So far so good this week. I am on track with my training program this week. I am once again getting the running addiction. I hit this point about 2 years ago when I first got into running. I don't know how to explain it other than running no longer feels like something I MUST do, it's something I NEED to do to feel like I had a productive day.
This is the point when my body starts to crave the benefits of a good run. I love this feeling. The weight is starting to fall off and my clothes are fitting differently. Then comes the best part, this amazing transformation your body takes as it adapts to running. The more you run the better you feel and the more muscle you gain and fat you lose, the faster you can run...and on and on. When I think about how awesome this feels I wonder how I ever got out of the habit of running in the first place?
Regardless if you have fallen out of the habit or never got into it, there is no time like the present to start.
On tap this weekend is a 3 mile run today, a yoga class on Saturday and my long run on Sunday. It looks like there will be a break in the snowfall this weekend and warmer temps down in the valley. I plan to get out of the mountains and do a nice trail run on Sunday on the 5 mile stretch of river trail that Odie and I love. Hopefully the weather cooperates.
Christine - Hope you get to feeling better soon. Keep drinking the Throat Coat herbal tea.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
So my Mom thinks I have the swine flu...
If any of you know my Mom, then you can totally appreciate the title of this blog. I am SO SICK of getting SO SICK every fall and winter! I don't know why, but I have consistently (since ohhh about 1998) gotten a cold that lasts about 4 months starting late October or early November every year. It drives me crazy! Anyways, this year it really came on like a lion and my Mom is convinced that I have the swine. Why? I have no idea. She also thinks I need to sleep more and stop eating brownie mix in the middle of the night, but what does she know?!
To make a long story short, this major bout with illness (whatever it may be, a severe cold, H1N1, hypochondria...etc) has prevented me from running since Saturday. I did, however, take a two mile power walk yesterday, I don't know if that counts for anything! I hope it does! Anyways, I'm hoping to be back on the treadmill (running, not walking) by tomorrow or Friday at the very latest. These training weeks are very important to me and I hate missing long runs because it makes me feel like I won't be able to catch up...
So anyways, since I was too sick to run, I figured, what the heck, I'm gonna have some major time on my hands here, and I decided to set the bar fairly high for myself. Check out the week's accomplishments thus far:
To make a long story short, this major bout with illness (whatever it may be, a severe cold, H1N1, hypochondria...etc) has prevented me from running since Saturday. I did, however, take a two mile power walk yesterday, I don't know if that counts for anything! I hope it does! Anyways, I'm hoping to be back on the treadmill (running, not walking) by tomorrow or Friday at the very latest. These training weeks are very important to me and I hate missing long runs because it makes me feel like I won't be able to catch up...
So anyways, since I was too sick to run, I figured, what the heck, I'm gonna have some major time on my hands here, and I decided to set the bar fairly high for myself. Check out the week's accomplishments thus far:
- finished making (yes, you read that correctly, MAKING) Addy's Halloween costume
- slept about 75 hours in 4 days
- lived on nachos and ice cream (I always do this when I'm sick. It's like how I justify buying Combos and HoHos whenever I'm on a road trip)
- watched "Finding Nemo" about 80 times
- went tanning one time and proceeded to get a major sunburn (this was was the one time I actually left the house)
- put gas in the car
Whew! What a week! I'm beat.
Catch you all on the flip side. Maybe I'll have something productive to share with you next time! ;)
xo, c
Monday, October 26, 2009
Week 1 - check
Week one of the training program is over, only 12 more to go...
Feeling go so far. I did 4 miles today, planning a 3 mile tomorrow. For anyone keeping track at home, the rash is almost gone. I know, T.M.I. but this blog is about keeping it real.
Feeling go so far. I did 4 miles today, planning a 3 mile tomorrow. For anyone keeping track at home, the rash is almost gone. I know, T.M.I. but this blog is about keeping it real.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Listen to your body...
A training program on paper is easier said than done. Since Friday I have been fighting some type of virus, manifesting itself as a rash all over my chest and neck. Per the Dr.'s orders I'm to take it easy for the weekend. I felt pretty good on Saturday so I did a three mile run and some ab work. However Sunday, today, is a different story.
Anytime I feel like I do not want to run on a training day, I make a deal with myself. I tell my self, "Self if you just get going and complete one mile, you can decide if you want to keep going or quit." Most of the time I just keep going, but sometimes I cannot continue. Today is one of those days. After sleeping for an astounding 10 hours straight, something I normally do not do, I got on the treadmill. My body fought me the entire first mile. I'd like to thank Chris and Christine for coining the phrase, "my body rejected the run."
Sometimes that just happens, your body just says not today. The key is knowing when your body is trying to trick you into not running and when it's really telling you to take it easy. I strongly believe in pushing yourself to your limits, within reason. If I'm feeling pain, I'll try to run through it for a bit, if it continues I stop stretch and listen to what my body is telling me...
http://www.kathyloperevents.com/hungry/
32 Days and counting. Bo and I registered today for the 10K.
Anytime I feel like I do not want to run on a training day, I make a deal with myself. I tell my self, "Self if you just get going and complete one mile, you can decide if you want to keep going or quit." Most of the time I just keep going, but sometimes I cannot continue. Today is one of those days. After sleeping for an astounding 10 hours straight, something I normally do not do, I got on the treadmill. My body fought me the entire first mile. I'd like to thank Chris and Christine for coining the phrase, "my body rejected the run."
Sometimes that just happens, your body just says not today. The key is knowing when your body is trying to trick you into not running and when it's really telling you to take it easy. I strongly believe in pushing yourself to your limits, within reason. If I'm feeling pain, I'll try to run through it for a bit, if it continues I stop stretch and listen to what my body is telling me...
http://www.kathyloperevents.com/hungry/
32 Days and counting. Bo and I registered today for the 10K.
Friday, October 23, 2009
So tired!
I am completely exhausted tonight! I don't have much to say except that I did my 3 miles and my strength training (arms and abs) and now I'm off to bed! I'm dead tired! I need to sleep for like, a lot of hours.
I'm thinking about doing the Jingle Bell Run at the Zoo in a couple of weeks... is anyone doing this? I think it sounds like so much fun to wear bells on your shoes during the race! :)
Alright, nighty night kiddies! I'm ready to passout!
zzzzzzzz
xo, c
I'm thinking about doing the Jingle Bell Run at the Zoo in a couple of weeks... is anyone doing this? I think it sounds like so much fun to wear bells on your shoes during the race! :)
Alright, nighty night kiddies! I'm ready to passout!
zzzzzzzz
xo, c
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Well this post is not nearly as inspirational as the most recent post by Christine. This is simply an update. The weather here is settling into winter. I'm afraid I had my last outdoor run last Saturday at the 5k Fun Run, what a disappointing final outdoor run.
Yesterday was my x-training day so I did some incline work on the tredmill and abs on the ball. Today brings a longer run and strength training. I'm getting used to running on the tredmill again, I'm so happy I purchased one.
Even if I did look like a dork test running on the treadmills at sports authority in my loafers and cable knit sweater, I found a great one. We decided on the ProForm 680. We converted one of our spare 2nd floor bedrooms into a workout room. This treadmill is great you cannot hear it in use if you are on the first floor. http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_14201_16002_29509_89803://
Yesterday was my x-training day so I did some incline work on the tredmill and abs on the ball. Today brings a longer run and strength training. I'm getting used to running on the tredmill again, I'm so happy I purchased one.
Even if I did look like a dork test running on the treadmills at sports authority in my loafers and cable knit sweater, I found a great one. We decided on the ProForm 680. We converted one of our spare 2nd floor bedrooms into a workout room. This treadmill is great you cannot hear it in use if you are on the first floor. http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_14201_16002_29509_89803://
Jenny Crain
Hi All... quick update on today's and yesterday's runs. Yesterday's was great! Today's actually turned into a bike ride (Hal's program lets us choose between a run or cross-training on Wednesdays) because the weather is unseasonably warm here in Wisco and I had to get outside! :)
You'll notice the title of this blog is Jenny Crain, not to be confused with Jenny Craig, the food delivery plan that helped Valerie Bertinelli lose 40 lbs, run a half marathon, and rock a smokin' bod at nearly 50 years old, but Jenny CRAIN. Read on, my little blogettes, read on!
Jenny Crain is a former elite long distance runner and resident of the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Jenny's dreams of making it to the Olympics were shattered on the morning of August 21, 2007. Jenny was hit by a car that day and her life has been forever changed. Her story was featured in the November 2009 issue of Runner's World magazine. Click here to read more...
Jenny had begun her cool-down jog on the city streets after an early morning run along the lakefront. She probably had other things on her mind. She was a consultant at Northwestern Mutual and had a client meeting in just a couple of hours. She entered the crosswalk at Brady Street and Farwell Avenue and was hit by a car almost immediately. Her body was struck in such a way that her brain began to bleed quite quickly and had she not been closeby a large hospital, she likely would have died. As fate would have it, Jenny was merely blocks away from her home when the accident happened.
If you clicked the link, you've now seen the pictures and read the testimonials about this amazing woman. What an inspiration, right?! I understand, everyone has those days, you know what I'm talking about... tired, ache-y, bummed out, or just plain lazy! I know I've skipped a few scheduled workouts. I know I've taken beautiful sunny days and parked-it in front of the TV instead of heading outdoors for a run. But seriously, after reading Jenny's story, I realized something that I hadn't really thought about before... There is no excuse for wasting a day! I need to take advantage of everyday that I can move my legs, everyday that my brain functions properly, and everyday that my heart continues to beat! Because in a split second, my life could change just like Jenny's.
I'm always a sucker for a good, bust-out-the-kleenex, motivational article like that. Aren't we all, really? Today I made a promise to myself that I will never forget the lesson behind her story. Jenny Crain was an Olympic marathon qualifier and now she struggles to walk a few feet down the hallway. Despite some minor permanent brain damage, she still has the cognitive ability to think and reason. She understands conversations. Deep down she knows that something very bad happened to her. What do you think she would give to have one day in our shoes? One last run along Lake Michigan... One last camping trip with friends and family... One last chance to qualify for the Olympics...
The answer is, she would probably do anything.
Let's not let Jenny down. Make everyday count. Hug your kids. Take your dog for a walk. Call your mom and thank her for putting up with your crazy business for 18 years (and come on, was it really only 18?!). Because, let's face it, this life could change in the blink of an eye. And I don't know about you, but I don't want to wake up tomorrow with regrets from today.
I hope I still have all these positive vibes during my 3 mile tempo run in the morning. Three miles isn't daunting, its the fact that I look at my schedule and realize I'll be doing 8 mile runs by Thanksgiving! What?! I can't eat and run! Whose idea was this anyways?!
Time for bed.
xo, c
You'll notice the title of this blog is Jenny Crain, not to be confused with Jenny Craig, the food delivery plan that helped Valerie Bertinelli lose 40 lbs, run a half marathon, and rock a smokin' bod at nearly 50 years old, but Jenny CRAIN. Read on, my little blogettes, read on!
Jenny Crain is a former elite long distance runner and resident of the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Jenny's dreams of making it to the Olympics were shattered on the morning of August 21, 2007. Jenny was hit by a car that day and her life has been forever changed. Her story was featured in the November 2009 issue of Runner's World magazine. Click here to read more...
Jenny had begun her cool-down jog on the city streets after an early morning run along the lakefront. She probably had other things on her mind. She was a consultant at Northwestern Mutual and had a client meeting in just a couple of hours. She entered the crosswalk at Brady Street and Farwell Avenue and was hit by a car almost immediately. Her body was struck in such a way that her brain began to bleed quite quickly and had she not been closeby a large hospital, she likely would have died. As fate would have it, Jenny was merely blocks away from her home when the accident happened.
If you clicked the link, you've now seen the pictures and read the testimonials about this amazing woman. What an inspiration, right?! I understand, everyone has those days, you know what I'm talking about... tired, ache-y, bummed out, or just plain lazy! I know I've skipped a few scheduled workouts. I know I've taken beautiful sunny days and parked-it in front of the TV instead of heading outdoors for a run. But seriously, after reading Jenny's story, I realized something that I hadn't really thought about before... There is no excuse for wasting a day! I need to take advantage of everyday that I can move my legs, everyday that my brain functions properly, and everyday that my heart continues to beat! Because in a split second, my life could change just like Jenny's.
I'm always a sucker for a good, bust-out-the-kleenex, motivational article like that. Aren't we all, really? Today I made a promise to myself that I will never forget the lesson behind her story. Jenny Crain was an Olympic marathon qualifier and now she struggles to walk a few feet down the hallway. Despite some minor permanent brain damage, she still has the cognitive ability to think and reason. She understands conversations. Deep down she knows that something very bad happened to her. What do you think she would give to have one day in our shoes? One last run along Lake Michigan... One last camping trip with friends and family... One last chance to qualify for the Olympics...
The answer is, she would probably do anything.
Let's not let Jenny down. Make everyday count. Hug your kids. Take your dog for a walk. Call your mom and thank her for putting up with your crazy business for 18 years (and come on, was it really only 18?!). Because, let's face it, this life could change in the blink of an eye. And I don't know about you, but I don't want to wake up tomorrow with regrets from today.
I hope I still have all these positive vibes during my 3 mile tempo run in the morning. Three miles isn't daunting, its the fact that I look at my schedule and realize I'll be doing 8 mile runs by Thanksgiving! What?! I can't eat and run! Whose idea was this anyways?!
Time for bed.
xo, c
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Follow Up Re: The Courage to Start
Christine’s most recent post references a fantastic book, The Courage to Start by John Bingham. This is an excellent book for new runners as well as seasoned runners. I have read this book completely and in part several times. This book tells it like it is, lace up your shoes and go, one foot in front of the other. That’s exactly what I did when I started “running” to keep the stress of law school in check. Every day I would attempt to run from my house to my parent’s house and back(about 1 mile each way) until I could complete the run round trip. I used to worry about looking like a runner, and in the beginning when I couldn’t run the entire way; I would start running again if I saw a car or neighbor (hee hee). What I learned from that is you cannot get better at something (anything) unless you start doing it, when I first started I was so bad that I could not get any worse, so I had nothing to lose.
I think this is a great time to talk about another piece of training gear that I never run without, my Nike+ and Ipod. This is a fantastic product for people who like to see how they are progressing. The Nike+ allows you to track your runs, track calories burned, and challenge others with Nike+. I’m proud to say I have logged close to 1000 miles on my Nike+. My Dad, brother, boyfriend, sister-in-law, boyfriend’s mom and sister, and several other friends (including Christine) have helped keep me motivated by competing in several Nike+ challenges. If you have a Nike+ and would like to start a challenge, let me know, I’m ready! If you want more information about Nike+ visit www.nikeplus.com .
I’m looking forward to an easy 3 mile run tonight, I hope the rain stops. I am trying to sneak in as many outdoor runs as possible before the early SW CO winter takes hold.
Leslie
I think this is a great time to talk about another piece of training gear that I never run without, my Nike+ and Ipod. This is a fantastic product for people who like to see how they are progressing. The Nike+ allows you to track your runs, track calories burned, and challenge others with Nike+. I’m proud to say I have logged close to 1000 miles on my Nike+. My Dad, brother, boyfriend, sister-in-law, boyfriend’s mom and sister, and several other friends (including Christine) have helped keep me motivated by competing in several Nike+ challenges. If you have a Nike+ and would like to start a challenge, let me know, I’m ready! If you want more information about Nike+ visit www.nikeplus.com .
I’m looking forward to an easy 3 mile run tonight, I hope the rain stops. I am trying to sneak in as many outdoor runs as possible before the early SW CO winter takes hold.
Leslie
Monday, October 19, 2009
"The Courage to Start"
For all of you that already read Leslie's post... she and I follow a very similar mileage schedule, so I won't retype that info, but I will echo, yes, this is our first week on a regimented training schedule and yes again, I am very excited to get moving in the right direction! I don't have any scheduled races before the Half Marathon in January, but I might sign myself up for something locally just to keep myself energized and excited!!!!
I don't know if any of you are members of the Runner's World quote of the day club, but I am and I highly recommend it. Here are three reasons why. Number One, it makes me feel cool because my blackberry buzzes at exactly 11:45pm every night with a new motivational running quote, but silly me thinks that someone is actually trying to get in touch with me. This means if I'm in a public setting, I look so important getting an urgent late night message. Number Two, I have archived all of the emails and I'm going to spam my dad with them (sending one every 15 minutes for the next 6 years) if I get one more forward of a bunch of dogs prancing around in Halloween costumes. Just kidding Dad, if you're reading this, I love those forwards and I really think you should go with the bumblebee costume for Coco this year! And finally Number Three, today's quote was from John Bingham who wrote an awesome book (Les recommended this book to me) called The Courage to Start.
Runner's World chose to quote John directly from the book when he said, "Everything changed the day I understood that if I was to become a runner, I would have to run with the body I had." After I read that quote a million different thoughts ran through my head. Here are a few of them:
I don't know if any of you are members of the Runner's World quote of the day club, but I am and I highly recommend it. Here are three reasons why. Number One, it makes me feel cool because my blackberry buzzes at exactly 11:45pm every night with a new motivational running quote, but silly me thinks that someone is actually trying to get in touch with me. This means if I'm in a public setting, I look so important getting an urgent late night message. Number Two, I have archived all of the emails and I'm going to spam my dad with them (sending one every 15 minutes for the next 6 years) if I get one more forward of a bunch of dogs prancing around in Halloween costumes. Just kidding Dad, if you're reading this, I love those forwards and I really think you should go with the bumblebee costume for Coco this year! And finally Number Three, today's quote was from John Bingham who wrote an awesome book (Les recommended this book to me) called The Courage to Start.
Runner's World chose to quote John directly from the book when he said, "Everything changed the day I understood that if I was to become a runner, I would have to run with the body I had." After I read that quote a million different thoughts ran through my head. Here are a few of them:
- I need to work around the issues that exist within my body presently... (ie. Christine, don't bail on running because of your bad knees, be gentle to them and wear knee bands to support the joint and compensate for the weakness. *NOTE: I never have to be told "Don't run if you are hurting," because believe me, I have no problems taking days off! However, for those of you that push through, I am NOT condoning running in pain, see your doctor if you don't know what's causing your aches!)
- I won't have the body of a marathoner unless I'm actually running marathons... (ie. Christine, don't skip exercise all-together just because your body isn't in tip-top shape, you have to work hard to get it to that level and you need to start somewhere, right?!)
- I need to find some flattering running gear... (ie. Christine, you can't borrow Marisa Miller's legs to run the Phoenix Half... you're going to have to use your own! So in conjunction with a pretty intense running schedule and some very flattering workout gear (both Lululemon and Lucy are having sales right now), I will be good to go!
So to sum it all up, I think John wants us to know that we each have a body that needs to be challenged regularly. However, once your body reaches a distinct level of laziness, the new "challenge" is to work with your body as is until you have "earned" a stronger, leaner and healthier body for the future. At least that's how I understood the quote. If anyone disagrees or has something to add, feel free to comment! I'd love to know what everyone else thinks!
Lastly, I linked the Lululemon and Lucy sites above, but there are tons of other great yoga/running gear sites and I love online shopping so I'd love to hear where everyone else is buying their workout loot! I found the Chic Runner's blog and she does an amazing job of organizing dozens of different online shopping spots all on one page and even distinguishes which places are having sales! Kudos to you, chic runner!
Alright, its time for a handful of chocolate chips, a big big big glass of water, and my bed!
xo, c
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Not so fun run
Weekend of October 17th
On Saturday October 17th I participated in a 5k “fun run.” The purpose of the run, (because all runs have to have a purpose or cause) was to raise money to build a dog park in Montrose, Co. Early Saturday morning, Odie (my hound mix) and I headed to a gorgeous park in Montrose for the run. The bright oranges and reds of the leaves still left on the trees illuminated the sky. Just a week earlier Christine and I completed an 8k run, I felt good during that race, so I felt strong going into this 5k.
When I arrive early for registration, I am one of about 10 people. Not to worry, I’m early, there must be more people coming. There are no bib numbers for this race, and no official timekeepers, so I am disappointed. However, the race kit bag was good (for Odie) it contained mostly dog treats. The tee shirt on a scale of 1 to 10 was about a 4 (it’s now sitting in the pile to go to Goodwill).
The course for this 5k was awful. The first half mile was around a pond knee deep in goose poop! For those of you that know Odie, you know how bonkers he went when he saw all the geese. As we round the pond I see the nice paved trail and think I am going hit the trail, settle in, and find my rhythm. Wrong, the course takes me over a bridge and up the side of a mountain, the path is not paved. I reassure myself that the incline is going to be fine, 1) because Odie is pulling me up and 2) my favorite running trail in Ridgway has a steep incline. For about 1.5 miles, I’m inclining but still jogging. On the decent I see that paved trail again, which I think will take me to the home stretch. Wrong, it takes me though a hiking trail in a wooded area. There are so many leaves on the trail I briefly loose the trail and have to back track. The remainder of the trail doesn’t get any better, I run by another pond surrounded by marshy land on a trail so narrow Odie and I must run one behind the other (guess who lead the way).
Well I finally finish the course, as the last runner (of about 15) at just a hair over 37 min. I thought any race is a good race to get racing experience; however, that may not be the case. My advice is to check out the course before hand!
What to look forward to this week:
This week is my first week of a regimented training program. Monday is my yoga class at the Chipita with Kimah (if you are ever in SW CO check out the Chipita lodge, it’s fantastic). I have to chat with Kimah about loosening up my hips, I find I’m holding a lot of tension in that area after my runs. Tuesday (3m) , Thursday (3) , and Sunday (4) are my running days this week. Monday and Thursday are strength training days.
Next Race Info:
The next race I am running (and most likely my last before the PF Changs in January) is a 10K in San Diego on Thanksgiving.
On Saturday October 17th I participated in a 5k “fun run.” The purpose of the run, (because all runs have to have a purpose or cause) was to raise money to build a dog park in Montrose, Co. Early Saturday morning, Odie (my hound mix) and I headed to a gorgeous park in Montrose for the run. The bright oranges and reds of the leaves still left on the trees illuminated the sky. Just a week earlier Christine and I completed an 8k run, I felt good during that race, so I felt strong going into this 5k.
When I arrive early for registration, I am one of about 10 people. Not to worry, I’m early, there must be more people coming. There are no bib numbers for this race, and no official timekeepers, so I am disappointed. However, the race kit bag was good (for Odie) it contained mostly dog treats. The tee shirt on a scale of 1 to 10 was about a 4 (it’s now sitting in the pile to go to Goodwill).
The course for this 5k was awful. The first half mile was around a pond knee deep in goose poop! For those of you that know Odie, you know how bonkers he went when he saw all the geese. As we round the pond I see the nice paved trail and think I am going hit the trail, settle in, and find my rhythm. Wrong, the course takes me over a bridge and up the side of a mountain, the path is not paved. I reassure myself that the incline is going to be fine, 1) because Odie is pulling me up and 2) my favorite running trail in Ridgway has a steep incline. For about 1.5 miles, I’m inclining but still jogging. On the decent I see that paved trail again, which I think will take me to the home stretch. Wrong, it takes me though a hiking trail in a wooded area. There are so many leaves on the trail I briefly loose the trail and have to back track. The remainder of the trail doesn’t get any better, I run by another pond surrounded by marshy land on a trail so narrow Odie and I must run one behind the other (guess who lead the way).
Well I finally finish the course, as the last runner (of about 15) at just a hair over 37 min. I thought any race is a good race to get racing experience; however, that may not be the case. My advice is to check out the course before hand!
What to look forward to this week:
This week is my first week of a regimented training program. Monday is my yoga class at the Chipita with Kimah (if you are ever in SW CO check out the Chipita lodge, it’s fantastic). I have to chat with Kimah about loosening up my hips, I find I’m holding a lot of tension in that area after my runs. Tuesday (3m) , Thursday (3) , and Sunday (4) are my running days this week. Monday and Thursday are strength training days.
Next Race Info:
The next race I am running (and most likely my last before the PF Changs in January) is a 10K in San Diego on Thanksgiving.
Yoga for Runners
You'll notice I'm writing this blog at 2am. I am a major nightowl... this was never a problem until I had a child. Now I'm a morning owl too. Seriously I sleep like 5 hours a night and I know that's horrible for me, but today's post is about using yoga to help back pain and not about how I need more sleep. Ok so about 2 weeks ago, maybe one week ago.... not sure, its late, anyways, I digress. Two weeks ago I get this ridiculously weird and uncomfortable massage from this guy named Mike at Massage Envy. Now normally I am a big big fan of massage envy because I am a massive sucker for a good deal and massage envy will sell you a 55 minute rubdown for less than 40 dollars. That is what I call SAVINGS! Anyways, this was my first trip to this particular massage envy and it will be my last. I'm just going to make a really long story short here, this guy was a complete weirdo. I can't even compare him to a weird celebrity because not even Britney Spears on the nuttiest day of her life could give Mike a run for his money. His weirdness takes the cake. Weird voice, breath reeked of Doritos (nacho cheesier, if it matters), didn't use ANY massage oil (ok Mike, I get it, the economy is in rough shape, but you couldn't spare one measly tablespoon of that oil?!?!), I mean.... wow. It was quite the experience. Well the moral of the story is this: I learned my lesson that day with Mike. I can't depend on massages to ease my back and neck pain because sometimes I'll just leave still in pain and totally creeped out! I need to find some alternative solutions to the debilitating pain I live with everyday! So I did some online research (story of my life, the internet is my homegirl) and realized that I'm on the fast track ro a potential solution to my problem.... YOGA FOR RUNNERS. Over the years, I've experimented with yoga and pilates, but never seriously dedicated myself to either one. I did the yoga for runners workout from Runner's World two times in the last week and I feel like a new person. I linked you to it in the previous post, so you should do it. Right now. Like get out of bed this instant and go do yoga. I'm going to get out of bed and get a cookie :)
Friday, October 16, 2009
Day 1
This blog is about two young women training to run a half marathon. To some, this may not sound like a big deal, to us...it is. When we met 10 years ago, running a marathon could not have been further from our minds. As we bonded, we did so over mocha lattes, great dinners, and calorie laden cocktails.
As we have have gotten older, our priorities have shifted and we now understand the importance of a healthy body and a healthy mind. This journey has not been an easy one, but lucky for us we have the support of one another. We know how to walk the fine line of competition and motivation.
We hope this blog will give to others the type of motivation and support we give to one another, whether your goal be a 5K, full marathon, or just running without stopping for a period of time. We hope that our love for running and the support we provide one another transcends the words of this blog and helps other achieve their goals.
Follow our blog as we post our training routines, fitness tips, struggles, and victories.
C & L
As we have have gotten older, our priorities have shifted and we now understand the importance of a healthy body and a healthy mind. This journey has not been an easy one, but lucky for us we have the support of one another. We know how to walk the fine line of competition and motivation.
We hope this blog will give to others the type of motivation and support we give to one another, whether your goal be a 5K, full marathon, or just running without stopping for a period of time. We hope that our love for running and the support we provide one another transcends the words of this blog and helps other achieve their goals.
Follow our blog as we post our training routines, fitness tips, struggles, and victories.
C & L
Bestie from the Westie :)
First of all, let me just say that I have been truly blessed to have a best friend like Leslie in my life. I can say with 110% certainty (yes, I know, you can't really ever be one hundred and TEN percent certain) that I would have quit running at least 500 times by now had it not been for her positive attitude and constant encouragement throughout this little journey. Leslie and I met ten years ago on the first day of our freshman year at college. The rest is history! A decade later, we are physically, mentally and emotionally stronger women than we ever could have imagined and I am so proud of both of us for our achievements.
Secondly, I think its so important to establish reasons WHY you are working toward a goal whether it be running or something else. For example, if you have an amount of money that you'd like to save/invest, its my personal belief that you won't be nearly as dedicated to the goal if you don't give yourself a reason WHY you are saving that money. Is it for a house? a car? retirement? So let me give you the WHY behind all of my running goals. FOOD. I love eating. I am not one of those runners who wakes up at 5am just to enjoy a sunrise run in the brisk fall weather. No, no I am not. I run so I can eat pizza and drink wine and attempt to fit into my college jeans. That's really the only reason why. I love the feeling of finishing a race or breaking a personal record, but I really don't get that crazy exhilaration that people talk about. Oprah hates running, too. I just thought I'd throw that in there. However, even Oprah dragged herself out of bed every morning to train for a marathon... and FINISHED! So here I am, training for my first half-marathon and possibly even a full marathon (if we get into the Nike Women's run next fall). The only reason I even want to do the full marathon sponsored by Nike is because part of the "race packet" includes a limited edition charm from T&Co. I'm not pretending that there is really any other motivating factor there. Oh yeah, and because I want to have some pics of Les actually CARRYING my body over the finish line. Because that is what she would have to do. Carry me. This is the same girl who ran backwards for the last mile of the most recent race we did together. Yeah backwards in the wind. This was all occurring while I was whispering sweet nothings to the big JC begging him to spare my life until I crossed the finish line. So yeah, go Les!
Before I go, and let's be real here, I don't do anything all day, so I could basically write for hours, I wanted to post a little something motivational for those of you who need a little kick in the butt to get out there and run (ie. me):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z22s5DzqQdQ
If Addy would stop pouring glue all over the place, I'd have posted this blog hours ago. Scraping Elmer's off the floor has been getting in the way of the 3 mile run I have to tackle this afternoon!
Wish me (and my tired legs) luck!
xo, c
Secondly, I think its so important to establish reasons WHY you are working toward a goal whether it be running or something else. For example, if you have an amount of money that you'd like to save/invest, its my personal belief that you won't be nearly as dedicated to the goal if you don't give yourself a reason WHY you are saving that money. Is it for a house? a car? retirement? So let me give you the WHY behind all of my running goals. FOOD. I love eating. I am not one of those runners who wakes up at 5am just to enjoy a sunrise run in the brisk fall weather. No, no I am not. I run so I can eat pizza and drink wine and attempt to fit into my college jeans. That's really the only reason why. I love the feeling of finishing a race or breaking a personal record, but I really don't get that crazy exhilaration that people talk about. Oprah hates running, too. I just thought I'd throw that in there. However, even Oprah dragged herself out of bed every morning to train for a marathon... and FINISHED! So here I am, training for my first half-marathon and possibly even a full marathon (if we get into the Nike Women's run next fall). The only reason I even want to do the full marathon sponsored by Nike is because part of the "race packet" includes a limited edition charm from T&Co. I'm not pretending that there is really any other motivating factor there. Oh yeah, and because I want to have some pics of Les actually CARRYING my body over the finish line. Because that is what she would have to do. Carry me. This is the same girl who ran backwards for the last mile of the most recent race we did together. Yeah backwards in the wind. This was all occurring while I was whispering sweet nothings to the big JC begging him to spare my life until I crossed the finish line. So yeah, go Les!
Before I go, and let's be real here, I don't do anything all day, so I could basically write for hours, I wanted to post a little something motivational for those of you who need a little kick in the butt to get out there and run (ie. me):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z22s5DzqQdQ
If Addy would stop pouring glue all over the place, I'd have posted this blog hours ago. Scraping Elmer's off the floor has been getting in the way of the 3 mile run I have to tackle this afternoon!
Wish me (and my tired legs) luck!
xo, c
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