I'm so glad I am a runner. So glad there is something to do with my body to relieve my mind of stress. Today there was an announcement that the very large company I work for had "entered into an agreement" to be bought by a much larger company. The opportunities are endless. The possibilities overwhelming. The unknowns very scary.
So, like any good runner, I went for a run. A run to clear my head, to think over the possibilities, the options, the "what ifs". And then to let that all go and just focus on the workout, feet hitting the pavement, arms swinging on that invisible track, breath regulated. Count the foot strikes, stay in the zone. It was supposed to be zone 1/zone 2 today. I figured zone 1 could wait for another day. I'm officially in taper so I didn't want to ruin other things like the fine training schedule the coach has me on, by overdoing it and going into zone 3 or 4. So I hung out in zone 2. Up the hills, into the wind, pounding the pavement, counting the foot strikes.... one. two. three. No worries.
And it worked. For a while. I have a hard time shutting off my mind, but I've gotten so much better at it this year with the training regime the elf has me on. I feel so much more connected to my body. I am able to get out of my head more. And it is such a relief. A relief to realize, I am not my thoughts, I am not my past, I am not the endless possibilities of the future. This moment, right here, right now... this moment is all that is. This moment is all that I have. I will make the most of this moment.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Running in the rain
Saturday was beautiful. Sunday, the day of my long run? Not so much. Why did I waste my Saturday on weeds???
I knew it was going to rain on Sunday, but not until the afternoon. So I got up early, ate, waited around for the requisite 2 - 3 hours, put on my shoes, the fuel belt, the gels, watch, sunglasses (purely for keeping the wind out of my eyes)... and headed out the door.
Temperature was perfect - in the 50's - so I was a little warm because I was anticipating rain at some point so I wore a long sleeve shirt. I was really happy about that shirt later on. The first few miles were great, pure bliss. Cool, no wind, pavement, no hills, not a lot of traffic. I love running in the spring.
Then I turned onto a dirt/gravel road. I've run this road before on my long runs. I like this road. It has a few rolling hills, lots of scenery. The horses were out. The farms all looking their Sunday best. None of the dogs chased me. People said hi. Oh, did I mention? They just gravelled the road. So this lovely surface that I was looking forward to? It was like slogging through a rocky beach. Okay, so that sucked, but I did it. It was only a zone 1 / 2 workout at that point so time was not an issue.
Turned onto the pavement again and, geez, where did all that traffic come from? Dodged potholes and cars intermittently for the next few miles, but in between that, just enjoyed the scenery. Then back onto dirt. Now, this was a good surface! Hard pack, not a lot of gravel, not a lot of traffic. Waved to the nice lady burning leaves. Chugging up the hill... hmmm... was that the wind at my back? Felt good, but it was getting a bit chilly and a little darker. I got to the top of the last hill I had decided to climb and realized the wind was going to be either in my face or a nice cross wind the rest of the way home. Well! Did I mention by this time I'd been at race pace for about 30 minutes and had another 30 to go? Race pace - up hill, into the wind, on dirt... and oh yes, it started to rain. HARD at times.
And you know what? I grinned. I laughed. I used to love running in the rain at college. Especially if I was upset about something. There is no better way to get over yourself than to go for a run in the rain. I have to admit though that running in the rain is a lot more fun when it's just for say 15 or 20 minutes. Not so much fun when it's twice that long and it's at the end of a LONG run. Oh well.
I got it done. And I kept telling myself that if I could run at race pace in these conditions, the marathon is going to be easy. I'm going to do it! I maintained close to race pace in crappy conditions so I can do it for the race. No problem! Can't wait! Oregon, here I come!
I knew it was going to rain on Sunday, but not until the afternoon. So I got up early, ate, waited around for the requisite 2 - 3 hours, put on my shoes, the fuel belt, the gels, watch, sunglasses (purely for keeping the wind out of my eyes)... and headed out the door.
Temperature was perfect - in the 50's - so I was a little warm because I was anticipating rain at some point so I wore a long sleeve shirt. I was really happy about that shirt later on. The first few miles were great, pure bliss. Cool, no wind, pavement, no hills, not a lot of traffic. I love running in the spring.
Then I turned onto a dirt/gravel road. I've run this road before on my long runs. I like this road. It has a few rolling hills, lots of scenery. The horses were out. The farms all looking their Sunday best. None of the dogs chased me. People said hi. Oh, did I mention? They just gravelled the road. So this lovely surface that I was looking forward to? It was like slogging through a rocky beach. Okay, so that sucked, but I did it. It was only a zone 1 / 2 workout at that point so time was not an issue.
Turned onto the pavement again and, geez, where did all that traffic come from? Dodged potholes and cars intermittently for the next few miles, but in between that, just enjoyed the scenery. Then back onto dirt. Now, this was a good surface! Hard pack, not a lot of gravel, not a lot of traffic. Waved to the nice lady burning leaves. Chugging up the hill... hmmm... was that the wind at my back? Felt good, but it was getting a bit chilly and a little darker. I got to the top of the last hill I had decided to climb and realized the wind was going to be either in my face or a nice cross wind the rest of the way home. Well! Did I mention by this time I'd been at race pace for about 30 minutes and had another 30 to go? Race pace - up hill, into the wind, on dirt... and oh yes, it started to rain. HARD at times.
And you know what? I grinned. I laughed. I used to love running in the rain at college. Especially if I was upset about something. There is no better way to get over yourself than to go for a run in the rain. I have to admit though that running in the rain is a lot more fun when it's just for say 15 or 20 minutes. Not so much fun when it's twice that long and it's at the end of a LONG run. Oh well.
I got it done. And I kept telling myself that if I could run at race pace in these conditions, the marathon is going to be easy. I'm going to do it! I maintained close to race pace in crappy conditions so I can do it for the race. No problem! Can't wait! Oregon, here I come!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Trees and weeds
My arbor day trees came in the mail this week. I was so excited when I ordered them.... lots of different flowering trees, even a lilac. Memories of childhood abound when I smell a lilac. Playing at grandma's house with all the cousins, aunts and uncles. Running up and down hills, climbing trees and rock piles. Chasing dogs. Going to the river. Shucking corn. Picking peas. Summer!
Then this week I realized, holy cow! I have to plant these trees. Figure out where they go, dig holes, PLANT. I hate digging. But okay, I'll figure it out. So on my run this morning, I mapped out the yard and where all these cute trees would go. When I got home I thought I'd read the directions just in case. I'm no expert on these things by a long shot.
Hmmmm.... find someplace safe from critters and weeds and the lawnmower. Dig holes 2 feet apart for each of the 11 trees. Watch them grow for about 2 years. Transplant to the location you'd like the trees to live. 2 years? 11 holes? 2 feet apart? Without weeds? Who are they kidding?
I looked at the gardens. Well, let's just say weeding isn't my favorite pastime and you wouldn't be hard pressed to figure that out. So step one: weed. I spent two hours on hands and knees weeding that garden. I filled up 5- 5 gallon buckets with weeds. And it's still not done!
Maybe mom wants to plant the trees in her garden.
Then this week I realized, holy cow! I have to plant these trees. Figure out where they go, dig holes, PLANT. I hate digging. But okay, I'll figure it out. So on my run this morning, I mapped out the yard and where all these cute trees would go. When I got home I thought I'd read the directions just in case. I'm no expert on these things by a long shot.
Hmmmm.... find someplace safe from critters and weeds and the lawnmower. Dig holes 2 feet apart for each of the 11 trees. Watch them grow for about 2 years. Transplant to the location you'd like the trees to live. 2 years? 11 holes? 2 feet apart? Without weeds? Who are they kidding?
I looked at the gardens. Well, let's just say weeding isn't my favorite pastime and you wouldn't be hard pressed to figure that out. So step one: weed. I spent two hours on hands and knees weeding that garden. I filled up 5- 5 gallon buckets with weeds. And it's still not done!
Maybe mom wants to plant the trees in her garden.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Things I've learned from the women in my life
1. Most women are tougher than most men
2. There is no cure for a broken heart, but a good cry, a good hug and good chocolate are a nice bandaid
3. Flour, sugar, and butter... the three major food groups
4. Smile at your enemy. It throws her off.
5. Experiment
6. Take care of the earth... plant a tree, or a flower
7. Take care of animals... they are frequently better companions than most people
8. Take care of each other
9. You can do anything you put your mind to
10. It is possible to be smart and beautiful
11. You can have it all... just not for very long
12. We don't glow, we sweat!
13. Sports aren't just for boys!
14. No one can pull you out of the abyss but you
15. Learn to say please and thank you in the language of the countries you visit
16. Learn how to read a map
17. There is a difference between smart and paranoid
18. Don't live your life in fear
19. Quality clothes are worth the extra expense
20. Quality ingredients make the best dinner
21. If you have to choose between fashion and comfort, choose comfort
22. Sisters make the best friends
23. Women hold grudges
24. Don't drink alcohol on an airplane
25. Treat yourself to a bubble bath once in a while
26. The laundry can wait
27. Always use sunscreen
28. And moisturizer - not just on your face
29. The most important tool in the kitchen is a good knife
30. Crying is not a sign of weakness
2. There is no cure for a broken heart, but a good cry, a good hug and good chocolate are a nice bandaid
3. Flour, sugar, and butter... the three major food groups
4. Smile at your enemy. It throws her off.
5. Experiment
6. Take care of the earth... plant a tree, or a flower
7. Take care of animals... they are frequently better companions than most people
8. Take care of each other
9. You can do anything you put your mind to
10. It is possible to be smart and beautiful
11. You can have it all... just not for very long
12. We don't glow, we sweat!
13. Sports aren't just for boys!
14. No one can pull you out of the abyss but you
15. Learn to say please and thank you in the language of the countries you visit
16. Learn how to read a map
17. There is a difference between smart and paranoid
18. Don't live your life in fear
19. Quality clothes are worth the extra expense
20. Quality ingredients make the best dinner
21. If you have to choose between fashion and comfort, choose comfort
22. Sisters make the best friends
23. Women hold grudges
24. Don't drink alcohol on an airplane
25. Treat yourself to a bubble bath once in a while
26. The laundry can wait
27. Always use sunscreen
28. And moisturizer - not just on your face
29. The most important tool in the kitchen is a good knife
30. Crying is not a sign of weakness
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Things I've learned from the men in my life
1. Don't sweat the small stuff
2. It's all small stuff - unless it's basketball season and my team is losing
3. There are such things as soul mates
4. Having the chance to share your life with your soul mate is an amazing thing - no matter how short lived
5. A soul mate can never be replaced
6. All men are NOT created equal
7. Ibuprofen is a vitamin
8. Skiing down a long steep is awesome - and scary as shit!
9. Skiing off the side of a mountain is NOT advisable - but it's really cool to look back at when you get to the bottom and say, look what I did!
10. Riding a motorcycle is the feeling of freedom
11. Wine and cheese is perfectly acceptable for dinner
12. Anything is possible if you want it bad enough
13. Computers are the answer to all your problems
14. Computers are the cause of all your problems
15. Cars are just appliances - really nice appliances, but appliances nonetheless
16. Always clean the kitchen before going to bed
17. Never get on the highway without a full tank of gas
18. Always say I love you when you leave
19. I have a hero complex
20. Beauty can be found in small, every day things - Every day!
21. Life is short
22. Life is an adventure
23. Try new things
24. Trying new things doesn't mean you have to give up the old things
25. Take care of your equipment
26. Anger doesn't solve anything
27. Work like your boss is watching
28. Do what you love
29. Play at least as hard as you work
30. Sex is good
2. It's all small stuff - unless it's basketball season and my team is losing
3. There are such things as soul mates
4. Having the chance to share your life with your soul mate is an amazing thing - no matter how short lived
5. A soul mate can never be replaced
6. All men are NOT created equal
7. Ibuprofen is a vitamin
8. Skiing down a long steep is awesome - and scary as shit!
9. Skiing off the side of a mountain is NOT advisable - but it's really cool to look back at when you get to the bottom and say, look what I did!
10. Riding a motorcycle is the feeling of freedom
11. Wine and cheese is perfectly acceptable for dinner
12. Anything is possible if you want it bad enough
13. Computers are the answer to all your problems
14. Computers are the cause of all your problems
15. Cars are just appliances - really nice appliances, but appliances nonetheless
16. Always clean the kitchen before going to bed
17. Never get on the highway without a full tank of gas
18. Always say I love you when you leave
19. I have a hero complex
20. Beauty can be found in small, every day things - Every day!
21. Life is short
22. Life is an adventure
23. Try new things
24. Trying new things doesn't mean you have to give up the old things
25. Take care of your equipment
26. Anger doesn't solve anything
27. Work like your boss is watching
28. Do what you love
29. Play at least as hard as you work
30. Sex is good
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Riding
Now, I know all you hard core triathletes are going to laugh, but bear with me as I'm not even close to "there" yet. I took the bike out today for maybe the third time. Now, you must understand, when I say third time, I don't mean, just third time this year, I pretty much mean third time since I was twelve. Okay, it's a different bike - this one has GEARS! - but still you get the point.
Anyway, it was just a nice easy 30 minute spin out the legs ride after doing a killer hill run workout yesterday. I had a blast! I am NOT fast, but I was faster this time than last time. I am not super coordinated on the bike, but I didn't fall over at any of the intersections I had to stop at this time :) (Boy that was fun the last time, just stopped, got stuck in the pedal and fell right over - yep, there were people there.... lots of people!)
So why was today so fun? Today I practiced cornering. I've been reading all these blogs about people racing tris, kicking butt on the bike up hills and around corners, holding lines.... all these things that are not issues on the run, but on the bike... seems like these are things I should practice if I ever want to get into this awesome sport. So today I practiced holding my line around corners... then in the middle of one of those corners I let my mind wander to the way my husband used to corner when he was racing motorcycles. It was soooo cool... knee down, actually touching sometimes ... I have pictures and it's just the coolest thing. Well, I got to wondering... could you do that on a bicycle?
Mind you, I wouldn't do that on a bicycle... wouldn't even try it less than a month before the big race I've been training for months for, but it made me think just enough that I kind of freaked myself out on a piece of wet, sandy pavement. Whew! Another thing about the bike. you can't just let your mind wander off like you can while you're running. Better get my head in the game!
Anyway, it was just a nice easy 30 minute spin out the legs ride after doing a killer hill run workout yesterday. I had a blast! I am NOT fast, but I was faster this time than last time. I am not super coordinated on the bike, but I didn't fall over at any of the intersections I had to stop at this time :) (Boy that was fun the last time, just stopped, got stuck in the pedal and fell right over - yep, there were people there.... lots of people!)
So why was today so fun? Today I practiced cornering. I've been reading all these blogs about people racing tris, kicking butt on the bike up hills and around corners, holding lines.... all these things that are not issues on the run, but on the bike... seems like these are things I should practice if I ever want to get into this awesome sport. So today I practiced holding my line around corners... then in the middle of one of those corners I let my mind wander to the way my husband used to corner when he was racing motorcycles. It was soooo cool... knee down, actually touching sometimes ... I have pictures and it's just the coolest thing. Well, I got to wondering... could you do that on a bicycle?
Mind you, I wouldn't do that on a bicycle... wouldn't even try it less than a month before the big race I've been training for months for, but it made me think just enough that I kind of freaked myself out on a piece of wet, sandy pavement. Whew! Another thing about the bike. you can't just let your mind wander off like you can while you're running. Better get my head in the game!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Willie's life lessons
I've learned a lot of things from my dog, Willie, over the years. Good lessons that would make us all better people and a better society in general if we could adopt them into everyday life. The newest one is this: carrots are not only acceptable vegetation, they are a very good treat for a job well done. You see, Willie is undergoing some physical therapy at the moment. He has a partially torn ACL (or so they think), but not torn enough to actually do surgery on. So being an active "mom" and wanting to know what I can do to help fix it, I asked the vet... and he said, physical therapy... and lose a couple of pounds.
So he has to do things like sit/stand exercises, figure eights, and walking up and down the stairs. For the most part, he doesn't understand why we are doing these things so I thought we'd make it into a game. Sit/stand is only something he'll tolerate 2 or 3 times before he gets bored and either starts jumping (bad for the ACL) or just walks away and lays down. "Seriously, Mom, why do I need to stand up? I just sat down for crying out loud. What is your problem today? You on crack? Forget you told me to sit down just 2 seconds ago?" So we've incorporated sit/stand into the walking up and down the stairs exercise. This seems to go okay. We're supposed to do 5-10 reps. He hasn't gotten past six yet. His attention span is worse than mine! But at the end? Carrots. He thinks these are just a wonderful treat. And you know, pretty good for you if you're trying to be healthy or lose a few pounds
So I ask myself. Why don't I eat carrots as a reward? Nice crunch. Not a bad flavor (kind of taste a bit like dirt, but not bad). Healthy. And I want to be healthy. Oh yea, I know why... they don't taste like chocolate. Now if they made chocolate covered carrots I could get all over that, but they make carrots that taste a little like the dirt you pull them out of. Okay for a snack, but not going to do anything for my sweet tooth.
Every day I think to myself that I need to be more like my dog. When he's tired, he sleeps. When he wants a snack, carrot is totally fine, even exciting. When he sees I'm stressed, he brings me toys cause it must be time to play or change things up a bit. And he really gets into his exercise routine... mind you he doesn't care for some of the physical therapy exercises, but if I make them into a game it's okay. What he really likes though are his walks. He wouldn't dream of missing his walks. He has a schedule. It's more important than eating or sleeping. He needs to get those walks in - twice a day, rain or snow or wind or sun - hot/cold. It doesn't matter. He's out there, putting in the time, doing his thing - not cause he wants to win some race or better his muscle tone (his is fine) but because he likes walking. He likes sniffing the grass. Watching the birds. Chasing the squirrels and other earth bound creatures.
And in the afternoon when it's not too hot, you can find him outside laying on the grass or rolling in the grass or throwing his ball to himself. Just enjoying the great outdoors.
So - go outside today, play, enjoy the weather - whatever it brings, watch some birds, get some rest, eat healthy, change the scenario when you get stressed out, make exercise a fun part of your everyday existence, don't worry about tomorrow.
So he has to do things like sit/stand exercises, figure eights, and walking up and down the stairs. For the most part, he doesn't understand why we are doing these things so I thought we'd make it into a game. Sit/stand is only something he'll tolerate 2 or 3 times before he gets bored and either starts jumping (bad for the ACL) or just walks away and lays down. "Seriously, Mom, why do I need to stand up? I just sat down for crying out loud. What is your problem today? You on crack? Forget you told me to sit down just 2 seconds ago?" So we've incorporated sit/stand into the walking up and down the stairs exercise. This seems to go okay. We're supposed to do 5-10 reps. He hasn't gotten past six yet. His attention span is worse than mine! But at the end? Carrots. He thinks these are just a wonderful treat. And you know, pretty good for you if you're trying to be healthy or lose a few pounds
So I ask myself. Why don't I eat carrots as a reward? Nice crunch. Not a bad flavor (kind of taste a bit like dirt, but not bad). Healthy. And I want to be healthy. Oh yea, I know why... they don't taste like chocolate. Now if they made chocolate covered carrots I could get all over that, but they make carrots that taste a little like the dirt you pull them out of. Okay for a snack, but not going to do anything for my sweet tooth.
Every day I think to myself that I need to be more like my dog. When he's tired, he sleeps. When he wants a snack, carrot is totally fine, even exciting. When he sees I'm stressed, he brings me toys cause it must be time to play or change things up a bit. And he really gets into his exercise routine... mind you he doesn't care for some of the physical therapy exercises, but if I make them into a game it's okay. What he really likes though are his walks. He wouldn't dream of missing his walks. He has a schedule. It's more important than eating or sleeping. He needs to get those walks in - twice a day, rain or snow or wind or sun - hot/cold. It doesn't matter. He's out there, putting in the time, doing his thing - not cause he wants to win some race or better his muscle tone (his is fine) but because he likes walking. He likes sniffing the grass. Watching the birds. Chasing the squirrels and other earth bound creatures.
And in the afternoon when it's not too hot, you can find him outside laying on the grass or rolling in the grass or throwing his ball to himself. Just enjoying the great outdoors.
So - go outside today, play, enjoy the weather - whatever it brings, watch some birds, get some rest, eat healthy, change the scenario when you get stressed out, make exercise a fun part of your everyday existence, don't worry about tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
