier and you feel like you did something. Hah! You don't start running because you like the feeling of wheezing exhaustion. I feel like I made three new friends finding these three new blogs.
6. I can't believe how many running events are hosted by Disney. They all sound REALLY fun and I can see why people are hooked. I am a HUGE Disney fan. I am just not sure I'd want to spend even one second of a Disney vacation getting up at 4 am to run and then be tired. It seems there are races every few weeks at one of the parts and people always seem so happy. And it seems that Disney races have turned some people into runners. A new-to-me blog especially for Disney fans is EAT, SLEEP, RUN DISNEY. I guess if you have to run long distances, having Disney characters cheer you on is the best way to do it.
7. So I had my best Yoga workout ever this week too. Monday's yoga class was killer. I hadn't been there in a while. I was almost ready to give up and then I emailed the instructor to ask about some more beginner classes, that I didn't feel like I was getting better. She laughed and said everyone thinks that and that it felt like I wasn't getting better because I was doing more. So I gave it a shot on Wednesday and it was a great class. I realized that I am doing way more. Trying more. Getting through more. Getting stronger. Slow, of course, but there is progress. I have to remember this because it seems that right after I want to get up, I realize I am glad I didn't. Summer Yoga is even hotter than Winter Yoga. With the heaters on, it was REALLY hot in yoga this week. I only have one sleeveless yoga shirt but it was clear this week that I will need more. Lucky I got over the stress of showing my fat arms several weeks ago. Lululemon--wondering if this counts as a treat since I NEED it.....
8. ANOTHER MOTHER RUNNER had a blog post about running mantras that I loved. I loved reading these. I am not sure what my mantra is. I need a million of them to get me through these runs. I know there are times when I have to talk myself into continuing running. I need mantras to get out there more than I need them to keep going. Today I was going to put my run off until tomorrow, but my husband said, "You have to run when you can." It made sense. He said if I put it off til tomorrow, something might come up tomorrow. I had no reason not to run today. So I think I will remember that line to help me run, rather than put it off for a day. Once I get out there, I have to work to get to the 1/2 way point. Then I am good after that. I have found that on outdoor runs, if I turn around at my 1/2 way point, I like it better. Changing directions makes a difference. Lots of strategies, no mantra yet. So, this week I will pay attention--see if I have a mantra.
9. Okay, so I have been really good about focusing on the run and hitting fitness goals, rather than on losing weight. But this week, I got bummed out about the weight. I've lost about 6-7 pounds in the last 11 weeks. I guess that is better than nothing, but I haven't lost any in the last week or two. Not a big deal but I am hoping I can continue to focus on the running/yoga/fitness and not get hung up on the weight right now.
10. I did my long run outside today. I am trying to run outside more and I am actually liking it more than running on the indoor track. Today, it was 55 degrees but really sunny. It felt hotter than last time I ran when it was 69 and cloudy. Something to note. I ran in the morning today. It was nice and I decided to try most of the run without music. My running friend, Clare, is certain that I would love to listen to the sound of nature while running. So I tried. I must say, the sounds of the morning are nice. Totally different than the sounds on an evening run. I am not an outside person but today was a great outdoor running day. Really pretty. Good temperature. And lots of birds singing. Clare was kind of right. Who knew?
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Week 10: The Week of New Running Shoes!
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| My new running shoes! |
1. I bought new running shoes this week. Mizuno seems to be making colorful shoes this season and I love the color I got. They are happy but not too crazy. I buy running shoes a lot. But I usually buy them before I start running. It was way more fun buying them when I am actually 10 weeks into running. They seemed more real or something. In case you are wondering, these did not count as my 2 week treat. Running shoes are a necessity.
2. I had a really good run on Monday. This week, I increased to running 2 minutes, walking 1 minute. It was a big week for me because running 2 minutes seemed long enough to actually feel like I was running. I wasn't looking at the time every second because 2 minutes is kind of long. And I actually got into a mini-flow which felt good. Monday felt like I was finally really moving in terms of this 16 week plan and that I was getting better at this running thing. But then on Tuesday, I had my first failure. I tried to do my 2nd run of the week outside. I did it on a whim after work. Grabbed a quick snack that wasn't the best choice and went out to run. It seemed warm and I figured I needed to get better at running outside. But it was killer. I hated it from the 2nd minute and by minute 9, I realized I couldn't do it. So, I kind of ran/walked for another 10 minutes and decided not to count it as a run. It was awful. I felt like I was back to square one with exercise--like I had made no progress. But then I read up and I think it is about my pacing. I don't really have any pacing, which is a problem. And thinking about the distance, I think I was running way faster than I am used to. So, it was my first run quit. But I did learn lots and the next day, when I was doing the "real" 2nd run, I was so wishing that I had just stuck it out once I started. So, it was a failure that I learned from.
3. I talked a few people this week that I hadn't talked to in a while. Each asked, "Are you still running?" When I said "yes" they looked shocked. Maybe not shocked, but certainly surprised. I guess I am too. A few said things like, "Wow, you've been doing this a long time." I guess that is true. I think I will always feel like I am just beginning but it felt good to realize that I have done this for 9 weeks and have run 3 times a week every single one of the weeks so far.
4. Daughters tell it like it is. After my outdoor failure, I texted my 21-year old running daughter and told her that I was going to need to find an indoor 5K. She texted back, "Oh, don’t be silly. If you don’t run outside, you don’t really like running. I mean, it’s harder but that’s kinda the point of running." Harsh, but true...(in case of an emergency, I did learn that there are such things as indoor 5Ks but I am not aware of one around here yet.)
5. The Krispy Kreme 5K Challenge is fascinating to me. I love Krispy Kreme and I can see enjoying one or even two if I were in shape enough to run a 5K. But a dozen. UGH!
6. I am amazed at the amount that people run. I say I am going on my "long run" when really I ran/walked only 30 minutes total. Just when I feel like I am making progress, I read a post on See Mom Run Far. She talked about her killer workout and then said, "Now I have two easy days of recovery-paced 10 milers for the weekend, and then another long run on Monday. (I love that a 16 miler isn't even my long run of the week)." Hah! I am pretty sure that will never be me. This mom has 12 kids and still finds time and energy to train for marathons. Made fitting in my 30 minute long runs seem a little easier.
7. I found another post with 26.2 running quotes. I liked them. My favorite quote on the list was this one: "I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner." ~ Bart Yasso. I love this quote. We talk to kids about "fake reading" a lot and I never thought about "fake running". I guess it is hard to pretend you are running. I will have to remember this quote next time I am feeling failure-like.
8. I tried to enjoy the runs this week. To actually find some times when I enjoyed the time I was running, and not only the time I was finished. I did this consciously so during a miserable moment, I decided to shift my focus on my thinking/mind rather than my physical being. I have to say, having a semi-clear mind because of running is a nice feeling. I love the idea of that and I understand it is in part because I am physically wiped out. I can't really enjoy the relaxed mental feeling but I do know that it is there so I will try to enjoy it more.
9. A few week's ago, a lady was running on the sidewalk and got to a traffic light. The light was green so she had to wait for cars to get through. She became visibly angry that she couldn't continue her run. Very, very irritated. I remember thinking it was very odd. It isn't often you see angry runners on the road. But she was mad. This week, I understood. I was running on the indoor track and was totally exhausted mid-run. Everyone was on my nerves, especially the leisure walkers who were chatting and who didn't even know they were blocking my path. I usually don't let that bother me. I get it. I am usually the one in someone else's way and I am usually oblivious to the fact. I know it isn't anything that people do purposely. But, I was totally annoyed. It wasn't them. I realized I was just totally exhausted and it is easy to become annoyed when you are physically exhausted in the midst of a run. I had a flashback of that angry runner on the sidewalk and realized that she was just spent. Irritated that she couldn't just finish her run. Irritated that we were in her way.
10. I worked on pacing. I was talking to a parent at school who runs. She told me to get 180 BPM songs. I had no idea what she was talking about but checked it out when I got home because she totally knows what she is talking about. And I was also thinking about pacing after my outside running failure of the week. So I read a bit and I am interested in the idea of pacing and the idea of strides per minute. I just run sporadically. When I got my breathing into more of a pattern, it made a difference. This week, after reading a bit about pacing, I worked a bit on pacing. Not in counting strides ( I really can't keep track of one more thing while I run!) but I decided to work at a slower, more even pace for my longer run this week. It made a huge difference I think. I felt more in control and could go a little longer. Makes sense I guess. I will have to think and learn more about this idea. Confession: Music does not really make sense to me. It is a long story but I am not so good at it. When I asked my husband about these 180 BPM songs, he said, "They would help you if you could actually HEAR the beats in music." He might be right.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Week 9: In Which I Have Many Stressful Learning Experiences
This was definitely a big week for me. I am halfway through my 16 week plan, just finishing up Week 8. I am feeling better and got through some struggles and learning this week. I feel like I have hit some milestone although I don't know what that is. It feels like this whole idea is finally doable as I love when things like this are past the halfway point. Actually looking forward to the next 8 weeks!
1. So, I ran outside for the first time this week. The weather was perfect--47 degrees with 4mph winds. Sunny. Really, even I know that this makes for perfect running weather. So, I gave it a try with the encouragement of a few running friends. It was miserable. I ran on the path in my neighborhood and realized within the first minute how much more difficult running outside is than running on a treadmill or on an indoor track. At one point, I almost cried. (But I didn't:-) I did have to give myself an extra 30 second walk/recovery time because the run was so much harder than I expected. You would not think that a 2 inch hill would make a difference, but it does. These little hills, and pebbles, and turns made things so much harder. So did the cold air. And I wore a sweatshirt and was too hot during the entire run. Throughout the run, all I could think about was how hard I'd been working and how I felt like I was back to square one. But I got over that whiney feeling. I came home and remembered that to get better at running, I have to run. To get better at running outside, I have to run outside. Duh! So, I learned a lot. And I think now that I understand how much more difficult running outside is, I will not want to cry the next time. I will wear the right clothes, be ready for a harder run, etc. Definitely a learning experience in my journey into running.
2. I decided to do my long run after school on Friday. I had meetings on Saturday and didn't want to wait until Sunday. So I packed my running clothes, changed at school so that I could go to the indoor rec center on the way home from work. I was very impressed with myself. But then I got there and realized I had not packed my headphones. Hmmmm. I sat in the car, thinking about this. Then I decided that if I could run outside, I could try to run without headphones. And, I could. Not sure if I liked it or not. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. And I am impressed that I didn't just drive home and went with the run anyway. But, forgetting my headphones wasn't my only running trauma on Friday. After I got home, my husband mentioned that my gigantic tag was sticking out of my running pants. I looked and realized that my pants had been on inside-out and my tag had been right there during my run. Oh well. Character building, I guess.
3. This getting in shape thing is pretty lonely. I hadn't thought about it like that but really, no matter if you go to yoga class with friends or run alone, the work is all on your own. No matter what, you have to do this thing by yourself. I get that now.
4. So I am amazed at how much people run in a day, week, month, year. I run about 4-6 miles per week (with some walking in there!). So when I see sidebars on blogs like SEE MOM RUN FAR and I see that she runs 270+ miles per month, I am fascinated. I need to put this in the back of my brain and think about it in a few months or years. In the meantime, I decided to look at my own numbers. To see if I have made any progress. I looked at only minutes ran (not walked) each week. Looks like that first week, I was running 30 seconds, then walking 2 minutes. Now I am running 2 minutes, walking 1. If I look at totals, here is what it looks like in terms of minutes running:
Week 1 13 minutes
Week 2 17 minutes
Week 3 21 minutes
Week 4 25.5 minutes
Week 5 26 minutes
Week 6 41 minutes
Week 7 48 minutes
Week 8 48 minutes
TOTAL 239.5 minutes
I feel like I am making steady progress when I look at these numbers.
5. The new Lululemon Yoga Mat is amazing. Love it. Worth every penny! Made yoga a much better hour for me this week!
6. I am FINALLY seeing a teeny tiny difference in the ways my clothes fit. Not really in my pants (although they do not hurt when buttoned anymore so I guess that is a change!) but in my tops, blouses, coats, etc. It is nice to finally feel some difference even though I feel like I have a long way to go. I am trying VERY hard not to focus on weight or size and to just concentrate on running and fitness/health goals. But it is nice to see some changes.
7. So, last week, Ruth Ayres brought me a present when she came to speak at the Dublin Literacy Conference. She brought me a scarf. I had told her that I was just not a scarf person and that I couldn't pull them off. She disagrees. So, I have been looking at the scarf all week, trying to decide whether I could become a "scarf person". Then, it hit me..becoming a scarf person has to be far easier than becoming a runner. So, I am going to give it a try. This week. There is lots of help on Pinterest and what fun it would be if I did become a scarf person. We'll see...
8. I learned something about Shakeology this week. I wanted to have a shake for my afternoon snack on the day that I was going to run after school. So I made the shake in the morning, put it in a glass, and kept it in the fridge at school all day until I was ready to drink it. I wasn't sure it would be okay but it was. A little sticky and needed a bit of a shake but it was fine. So a new strategy in terms of Shakeology. I love having one of these before a run on days when I work and I am a bit tired. It seems to give me the energy I need for a decent run.
9. I saw this in my email box this week and love it!
I am realizing now that so many of these runs are for such good causes. I hadn't realized all of the ways running can make a difference until recently.
10. It is time to build more flexibility into my journey. I tried running right after work which is a new option for me. I want to try a morning run to see how that goes. And I want to find more options for classes for non-running days. I love my yoga classes at Harbor Yoga but there are not many beginner classes offered in the evenings so I need some options for weeks that I can't get to the times Harbor offers. I feel like I am finally in okay enough shape to change things up a tiny bit without throwing me off.
10. It is time to build more flexibility into my journey. I tried running right after work which is a new option for me. I want to try a morning run to see how that goes. And I want to find more options for classes for non-running days. I love my yoga classes at Harbor Yoga but there are not many beginner classes offered in the evenings so I need some options for weeks that I can't get to the times Harbor offers. I feel like I am finally in okay enough shape to change things up a tiny bit without throwing me off.
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