Yesterday I went from being so down after my run to feeling amazing after today's run. I love my Nike+ program because I can see my progress. Today I ran my fastest mile to date (a staggering 11:40) and my average pace was the best it has been since I started.
I was only supposed to run 25 minutes tonight according to my program, but I ran 30. I am a rebel.
Hey, look!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Mind Game
One thing I've learned over the last two months is that running is mostly mental. Yeah, the lungs have to get more efficient and the heart has to do it's beating thing, and the legs have to cooperate, but nothing can affect a run more than my mental state.
Take for example yesterday's run. It was my first LONG RUN, and I was pumped. I got up at the ungodly-for-a-Saturday 7:00, scarfed down a bowl of cereal, and went to running group. I ran just under 4 miles, which for me was pretty amazing, and I felt great. There were hills and hills, each one a little longer than the next, yet, I ran the whole thing pretty easily. I felt great, energized, and convinced that running would be a part of my life forever.
Then today came. I looked forward to running group all day. It finally came, and we went for a quick half hour run, and I felt like my legs were a ton of bricks. I don't know why. I don't know if I didn't eat right for dinner (chicken and mashed potatoes), if it was the tightness I felt in my calves (it loosened up nicely yesterday), or if it was something else. I don't know what it was, but I had probably the worst run of my short running career.
I spent half the time doubting myself that I could really do this for the long haul. I chastized myself for allowing myself (I feel like Austin Powers) to get into the shape that I am in now. I was just really frustrated. Afterwards, we all congregated for ice cream (Hoffman's, yum) and talked about goals. I thought about what my goals are for my little adventure.
I don't aim to ever run a marathon, but if I do, that's the icing on the cake.
I don't aim to be fast, although I would like to run a sub 10:00 mile.
I don't want to raise my children to be sedentary. I want them to develop a lifelong love of exercise. And what better way to do that than to teach by example? I guess that is my main long term goal.
I do want to lose 25 lbs or so. That would be nice. And if I could fit back into a size 4, that would be even better.
Which takes me back to the mind game. My biggest enemy is myself. I have to learn to ignore that voice who starts doubting that I can do it. That doubts that I can go longer, faster, stronger than yesterday. My lifelong goal would be to hit the mute button on that voice. When it starts, ignore it and keep going.
I told my husband tonight that a bad run is still better than no run at all. I guess my saying that is a good start. Take that, voice.
Take for example yesterday's run. It was my first LONG RUN, and I was pumped. I got up at the ungodly-for-a-Saturday 7:00, scarfed down a bowl of cereal, and went to running group. I ran just under 4 miles, which for me was pretty amazing, and I felt great. There were hills and hills, each one a little longer than the next, yet, I ran the whole thing pretty easily. I felt great, energized, and convinced that running would be a part of my life forever.
Then today came. I looked forward to running group all day. It finally came, and we went for a quick half hour run, and I felt like my legs were a ton of bricks. I don't know why. I don't know if I didn't eat right for dinner (chicken and mashed potatoes), if it was the tightness I felt in my calves (it loosened up nicely yesterday), or if it was something else. I don't know what it was, but I had probably the worst run of my short running career.
I spent half the time doubting myself that I could really do this for the long haul. I chastized myself for allowing myself (I feel like Austin Powers) to get into the shape that I am in now. I was just really frustrated. Afterwards, we all congregated for ice cream (Hoffman's, yum) and talked about goals. I thought about what my goals are for my little adventure.
I don't aim to ever run a marathon, but if I do, that's the icing on the cake.
I don't aim to be fast, although I would like to run a sub 10:00 mile.
I don't want to raise my children to be sedentary. I want them to develop a lifelong love of exercise. And what better way to do that than to teach by example? I guess that is my main long term goal.
I do want to lose 25 lbs or so. That would be nice. And if I could fit back into a size 4, that would be even better.
Which takes me back to the mind game. My biggest enemy is myself. I have to learn to ignore that voice who starts doubting that I can do it. That doubts that I can go longer, faster, stronger than yesterday. My lifelong goal would be to hit the mute button on that voice. When it starts, ignore it and keep going.
I told my husband tonight that a bad run is still better than no run at all. I guess my saying that is a good start. Take that, voice.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Too effing hot
I really want to go out for a good long run. Problem is, the heat index is 105. I stood outside today with friends chatting and was as wet from sweat as I was last week after my 30 minute run. And we were in the shade.
When I was in preschool, I had a heatstroke. As a result, I don't like the heat. I don't tolerate it very well. I whine, I complain, I bitch.
I will run in the rain (I did last month when it was 45 out!) but I just can't do the heat. I wish I had access to a treadmill because I would actually do that, even though I hate them so much. Fortunately, the heat is supposed to subside around Tuesday or so, so hopefully my few days out won't be too much of a setback.
When I was in preschool, I had a heatstroke. As a result, I don't like the heat. I don't tolerate it very well. I whine, I complain, I bitch.
I will run in the rain (I did last month when it was 45 out!) but I just can't do the heat. I wish I had access to a treadmill because I would actually do that, even though I hate them so much. Fortunately, the heat is supposed to subside around Tuesday or so, so hopefully my few days out won't be too much of a setback.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Contagious!
So, I've been talking about my new running program, and today someone came into my office and told me that she was inspired by me to go out for a jog this morning! And her sister went out yesterday afternoon after work to go running!
In other news, I ran 2.5 miles in 30 minutes yesterday! It's getting easier. My only problem is that my foot keeps falling asleep. I don't know if it's because my shoes are tied too tightly or if it's my sock or what. I bought a larger and wider shoe to try to combat the problem. But it's still happening. I just hope it doesn't happen during the 5K.
In other news, I ran 2.5 miles in 30 minutes yesterday! It's getting easier. My only problem is that my foot keeps falling asleep. I don't know if it's because my shoes are tied too tightly or if it's my sock or what. I bought a larger and wider shoe to try to combat the problem. But it's still happening. I just hope it doesn't happen during the 5K.
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