So we recently joined Planet Fitness and tonight was the first time that we used the gym. We had been members of a much larger gym with more amenities that we simply didn't use and decided that a gym with fewer extras (and a lower monthly fee) would be a better choice for us. The equipment was very nice! I warmed up on the ArcTrainer and it didn't make any grinding, or thumping, noises at all. I, then, moved on to the treadmill for my run.
I'm not used to running on a treadmill and it was a little more difficult that I anticipated. First of all, I'm used to having a bit of a breeze when I run, and there was definitely none of that inside the gym. The treadmill stays at a much more consistent speed than I run on the road, which is a good thing, but felt a little harder for me while I was running, because it was - I couldn't slow my pace without actually changing the speed on the treadmill. Not what I'm used to. The run felt good, if a bit slower than I had hoped. After my run I put 5 miles on a stationary bike, so I did get a little more variety into the workout, as a whole.
The most disappointing thing for me was the fact that the program that I use on my iPhone to record my runs didn't work on the treadmill. I suspected that would be the case, but was still disappointed when it turn out to be so. My runs are recorded on iSmoothRun and then I send them to Training Peaks, and I was able to enter my run manually into Training Peaks so it's all there, but I love all the details that I get from iSmoothRun. I can't turn the little bit of information that I know about my runs into the nifty graphs that I normally get to see on my iPhone. All in all I'd say that running on the treadmill is fine in a pinch - maybe better for consistency - but my preference is definitely to run outside when I can!
Of course, since we were already out and about, my gym workout was followed by a visit to a local pub where I had a beer, along with a chicken breast and broccoli. The number of places to get a meal at midnight is somewhat limited, so the pub worked out well (with the kitchen open until 2 am) and the beers were on special, so I HAD to get one, right?
Tomorrow I have a longer run scheduled. I'm not sure if I will do it on the road or at the gym. Either way I will be increasing my distance by 50% and am looking forward to seeing how it goes. Just 4 more training runs before the Cinco de Mayo run in Detroit, so I am excited to keep moving on, and after that I don't have another 5K for about a month. I'm hoping that I'll be in the company of a few of my DetermiNation friends, but am not sure that any of them are doing this race. Regardless, the run is followed by a parade and there are tons of activities to celebrate the holiday so I think it will be a fun day!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Am I really a morning girl?
I definitely run better in the morning than I do in the evening - and even better when it's a little later than 6:00 am. I guess that's a good thing, since most races seem to start between 7 and noon. Although noon is late (and technically not morning), I say noon because my next 5K starts at 11:30 am. I'll be doing the Cinco de Mayo run a week from this coming Sunday (on Seis de Mayo, if you read my post last weekend) and I'm still taking a few walk breaks while I run, so my goal is to actually run the entire 3.125 miles. Today I did well, but took 3 short walk breaks and wasn't quite as fast as I was at my race last weekend. I felt great though.
I went out just after 6:00 and was amazed at how light it was. It's becoming quite noticeable, now, how much earlier the sun comes up. Not many people were up and about, but Thursday is is trash day in my neighborhood and it's always funny to see something at the curb the first time I go by, then see that it's gone on my next go-round - and I'm out before trash pick-up. I got barked at a few times, and tried to avoid the many worms that emerged with the overnight rain. Lots of birds were out getting breakfast and the doves were mournfully accompanying my running tunes. It was quite peaceful!
I am learning the importance of garments that wick moisture away from my body. It was humid this morning, although not all that warm - only 52 degrees. I found myself really wishing for more of a breeze. Funny, the other night it was too breezy and today I wanted more. It's like wasabi! First I'm thinking "oh my god, my scalp is peeling off, my ears are melting and my eye balls are going to fall out" but as soon as the pain goes away I want another bite. But I digress... Wicking apparel is essential and I think I'll invest in a few more items before the weather actually warms up. I really love my running socks and wish all of my other socks were as comfortable, so I think I'll get a couple more pair of those, as well, so I don't have to wash them quite so often. I don't wear them for every-day because they are too pricey for that.
Well, Luke has me running on Saturday and Sunday this week, so I'll cruise on back here in a couple of days to tell you about my Saturday run.
I went out just after 6:00 and was amazed at how light it was. It's becoming quite noticeable, now, how much earlier the sun comes up. Not many people were up and about, but Thursday is is trash day in my neighborhood and it's always funny to see something at the curb the first time I go by, then see that it's gone on my next go-round - and I'm out before trash pick-up. I got barked at a few times, and tried to avoid the many worms that emerged with the overnight rain. Lots of birds were out getting breakfast and the doves were mournfully accompanying my running tunes. It was quite peaceful!
I am learning the importance of garments that wick moisture away from my body. It was humid this morning, although not all that warm - only 52 degrees. I found myself really wishing for more of a breeze. Funny, the other night it was too breezy and today I wanted more. It's like wasabi! First I'm thinking "oh my god, my scalp is peeling off, my ears are melting and my eye balls are going to fall out" but as soon as the pain goes away I want another bite. But I digress... Wicking apparel is essential and I think I'll invest in a few more items before the weather actually warms up. I really love my running socks and wish all of my other socks were as comfortable, so I think I'll get a couple more pair of those, as well, so I don't have to wash them quite so often. I don't wear them for every-day because they are too pricey for that.
Well, Luke has me running on Saturday and Sunday this week, so I'll cruise on back here in a couple of days to tell you about my Saturday run.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Windy night time run
I was supposed to get out this morning but didn't get up in time so I knew that I was going to run tonight. I knew it! I thought about putting it off until tomorrow morning, when it's not as windy, not as late, not as dark... But I didn't! I headed out at 9:30 with 19 mph wind and 59 degrees. It wasn't too bad, actually.
I was definitely slower than at my 5K on Saturday, but that's ok. It was a different time of day and outside of my usual routine. I did learn that Edy's Slow Churned Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Sundae ice cream doesn't make great fuel for running. LOL I heard coyotes in the field across the street from my house. One "barked" or whatever they do, then another across the field, and then another on the other side. I'm not sure what they were discussing, but was hoping it wasn't that their dinner was getting away down the street, wearing a pink hat!
I'll be going out again on Thursday morning. Definitely first thing in the morning! I'm looking forward to a better run and I'll be back then with a more interesting post.
I was definitely slower than at my 5K on Saturday, but that's ok. It was a different time of day and outside of my usual routine. I did learn that Edy's Slow Churned Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Sundae ice cream doesn't make great fuel for running. LOL I heard coyotes in the field across the street from my house. One "barked" or whatever they do, then another across the field, and then another on the other side. I'm not sure what they were discussing, but was hoping it wasn't that their dinner was getting away down the street, wearing a pink hat!
I'll be going out again on Thursday morning. Definitely first thing in the morning! I'm looking forward to a better run and I'll be back then with a more interesting post.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
First Goal Accomplished!
I ran this morning at the Feet and Friends Fighting Colon Cancer 5K (they also had an 8K but I stuck with the shorter distance). It was great! The starting horn sounded at 8:45 on the dot. It was 37 degrees and the 11 mph wind resulted in a wind-chill temp of just 30! Brrrrrr! My fingers were frozen and I was seriously wishing I had thought to bring my running gloves.
I had a little bit to eat this morning, hoping that it would help my stamina a bit. Seemed to work! I had my best pace so far! My average pace today was .17 mph faster than my previous PR, so I was thrilled with that. My goal was to not come in last in my age division, but when I saw how much my time had improved I didn't really care where I finished in relation to anyone else. I did NOT come in last, though. I was 18th out of 38 women in the 40-48 age division. Yay! AND, overall, I came in 114th, out of 281 people! They had music at the finish line, and just after I got done they played Joan Jett. It couldn't get any better than that.
Actually, it did get better, when my DetermiNation teammate, Corey, came in 2nd in his age division. Go Corey! He finished 14th overall (5K in less than 24 minutes) - and I was thrilled to be only 100 behind him! While they were announcing the winners and handing out awards, the sun came out to warm us all up a bit, and many of the runners seemed to stick around to see the awards presentation.
It was a great time and I had a chance to get to know some of my teammates a little better. I can't think of a better way to have spent my chilly Saturday morning. After the run we hit up the local coffee shop for some caffeine and sandwiches and hung out for a while.
I'm excited to continue on from here! My next race is 2 weeks from tomorrow and is the Cinco de Mayo run in Detroit. It's actually on Seis de Mayo, but that's close enough. Definitely looking forward to that run through Mexican Town. I imagine I'll be running again on Monday - I'll know when Luke updates my training program based on today's run. Till then...
I had a little bit to eat this morning, hoping that it would help my stamina a bit. Seemed to work! I had my best pace so far! My average pace today was .17 mph faster than my previous PR, so I was thrilled with that. My goal was to not come in last in my age division, but when I saw how much my time had improved I didn't really care where I finished in relation to anyone else. I did NOT come in last, though. I was 18th out of 38 women in the 40-48 age division. Yay! AND, overall, I came in 114th, out of 281 people! They had music at the finish line, and just after I got done they played Joan Jett. It couldn't get any better than that.
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| Teammate extraordinaire, Corey, accepting his award for finishing 2nd in his age division! |
It was a great time and I had a chance to get to know some of my teammates a little better. I can't think of a better way to have spent my chilly Saturday morning. After the run we hit up the local coffee shop for some caffeine and sandwiches and hung out for a while.
I'm excited to continue on from here! My next race is 2 weeks from tomorrow and is the Cinco de Mayo run in Detroit. It's actually on Seis de Mayo, but that's close enough. Definitely looking forward to that run through Mexican Town. I imagine I'll be running again on Monday - I'll know when Luke updates my training program based on today's run. Till then...
Friday, April 20, 2012
Oops - didn't post yesterday - but I DID run!
I simply had a really busy day and just didn't get a chance to write here. I went out bright and early yesterday morning and did more of a walk/run (more walking than running this time, unfortunately). For some reason it was kind of tough. I felt great. The wind was 9mph, but the temperature was mild. My legs felt kind of tight, and there were times that it felt like I was attached to bungee cords that were attached to something behind me trying to pull me back. Forward motion was difficult.
I had a couple of thoughts about why my run was so slow after I checked to make sure there were no bungees attached to me. Possibly something off about my form? Maybe I need to learn more about Chi Running... That's supposed to be more natural for your body's forward movement than some other forms. Also, since my runs are short I haven't been fueling at all before hand, but it is first thing in the morning, so maybe that's a problem. I drink 16 oz. of water before I go out, but have had nothing else for at least 9 hours. Now that I see that in print, and examine how long it is since I've taken in any energy, that looks like the most likely issue...
Since I had a little extra time I got a slightly later start. Funny how that works! I was getting dangerously into the time when school buses roll through the neighborhood and the LAST thing that I want to do is run past a bus stop piled with kids (especially teenagers -ugh). I really try to avoid that time of day. There was lots of activity out there, too. Several cars on the move, dogs outside, a few empty school buses driving through... That was good incentive to get up early and avoid all that.
Today I am going to pick up my run packet for tomorrow's Feet and Friends Fighting Colon Cancer 5K at Hudson Mills Metro Park, and I guess I won't be avoiding anything by running with 375 other people, including my DetermiNation team! Then it will be off to a team breakfast and I'll head home to tell you how it went. My only goal is to not come in last for my age group! I can do that... right?
I had a couple of thoughts about why my run was so slow after I checked to make sure there were no bungees attached to me. Possibly something off about my form? Maybe I need to learn more about Chi Running... That's supposed to be more natural for your body's forward movement than some other forms. Also, since my runs are short I haven't been fueling at all before hand, but it is first thing in the morning, so maybe that's a problem. I drink 16 oz. of water before I go out, but have had nothing else for at least 9 hours. Now that I see that in print, and examine how long it is since I've taken in any energy, that looks like the most likely issue...
Since I had a little extra time I got a slightly later start. Funny how that works! I was getting dangerously into the time when school buses roll through the neighborhood and the LAST thing that I want to do is run past a bus stop piled with kids (especially teenagers -ugh). I really try to avoid that time of day. There was lots of activity out there, too. Several cars on the move, dogs outside, a few empty school buses driving through... That was good incentive to get up early and avoid all that.
Today I am going to pick up my run packet for tomorrow's Feet and Friends Fighting Colon Cancer 5K at Hudson Mills Metro Park, and I guess I won't be avoiding anything by running with 375 other people, including my DetermiNation team! Then it will be off to a team breakfast and I'll head home to tell you how it went. My only goal is to not come in last for my age group! I can do that... right?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Thunder and Lightning - Very very frightening!
There were actually quite a few people out this morning. I think I was about 10 minutes later than usual, and I saw several cars filled with neighbors leaving for work. I scared off a fluffy bunny when I ran around a corner. Truthfully, he startled me, as well! I also saw a few dogs. One cute little sheltie ran out to greet me and tell me how glad she was to see me this morning, and her person assured me that she was friendly. I knew that, she was my morning run cheerleader! I stopped momentarily to give her a pat on the head before she went back in her house and I went on my way. The birds were also especially cheerful this morning. Lots of fluttering about and chattering aloud. All in all, it was a lovely morning for a run.
I felt pretty good about the run, too! Not good enough to think that I'm going to be able to run the whole 5K on Saturday, but I'll run as much as I can. I'd like a time of 45:00 or better (remember how I said that I'm not fast?). We'll see. I'm looking forward to it, regardless. I will be running again on Thursday morning, then the run on Saturday. After that, Running Coach Luke is going to see how I'm doing and design the next part of my training program, accordingly.
Well, there really isn't anything more, that's particularly interesting, to tell you, so I'll sign off now. Will definitely, absolutely, positively be back on Thursday to report in on my last training run before my next race. I'll also be thinking about a goal to have in mind for Saturday's 5K. After all, I will never reach my goal, if I don't set one!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Martian Marathon TODAY!
But I'm not participating in that one! I actually already did my run this morning and it was pretty good. Not by best speed, but I've been having some chest congestion, making it hard to breathe deeply and I think that slowed me down. I think tomorrow I'll try using my inhaler before I run and see if that helps any.
I was planning to get up at 7am and run so we can go to Eastern Market then stop by the Martian Marathon to pick up some stuff for DetermiNation that I will be taking to the Big House Big Heart run tomorrow. Nope, I'm not in that one either, but I'll be there with information about DetermiNation to see if there are people interested in joining the team. But, I was awake at 6:00 so I decided to get up then and get outside. Just as I was getting dressed I heard sprinkles on the skylight, but the rain held off until I was done.
Who gets up in my neighborhood at 6am on Saturday? No one, that's who! Actually, I did see one car leaving, and at the end of my run a neighbor was on her deck letting her little dogs run in the yard for a minute. They are the funniest little dog... they bark and bark at me, like there going to tear me up, and each one of them is about the size of my foot (and I have small feet - they go with my short stride).
So I run tomorrow, then next week on Tuesday and Thursday, before my 5K on Saturday. I am hoping to build a bit more stamina by then, in hopes of not totally embarrassing myself in front of my D'Nation teammates. Although I do find most runners to be very kind about us that kind of thing. They are much more encouraging than they are critical. When I am running and look down at the ground, it looks like I'm going fast to me. And today I was wearing my new running capris and new run-girl tech shirt that I got from Women's Running, so I looked the part, and everything! I felt great, even though it wasn't my best run! Interestingly, my fastest song today was The Proclaimers' 500 Miles!
So this is where I stop yapping about running so I can get ready to go to Eastern Market. Back tomorrow.
I was planning to get up at 7am and run so we can go to Eastern Market then stop by the Martian Marathon to pick up some stuff for DetermiNation that I will be taking to the Big House Big Heart run tomorrow. Nope, I'm not in that one either, but I'll be there with information about DetermiNation to see if there are people interested in joining the team. But, I was awake at 6:00 so I decided to get up then and get outside. Just as I was getting dressed I heard sprinkles on the skylight, but the rain held off until I was done.
Who gets up in my neighborhood at 6am on Saturday? No one, that's who! Actually, I did see one car leaving, and at the end of my run a neighbor was on her deck letting her little dogs run in the yard for a minute. They are the funniest little dog... they bark and bark at me, like there going to tear me up, and each one of them is about the size of my foot (and I have small feet - they go with my short stride).
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| That's me, running! Yup! |
So this is where I stop yapping about running so I can get ready to go to Eastern Market. Back tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Brrrrrrrr... I thought Spring had sprung!
The alarm went off at 5:40 this morning and they were talking on the radio. Current temperature was 36 degrees and it had snowed overnight, but didn't accumulate. What? 36 degrees? snow? It was about 70 when I went to the park to run on Saturday! The daffodils have already bloomed and faded. Tulips are out! What do you mean 36 and snow?
Yes, it was cold out! I decided that gloves were in order, along with my earphones that are inside a headband that covers my ears. All in all, I wasn't that uncomfortable. The wind was 11 mph, but I dressed warmly enough to get out and do my run. I didn't do quite as well as Monday. I slowed for a few walk breaks, but my pace was only slightly slower than the other day. When I finished I was SO glad that I didn't consider staying in bed because it was cold outside. AND I really didn't consider it. I didn't even think of that today - the alarm went off and it was time to get up and go run!
I do a lot of thinking when I run, and when I'm not thinking, I'm counting. More about the counting in a minute, but I was thinking about how discouraged I felt on the weekend, and how much better I feel now - just 4 days and 2 runs later. I was really feeling like maybe I can't do this. Maybe I'm not built for running. I really wanted to do it, but I've had a lot of people tell me that I won't continue, I shouldn't run, it's not good for me, I need to be really careful and that running is bad for me. This mostly comes from people I work with. I was feeling like maybe the only reason I want to run is to prove them wrong - or prove that I can. So this morning, while runnin' and thinkin' I decided that that isn't the only reason I want to run. It may be part of the reason, now, but that's not such a bad thing, either. The best way to motivate me to do something has always been to tell me that I can't! But I've actually recently started calling myself a "runner" and THAT is the reason that I want to run. I'm a runner! Plus I like to prove people wrong when they think I'm unable to do things! LOL I read this yesterday: "You ran to eat and to avoid being eaten; you ran to find a mate and impress her, and with her you ran off to start a new life together. You had to love running, or you wouldn't live to love anything else. We were born to run; we were born because we run." - Christopher McDougall, Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
The more I run, the quicker I'm done! When I feel like I want to take a walk break, I try to look inside myself to find out why. Am I out of breath? Do my legs hurt? Or do I just feel like it's time for a break? Do I NEED to slow down, or do I WANT to? I'm usually only slightly uncomfortable, and don't HAVE to slow down. One of my favorite running quotes comes to mind. Paul Tergat said "Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?' The answer is usually 'Yes'!" That's so true! That's when I start counting. I know that 25 strides equals .01 miles and counting them off helps me to realize how much more I can actually do.
I'm running twice this weekend. Saturday and Sunday. You'll see me back here in a few days!
Yes, it was cold out! I decided that gloves were in order, along with my earphones that are inside a headband that covers my ears. All in all, I wasn't that uncomfortable. The wind was 11 mph, but I dressed warmly enough to get out and do my run. I didn't do quite as well as Monday. I slowed for a few walk breaks, but my pace was only slightly slower than the other day. When I finished I was SO glad that I didn't consider staying in bed because it was cold outside. AND I really didn't consider it. I didn't even think of that today - the alarm went off and it was time to get up and go run!
I do a lot of thinking when I run, and when I'm not thinking, I'm counting. More about the counting in a minute, but I was thinking about how discouraged I felt on the weekend, and how much better I feel now - just 4 days and 2 runs later. I was really feeling like maybe I can't do this. Maybe I'm not built for running. I really wanted to do it, but I've had a lot of people tell me that I won't continue, I shouldn't run, it's not good for me, I need to be really careful and that running is bad for me. This mostly comes from people I work with. I was feeling like maybe the only reason I want to run is to prove them wrong - or prove that I can. So this morning, while runnin' and thinkin' I decided that that isn't the only reason I want to run. It may be part of the reason, now, but that's not such a bad thing, either. The best way to motivate me to do something has always been to tell me that I can't! But I've actually recently started calling myself a "runner" and THAT is the reason that I want to run. I'm a runner! Plus I like to prove people wrong when they think I'm unable to do things! LOL I read this yesterday: "You ran to eat and to avoid being eaten; you ran to find a mate and impress her, and with her you ran off to start a new life together. You had to love running, or you wouldn't live to love anything else. We were born to run; we were born because we run." - Christopher McDougall, Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
The more I run, the quicker I'm done! When I feel like I want to take a walk break, I try to look inside myself to find out why. Am I out of breath? Do my legs hurt? Or do I just feel like it's time for a break? Do I NEED to slow down, or do I WANT to? I'm usually only slightly uncomfortable, and don't HAVE to slow down. One of my favorite running quotes comes to mind. Paul Tergat said "Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?' The answer is usually 'Yes'!" That's so true! That's when I start counting. I know that 25 strides equals .01 miles and counting them off helps me to realize how much more I can actually do.
I'm running twice this weekend. Saturday and Sunday. You'll see me back here in a few days!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Well now... THAT was MUCH better!
I guess I truly am a morning runner. I went out today at 6:00 am and did my run and it was SO much better than Saturday's run. Actually, my fastest pace yet, and the furthest distance running, without slowing to walk, since last year. Granted, I am not, in any way, fast... but I ran just over 2 miles straight, which I am pretty proud of. It was 41 degrees, and had rained over night, but long enough ago that the pavement was dry - and I didn't have to deal with the wind that we had last night, thankfully! It was pretty gusty when I went to bed, and I was really hoping that would die down before morning!
I encountered a young cat watching me run. She didn't seem especially critical, but clearly had the opinion that I am not as graceful a runner as her. When I approached, she delicately leaped away across the street, leaving me there by myself. The birds were also out cheering me on. The birds are always good about rising early to be my cheering squad. It didn't hurt that the overnight rain brought a buffet of worms out of hiding for breakfast. They did have a little scuffle, though. One of the birds chased another directly at me at a ridiculously speedy pace, just missing my legs. I felt the air move, and maybe even a feather, by my shins and, if I had been just a hair faster, might have been picking beak from my bare calf. I don't know what the disagreement was about, but it nearly ended poorly for all of us.
I have 4 runs scheduled this week, so I'll be out again on Wednesday and then Saturday and Sunday. I felt much better about the whole thing today, after doing pretty well. Saturday I felt pretty discouraged, but it was pointed out to me that there were a number of factors that were different from my usual runs, of late. Maybe that really does make a difference. All I know is that I have the American Cancer Society Feet and Friends Fighting Colon Cancer 5K in 12 days and I would really like to run the whole thing. I'll be back on Wednesday - hopefully a little faster.
I encountered a young cat watching me run. She didn't seem especially critical, but clearly had the opinion that I am not as graceful a runner as her. When I approached, she delicately leaped away across the street, leaving me there by myself. The birds were also out cheering me on. The birds are always good about rising early to be my cheering squad. It didn't hurt that the overnight rain brought a buffet of worms out of hiding for breakfast. They did have a little scuffle, though. One of the birds chased another directly at me at a ridiculously speedy pace, just missing my legs. I felt the air move, and maybe even a feather, by my shins and, if I had been just a hair faster, might have been picking beak from my bare calf. I don't know what the disagreement was about, but it nearly ended poorly for all of us.
I have 4 runs scheduled this week, so I'll be out again on Wednesday and then Saturday and Sunday. I felt much better about the whole thing today, after doing pretty well. Saturday I felt pretty discouraged, but it was pointed out to me that there were a number of factors that were different from my usual runs, of late. Maybe that really does make a difference. All I know is that I have the American Cancer Society Feet and Friends Fighting Colon Cancer 5K in 12 days and I would really like to run the whole thing. I'll be back on Wednesday - hopefully a little faster.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Ugh! That was terrible!
I did run last Monday but didn't have a chance to write about it. It was difficult and I didn't really know why, but I was slow, and none of the distance came easy to me. I did not run on Wednesday and today's run felt like a major struggle, as well. I started out with a headache, and we had a pretty lazy morning around the house reading and just hanging out.
We decided to go to the MetroPark and I'd run while John rode his bike. It was a gorgeous day for a run, or ride, in the park. I think that most of my trouble was mental. I started out walking and two twenty-something girls got out of their car and started walking behind me. They were doing some serious stretching, so I figured that they were going to run, and they finally did run past me. But much to my surprise, they got about 15 yards ahead of me and resumed walking. They were talking and giggling, and I reverted back to that awkward girl in junior high school that got made fun of when trying to do anything athletic (which I didn't do very often).
When I'm running in the park, I never look at people and think that they look ridiculous, or stupid or anything else, no matter what activity they are doing.Why is it that I am always assuming that other people are doing that to me? I am my own worst enemy. I just couldn't bring myself to start running at that point. If I passed them it would give them more opportunity to make fun of me - but I was supposed to get in a 2 mile run today. I walked behind them for over a mile, then decided to turn around, finally starting my run timer, and ran back to where I came from, just so I didn't have to encounter them and/or their judgement. By that time my confidence was nonexistent and my running was sluggish. I ran the first half mile and then walked an ran the rest - walking more than running. Then I really felt like a big failure!
As it turns out, my pace was only 5 seconds slower than it had been on Monday - but 1:40 slower than it had been last weekend. I've got to learn how to send that junior high girl away. Banish her so that I can let the grown woman, who can do anything she sets her mind to, take charge. I have 4 runs next week, so lots of time to practice - If only I knew how to start.
The good new is that my headache was gone when I got done running and I feel so much better now than I did this morning.
We decided to go to the MetroPark and I'd run while John rode his bike. It was a gorgeous day for a run, or ride, in the park. I think that most of my trouble was mental. I started out walking and two twenty-something girls got out of their car and started walking behind me. They were doing some serious stretching, so I figured that they were going to run, and they finally did run past me. But much to my surprise, they got about 15 yards ahead of me and resumed walking. They were talking and giggling, and I reverted back to that awkward girl in junior high school that got made fun of when trying to do anything athletic (which I didn't do very often).
When I'm running in the park, I never look at people and think that they look ridiculous, or stupid or anything else, no matter what activity they are doing.Why is it that I am always assuming that other people are doing that to me? I am my own worst enemy. I just couldn't bring myself to start running at that point. If I passed them it would give them more opportunity to make fun of me - but I was supposed to get in a 2 mile run today. I walked behind them for over a mile, then decided to turn around, finally starting my run timer, and ran back to where I came from, just so I didn't have to encounter them and/or their judgement. By that time my confidence was nonexistent and my running was sluggish. I ran the first half mile and then walked an ran the rest - walking more than running. Then I really felt like a big failure!
As it turns out, my pace was only 5 seconds slower than it had been on Monday - but 1:40 slower than it had been last weekend. I've got to learn how to send that junior high girl away. Banish her so that I can let the grown woman, who can do anything she sets her mind to, take charge. I have 4 runs next week, so lots of time to practice - If only I knew how to start.
The good new is that my headache was gone when I got done running and I feel so much better now than I did this morning.
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