Saturday, January 29, 2005
Schooled By The Snow
I had grand plans today. Eight milestotal: four on the road and four on the trails (with my new YakTrax).
Things did not go according to the plans. But then again, they rarely do. The wonderful thing about running is that there is always something new to learn.
Today was no exception.
When I woke up, it was well below freezing cold outside. About 8 degrees below zero (F) in my part of the state. I was supposed to meet up with Michelle for the first four miles on the road and then I was going to head out into the woods. Michelle called at 8:00 a.m. to say that she couldn't make it. So I started to re-plan the run...maybe I could do all eight miles on the trails?! That would be fun, right?
I drove off to my favorite state park, bundled up with layers like I've never been before. The first parking lot wasn't even plowed and I knew my Jetta would have a hard time getting in and out of there, so I drove to the next lot. Luckily, this one was plowed and it was obvious by the number of cars that there were quite a few people out snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding. At least I knew there were people around, in case I fell and broke something important like an ankle or a leg.
I strapped on the YakTrax and jumped onto the packed down cross-country ski tracks in the snow. This will be great!
Within minutes, my heart was beating like crazy. 'Must be that extra cup of coffee' I told myself. Then I realized that it wasn't the coffee, it was the snow. This was going to be really, really hard. Not 'last 6 miles of the marathon' hard, but a challenge none-the-less. The bargaining started within the first 1/2 mile and the plan was once again adjusted to suit the situation. I would do the two-mile loop, assess how I felt and then either continue in the snow or hit the road for the remaining miles.
My gait was totally off; I couldn't get my normal stride going and I had to run in such a way that made my legs move further away from the midline of my body. I was straddling the un-packed snow in between the packed down ski-lines. It was hard work, especially going up hill. I imagine it was alot like snow shoeing but without the shoes, or the poles. Damn. (and it reminded me of running in sand...my ankles hated me).
Two miles later, I decide to squeak out one more mile in the snow and then I switched to the roads. It felt amazing to be on the road - so much easier. I found myself on roads I hadn't run on in ten years; it was a little surreal and I found it fascinating that I had no recollection of the three good sized hills I encountered. I went out for 1.25 miles and then turned around. Had a little face-to-face with a Bull Mastiff on the way back, but managed to get by him without any trouble.
When I got back to the car, I briefly considered going out for another 2.5 road miles, but I was tuckered out. Surprisingly, I was toasty warm, even my face and fingers. But the lungs were asking for a break. And now that I'm home, showered and in dry clothes, I can not only feel the effort in my lungs, I can also feel my abs.
It wasn't the planned eight miles, but damn, it felt like a good workout to me.
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Things did not go according to the plans. But then again, they rarely do. The wonderful thing about running is that there is always something new to learn.
Today was no exception.
When I woke up, it was well below freezing cold outside. About 8 degrees below zero (F) in my part of the state. I was supposed to meet up with Michelle for the first four miles on the road and then I was going to head out into the woods. Michelle called at 8:00 a.m. to say that she couldn't make it. So I started to re-plan the run...maybe I could do all eight miles on the trails?! That would be fun, right?
I drove off to my favorite state park, bundled up with layers like I've never been before. The first parking lot wasn't even plowed and I knew my Jetta would have a hard time getting in and out of there, so I drove to the next lot. Luckily, this one was plowed and it was obvious by the number of cars that there were quite a few people out snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding. At least I knew there were people around, in case I fell and broke something important like an ankle or a leg.
I strapped on the YakTrax and jumped onto the packed down cross-country ski tracks in the snow. This will be great!
Within minutes, my heart was beating like crazy. 'Must be that extra cup of coffee' I told myself. Then I realized that it wasn't the coffee, it was the snow. This was going to be really, really hard. Not 'last 6 miles of the marathon' hard, but a challenge none-the-less. The bargaining started within the first 1/2 mile and the plan was once again adjusted to suit the situation. I would do the two-mile loop, assess how I felt and then either continue in the snow or hit the road for the remaining miles.
My gait was totally off; I couldn't get my normal stride going and I had to run in such a way that made my legs move further away from the midline of my body. I was straddling the un-packed snow in between the packed down ski-lines. It was hard work, especially going up hill. I imagine it was alot like snow shoeing but without the shoes, or the poles. Damn. (and it reminded me of running in sand...my ankles hated me).
Two miles later, I decide to squeak out one more mile in the snow and then I switched to the roads. It felt amazing to be on the road - so much easier. I found myself on roads I hadn't run on in ten years; it was a little surreal and I found it fascinating that I had no recollection of the three good sized hills I encountered. I went out for 1.25 miles and then turned around. Had a little face-to-face with a Bull Mastiff on the way back, but managed to get by him without any trouble.
When I got back to the car, I briefly considered going out for another 2.5 road miles, but I was tuckered out. Surprisingly, I was toasty warm, even my face and fingers. But the lungs were asking for a break. And now that I'm home, showered and in dry clothes, I can not only feel the effort in my lungs, I can also feel my abs.
It wasn't the planned eight miles, but damn, it felt like a good workout to me.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Ummm. Do-Over!
Last week was not spectacular, to say the least. As a matter of fact, to quote a favorite blogger of mine, it was ‘Craptastic.' Craptacular. Whatever. Running-wise, it just wasn’t meant to be, and I’m OK with that.
I ran two days, for a whopping total of about 7 miles. Yikes. Not including the two weeks I had eye surgery, I haven’t seen single digit weekly totals since last winter. My mileage streak was broken some stupid cold -- as in runny nose. Not to mention a whole mess of snow that got dumped on the East Coast. Life, as it happens, got in the way of my running.
But you know what this means?
Today’s run will be great. Just by the sheer fact that it’s a balmy 28F degrees (-2C)…that will make it a great run. I’m hoping that my muscles are primed and ready to go after resting for four days.
[Update: Run was great. We're off to a good start! Wiped the mileage slate clean and started fresh. Woo hoo!]
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I ran two days, for a whopping total of about 7 miles. Yikes. Not including the two weeks I had eye surgery, I haven’t seen single digit weekly totals since last winter. My mileage streak was broken some stupid cold -- as in runny nose. Not to mention a whole mess of snow that got dumped on the East Coast. Life, as it happens, got in the way of my running.
But you know what this means?
Today’s run will be great. Just by the sheer fact that it’s a balmy 28F degrees (-2C)…that will make it a great run. I’m hoping that my muscles are primed and ready to go after resting for four days.
[Update: Run was great. We're off to a good start! Wiped the mileage slate clean and started fresh. Woo hoo!]
Friday, January 21, 2005
Finding The Positive
My ‘sister’ Tamieka recently pointed out that I am a very positive person. I take this to be one of the greatest compliments that I have ever received. This is something I have been working very hard on, especially within the last year or so. And believe it or not, looking back, I realize now that running has really taught me quite a bit about being, and staying, positive.
When it hit me that I spent a lot of time whining, complaining, and acting like an ‘Eeyore,’ I vowed to change. I knew that I was headed nowhere but down, into a spiral of depression, if I just kept harping on all the things that I thought were less-than-perfect in my life. By nature, I had always seen myself as a ‘Tigger’ – enthusiastic, energetic, upbeat..almost to the point of being annoying. There’s also a bit of worrisome ‘Piglet’ and simple-brained ‘Pooh’ thrown in for good measure. But Eeyore? Never. That just wasn’t me.
I was rediscovering running right around this same time. Running forced me to look for ‘the positive.’ If I was too slow, I would tell myself that it was OK, because it meant that I needed to slow down, think and take in the beauty of nature. If something hurt, that was just my body telling me to be careful. If the run just didn’t feel good, I would tell myself that I was lucky to be physically able to run and any run is better than no run at all. Then, once in a while, it would all be perfect – tempo, timing, weather, etc.
I realized that if I kept waiting, expecting, hoping that every run would be a perfect one, I’d never be satisfied. And that would suck all the joy out of running. I stuck to looking for the positive. Now, I make time to enjoy sunsets and share them with others. When I’m having a grumpy day, I try to find something to be happy about.
It can be hard work sometimes, to find the silver lining, but it’s so much harder to be negative and there’s nothing to be gained from being cranky. If I’m upbeat and happy, sometimes that’s all it takes to bring someone else up. An ex-boyfriend used to say 'Positive thinking brings positive results.' And it turns out, he was right.
I learned how to apply that thinking to the rest of my life too. Career, relationships, etc. When something goes wrong, I look for the silver lining. If a lot of things go wrong - like the house breaks; the car breaks; the house breaks again; the car gets broken; the other car needs tires; the car breaks again; and the favorite sunglasses break - I whine a little bit, stomp my feet and pout and THEN look for the silver lining.
There are so many things to be grateful for, and I don’t want to lose sight of how fortunate I am to have the things I have: wonderful, loving family and friends, sweet doggies, a comfortable home, nutritious food, clean clothing, a job that allows me to maintain all the materials goods, and the ability to run, jump and play. There are so many people who will never experience a fraction of these things; who will never know the feeling of freedom from worry or life without fear. So while it can be a challenge to find the 'positive' someday, it's worth digging deep.
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When it hit me that I spent a lot of time whining, complaining, and acting like an ‘Eeyore,’ I vowed to change. I knew that I was headed nowhere but down, into a spiral of depression, if I just kept harping on all the things that I thought were less-than-perfect in my life. By nature, I had always seen myself as a ‘Tigger’ – enthusiastic, energetic, upbeat..almost to the point of being annoying. There’s also a bit of worrisome ‘Piglet’ and simple-brained ‘Pooh’ thrown in for good measure. But Eeyore? Never. That just wasn’t me.
I was rediscovering running right around this same time. Running forced me to look for ‘the positive.’ If I was too slow, I would tell myself that it was OK, because it meant that I needed to slow down, think and take in the beauty of nature. If something hurt, that was just my body telling me to be careful. If the run just didn’t feel good, I would tell myself that I was lucky to be physically able to run and any run is better than no run at all. Then, once in a while, it would all be perfect – tempo, timing, weather, etc.
I realized that if I kept waiting, expecting, hoping that every run would be a perfect one, I’d never be satisfied. And that would suck all the joy out of running. I stuck to looking for the positive. Now, I make time to enjoy sunsets and share them with others. When I’m having a grumpy day, I try to find something to be happy about.
It can be hard work sometimes, to find the silver lining, but it’s so much harder to be negative and there’s nothing to be gained from being cranky. If I’m upbeat and happy, sometimes that’s all it takes to bring someone else up. An ex-boyfriend used to say 'Positive thinking brings positive results.' And it turns out, he was right.
I learned how to apply that thinking to the rest of my life too. Career, relationships, etc. When something goes wrong, I look for the silver lining. If a lot of things go wrong - like the house breaks; the car breaks; the house breaks again; the car gets broken; the other car needs tires; the car breaks again; and the favorite sunglasses break - I whine a little bit, stomp my feet and pout and THEN look for the silver lining.
There are so many things to be grateful for, and I don’t want to lose sight of how fortunate I am to have the things I have: wonderful, loving family and friends, sweet doggies, a comfortable home, nutritious food, clean clothing, a job that allows me to maintain all the materials goods, and the ability to run, jump and play. There are so many people who will never experience a fraction of these things; who will never know the feeling of freedom from worry or life without fear. So while it can be a challenge to find the 'positive' someday, it's worth digging deep.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Of Snow And Trails And Birthdays
So Jon in Michigan uses YakTrax.
And Dawn (aka Pink Lady) likes to wear gaitors to keep the snow out of her shoes.
What do YOU do to insure that your feet stay warm, dry and stable?
I'd like to be able to start running more trails on the weekends, but the ice and snow are keeping me away.
Speaking of trail running, looks like I might be celebrating my-35th birthday 6th annual 29th birthday in Andover, Massachusetts running a ten-mile trail race. Any East Coast RBF-ers wanna jump in too?
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And Dawn (aka Pink Lady) likes to wear gaitors to keep the snow out of her shoes.
What do YOU do to insure that your feet stay warm, dry and stable?
I'd like to be able to start running more trails on the weekends, but the ice and snow are keeping me away.
Speaking of trail running, looks like I might be celebrating my
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Full Of Promise
I've been striving to make 10-mile runs part of my weekly mileage, and so far I've been able to accomplish my goal (with a few exceptions, due to the eye surgeries).
These longer runs have allowed me to explore different routes - figure eight, circular, out-and-back. The time I spend on these different routes has given me the chance to analyze the pros and cons of said routes. Today, I finally came to the conclusion that out-and-back routes are my favorite, regardless of which roads I'm running on.
The out-and-back route just feels so full of promise.
When I leave the house (or car), I have a turnaround point fixed in my mind, knowing that once I reach that spot, my journey is halfway complete. On the occasions where I am running alone, I like to stop my watch and my feet at the halfway point in order to take in the scenery around me. It's that part of the run that reminds me that there is more to running than technique, form, mileage and time. Slowing down to take in the world is what gives the run definition - what does the world look and feel like at that particular moment? That's what helps define the run. I'm the other part of the definition based on what I brought to the run and what I give to the run.
And it's at that moment, when I am about to head back, that I can taste the joy of accomplishing ten miles. It's there, promising me at least that.
The sweetest part of all is the "back" part, but not necessarily for the obvious reason. It's not the thought of being 'done' that motivates me. It's looking for all the landmarks that make the mileage countdown to smaller numbers . Instead of thinking "2.5 done, 7.5 to go," it's the reverse, and the numbers HAVE to get smaller. They have no choice really.
Mostly though, it's the thought that the return trip can be better than the first part of the journey...that maybe the splits will be negative; maybe the traffic will have dissipated; maybe the sun will come out (or go away, depending on the season); maybe I'll see another runner; maybe my knee will feel better; maybe I'll make it back without having to eat or pee; maybe this will be one of those runs that leaves me floating on cloud nine all day. Full of promise.
Sometimes, some of those promises are fulfilled. And life is good. Other times, it's just another 10-miler for the logbook, and you know what? Life is still good then too.
The journey mattered, either way.
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These longer runs have allowed me to explore different routes - figure eight, circular, out-and-back. The time I spend on these different routes has given me the chance to analyze the pros and cons of said routes. Today, I finally came to the conclusion that out-and-back routes are my favorite, regardless of which roads I'm running on.
The out-and-back route just feels so full of promise.
When I leave the house (or car), I have a turnaround point fixed in my mind, knowing that once I reach that spot, my journey is halfway complete. On the occasions where I am running alone, I like to stop my watch and my feet at the halfway point in order to take in the scenery around me. It's that part of the run that reminds me that there is more to running than technique, form, mileage and time. Slowing down to take in the world is what gives the run definition - what does the world look and feel like at that particular moment? That's what helps define the run. I'm the other part of the definition based on what I brought to the run and what I give to the run.
And it's at that moment, when I am about to head back, that I can taste the joy of accomplishing ten miles. It's there, promising me at least that.
The sweetest part of all is the "back" part, but not necessarily for the obvious reason. It's not the thought of being 'done' that motivates me. It's looking for all the landmarks that make the mileage countdown to smaller numbers . Instead of thinking "2.5 done, 7.5 to go," it's the reverse, and the numbers HAVE to get smaller. They have no choice really.
Mostly though, it's the thought that the return trip can be better than the first part of the journey...that maybe the splits will be negative; maybe the traffic will have dissipated; maybe the sun will come out (or go away, depending on the season); maybe I'll see another runner; maybe my knee will feel better; maybe I'll make it back without having to eat or pee; maybe this will be one of those runs that leaves me floating on cloud nine all day. Full of promise.
Sometimes, some of those promises are fulfilled. And life is good. Other times, it's just another 10-miler for the logbook, and you know what? Life is still good then too.
The journey mattered, either way.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
It's A Party!
On Monday, I got all geared-up to run at work. As I was heading out, one of my co-workers asked me: “Are you headed over to the fitness center?”
Without hesitation, I responded “No, I prefer to party outside.”
And as I was pushing the pavement away from my feet, it struck me that running really is like a party.
It can be casual, fancy, thrown-together last minute, organized, or free-form.
You can go alone or with friends. (Going with friends helps to get you there.)
You can leave early or stay later than you originally planned. Having friends with you usually guarantees that you will at least stay as long as you promised.
It can be laid-back or high-energy.
Games are sometimes played. Stories are often shared.
Sometimes you wear your favorite outfit; other times you wear whatever happens to be clean.
On occasion there may be a cover charge. With any luck, it will include food and drink and you’ll go home with a nice party favor. You might even bump into an old friend! Or make a new one!
In rare instances, a random injury or accident may occur.
You usually never regret going, once you get there and start to mingle.
And afterwards, usually only the very best moments are easily recalled. The less-than-stellar moments seem to fade with time.
So come party with the RBF…consider Jeff’s proposal.
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Without hesitation, I responded “No, I prefer to party outside.”
And as I was pushing the pavement away from my feet, it struck me that running really is like a party.
It can be casual, fancy, thrown-together last minute, organized, or free-form.
You can go alone or with friends. (Going with friends helps to get you there.)
You can leave early or stay later than you originally planned. Having friends with you usually guarantees that you will at least stay as long as you promised.
It can be laid-back or high-energy.
Games are sometimes played. Stories are often shared.
Sometimes you wear your favorite outfit; other times you wear whatever happens to be clean.
On occasion there may be a cover charge. With any luck, it will include food and drink and you’ll go home with a nice party favor. You might even bump into an old friend! Or make a new one!
In rare instances, a random injury or accident may occur.
You usually never regret going, once you get there and start to mingle.
And afterwards, usually only the very best moments are easily recalled. The less-than-stellar moments seem to fade with time.
So come party with the RBF…consider Jeff’s proposal.
Friday, January 07, 2005
An Open Letter To The Sport Of Running:
Dear Running,
I wanted to start off this sparkling, shiny New Year by taking a minute to recognize and appreciate you, for all that you have given to me. I don't want you to think that you are taken for granted, not even for one single second.
Thank you for getting me out into the fresh air. You have given me the motivation to fully embrace the outdoors, in all seasons and in all weather. I have learned about the dangers of wearing cotton and the importance of wearing layers. I am more familiar with the roads near my house as well as with the neighborhood canines.
Because of you, sweet Running, my water consumption has increased, as well as my trips to the bathroom. I have gotten over my fear of peeing in the woods. And I have this new ability to spot a bathroom (or a decent tree) within a mile radius of where ever I am standing.
Without you, food would be my enemy and not my friend. Food and I have this great relationship now...we really understand each other. And we have you to thank for bringing us together.
Thank you for helping me to sculpt my body into a shape that I have been dreaming about for ten years. You have taken me to that 'next level' and helped me achieve that which I thought was lost. There are muscles in new places, and less fat in old places. I have energy. I feel strong.
You have re-awakened the 'competitive' me, and in a positive way. Before you came along, I never would have entered into any type of race or sporting event (or anything even similar!)...the fear of failure would have been too great. But you taught me that being competitive with MYSELF can be challenging, motivating and best of all, FUN.
Through you, I have met so many great people - both in person and in cyberland. You are responsible for dozens of new friendships! And having friends that share my passion for you has spared my family from having to listen to me drone on and on for hours and hours about you. And I could easily talk about you for hours!
You have given me confidence and courage that I never knew I had. You have allowed me to feel pride, and to finally feel like I am 'good' at something. And you have humbled me when I got too cocky, reminding me that I need to take care of the legs that allow me to represent you.
You are amazing. I'm glad you're mine.
And I sure don't mind sharing you.
With love,
Running Chick
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I wanted to start off this sparkling, shiny New Year by taking a minute to recognize and appreciate you, for all that you have given to me. I don't want you to think that you are taken for granted, not even for one single second.
Thank you for getting me out into the fresh air. You have given me the motivation to fully embrace the outdoors, in all seasons and in all weather. I have learned about the dangers of wearing cotton and the importance of wearing layers. I am more familiar with the roads near my house as well as with the neighborhood canines.
Because of you, sweet Running, my water consumption has increased, as well as my trips to the bathroom. I have gotten over my fear of peeing in the woods. And I have this new ability to spot a bathroom (or a decent tree) within a mile radius of where ever I am standing.
Without you, food would be my enemy and not my friend. Food and I have this great relationship now...we really understand each other. And we have you to thank for bringing us together.
Thank you for helping me to sculpt my body into a shape that I have been dreaming about for ten years. You have taken me to that 'next level' and helped me achieve that which I thought was lost. There are muscles in new places, and less fat in old places. I have energy. I feel strong.
You have re-awakened the 'competitive' me, and in a positive way. Before you came along, I never would have entered into any type of race or sporting event (or anything even similar!)...the fear of failure would have been too great. But you taught me that being competitive with MYSELF can be challenging, motivating and best of all, FUN.
Through you, I have met so many great people - both in person and in cyberland. You are responsible for dozens of new friendships! And having friends that share my passion for you has spared my family from having to listen to me drone on and on for hours and hours about you. And I could easily talk about you for hours!
You have given me confidence and courage that I never knew I had. You have allowed me to feel pride, and to finally feel like I am 'good' at something. And you have humbled me when I got too cocky, reminding me that I need to take care of the legs that allow me to represent you.
You are amazing. I'm glad you're mine.
And I sure don't mind sharing you.
With love,
Running Chick
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
The Best Gift
Best running related Christmas gift:
Tree ornament of a female runner.
My father-in-law even painted it so she matches my outfit from the marathon. So instead of being dressed in red and green with dark hair, she is now a blonde with an orange hat, blue shorts, a knee brace and bib number 614 on the front of her white shirt.
They could have just given me the ornament and nothing else and I would have been thrilled to pieces.
What was your favorite running related gift this holiday season?
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Tree ornament of a female runner.
My father-in-law even painted it so she matches my outfit from the marathon. So instead of being dressed in red and green with dark hair, she is now a blonde with an orange hat, blue shorts, a knee brace and bib number 614 on the front of her white shirt.
They could have just given me the ornament and nothing else and I would have been thrilled to pieces.
What was your favorite running related gift this holiday season?
