Switching Gears

It’s been a little hectic at my house lately. Event planning, weekend trips, school, and work have all kept me from writing. I’ve had several good runs this week, getting ready for the Capitol 10K in Austin this weekend. Even with a still slightly sore hip, I’m looking forward to Sunday. My boys and I decided to register in the Fun Run category. We’ll time ourselves with our own watches and just enjoy being a part of something bigger than a chip attached to our shoe. No pressure – lovin’ that!

To add some variety to my cardio workouts this week, I went for a bike ride with John. Of course he wanted to take the mammoth uphill incline that I usually take a pass on. He told me he’d teach me how to switch gears. So that’s what those circular number thingies on my handlebars are for! I had no idea of the noticeable difference they make. My leg muscles contained the vigor and brawn of ten men. That hill was no problem. I was feeling so self-confident I decided to try the last lap without changing to the easier gear. My husband wasn’t switching gears; surely I could get up the hill once too. So much for my ten men - I made it – but it was a painfully slow climb.

As we headed toward home, my husband stretched his arm toward me as if to hold my hand. I steadied my front wheel and put my hand softly in his. It was such a sweet, romantic moment; just the two of us spinning wistfully through the early morning dew. When I commented to John about his charming gesture, he responded with a laugh, “I just wanted to make the blog again.” At least somebody is reading this thing!!

Pain in the . . .

Left Hip - and it really has been cramping my style if you know what I mean. I've been taking it a little easy this week, substituting Pilates for some of my weight and cardio workouts. Just trying to get all stretched out. I went for a massage today which I'm hopeful will give me some relief. I had a different therapist and she really seemed to know her stuff. She was explaining to me that runners often have tight (some name that is long and begins with an "i") muscles and that seemed to be my problem. Since I have little anatomy and physiology knowledge, I was impressed by her muscle name dropping and that she seemed to know what to do to loosen it. Time will tell.

Meanwhile, Satan has taken this opportunity to fill my mind with less than positive thoughts. "You're just being lazy. Runners run through the pain. Miss a workout and you'll be fat." It's always the same old thing, and yet it gets me every time. It takes a real effort to remember to call upon the Lord. He wants me to see myself as wonderfully as he sees me. I'm not lazy, weak or fat - I.M. Fitt

Feeling Blah

Today was just one of those days. It was cold and gray all day and I just could not get going. I managed to get a light workout in tonight. Tomorrow is another 5 mile day. I'm hoping on a good night's rest and a brighter morning.

Nine Mile Monday

Because of the big game, I opted to run my longer run this morning and do my shorter cross-training workout on Sunday. I must say the 9 mile run went very well. The weather was about 10 degrees warmer than it had been on my previous long run. The sun was shining and traffic was minimal as most of my neighbors were off to work. I even had an iPod upgrade, as my shuffle needed charging so I took my son's iPod Video instead. I was especially pleased because his armband case matched my tennis shoes!

About halfway through the run, I decided my salty Super Bowl snacks weren't worth it. I have to remember to fuel my body more effectively the day before my long run. Thankfully I had lots of water with me.

My time was a little slower than I had calculated, but not much. I think I was holding back a little; fear of the unknown and all. This is the longest I've ever run in my entire life. I'm looking forward to a great week.

Rest Day

I am so thankful; today is my weekly rest day. Not only rest from exercise, but also rest from the daily grind.

I've had two great workouts since my last post. On Thursday, I did a Pilates routine that I hadn't done for a while. I thought it would be a piece of cake, no sweat, easy going..... However, I was very surprised that it didn't take long for me to "feel" my efforts, if you know what I mean. Guess that's why it's called "Bun and Thigh Sculpting".

Yesterday was another 5 mile run. It went very well. I am a bit tired of the cold, gray mornings but they shouldn't last too much longer. I also received my official bib number for the upcoming half-marathon. No turnin' back now!

He's Able

I had planned to get out of bed early, do some paperwork and complete my 5 mile run, all before my seven year old even woke up. That didn’t happen. It was cold and rainy and since I haven’t yet bought any decent water-resistant running gear, I waited until a little later in the morning. I was able to get going around 10:30am. The run went well but I did feel a little uneasy thinking that this was just over 1/3 of what I would do on February 18th. Satan will do whatever he can to try and get my thoughts on a negative downward spiral. I was able to overcome with a few lines from a children’s Bible song, “He’s Able.” “….I know my Lord is able to carry me through.” I’m in training – not finished yet. This is a process.

Sometimes running 5 miles can have an unexpected blessing. When I arrived home from errands this evening, I had two loaves of heavenly homemade whole wheat bread sitting on my kitchen counter. A good friend made them for me and I figured I could have a slice or two (they were super thin) since I had had a great cardio workout. So Yummy!

On with the Program

A 10K race was the long run scheduled on my training program. Since there were no 10K races in my area on Monday morning, I just ran around my neighborhood for 6.2 miles. Even though I had run this distance several times before, I still had a bit of an uneasy feeling starting out. Happily, my slight nervousness did not turn into a major panic attack. As a bonus, I had my
Clif Gel Shot to take after 3 miles as I had started out on an empty stomach. The mocha flavored shots are quite decadent - like the last spoonful of brownie batter you scrap from the bowl; it could go into the pan but why? Anyway, I was in such a hurry to taste it, I made a mess of the package and only had a toothpick-sized hole to squeeze it through! Not the big blob of cocoa rush I was anticipating, but still a treat. I completed my run and came home to start the day.

Predictability

This morning as I began my 5 mile run with my new tennis shoes securely laced to my feet, I turned on my iPod as I normally do. Now, I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, or if there is some reason for it, but my iPod shuffle (the stick of gum sized one) sometimes plays the songs I just heard on my previous run in backwards order!! Cross my heart, I was able to predict what the next tune would be because I remembered the order from my last run. I'm very focused on the music - keeps me from hearing myself breath.

Today during my workout, I found myself thanking God for my life and the blessings I've experienced. My husband works from our home and I teach my boys at home, which allows me the time to exercise and not have to rush anywhere in the mornings. Our lifestyle is anything but predictable, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

More Training

Today was a 5 mile run. I didn't get to wear my new shoes though; didn't want to get them dirty yet. Plus, I need to wear them around the house to break them in a little. The weather was cold and wet again, but I prayed and persevered and was very happy with my time. I was thankful for my iPod. I absolutely love listening to Switchfoot. Their Christian messages are subtle, but so deep and meaningful. I hit the repeat button several times today. The tempo of their song, 4:12 was just right.

Eight Mile Run

Today's task was an 8 mile run. Honestly, I was dreading it. I had just run 4.5 miles on Thursday and Friday and didn't feel quite rested enough. I normally do not have to run back to back, but my training schedule was interrupted by sleet and extremely cold temperatures. And since I live in Texas, I do not have all the proper cold weather gear. It used to seem like such a waste of money, they would get so little use here. Well, I'm buying some - the windbreaker (is that term still used in the outer garment world?) I had just did not cut it.

It was sunny and blue outside, but the wind had a little chill. With my iPod blaring, I started out. Almost immediately, my right knee began to ache. I felt like I was just dragging my right leg along. This really irritated me as I had my knee strap on to keep my kneecap secure. But, I kept moving forward. I did however walk through my glugs of water and my energy gel shot. In spite of my husband's patient tutoring and his "fold and slide" technique for emptying the gel packets, I just cannot swallow and run at the same time.

I made it - all eight miles! My sense of accomplishment was short-lived. Immediately the thought ran through my head "You weren't fast enough". I must dismiss this thought. It is just not true. My time was exactly what I had estimated for myself. This was a major accomplishment for me. How many 43 year old women had run 8 miles today? I know these thoughts were from Satan, not God. I will now pat myself on the back for a job well done. Oh, and the knee pain, umm, my husband noticed I had my knee strap on in the wrong place. Oops.