Nothing New to Report

The title really says it all, but I put, "Write a Blog Post" on my to-do list this weekend and almost everything else was checked off the list so it's this or fold and put away the laundry and I pick this.

Recently, I have decided to do some reflecting on my reasons for running as I have been feeling so-so about running in general.  But, I say it's only been so-so because I could think of no new really exciting milestones that have happened and my distance progress is somewhat stagnant.  However, this morning, as I was on a 3.5 miler (that started out with the intent of being a 5-6 miler) my reflections came full circle and I realized that I don't need to set the world on fire every time I get out there (and besides that, Salem is under a burn ban because of the drought so it would be dangerous to set anything on fire). As I reached 3.5 miles, I felt tired and a bit bored running, so I walked.  This typically would have been a major upset to me, but walking felt great.  It was hot.  I ran 6.25 miles the day before.  I needed to walk.  The world did not end. 

So, here are my my running reflections on the things (not necessarily running related) that I have accomplished in the past month or so of my running "funk" and/or just reasons in general for running.

1. I am NOT good at organized sports or any physical activity that requires a great deal of attention, practice, or equipment.  Never have been.  Running is easy - it's mostly free - only attention needed is for watching for cars at intersections.  I can do that! 

2. The competition in the sport of running is as much or as little as you want it to be.  I am not a fast runner and no matter, I enjoy just finishing a run regardless of how far or fast I go.  The end is the best part.

3. Running is a social event and I like to talk.  In fact, I love running and chatting (as long as I can catch my breath and I am not running up a hill).  I have made new friends, formed bonds, and look forward to seeing my running buddies almost daily. 

4. Running offers a good time to just "be" and also be away from the chaos that can sometimes take over my life with work, two small children, and a household to run.  So, when I don't feel like talking, I can just breathe and think.

5. Running burns a TON of calories.  I can eat those calories back and not gain weight.  The more I run, the more I can eat...this might be my favorite reason for running. 

6.  I feel like Super Woman when I power up East Salem Hill and then run in the middle of the road all the way down 4th Street at 5am.  If you've lived in Salem, you know where I'm talking about.  It looks impossibly daunting as you approach it and then once you're at the top, it feels kick ass!  On a good day, I have even been known to throw my arms out (airplane style) and spin around in the middle of the intersection - I have witnesses.

7. I am an addict.  There, I said it.  I may complain about how hard a particular run is or how I feel not quite right during a run, but at the end of the day...I feel better when I get my tush out of bed early and get in a run.  If I don't, I miss it.  I crave the extra energy (and the extra food) that I have all day when I make the effort.  I need to run!

So, as I begin to bump up my weekly mileage from averaging around 15-16 miles/week to 20 or more/week, I shall try to remember all of these things and keep on keeping on!

 

Reaction to "Time to Get Training" Email

I just got the email below from the StL Rock 'n Roll marathon series. Looks like I was ahead of schedule, which may or may not have been a good thing. I’m glad I’m not late in my training.  But, I’m already bored after just three weeks of training.  That can’t be good!

Am I the only one really annoyed at how happy that girl looks?  She knew the photographer was there and smiled for that split second.  She was probably grimacing just 10 seconds prior.  I can guarantee that you will never see me running with a beaming smile on my face.  Even if Ryan Gosling and Channing Tatum were running in front of me, shirtless, I'd probably still only be able to manage a half-grin.  But that's because I'd be so busy texting every single person I know about the dynamic duo of hotness in front of me.

  

Time To Get Training
Congratulations, you've taken the first step towards your goal by registering for the Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis Half Marathon, now it's time to start training! How do you train to run your best? We've got the plan! Today you are 19 weeks out from race day and now is the perfect time to get started with an Official Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Training Plan.

Training Week 2 - The Shins

Last week I survived week two of my training. I ran 2 miles on two different days and 3 on another for my “long” run, so nothing too interesting to report….except for the fact that my shins feel like they have been split open by red-hot fire pokers!!!  What is happening? 

I just did my first run of the 3^rd week (3 miles, indoor due to the fact that it is already steamy hot after work these days) and am sitting here, trying to figure out why this is happening to me…all while icing my shins with a bag of frozen broccoli pieces and a bag of frozen mukimame (shelled soybeans, in case you were wondering. I sure was. Did I buy these??).

Here are some hypotheses:

1. I’m not wearing the right shoes. I find this hard to believe as these guys run ultramarathon distances without $250 fancy running shoes.

Tarahumara Man, getting ready to rip up the trails!

2. I’m too old.  At 32 I hardly think I’m too old to be running a half-marathon. Mainly because this dude is 101 and has been running marathons his whole life. Surely I can eek out 13 measly miles if he can.

   

   Father Time, getting ready to blow past me on the road.

   
3. I’m not running correctly. This one could be true, but how did I miss out on the day when we learned to run the “right” way. I don’t recall attending walking school and seem to have no trouble walking to and fro without injuring myself. I think I look normal when I run. But maybe my friends aren’t telling me something.

I don’t know what it is. All I know is I have to run 7 more miles this week and I need an answer now. Because as good as it feels to have this mukimame numbing my shins, I’ve got to be able to keep training!