tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52991149332817306252024-02-19T03:17:15.754-06:00Cherry Blossoms RunsSuccess isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-53215161224705226702012-03-01T09:02:00.000-06:002012-03-01T09:02:13.389-06:00Long Time No BlogHi All,<br />
<br />
I'm back from my...let's call it a hiatus. I've been running some, strength training some, and all around just feeling kind of bored and burned out with it all. And, it shows...I've added a good 8 pounds to the 10 that have been hanging around from my original weight loss target. 8 pounds in two years might not seem like a lot, but for someone who struggles with their weight, it's a slippery, slippery slope.<br />
<br />
I know I do best with a regimented plan, so I've got one that will carry me through the end of October. Starting in the last week of March, I'm going to devote 90 days to doing Jillian's new Body Revolution, including the meal plan. From all the research I've done, bye bye last 20 lbs! I decided on Body Revolution for a few reasons. First, I LOVE Jillian. Her one-off videos have been key in my training in the past. And this 90-day plan looks amazing! I also chose the program over PX90 or Insanity because her workouts are 30 minutes long. I'm FAR more likely to do a workout every single day for 90 days if it's only 30 minutes as opposed to 60 to 90. Plus, a 30 minute-workout leaves me with energy (in theory) to go for a run before work and do this workout in the evening.<br />
<br />
When I'm wrapping up Body Revolution at the end of June/early July, I'll be ramping up training for my fourth half marathon. Yesterday I found a discount code for Rock 'n Roll races for $29 off for Leap Day. I immediately went out and registered for the RNR St Louis Half. Originally it was $90, which just seemed excessive for a half marathon in St. Louis. Seriously, it's not that interesting downtown. But $66 seemed just about right. My goal for this race is to PR! To do that I need to get my speed up. So, I'll be looking for a training schedule that includes track workouts as well (and actually do them this time).<br />
<br />
So that's the plan. Before I start Body Revolution, I'll post my before pictures. I'll include updates on how each month goes and the changes I see, and then finally the After pictures. And, once race training starts, I'll have plenty to say I'm sure. Can't wait to get started!<br />
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And, lest you believe I'll be sitting idly until the end of March, I will be getting to run in beautiful Tempe, AZ next week while I'm out there for work and preparing for the St. Patrick's Day 5 Mile downtown when I return. I ran this race in 2005 in something like 63 minutes. It was my first race every (and only one until 2009). Right now, I can do 5 miles in a little over 50 minutes. So that'll be a nice PR.<br />
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Just having a plan in place makes me feel like I'm back in a good place, back on track!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-31898618619371627132011-09-11T18:55:00.000-05:002011-09-11T18:55:25.811-05:00How It WorksThis morning I went for a bike ride, something I haven't done in a long time. I started out at Creve Coeur Lake park, but the path around the lake was clogged by people strolling along (sometimes 4 or more shoulder to shoulder...). So, I took the offshoot trail that follows the Page extension out to the Katy Trail. Other than the grasshoppers the size of chihuahuas, it was an amazing ride. When I got to the parking lot for the Katy Trail, I thought about turning around and heading back, but it was such a beautiful day that I wanted to keep going. That meant heading down the steep hill to the trail and riding there. No biggie...Coming back up the steep hill would be another story. I made it up last summer, but last summer I was living in the body of a marathon training fitness fool. This summer, I'm somewhere south of there. Could I do it?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">For lack of photographic evidence, see my Garmin elevation map...The two spikes were going down the hill and coming back up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYA-foO_cNOh7WRQn2z3hIa6n00psvAmbprOCJp7MRtJ6Buo7YESe3X8RiKgJCSbilDB0lqwUYNfkmJSGsaS0QHAcEElOJou_-6mFRAyq3_4h6COgKH2v23lwdI2mJ_Q5czQr4npzgGk/s1600/hill-example.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYA-foO_cNOh7WRQn2z3hIa6n00psvAmbprOCJp7MRtJ6Buo7YESe3X8RiKgJCSbilDB0lqwUYNfkmJSGsaS0QHAcEElOJou_-6mFRAyq3_4h6COgKH2v23lwdI2mJ_Q5czQr4npzgGk/s320/hill-example.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I worried about it the whole ride out, making sure not to go too far that my legs would be too tired to carry me back to the lake afterwards. I rode a couple of miles out and then turned back. When I arrived back at the hill, I shifted gears and started peddling with purpose, I made it up the first switch back easily. I managed the second, even though I had to slow down significantly for a family with small children weaving between lanes. The third rise towered above me...and I made it to the top without getting off to walk. At the parking lot, I paused for a second to drink some water and let my hammering heart catch up. I had done it.<br />
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On the ride back to my car, I thought about how succeeding at something hard makes all the other difficult things in a day seem possible. It's strange that the euphoria of a physical feat transfers to easily to other areas of life. But, for me it does. That's why I run. It can be a marathon or thirty minutes around the neighborhood. Pushing myself and conquering the miles, hills, tired legs, reminds me that other obstacles are manageable too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do one difficult thing every day. You might not succeed every time, but each time you'll get closer to your goal, and on the days you do succeed, you'll realize that the improbable, the impossible, has become your reality.</b></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-11413725227482737242011-08-10T09:44:00.000-05:002011-08-10T09:44:35.483-05:00The JourneyThis morning it was tough to get up when my alarm started buzzing at 5:20 a.m. "Why can't we be skinny and healthy by magic?" I muttered to B. I hit snooze more than once, but in the end, I made it out the door for yet another day.<br />
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And what a beautiful day it was. The sun wasn't officially up, just a pink glow on the eastern horizon. And, the air was gloriously cool. What a day for a run!<br />
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My legs were tired, my Achilles was tight, but I chugged along on the less hilly of my usual routes. On my way home from the out-and-back route, I saw this lady that I see almost every morning. She's 70+ if she's a day. Her run is more of a quick shuffle (but then, hey, so is mine). And, she's out here EVERY morning working it out.<br />
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Depending on the day, her presence inspires a different set of thoughts for me...<br />
<b>Thought 1:</b> Fitness is a lifelong battle. I'm going to have to do this FOREVER, even when I'm 70.<br />
<b>Thought 2: </b>Being fit and healthy is a blessing. I hope I get to be out here running when I'm 70.<br />
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There's no end to this journey. Sure we might start with a goal weight, a special occasion, a certain dress size in mind. But when we reach that goal, we haven't reached the end of our journey. I can look at that fact with despair (usually when I'm half asleep with my alarm blaring in my ear) or joy. So, on this Wednesday, here are a few things I appreciate about the journey without end:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol><li>I appreciate that ceasing to move means going backward to a place I don't want to go. Therefore, every step forward is forward momentum in the right direction, whether it's walking, running, biking, or stationary on my yoga mat.</li>
<li>I appreciate how I feel when I come home, dripping sweat, tired in an entirely different (wonderful) way than when I was trying to get out of bed. </li>
<li>I appreciate how early morning exercise changes the way I experience and adapt to the stress of the workday.</li>
<li>I appreciate the feeling of knowing I made a good choice and the accompanying desire to build on that good choice with others.</li>
<li>I appreciate that there may come a day when I'm unable to go out for a morning run, but this morning isn't that day. Today I can run. And, with my elderly runner as inspiration, I hope the decision of "today I can run" continues for many, many days into the distant future.</li>
</ol><br />
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<b>What do you appreciate about your healthiness journey?</b>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-61518644494400877042011-08-04T08:55:00.000-05:002011-08-04T08:55:25.495-05:00Real LifeMoving, home ownership, changing job roles with a lot more responsibility, travel for said job...my life has changed drastically since last summer when I was coasting by. I can't imagine training for a marathon this summer like I did last summer (partially because of the 20 day, yes I said <b>20 day</b>, excessive heat warning). I'm contemplating a half marathon in November but still haven't convinced myself that sending in my entrance fee wouldn't be a waste of money. Luckily, I have until October to decide.<br />
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Real life is messy, busy, chaotic even. So, to that end, I've been working on what a healthiness lifestyle looks like in my current version of "real life." For me, that means fresh fruit and vegetables, light healthy lunches, lots of water, and working out about 5-6 days a week. A couple of those days are yoga/strength workouts mixed in with a bike ride or two. I've been running 3-4 days a week, usually during the weekdays before I leave for the office. How far have I been running? I have time for about 3 or 4 miles without making myself late. It was hard for me to admit to people at first. I read a ton of running blogs, and so many of them are gearing up for distance races: Hood to Coast, IronMan, various marathons. People would ask, "What are you training for?" Nothing. "How far are you running these days?" Not very. These kind of runs don't make for very interesting blogs...<br />
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But, I'm slowly becoming okay with my frequently short runs. Distance running isn't the only way to run. My current plan works for my life right now. I'm still running regularly (and in this heat that in itself feels like a victory). As life twists and changes, so will my running. All I know is I'll still be out there.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-80559529057251368292011-05-15T09:44:00.001-05:002011-05-15T10:41:54.891-05:00A Change of Scenery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCkNC4Rs2CKxTqJo9rlLpZLrVFY5C_ds3AeKk4abUl8P1TVEdegb0FWs1iN3xpbqzFdeHk3xLqXkD0x5caIOBgrqTZpWM6NH-AStf34LHBvROr7O-VrWGM_sf-96pDwXH8YIz7ZlavzU/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCkNC4Rs2CKxTqJo9rlLpZLrVFY5C_ds3AeKk4abUl8P1TVEdegb0FWs1iN3xpbqzFdeHk3xLqXkD0x5caIOBgrqTZpWM6NH-AStf34LHBvROr7O-VrWGM_sf-96pDwXH8YIz7ZlavzU/s320/house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I know blog posts have been sporadic at best lately...Well, I have a decent excuse--I've been busy. Real busy!<br />
Cherry Blossoms' runs will soon be experiencing a change in scenery...B. and I are now proud homeowners (or we will be on closing day). I'm super excited about the house and painting and buying new furniture (and getting out what has become a very loud apartment complex). In about a month we'll be moving a few minutes farther west, and with the move comes new running routes to explore. You know how much I love running in the Clayton, Brentwood area. I love the extra wide bike lanes and the lush tree-lined residential streets. I adore Forest Park. And, I will certainly miss my old favorite go-to routes, the ones where I could predict which people I'd pass based on the time of day I went out. But, I'm very excited to map some new routes and explore my new neighborhood on foot!<br />
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In the intervening weeks since my last post, yes, I've still been running. I'm getting up early before work and doing 3-5 miles on most days. I love being up early when the sun is just rising and feeling like I've accomplished a ton by the time I sit down at my desk for work. The half marathon was...well, miserable. Because of unseasonably hot humid weather, they ended up calling the marathon off. The heat really affected me, and my time wasn't even as good as last year's. Oh well. You can't control the weather in the Midwest, I suppose. My next up-coming race is a the Zoo fundraiser 5k. If you recall, it was my first ever 5k two years ago. This year I'm running it with my very speedy sisters. I am still trying to regain my speed (if it could ever be called that), but my sisters are hoping to place in their age groups! It's awesome to have a family that you can be active with! Can't wait!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-92122935215070761622011-04-07T09:00:00.000-05:002011-04-07T09:00:08.013-05:00Trying to Get Excited for Race 1 of 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPrimXr9wkieEOTfkpvtbyWUj-u1NE7psyWw18lVgyEhlGy8R4ULFgI-o9WIqwN4bCcX-l8LR2rm5BCQ2pw73Ee8FXWGVm5TFICTycU6mkQJwHlRh1UZW4uOdGK0QlKzu2eYOYzL6LzI/s1600/gostllogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPrimXr9wkieEOTfkpvtbyWUj-u1NE7psyWw18lVgyEhlGy8R4ULFgI-o9WIqwN4bCcX-l8LR2rm5BCQ2pw73Ee8FXWGVm5TFICTycU6mkQJwHlRh1UZW4uOdGK0QlKzu2eYOYzL6LzI/s200/gostllogo.png" width="200" /></a></div>I'm scheduled to run the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon again this Sunday. Last year at this time, I was unbelievably excited--it was to be my very first distance race. I couldn't stop planning what I would wear and imagining how the day would go. This year...well, let's just say, if I hadn't already paid (making it a waste of money not to go), I'd stay in bed on Sunday morning. Why aren't I excited about it this year? I wish I knew. Maybe because it was originally supposed to be a marathon, and because my training work ethic was lousy during the winter months, I'm not ready to do 26.2 and downgraded to the half. Maybe it's because it's the <u>exact</u> same boring race course as last year. I mean, really, you couldn't switch it up a little bit? Or, maybe it's because when I run a race of a similar length, I always want to beat my time (2:18 in this case), and I don't know if that'll happen this time. I'm hoping for a modest 2:15. We'll see.<br />
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But, it's not all about me. I might not be excited about my own race, but I'm psyched for a Facebook friend who is doing the half for the first time ever. It's part of her getting healthy and fit journey, and I'm so excited for her to get the chance to prove to herself how far she's come. Good luck, Mel!<br />
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In other news, if you'd like to follow me or any of the other racers, you can do it by clicking <a href="http://www.textinterface.com/gsl/">here</a>. My bib number is: 2591Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-35400548988238882522011-03-14T17:43:00.001-05:002011-03-14T17:44:13.039-05:00Review: 6 Week 6 PackI've been meaning to post this forever...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV6SMKkQQhJDLvDS8Q7IrrcpdWPw0iSI_ZfQDqKHgyari2eWmerFEB5OAbxvJ3j2tdilSdhl8MJZyOesGVH6MYnr3ZaBzwXe9P__u-d7xGUVZ3xAwTPo3P9WwQnCWakU5QhbvK6SRr0c/s1600/6week6pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV6SMKkQQhJDLvDS8Q7IrrcpdWPw0iSI_ZfQDqKHgyari2eWmerFEB5OAbxvJ3j2tdilSdhl8MJZyOesGVH6MYnr3ZaBzwXe9P__u-d7xGUVZ3xAwTPo3P9WwQnCWakU5QhbvK6SRr0c/s1600/6week6pack.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I ordered <b><i>6 Week 6 Pack</i></b> from Amazon back in November when it first came out. I was hopeful for a good product but skeptical since Yoga Meltdown was such a flop. I was in luck...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>6 Week 6 Pack</i></b> is awesome!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The dvd contains a Level 1 and Level 2 workout. The idea is you will do the Level 1 workout 4 to 5 times a week for 3 weeks and then move up to Level 2. Have I done this? No. I just can't do the same video that many times a week. Plus, I don't have that many days set aside for strength. So, I haven't gotten my six pack just yet. However, my abs have noticeable definition that they didn't quite have before.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My gripe about most strength training dvds is that they focus mostly on legs and arms with minimal attention to the core. Or, they focus on upper ab and oblique moves and virtually ignore the lower abs and lower back. And, those are the ones I need to strengthen to help with my hip issues. But, <b><i>6</i></b><i><b> Week 6 Pack</b> </i>takes an approach to abs that I haven't seen in many other dvds. There are a variety of standing exercises and ones that start in Plank position in addition to the usual on-your-back stuff. The intermediate and advanced moves frequently use a 3 to 5 pound dumbbell for resistance, which I love. Both Level 1 and 2 have 2 circuits in a 30 minute workout. The warm-up starts much more active than I'm used to...I'll admit I was worried jumping into aerobic movements so quickly, but I haven't experienced any soreness or injuries from it. Jillian is backed up by 2 girls, one doing the advanced version of the moves, and the other the beginner (Jillian demos the intermediate moves). And, let me tell you, the advanced moves are TOUGH! Even Level 1, which I thought I'd totally have in the bag, left me panting and sweating.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though I'm not doing the multi-time per week plan, after I'd done Level 1 a dozen times or so (and didn't feel quite so much like dying at the end), I moved on to Level 2. Holy Ouch! When Jillian says she's kicking it up a notch, she's so not kidding! Ever heard of a Plank Mogul? Neither had I. Picture yourself in a plank...Now picture jumping your feet to the right and landing them as close to your arms as you can get before hopping them back to plank. Then you go to the left. And then the right...over and over. By the end of the second circuit, I was so glad this workout was only 30 minutes because it felt harder than most of my 45 to 60 minute videos. At one point, Jillian says, "Push--I want you to walk away from this workout visibly smaller." I don't know about "smaller," but I can definitely see the muscle definition popping after I'm done. It makes it just a little easier to pop that dvd in again next time, despite the muscle burning agony.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There's one more thing I love about this dvd compared to other abs-only workouts. The moves combine a LOT of legs and chest/arms. There are moves that use lunges and squats, as well as arm movements with weights (over head, side to side), not to mention all the moves that use some form of plank. I can walk away from the workout feeling like I got some good work in on my whole body, not just the abs. The only thing I wish it had more of would be lower back. Level 1 has two sets of Supermans, but Level 2 doesn't do any targeted lower back work, which is disappointing because a strong lower back is so crucial to a balanced core. Not to mention that's where my extra poundage likes to hang out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, a total recommend for this dvd. My ultimate goal is to be able to do both Level 1 and Level 2 back to back. It's also short enough that once your endurance improves, you can throw it on the end of a short run for a really great day's work. It's currently less than $10 on Amazon. Definitely worth taking a chance on!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-32404472602545993202011-02-28T18:39:00.003-06:002011-02-28T18:42:50.345-06:00RefocusingLast week when one of my favorite bloggers <a href="http://www.enduranceisntonlyphysical.com/">Endurance Isn't Only Physical</a> wrote about the <a href="http://www.enduranceisntonlyphysical.com/2011/02/reset-theory.html%22">Reset Theory</a>, it resonated with me. Long story short, she had noticed how some of the healthy eating habits she'd worked so hard to build were slipping, and she decided to take back control on that slippery slope. Boy, do I feel that.<br />
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I started my healthiness journey about 2 years ago. I went from 198 pounds down to a momentary low of 158 (still 8 pounds shy of my goal weight). Right now (and for about the last 4 months) I've been hovering right around 166. What happened? Marathon training happened. For the first time, I was expending the kind of energy that had to be refueled. I went from being able to keep my calories in a weight loss mode to be famished all day every day. Could those all have been healthy calories? Of course, but it was all too easy for me to justify the pizza, the ice cream, and the burgers when I'd just burned something like 1500 calories on a long run. Worst of all, when marathon training was over, I found it incredibly difficult to slip back into an appropriate calorie intake for someone who wasn't running 40 miles a week.<br />
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And, here I am. Still "healthy," still fit, but not comfortable with those extra pounds. I don't need them. Running would be easier and less painful without them. So, I need to refocus, reset if you will. I need to find the frame of mind I was in two years ago when I lost 40 pounds. How did I do it? On the exercise front, I worked out 5 to 6 days per week, including cardio, strength, and flexibility sessions.<br />
Food-wise, I:<br />
<ul><li>Stayed within my daily calorie range, religiously.</li>
<li>Measured and weighed my portions carefully (not fun, but it sure did the trick).</li>
<li>Avoided eating fast food, and when I had to eat out in general, I carefully researched what I could eat there that was reasonable.</li>
<li>Ate lots of fruit and veggies and not a lot of meat.</li>
</ul>All that is what I'm recommitting to until I lose these last 16 pounds. I've met all the other goals I've set for myself--Why should this one be any different? I'm going to record my beginning measurements and get back to work. Until that goal is reached, half marathons are the longest race I'm signing up for. I can train for a half without turning into a giant blob of hunger. When I reach my goal, I can re-evaluate...although I can definitely tell you that the next time I attempt a marathon, I will make the time to see a nutritionist, even if it is expensive.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-48833558050760322332011-02-17T22:17:00.000-06:002011-02-17T22:17:50.692-06:00One in a MillionJust when I think I'm losing my running mojo, the weather gets warmer, the snow melts a little, and I can't get enough of footfalls on pavement. I get tired but don't want to stop moving through the cool, crisp air. I'm back, people! I know it's only February and it's going to get cold again, but I'm relishing every single moment of our pre-spring.<br />
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I always complain about drivers who don't pay attention to cyclists, pedestrians, and runners. So, I thought I'd take a moment to appreciate a driver today, who though he didn't see me at first, made up for it afterwards. I was on a late evening run today; it was twilight. I was on the sidewalk that runs in front of our local high school. As I neared one of the entrances, I saw a small, red car coming up fast to its stop sign from the parking area. I was fairly certain that the driver didn't notice me (I kind of always assume the driver doesn't see me...it's saved me many a close call). So, while I was still moving tentatively into the crosswalk, I was prepared to stop. The car screeched up to the stop sign and was about to go...I paused...and then the driver saw me. He held up his hand in a guilty wave, and I finished crossing. I didn't really think anything about it...after all, it was getting dark.<br />
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So you can imagine my surprised when his car pulled up along side of me. "Hey--SO sorry about that back there. I've really got to watch what I'm doing. Just felt bad." "No problem," I responded, "I was paying attention for you." Wow--instead of flipping me off or yelling out the window at me, he apologized. I ran on my way with smile. With a little consideration for each other, runners and drivers CAN get along!<br />
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Looking forward to another decent weekend and getting some more miles in! Be safe out there!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-52801867228374495592011-02-01T10:32:00.003-06:002011-02-01T10:36:54.204-06:00Inspired?I really wish this event wasn't the weekend before the Go! St. Louis marathon. I'd LOVE to try the "long" distance duathlon!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://races.ultramaxtri.com/2011/maxtrax-duathlon/"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCVSpwFs6fqtcYgBfKUACp8ZDItV_SAqIq7URfJ7DulULPSYuESCaOSzAadJeFyshokIVhlpwXOykvoGhH6E7yR1ryYy38u5kvjyUm1veU2AiVFIk7pxKsp1dBaRZrULR1BwnemNRBsw/s320/RaceSquare500x410_maxtrax.thumb-500x1000.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm also trying to coerce B. into joining me for this off road team triathlon in 2012 (plenty of time to train!):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://races.ultramaxtri.com/2011/adventuremax/"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy1-RQkJLE350R8ASnyYpWgT8NAMpYrDw8BP2629SoxOAZFTn6BNHEg6iSWvAy6RNO3FR9IXdnuerF2eVejYvP9Kbntz7ju70bvvC8yDfFDZ3VJTSDq2YK5hHrxJR6AYhUUvdLUx9SMk/s320/RaceSquare500x410_adventuremax.thumb-500x1000.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Have you tried multi-sport events?<span id="goog_841765481"></span><span id="goog_841765482"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-88919499382687327752011-01-25T15:17:00.000-06:002011-01-25T15:17:45.080-06:00The Full That Became a HalfIn December, I signed up for the Go! St. Louis race again, this time to run the full marathon (I ran the half last year). I was a smidge late getting started on training, but things started out okay. Then it got super cold. Work life turned insane. Then I got sick. Then it stayed super cold. Let's just say, 10 miles is the most I've finished in one session. Every weekend would roll around and I'd be unable to fathom spending 2 or 3 hours out in the frigid temps. What about the gym, you ask? Let me tell you...The gym I go to has 10 treadmills. 10...And, to use them, you sign up for a 30 minute time slot, one 30 minute session at a time. So, after 30 minutes you have to get off the treadmill and go see if you can sign up again for that machine, or if you need to switch machines, or worse yet, do something else while you wait for another chance to use one. Then there's the fact that 8 miles on a treadmill is all I can manage before I'm so bored I could die. All these factors were turning running into a chore, not a joy. I hated feeling like a failure b/c I couldn't seem to get my miles in. I hated getting my miles in but dreading every second of it. So, I made a decision: <b>I'm going to run the half in April instead of the full. </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
I won't lie. It was a tough decision. There's the knee-jerk part of me that thinks "Don't be a quitter!" (I'm pretty sure this is actually my dad's voice in my head). But, running is supposed to be fun. And, for me, running on a treadmill just isn't fun. It's misery. I don't want the exercise I love to become a dreaded chore. Running when I can (including the occasional treadmill speed workout) until it gets warm is the best choice I can make to keep from burning myself out on my favorite activity. Once that's over, I'll think about the possibility of signing up for a full in the fall. But, I make no promises...my professional life is undergoing a major period of growth/change, and that's got to be the focus of most of my energies for now.<br />
<br />
I felt immediately relieved after I made my decision. In fact, I had the best run I'd had in a long time on Saturday. It was in the 30s, so I went for a snowy run. It was a little like running on the beach in the places where the snow was still loose over the sidewalk and like an obstacle course people had walked and the snow had frozen in hills and valleys around the footprints. It was a great time. Just like a run should be.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-40260428759151248882010-12-31T15:23:00.000-06:002010-12-31T15:23:56.075-06:002010 By the NumbersI'm a data geek as you might already know. So, on the last day of the year, I sat down to figure out what the numbers say about how much work I put in this year:<br />
<ul><li>I worked out 228 of 365 days, which means I worked out about 62% of the time. </li>
<li>I worked out an average of 19 days a month.</li>
<li>I covered 968.42 miles (at least those recorded by Garmin) in 2010.</li>
<li>838.68 of those miles were running!</li>
</ul>The days worked out was a little lower than 2009...I worked out 10 more times then than I did this year. I'm chalking part of that up to the taper and recovery period after the marathon (and just a touch of laziness as winter hit).<br />
I also took a look at the goals I set last year to see which ones I actually achieved:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Join a volleyball league (already started on this one: first game is 1/4!)<span style="color: red;"> Check, although I eventually decided the league wasn't my cup of tea and only played one season.</span></li>
<li>Run a half marathon <span style="color: red;">Check!</span></li>
<li>Run a full marathon <span style="color: red;">Check!</span></li>
<li>Drink at least 64 oz of water a day (and no coffee until I have had at least 16 oz of H2O) <span style="color: red;">Mostly failure. I didn't drink nearly as much water as I should have and definitely got the coffee in no mater what!</span></li>
<li>Get back in the habit of making a healthy lunch at home instead of going out <span style="color: red;">I did pretty well on this. The best months for this are in the fall/winter when I can make a giant batch of soup that lasts all week.</span></li>
<li>Eat MORE veggies at every meal (I struggle with this in the winter...) <span style="color: red;">I did great on this. Again, as the fresh summer vegetables give way to the puny looking ones shipped in from whoknowswhere, I struggle.</span></li>
<li>Reach my goal weight (11.4 lbs to go as of yesterday) <span style="color: red;">Not so much. My weight is pretty much exactly the same as last year. Marathon training didn't make for great weight loss. I made the choice to feed my body what it needed rather than deprive to get the last few pounds off. Now that I'm training again, I'm working to keep my calories in check and eat healthy calories.</span></li>
<li><em>Maintain</em> my goal weight when I get there (that's a whole other journey) <span style="color: red;">While I'm not at my goal, I've definitely maintained give a pound or two fluctuation throughout the year. And, because I've really upped my strength training, I feel stronger and more toned than ever.</span></li>
<li>Get professionally fitted for running shoes <span style="color: red;">Check, best decision ever made!</span></li>
<li>Support B. on his own journey to health <span style="color: red;">Working on being a support and not a nag. Everyone has their own journey and their own story of how they got there...and it usually doesn't start with, "My girlfriend forced me to go to the gym..."</span></li>
</ol><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I haven't quite figured out what my goals are this coming year. I know I have a marathon lined up in April and possibly in October. I'll let you know what my running and health related goals are as soon as I get them narrowed down. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Happy and Healthy New Year, Everyone! </span> </span>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-50504166084223803302010-12-15T14:21:00.000-06:002010-12-15T14:21:56.686-06:00Fool Me Twice...I've gone from "never" to "maybe...eventually" to "yes, definitely"...I went ahead and signed up for the Go! St. Louis marathon this week. I wanted to do one in Lawrence, KS, but even though the registration cost was higher for St. Louis, I figured it would all even out when you took into consideration the cost of travel, lodging, etc. What I didn't think through too thoroughly was the time...Right after I signed up, I tweeted that training started in January. Not quite, math whiz. Training for an 18 week program would have started last week. As it is, I'm planning for the average 16 week plan and starting next week. Next WEEK!<br />
<br />
On one hand, I'll be very glad to have a regimen to follow again. I've been a terrible slacker in the running department since the last marathon. Seriously, my longest run has been a little over 10 miles...once. Usually they top out around 8. Part of that, though, has been the ridiculous cold (combined with my simultaneous distaste for the treadmill). Starting next week, there can be no more excuses, and more than likely, there will be many a run on a cold, dark winter's morning/evening that has to take place at the good old gym on the treadmill. Gotta to stop whining and do it. Hopefully, being on the treadmill will make me more likely to sprinkle in all the speed and tempo work I should be doing.<br />
<br />
Another goal for this training cycle: not to slack off on the strength training. When I do it regularly I experience far less joint pain b/c the muscles in those areas are offering more support. That, and who doesn't want to be ripped just a little. I also have a month of unlimited classes (via LivingSocial coupons) for the boxing gym that I need to use at some point...Should I try to mix that in for cross training sessions? Will I still be able to get my money's worth?? Decisions, decisions.<br />
<br />
So here I go again...Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I know what I'm signing up for this time...I just hope I can find the same level of motivation I had last summer. I'll have some blog fodder at the very least!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite marathon training plan? </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm looking for alternatives to the Hal Higdon one I used last time.</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-54022520144615780932010-11-22T10:14:00.000-06:002010-11-22T10:14:29.261-06:00MemoriesToday's my 32nd birthday. I'd be upset about getting "old," but I'm happier and in better shape now than I ever was in my 20s. Seriously!<br />
<br />
I got in a couple of really good runs (one of which was finally back in double digits), so there wasn't really anything else I could ask of my birthday weekend. I got one more thing though, the sweetest, most creative, thoughtful gift possible:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GNxsAX9p1gCZcSK0h3tGCFY_0_jlF3Da1SBOcKEH5-0_kP4DuaNLiKatkVAD-5gYwgLD_MZgC2wZY_8FCp1Z86vU9B6GpETdGoyLd2PWAVjif8hXQ2ziLtFTecHw36I1VgsW6UQoHkI/s1600/bday-gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GNxsAX9p1gCZcSK0h3tGCFY_0_jlF3Da1SBOcKEH5-0_kP4DuaNLiKatkVAD-5gYwgLD_MZgC2wZY_8FCp1Z86vU9B6GpETdGoyLd2PWAVjif8hXQ2ziLtFTecHw36I1VgsW6UQoHkI/s320/bday-gift.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
B. gifted me with a permanent reminder of my marathon day! He couldn't have picked better pictures...those were the ones I wanted from the marathon photo company but was too cheap to buy. I was very impressed by his crafty abilities. The surprising part was I didn't realize my medal was missing in the days leading up to getting this!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-70524266072204719092010-11-15T10:23:00.000-06:002010-11-15T10:23:00.330-06:00Love at First RunThis weekend, I finally got my act together and went shopping for some new running shoes. The sales girl had told me in July that while my shoes could probably make it through the marathon, I should definitely replace them afterwards. Well, time went by, my mileage was less, my pocketbook was a little light, and I kept on running in my beat-up Asics. I could feel the lack of cushioning on every run, even the short ones. They'd had a good life. It was time to let them go.<br />
<br />
I'd originally intended to shop all three of the local running stores and see what shoes each one recommended. That turned out to be too ambitious for someone with limited free time. So, of course, I went to my tried and true Fleet Feet. They hadn't steered me wrong yet. I told them that while the Asics Kayano 16 had been good shoes, I would be open to other brands/styles as well. The Asics had been good shoes. They helped rid me of the aches and pains in the foot that my old shoes had caused. But, on long runs, they started to feel like running with concrete blocks tied to my feet. Would it be possible to have supportive but lightweight shoes?<br />
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It was! The shoe fitter brought out a new pair of Asics and a pair of Brooks Trance 9's. I took the Brooks on a test run, then I tested one foot with Brooks and the other in Asics. The difference was immediately obvious. I had to have the Brooks. They felt light; I could barely even feel them, especially when compared with the weight of the Asics on my other foot. My mind was made up. I'm usually nervous to try new shoes (they are awfully expensive to chance not like them), but Fleet Feet will exchange them for quite awhile if they aren't working for you. In addition, I discovered that Brooks uses recycled materials to make their shoes. The average sole of a running shoe will take 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill. The Brooks soles will take 20. Big difference. Yes, I asked, and no, the shoe won't break down more quickly because of it. It was nice to be able to make a green choice and still get a product I wanted anyway.<br />
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Check 'em out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1FkgVsMHwTRb0KKA88lEiPpRaOW-BlsLjWoUoKxFhSuoKkIMsYriQapGVEpwR3BKLIhNX0cQJZKosjH5P3tLJYywFci8eV7oE6umtmSf9jMfHdKQShqcJ7rbeFE9SSIqohzJ1EY9aJ0/s1600/brooks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1FkgVsMHwTRb0KKA88lEiPpRaOW-BlsLjWoUoKxFhSuoKkIMsYriQapGVEpwR3BKLIhNX0cQJZKosjH5P3tLJYywFci8eV7oE6umtmSf9jMfHdKQShqcJ7rbeFE9SSIqohzJ1EY9aJ0/s1600/brooks1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSI_k4H9YbNEGBfpVuPe4pkOz3TN2SYIAQHYRs165TSQaSwmp77rUJXB9BHFwIYDnHdaz-xfUWtEO1F8pzuuMs76-0JzEVWJaMdD2N4p8JBuBKoi2n6CXdWO_KUjt3LtjsIMWTsVjmDUM/s1600/brooks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSI_k4H9YbNEGBfpVuPe4pkOz3TN2SYIAQHYRs165TSQaSwmp77rUJXB9BHFwIYDnHdaz-xfUWtEO1F8pzuuMs76-0JzEVWJaMdD2N4p8JBuBKoi2n6CXdWO_KUjt3LtjsIMWTsVjmDUM/s1600/brooks2.jpg" /></a></div> I was super excited that they were a lovely grey and light blue...Yes, function is important, but I care about how they look, too! I was never too keen on the white/pink combo of the Asics.<br />
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Sunday afternoon, I got the chance to take the newbies on a their inaugural run. It was a short 5 miles, as my allergies were getting the best of me. I'll need to take them on some long runs before I can be sure of my feelings, but currently I'm completely infatuated with them! They've go just enough cushioning, they look great, they feel barely there. My feet were happy (and no blisters!). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgpdQ7dS_6yKfHyMViJ9VD7r053Y35g8S2mWB4H4ck_V3SkDMGyBpjZw_2IEW48TBmAaqfJKcPvqPPlgobVP50jRyMd03-7WzxmWrKz0r-0tpgSvtfmaRqqDBSeKwjQpkclDWmVNK7Gs/s1600/brooks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgpdQ7dS_6yKfHyMViJ9VD7r053Y35g8S2mWB4H4ck_V3SkDMGyBpjZw_2IEW48TBmAaqfJKcPvqPPlgobVP50jRyMd03-7WzxmWrKz0r-0tpgSvtfmaRqqDBSeKwjQpkclDWmVNK7Gs/s1600/brooks3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One other note...I wish I could have gotten a picture for you but didn't think of it before I left the store. I hadn't looked at the bottom off my old shoes in ages. When the shoe fitter looked at them for wear patterns, he was psyched, and at first I didn't understand why. Apparently, the fact that my shoes were VERY worn made for easily detected wear patterns, and my pattern was text book perfect. The sole and tread were worn in all the right places and almost new in the places that shouldn't be hitting the ground. Good to know my stability shoes are doing their job (and maybe my running efficiency is improving). The shoe fitter asked if he could show them around and take pictures of them to use for training. HA!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-28523129800955550842010-11-01T11:17:00.000-05:002010-11-01T11:17:53.230-05:00Finding BalanceI haven't officially worked out in 4 days. 4 days! In the months leading up to the marathon, that was unheard of. But, Thursday I had the opportunity to be part of a panel on women, blogging, and happiness at a local university. It was right after work, and when I got home, B. and I decided to go out to dinner. So no workout. Friday is my traditional "rest day," so, of course, no workout. Saturday I slept late but woke up with every intention of going for a run. Then, over breakfast, B. and I concocted a plan to go to the Apple Butter Festival in Kimswick, MO. By the time we got home, I needed to get started on a freelancing project with a fast approaching deadline. Yep, you guessed it, no workout (unless you want to count strolling around the festival--which I don't). And, then Sunday...I slept late again and woke up feeling crappy. I finished the freelance project and then fell into my bed to watch some Tivo from last week. Then, some festive baking (rice krispy treats, pumpkin bread, and mulled wine, anyone?). But zero working out.<br />
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And, guess what? I don't care. That's right, you heard me. I won't pretend I didn't feel a little guilty on Saturday and Sunday or secretly worry that I was sliding down some slippery slope into lethargy. I did. Then I go thinking...I'm healthy (per my 6 mo check up last week), I'm fit (I just ran a freakin' marathon), and those things won't be undone by a 4-day break. In fact, after work tonight, I'll be out pounding the pavement, trying to beat sundown. Sometimes an extended rest is healthy. There were so many times that I drug myself out to work out this summer when I didn't feel well. While that work ethic was a good thing, it's also healthy to take a little time for yourself. There have been many, many Saturdays the past few months when I was completely consumed with the long run and then my other responsibilities. It was SO nice to not worry about eating spicy food on Friday night, sleep late on Saturday, and then spend time with B. and do some activities that don't center around sweating.<br />
<br />
So, in many ways, I'm practicing finding my way back to the center of things again: Cutting back on the calories (hey, if you aren't going to run 35 miles a week, you also don't get to feed your face like you are), remembering what it feels like to get a "regular" amount of exercise, figuring out how to fit in adequate exercise <u>and</u> the activities that make the weekend fun. When not in training for an official race, I have to remember that this is my life--I eat well (and by "well" I mean a combination of mostly healthy choices and the occasional indulgence), I move most days, and sometimes, I need to kick back with a glass of wine and catch up on Project Runway! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>How do you define balance? </b></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-52640424032412573102010-10-18T11:01:00.003-05:002010-10-18T11:24:14.995-05:00My Relationship with Running: The DTRIn case you've never heard the acronym, the DTR is the "Define the Relationship" talk. You know, the awkward one that must be had at some point in most romantic relationships. "Am I your girlfriend?" "Are you still seeing other people?!" You get the picture. Running and I have been going steady for over a year and a half...No, that sounds too prim...Running and I are all wrapped up in each other in a nauseating Twilight-ish kind of way. If I had a notebook, I'd write our names together in a heart. We've shared some ecstatic highs and wallowed in a few down and dirty lows. But, after the marathon, I felt like running and I needed to have the next level DTR--"Where is this going?"<br />
<br />
I've heard people say you have one of two marathon experiences. Either you say, "that was great, and now I don't ever need to do that again" or "That was great--when can I do that again?". In that moment, when every step jarred up my body through my aching feet, I thought I was in the former group. In fact, as B. and I staggered back to the hotel (ok, I was doing most of the staggering), I said, "Oh god, don't ever make me do that again--ever!"<br />
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I felt like I'd learned many things about myself that day on the race course, not least among them, that perhaps I was less of a marathoner than a half-marathoner. I resigned myself to capping my races at 13.1. That's still a challenge after all. It would make me no less hard core. In fact, I could focus on getting faster...get below 2 hours. <br />
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In fact, during training I'd had thoughts even more adulterous, usually while those double-digit runs were languishing on. While I adored running, while running would always be very important to me, I really missed life before the relationship was so intense, I thought. I missed regular flings with the bike, the elliptical, yoga, strength training. I mean, I barely even got to see them socially anymore. Gosh, running was really cramping my style! I imagined conversations that went something like "It's you, not me." But, alas, plans had already been made, the money already spent, the announcements made. I had to stick it out.<br />
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Then, a day or two after the race, as the aches and pains wore off, the itch returned. Maybe since this marathon experience hadn't been all I'd hoped, maybe just maybe I needed to give it another try. Then this month's Runner's World showed up with an article about how everyone hates those last 6.2 miles and how to get through them. That got me thinking maybe it wasn't my own ineptitude that made the last bit of my marathon experience suck--maybe I was normal. Maybe I was meant to be a marathoner.<br />
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So, I've become that girl--the one who waffles back and forth over her relationship. ''He's a lot of fun, but he's so high-maintenance." "Well, I don't know if he's the ONE, but he's sooo great!" It's not fair to running. I really need to figure out what I want out of this relationship. So, here goes...<br />
<br />
Running,<br />
You know I adore you. Really I do. And, I know we'll be together forever. But, I also think that sometimes we spend too much time together, so perhaps we need to work on cultivating our individual interests. I need to be able to spend some time with my bike, in yoga classes, and most definitely with my weights. I'm just friends with them...I don't love them like I do you. What you don't get is those things will totally strengthen our relationship! In return for your patience, I promise you 3 days a week, and I promise to make those 3 days really count. I'll let you show me this "speed work" thing b/c I know I'll enjoy you that much more if I'm not so freakin' slow. And, I'm not placing limitations on the lengths we can go together. 5ks, 10ks, half-marathons...Is another full marathon in our future? Maybe. You never know. We make a pretty awesome team!<br />
Love,<br />
Cherry Blossoms<br />
<br />
So yeah, this is my plan going forward:<br />
1. Cut down to 3 days a week running (1 speed work, 1 tempo, and 1 long run)<br />
2. Get back into strength training (I completely stopped toward the end of marathon training b/c I was so exhausted).<br />
3. Finish getting to my healthiest weight. I gained about 5 pounds during training, only a couple of which I can claim to be "muscle".<br />
<br />
Once I feel like I have a handle on those goals, I'll figure out what's next as far as races go. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Anyone have experience with or know good resources for figuring out the whole speed work thing?</b></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-71593859037142623712010-10-12T16:59:00.004-05:002010-10-12T19:23:27.845-05:00I'm a Marathoner!Where to start? It was a whirlwind weekend full of emotion...I guess I'll start at the beginning.<br />
<br />
Friday, we arrived in Chicago around 2:30 and took the train to our hotel. I'd reserved a room at the Hard Rock Hotel through the marathon website back in February. On a whim, I printed the confirmation email before we left, just in case. Good thing. The girl at the desk first couldn't find us in the computer; then she found us but had us down for checking in on Saturday. I whipped out my handy confirmation email and showed her what was up. We got our room.<br />
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After we checked in, we walked to the expo to pick up my packet. In retrospect, I should have done a lot less walking this weekend prior to the race. But, I couldn't stay in that tiny room bored all weekend. The lines were nonexistent, and I had my packet and goody bag in no time. We walked around and collected freebies and tried some of the free samples. I also found my name on the Nike Wall (okay, B. found it):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUngLU6azFlREU9SFOzDSBJlCx1WDLvVI-TBAN1xRoCWczLO61AzIl6PPI0N9ht7yILrdAPv1YNi9XlzW8VJow8kgSPistNeNSEbHJDwxATl77H3RDeaXFq3dzq2lZ4vveLcncePftWE/s1600/NikeWall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUngLU6azFlREU9SFOzDSBJlCx1WDLvVI-TBAN1xRoCWczLO61AzIl6PPI0N9ht7yILrdAPv1YNi9XlzW8VJow8kgSPistNeNSEbHJDwxATl77H3RDeaXFq3dzq2lZ4vveLcncePftWE/s200/NikeWall.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
While we were waiting for the bus back from the expo, I heard someone make the comment about the high temp for Sunday being in the high 80s. Last I'd heard, it was going to be in the 70s, which was going to be hard enough. I'm just not a good runner in very warm weather...I tried not to think about it too hard and just hydrate.<br />
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Skip ahead to Sunday. I actually slept pretty well the night before, but of course, I shot out of bed when my alarm went off. The night before, I'd bought a mini wheats individual serving at the Walgreens next door and crammed the milk for it into the mini bar. I was dressed and had a full tummy by like 5:45. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl82h79HB9Ku70pQibJ5TS99Q4esb07TDXz2SpAUH5p2i-e4l1Yn9J9DGdJ9SYWeKEhzc-EEfn9HP_7jy1jVMdb7G5s3GLTjP729c0I1XtvwpO9qqqORuV1gi8ccvF_D1KcqFWDQqUcL8/s1600/pre-race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl82h79HB9Ku70pQibJ5TS99Q4esb07TDXz2SpAUH5p2i-e4l1Yn9J9DGdJ9SYWeKEhzc-EEfn9HP_7jy1jVMdb7G5s3GLTjP729c0I1XtvwpO9qqqORuV1gi8ccvF_D1KcqFWDQqUcL8/s320/pre-race.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><br />
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When I walked out the front door, there were hoards of runners streaming toward Grant Park. Since there was plenty of time, I stopped off at Starbucks for a coffee. I kind of wished I'd gotten iced coffee because it was warm and a little muggy already. Once at the park, I stretched a little and used the portapotty (my favorite). I stood around in the start corral chatting with other runners. It was surprising how many people around me were doing their first race as well. The gun went off at 7:30, and around 8:02, I finally stepped across the start line. As soon as I started, I realized all the hydrating meant it was already time for a bathroom break. Can I wait...another few hours? Probably not. Stopping was definitely not part of the plan, but I stopped at mile 3 and wasted 5 or 6 minutes in line for a portapotty. The first few miles up to Lincoln Park went well. It was getting hot, but at least there was a breeze and quite a bit of shade.<br />
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I got a great boost around mile 9 when I saw B. and one of his college friends on my way out of Lincoln Park on the way back to the city. I was surprised to see them b/c I'd told B. not to worry about trying to find me on the course. I figured that with all the spectators I wouldn't even see him. But, there he was filming me on his new Flip and waving. Gave me a little rush of energy!<br />
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Even though it was rapidly getting hotter, I was staying hydrated and made it to mile 10 in under 2 hours, which was on pace for me. Then thing started going down hill. By the time I made it to the half marathon point, we were leaving the downtown area, where there was lots of shade b/c of the buildings, to areas farther south where it was all concrete and blazing sun. By the time I hit the aid stations around mile 16, the event alert level had been raised to high. The announcer at that station was telling people to slow their pace and advising "novice runners" to consider dropping out of the race due to the conditions. My first thought was "Crap, I'm a novice runner, I think" followed by "There's no way in hell I'm quitting unless they physically drag me off the course." I kept going. The next few miles were increasingly harder, and I found myself doing a combination of running and fast walking. I passed a bank sign that showed the temperature as 96. 96! How late in the fall does one need to schedule a race in the Midwest to avoid the heat?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDO2gmeLZYaAQ8gyluwOJu5NxPCo0JcHNZ8FBgZ2e8dCavXwd0nRi1YktGa33Cxpx86s_WItJa1IwGxhMC8rZizrpKIWnS4X-uyG4Ug5NE17sIQx0whwKfipxFU6tZE5rVMvh79G3FxA/s1600/almost-done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDO2gmeLZYaAQ8gyluwOJu5NxPCo0JcHNZ8FBgZ2e8dCavXwd0nRi1YktGa33Cxpx86s_WItJa1IwGxhMC8rZizrpKIWnS4X-uyG4Ug5NE17sIQx0whwKfipxFU6tZE5rVMvh79G3FxA/s320/almost-done.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
I was running through Chinatown when I saw B. for the second time. He asked how I was doing. I answered that honestly I was doing pretty terrible, that my time goal was shot to hell but I was going to finish. I was doing a combination of walking and running when around mile 22 my left quad started cramping. I'm not sure why--I felt like I was staying hydrated--but I've never had a cramp there before. Given the choice of running dragging that leg behind me and walking stiffly, I chose walking stiffly. Up until this point, I'd done pretty well controlling my emotions, but now, the prospect of walking 4.2 miles in pain was too much. I was walking as fast as my leg would allow trying not to ugly cry. Happily, I held it down to a few quickly swiped away tear drops. I took solace in the fact that I was far from the only one having a hard time. I saw people from the seeded corrals walking hours off their expected finish times, runners sitting on the curb, and others heading to the medical tents to throw in the towel. At least I was still moving.<br />
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After a couple of miles, I started walk/running again. There was no way I'd be finishing in even the high end of my time range goal. Then I saw the mile 25 sign. Screw it, I thought, I'm going to finish running hard. Then, I saw the 1 mile left sign, followed by 800, 400, and 200 meters. I flew up the last hill and turned down the straightaway to the finish. I ran across the finish line triumphantly. I'd just done something that a year and a half ago, I'd never even dreamed of.<br />
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I collected my finisher's medal and made my way to the reunion area to find B. When he hugged m and told me how proud he was, I immediately burst into tears. No one tells you how emotional marathons are. I felt like I'd put every bit of myself into the endeavor, and I felt drained! On one hand, I was fiercely disappointed in my performance. Even though all the training plans said that first time marathoners shouldn't go into it with time goals, I'd trained super hard and just knew I could do it within this range I had in my head. Not achieving my goal time, even in the face of brutal weather conditions coupled with the fact that I'd had to walk some made me feel like I'd failed (at least partially). On the other hand, I knew I'd just completed a quest that I've been preparing for and thinking about for many many months. I'd finished what I started even in less than ideal circumstances. Yes, my time was about 10-12 minutes slower than the slowest time I'd hoped to have, but I'd given it my all. At no time did I walk when I could have been running. Given the circumstances, I did the very best I could do, and for that I'm unbelievably proud of myself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6PN8cG3s32nsveHbqD3cBMWWHy6u56ZOxOC3uYdTM66leqsnUiM4FAdzUlw4Cy6TOvphTBoW32xsUIcjRpiNRcijXgS9SCC6A8Pj0EXAffOU5pIlhFsSxgrLjOCkGdauXOcfn0u-gV4/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6PN8cG3s32nsveHbqD3cBMWWHy6u56ZOxOC3uYdTM66leqsnUiM4FAdzUlw4Cy6TOvphTBoW32xsUIcjRpiNRcijXgS9SCC6A8Pj0EXAffOU5pIlhFsSxgrLjOCkGdauXOcfn0u-gV4/s320/medal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have to say--I'm incredibly grateful for the support I had from B. throughout training and during the race (He's 1 in a million)! You guys too--thanks for reading my journey and giving me advice and support. There will be another post soon with more about my feelings about the accomplishment of marathon running and where I'm going from here (as soon as I wrap my own head around it).Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-29535314623403584552010-10-08T09:33:00.001-05:002010-10-08T09:34:13.957-05:00Final Countdown!I woke up to this in my Google Reader this morning:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwPmR4ogtmuka5HDVOkD_37jsu4blp6f3RJjaRwBjAQ_SfRLzuOjbMQINxvuehzSc31c-eSa92-ddIH-NkW99EGtHpNkbAYfWapsg5-A8zQfxAxjPkSJQW74aKwqAq1oKP9W8peQOVL0/s1600/countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwPmR4ogtmuka5HDVOkD_37jsu4blp6f3RJjaRwBjAQ_SfRLzuOjbMQINxvuehzSc31c-eSa92-ddIH-NkW99EGtHpNkbAYfWapsg5-A8zQfxAxjPkSJQW74aKwqAq1oKP9W8peQOVL0/s400/countdown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've watched that countdown go from 200 days (no kidding) to just 2. Insanely excited would be an understatement! Our flight leaves in just a couple of hours. And, in a little over 48 hours, hopefully I'll be able to call myself a marathoner (you can do that after just one race, right??).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best of luck to everyone else running this weekend!</b> </div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-39536835269099413312010-10-05T12:54:00.000-05:002010-10-05T12:54:01.039-05:00Come With Me!Well, come with me sort of...You can experience the marathon with me without actually running 26.2 miles or standing outside along the race route with a gazillion other spectators. Track my progress from the comfort of your own home via text messages. You'll get a message when I hit the 10k, half marathon, and 30k marks, as well as the finish line. All you have to do is sign up <a href="http://www.textinterface.com/pls/text/TF_BACM_DT">here</a>. You can find me by bib number: <b>10458</b>. Select me from the search results and then enter your cell number (<b>Disclaimer</b>: I'm sure all the usual text message charges apply).Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-65495697382811081942010-10-01T09:30:00.000-05:002010-10-01T09:30:40.256-05:009 Days & CountingNext week at this time, I'll be packing my bags and heading to the airport for the (very short) flight to Chicago. This marathon is really happening! Be prepared for more posts similar to this in the coming 9 days. Because, I really can't believe it. I think I'm ready, though. And, running is at least 10% mental, right?<br />
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Tapering has been interesting. Good part: More time in my day to spend on things besides running. Hard part: Having to stop after only 3 or 4 miles once I'm out there. Surprisingly hard to do. Next week when I have scheduled a 3, 2, and 2 will be interesting for sure.<br />
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As far as race plans go, I have my outfits picked out...yes, outfits plural. I'm not sure how cold it's going to be, so I'm going to bring a few different tops (jacket, long sleeves, short sleeves, tank, throw-away shirt) to choose from that morning. I've got plenty of Hammer Gels. I've got a hand-held bottle that doesn't leak. I've made plans to pick up my Trader Joe's Greek yogurt (the true breakfast of champions) when we get into town. What else could a girl need?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Any tips/tricks/good to knows from you seasoned marathoners??</b></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-91588506373778916842010-09-29T11:11:00.002-05:002010-09-29T11:15:04.793-05:00Basic Rules of the RoadSince sunrise has been getting later and later in the morning, I've found myself running around 7:00 a.m., instead of the 5:30 a.m. of the summer months. And, I've come to the conclusion that early morning drivers are far more considerate of objects (especially humans) in the crosswalk than drivers later in the morning. Take this morning for example, when I was almost hit twice in the same intersection when the little crosswalk man symbol was blazing plain as day.<br />
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<b>Offender #1:</b> High school girl. I agree that the ability to turn right at a red light is awesome. I take advantage whenever possible. However, you don't get to turn right on red when there's a runner stepping into the crosswalk. I hope my mad face and "Watch it!" woke you up for the rest of your drive to school.<br />
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<b>Offender #2:</b> Mom in too-large SUV <i>with kids in the car</i> (!!!). Yes, green still means go. But, you need to realize that the crosswalk signal is also telling pedestrians moving in the same direction as traffic to go. So, if you're turning right, you gotta hold your horses for five seconds and let me get across before lurching into the intersection. Good driving lessons you're teaching those kids by the way. <br />
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It infuriates me when a run turns into a game of Frogger. And, it's not like I'm running blindly into traffic. I wait patiently on the curb to cross when I have the signal. During that time, you'd think they had noticed me standing there, sipping my water, waiting to go. Are we really in that much of a hurry? Is squeezing through the intersection in front of a runner or biker really going to get you to work or school that much more quickly? The correct answer here is "No."<br />
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I've definitely become more conscientious of my driving around bicycles and pedestrians of all types since I started running. I give them a wide berth, pause to let them cross in front of me, because I know they appreciate it! Especially when 90% of other drivers really and truly either don't notice them or don't care about their safety...that was a totally scientific percentage made up off the top of my head by the way...<br />
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Stay safe out there!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-13183237523935773102010-09-21T10:34:00.000-05:002010-09-21T10:34:58.945-05:00It's OfficialMy official bib number for the Chicago Marathon arrived in the mail yesterday afternoon. I'll be runner <b>10458</b>. My new luck number! It all seems so much more a reality than it did even a few weeks ago. I'm officially into the first week of taper (not so different from a step back week), so all I can do is hope I'm ready. It makes me nervous just thinking about it. If I feel this excited and scared now, I can only imagine what race morning will feel like!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-9647329483395018532010-09-08T10:27:00.000-05:002010-09-08T10:27:31.247-05:00Yep, I'm Still Alive...Thought I'd check in so you all didn't think Saturday's 20 miler had been the death of me. Just a few thoughts for you on this Wednesday:<br />
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1. I made it through 20 miles, no problem. It wasn't quite as transcendent an experience as the previous week's 18, but I did it, in a decent time, with no injuries. Can't ask for more than that. Why did I do 20 when I was only scheduled for 19? I know at least 10% of running is mental. And, for me, knowing that my longest pre-marathon run was scheduled to be 20, left me wondering how I'd feel about knowing there's 6.2 left when I hit that point on race day. For me, knowing there's 5 or even 4 miles left will seem more doable. See, it's all mental. So, next weekend when I'm supposed to do 20, I'm going to aim for 21-22. Just to make myself feel better. Of course, I'll listen to my body and stop sooner if things feel out of whack.<br />
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2. I had a small epiphany around mile 18 on Saturday. My feet hurt, my knees felt like they didn't want to bend any more, my legs felt heavy. The light bulb moment? What no one bothers to tell you (or me, anyway) is that marathon training isn't just about training to be able to cover the distance. It's about learning to deal with discomfort (not "ouch, something's not okay" pain, just the normal "I'm sick of running" fatigue and soreness) and to keep moving.<br />
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3. Cooler temps = faster legs? My splits have gone back to normal in the past couple of weeks, even a little faster some days. So, it's either the cooler weather, or my fitness level has made another (unexpected) jump up. Either way, I'll take it! Anyone else in the Midwest loving the advent of fall?<br />
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4. B. and I, in a moment of rare spontaneity, booked a couple of last minute tickets and spent Labor Day weekend in Chicago to hang out with one of his college BFFs. It was a whirlwind weekend of fun, friends, and food. It was exactly what I needed to recharge. Plus, in a flash of brilliance, when I signed up for PTO from work on Friday, I also signed up for Tuesday off. So, instead of getting back to the grind yesterday like the rest of the world, I took one more leisurely day to get things back in order around here. Amazing.<br />
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5. The day we returned from Chicago, I read a disturbing news story about 5 separate attacks on students at the university near our house. A couple were robbed, and a couple were robbed and sexually assaulted. The attacks had taken place mostly between midnight and 2 a.m., but I often start my long runs just a few hours later while it's still twilight. Luckily, the police caught the guy yesterday. Still, it was a sobering reminder to be vigilant. I'm pretty paranoid about stuff like that, so I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings. I hope to project a "way more trouble than she's worth" vibe to anyone with bad intentions. B. tried to get me to buy pepper spray. To me, that seems like more trouble than the good it might do. What, would I run with it in my hand? I already carry a hand-held water bottle. If I kept in a belt, that would be ridiculous: "Hold on, sir, while I access my pepper spray...okay, you can resume your attack; I'm ready." What do you all do? How do you plan for your safety while out on the road?<br />
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Have a wonderful short work week!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5299114933281730625.post-82361284237117740112010-08-31T18:01:00.001-05:002010-08-31T18:05:04.247-05:00Own-ly MeOne of my new favorite bloggers <a href="http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/">Rachel Wilkerson</a> recently posted one of her rules for life: Thou shalt own it. It’s worth your time to click over and <a href="http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/2010/08/18/how-to-stop-feeling-guilty/">read</a>. If you’re short on time, basically, her post was about deciding to start owning her decisions and stop letting other people second-guess her or express unsolicited disapproval. She said, “If you’re sick of feeling guilty and ready to own it, remember this: tell people what you want, what you’re doing, what you need. Don’t ask for permission or advice.” And, then she invited the rest of us to join her in declaring what we’re “sorry, I’m not sorry” for. This really really resonated with me. And, lots of other bloggers, check it out <a href="http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/2010/08/25/owning-it-blog/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/2010/08/27/owning-it-blog-2/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/2010/08/31/owning-it-blogs-93010/">here</a>. Here are a few things I OWN:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-e8KvtihLZjZTYg4iqg4dJUVGF3K3GSZe0I6AxDVxz1-4Z0hzeUv9xRIZ540mcEHjD9zsco7u8EH4Mcz6Z5k9bQeMuq2qq2D-EIP0BfhqDC2s3_rrpupZgK4UbMjGuV2WKyWEi7AP0U/s1600/owning-it1-246x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-e8KvtihLZjZTYg4iqg4dJUVGF3K3GSZe0I6AxDVxz1-4Z0hzeUv9xRIZ540mcEHjD9zsco7u8EH4Mcz6Z5k9bQeMuq2qq2D-EIP0BfhqDC2s3_rrpupZgK4UbMjGuV2WKyWEi7AP0U/s200/owning-it1-246x300.jpg" width="163" /></a><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"> I like to run. I haven’t always, but I do now. You might even call it a passion. I don’t care if you think it’s crazy to pay money to run (race registration) or get up while it’s still dark out on a Saturday morning to run. I don’t need to hear about it. You don’t have to understand it or want to join me. Sorry I’m not sorry.<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li>In fact, I don’t really like running with other people. I know I’m “supposed” to join a running club or make running dates with other like-minded runner girls. I see them all in twos during the week and in packs on the weekends. Not me. Running is my time to think and not about keeping up or slowing down or making conversation. Just call me the Lone Runner. I own it. </li>
<li>While getting healthy and then starting long-distance training, I’ve cut WAY back on my alcohol intake. It really affects my ability to run well. One glass of wine on occasion, and I’m good. But, you wouldn’t believe how much crap I get from people when we go out. Peer pressure much? It’s like others believe they can’t have fun if I don’t have a drink in my hand, too. I can enjoy my time out with or without a buzz. Consider it owned.</li>
<li>I like nice things--clothes, house wares, food, vacations. I’m (very) financially responsible, but I’d rather save up for top-of-the-line or my dream item than settle for whatever’s on sale. I’d rather go out to eat only occasionally and go somewhere fabulous than eat at chains with a coupon. I’d rather go on one vacation where I stay at the Four Seasons than five where I stay at Super 8. Call me a “consumer.” Call me shallow. It’s my money, and I spend it how I want. Sorry I’m not sorry</li>
<li>I don’t do <i>anything</i>, just because that’s what “people do.” I know, I know. I’m in my 30s. I’m supposed to fall in line and put a ring on it and get busy having babies. In fact, depending on who you ask, I’m <i>way</i> behind schedule. Well, I absolutely own my life choices thus far. B. and I are 100% committed, with or without the state’s stamp of approval, and I like that my “kids” can be left at home with food and a litter box while I go out for the day. I make choices when it’s what <i>I </i>want, when <i>I</i> want to do it, not because if fits everyone else’s conception what I should be doing. This applies to all areas of my life. Sorry, I’m not even a little sorry.</li>
</ul><br />
So, that’s what I own. What about you??Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16526224485093788753noreply@blogger.com1