This past week's training actually went really well. I ended the week with my long run and feeling confident about my ability to finish the 15k I'm training for at the end of March. I love when I have training runs that leave me with confidence and what makes it even better is that my best friend complimented me tonight and told me how skinny I looked. I sometimes struggle to see progress when I look in the mirror so to hear those words tonight meant a lot to me, even if she didn't know it.
Monday 1/24/11:
Monday night was a three mile short run, which was good because I was recovering from my long run the day before. The three miles flew by because Denise and I were chatting and I once again enjoyed sprinting at the end of the run. That's become my favorite part of running because I know I've reached my goal and have crossed that "finish" line.
Wednesday 1/26/11:
Wednesday should have been another three mile run but I had completely screwed up my school schedule for spring quarter, along with thinking I had ruined my plan of graduating next spring (2012) by messing up next quarter so I spent the evening in front of my computer crying and cursing myself for making such a stupid mistake. Luckily hours later I corrected it, but at the expense of missing my run.
Sunday 1/30/11:
Today was my long run day and I had seven miles scheduled for today. Since the temperature outside actually reached 40 today, Denise and I decided to get in a couple of miles outside. She's training for the Disney Princess Half-Marathon in a couple of weeks and had ten miles to do and I had my seven and we just couldn't bare the thought of being stuck inside on a treadmill for two and a half hours when it was so beautiful outside. We started out with a one mile warm up on the treadmill and then headed outside for one of our favorite three mile loops which goes 1.5 miles each way.
The first couple of miles in any run is tough for me and about two miles in I was asking myself why I had signed myself up for this torture but by the end of those first 2.5 miles when we reached the farm that's our turn around and my legs had officially gone numb, I remembered how great it makes me feel. The last time Denise and I did this three mile loop it was 90 degrees outside and the first time I had ever run three miles. Today it was nothing to run those three miles!
By the time we got back indoors, I had no feeling left, both from the fact that I had gotten chilly outside and because I was four miles into a seven mile run and everything had gone numb. I didn't think I was going to be able to finish out the seven miles I had to do today but I pushed myself, even though it meant walking the last three miles. I had about a tenth of a mile left to go in the final part of my run so I decided I was going to sprint it out, since that's how I love to end a run. Well, that lasted for all of a second because I got a HUGE cramp in my leg that spread all the way down to my toes and I had to literally stop and work it out so I could finish the last little bit of my run. Let me tell you, stretching after my run had never felt so good as it did today!
Things I've learned this week in my training:
--Sleep is so important! I actually got a good night's sleep last night because I overslept my alarm and missed church today so I had the energy needed to complete my run. Had I not slept well, I don't think I could have made it through seven miles.
--Hydration is also important. I drank the equivalent of nine glasses of water while at the gym today and that helped lessen the cramps I've been dealing with. I carried my water bottle with me during our three mile outdoor run which helped. I need to start making sure I drink more water throughout the week as well because I think it will be beneficial in the long run.
--I need to start trying some of the different chewy things Denise bought me when I run longer than an hour. My energy level dropped after the first four miles and I had to force myself to finish those last three. I know my body needs to replenish nutrients and what not from running so I'm going to need to figure out what I like and take them with me during training runs so I can get an energy boost during my longer runs.
--Having an awesome training partner is so important because you know you have a built in support system, someone who is going to be beside you during your more difficult runs, someone who will push you when you don't think you can go any further. It helps me to have the accountability, someone who is going to see me through my training and ask me how I'm doing. It also helps knowing I have someone waiting for me at the gym, because I don't think I could ever make myself go without her there. I don't know what I'm going to do when she's in Florida during my 9.3 mile run in a few weeks, my last long run before the 15k. Guess I'll have to fire up the ipod, do some time outside if possible, and just push through. It'll probably be the worst mental battle to make it, but knowing Denise will be asking me how it went, I know I have to do it! I could never, ever make it through this training without her by my side.
All in all, I consider this a great training week. I feel confident about where I am and it encourages me to get through another week of training. I know I can do this and I'm going to be able to look back on this week and remind myself that while there will be bad runs, there will be so many more good runs that outweigh them.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Things I've learned being a graduate student
I just got done soaking in a bubble bath while reading for class and was thinking about all the things I've learned since being a graduate student so I thought I'd share them here so you can all experience what my life has been like for the last year and a half.
--You learn to survive on five hours of sleep a night. I haven't slept for more than five hours a night unless I've been sick. Between work, late night study sessions, papers, and training for the half marathon, I'm lucky if I sleep at all. Surprisingly my body has learned to adapt pretty well and I'm learning to function on five hours of sleep again, something I haven't done since college.
--You run on pure caffeine and adrenaline rushes. I can't make it through one full day without at least 16 ounces of caffeine a day, which is so bad for my body. Since I stay up so late doing homework and studying, I typically either start my day with caffeine or go out on my lunch break at work for caffeine. I can't make it through a day without caffeine or else I find myself in a fog and unable to function. I've also learned to run on adrenaline while finishing assignments and running. It's ridiculous how my body functions anymore.
--The bath tub is a great place to do homework. I get most of my reading for class done while soaking in a bubble bath because there are no distractions in there. No cell phone, no tv, no one talking to me, nothing. It's just me, my textbook, and a highlighter. Not only do I get reading done, but I also feel relaxed when I get out. It's the perfect study spot!
--Exercise and running is good for my soul and my stress levels. I never thought I'd ever write that sentence, but it's so true. My time at the gym three days a week is so good for me. I can run out all of my frustrations on the treadmill, punch out my stress on the punching bags, and just work out all of the things I have on my mind. I leave the gym those three nights feeling like a whole new person. It amazes me how good exercise can be for the soul.
--Your social life is pretty much non-existent. I haven't seen my best friend in weeks because all I do is work, go to school, and run. I went out last night for the first time in awhile because my weekends are consumed with paper writing, studying, and running. Luckily my family and friends are understanding and cheer me on, even when I don't have the time to spend with them. I hate that I'm always so busy because I chose to go to grad school at home so I could be near the people I care about and at this rate, I may as well have gone away for as often as I get to spend time with them!
--The time off between quarters is heaven sent. I live for my breaks in between quarters because it means I can sleep and live a normal life, even if for a few short weeks. The first two days of any break I'm typically dead to the world because I usually crash hard and sleep as much as possible to make up for the time I didn't sleep during the quarter. Those breaks are good for me physically, mentally, and spiritually and I go into each new quarter feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. My only break coming up is spring break because this summer I have to take an online class and study for both the Colorado state boards and the comps at UC so I can graduate. I've decided that this goes along with my non-existent social life because all I'll be doing from now until August is studying and then in August I'll start my internship, along with taking classes so I'll officially pretty much be off the grid until graduation in June of 2012.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Right now it's dim but I can finally see it. For now, it's time to get back to the books. I've got a six page paper due on three articles on prevention programs in counseling that I haven't even started researching yet. Hello long night, goodbye sleep...
--You learn to survive on five hours of sleep a night. I haven't slept for more than five hours a night unless I've been sick. Between work, late night study sessions, papers, and training for the half marathon, I'm lucky if I sleep at all. Surprisingly my body has learned to adapt pretty well and I'm learning to function on five hours of sleep again, something I haven't done since college.
--You run on pure caffeine and adrenaline rushes. I can't make it through one full day without at least 16 ounces of caffeine a day, which is so bad for my body. Since I stay up so late doing homework and studying, I typically either start my day with caffeine or go out on my lunch break at work for caffeine. I can't make it through a day without caffeine or else I find myself in a fog and unable to function. I've also learned to run on adrenaline while finishing assignments and running. It's ridiculous how my body functions anymore.
--The bath tub is a great place to do homework. I get most of my reading for class done while soaking in a bubble bath because there are no distractions in there. No cell phone, no tv, no one talking to me, nothing. It's just me, my textbook, and a highlighter. Not only do I get reading done, but I also feel relaxed when I get out. It's the perfect study spot!
--Exercise and running is good for my soul and my stress levels. I never thought I'd ever write that sentence, but it's so true. My time at the gym three days a week is so good for me. I can run out all of my frustrations on the treadmill, punch out my stress on the punching bags, and just work out all of the things I have on my mind. I leave the gym those three nights feeling like a whole new person. It amazes me how good exercise can be for the soul.
--Your social life is pretty much non-existent. I haven't seen my best friend in weeks because all I do is work, go to school, and run. I went out last night for the first time in awhile because my weekends are consumed with paper writing, studying, and running. Luckily my family and friends are understanding and cheer me on, even when I don't have the time to spend with them. I hate that I'm always so busy because I chose to go to grad school at home so I could be near the people I care about and at this rate, I may as well have gone away for as often as I get to spend time with them!
--The time off between quarters is heaven sent. I live for my breaks in between quarters because it means I can sleep and live a normal life, even if for a few short weeks. The first two days of any break I'm typically dead to the world because I usually crash hard and sleep as much as possible to make up for the time I didn't sleep during the quarter. Those breaks are good for me physically, mentally, and spiritually and I go into each new quarter feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. My only break coming up is spring break because this summer I have to take an online class and study for both the Colorado state boards and the comps at UC so I can graduate. I've decided that this goes along with my non-existent social life because all I'll be doing from now until August is studying and then in August I'll start my internship, along with taking classes so I'll officially pretty much be off the grid until graduation in June of 2012.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Right now it's dim but I can finally see it. For now, it's time to get back to the books. I've got a six page paper due on three articles on prevention programs in counseling that I haven't even started researching yet. Hello long night, goodbye sleep...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thoughts on trying new things
This entry goes along with the one I wrote last night about my first "official" week of half marathon training. I have a feeling that in the next few months, my blog is going to quickly become all about my running and my training so I apologize for those who may be bored reading about running and food all the time.
I've discovered in my weight loss journey through the last couple of years that my greatest struggle is trying new things and my tendency to be an emotional eater. The emotional eating side of me is something that is slowly coming under control because I've started tracking my food and thinking about why I'm eating at a particular time. This leaves the struggle of trying new things.
I'm slowly branching out into the world of trying things that I either used to eat a loooooong time ago or things I never thought I would eat. The problem here is that I've come to realize I have a texture problem. I literally CAN NOT eat fruits and veggies because of the texture of them. Veggies are too raw or too mushy, depending on whether they're cooked or not. Most fruits are too raw, too rubbery, or too bumpy, depending on what I'm trying to eat. Take for example strawberries. I love anything strawberry flavored but I can't eat a strawberry because of the texture from the seeds. I can't eat grapes because they're too rubbery. The list goes on and on.
I typically get my fruits and veggies from juice or smoothies and even then that is few and far between because both juice and smoothies are expensive. I've tried to make home made smoothies by using our blender but can't get the consistency to turn out right so I gave those up in frustration.
I just don't know what more to do. How can you eat healthy if you have a texture problem? I wish I could figure out how to get over this texture issue but it's something I've struggled with since I was a kid. I've tried so many different types of fruits and veggies but just can't get past the texture of them, even if I like the flavor of them.
I want so badly to be able to try new things and get past my texture problem but I'm at a road block and can't figure out what more to do. The idea of trying new things literally freaks me out because of the food's texture. I end up making myself gag over the thought of sticking something with a different texture in my mouth and then I just get mad at myself for not being able to get past this problem and I end up eating stuff that is less healthy for me.
Any suggestions??
I've discovered in my weight loss journey through the last couple of years that my greatest struggle is trying new things and my tendency to be an emotional eater. The emotional eating side of me is something that is slowly coming under control because I've started tracking my food and thinking about why I'm eating at a particular time. This leaves the struggle of trying new things.
I'm slowly branching out into the world of trying things that I either used to eat a loooooong time ago or things I never thought I would eat. The problem here is that I've come to realize I have a texture problem. I literally CAN NOT eat fruits and veggies because of the texture of them. Veggies are too raw or too mushy, depending on whether they're cooked or not. Most fruits are too raw, too rubbery, or too bumpy, depending on what I'm trying to eat. Take for example strawberries. I love anything strawberry flavored but I can't eat a strawberry because of the texture from the seeds. I can't eat grapes because they're too rubbery. The list goes on and on.
I typically get my fruits and veggies from juice or smoothies and even then that is few and far between because both juice and smoothies are expensive. I've tried to make home made smoothies by using our blender but can't get the consistency to turn out right so I gave those up in frustration.
I just don't know what more to do. How can you eat healthy if you have a texture problem? I wish I could figure out how to get over this texture issue but it's something I've struggled with since I was a kid. I've tried so many different types of fruits and veggies but just can't get past the texture of them, even if I like the flavor of them.
I want so badly to be able to try new things and get past my texture problem but I'm at a road block and can't figure out what more to do. The idea of trying new things literally freaks me out because of the food's texture. I end up making myself gag over the thought of sticking something with a different texture in my mouth and then I just get mad at myself for not being able to get past this problem and I end up eating stuff that is less healthy for me.
Any suggestions??
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Half marathon training week 1
So I've successfully made it through the first "official" week of my half marathon training. I've obviously been running for about a year now but this begins the countdown to the half on May 1st. I'm still a very slow runner and can only run about a half mile straight before having to walk again but even if I walk/jog, I can maintain a 16 minute mile so I'm right on track to finish before they close the course at the half.
I'm going to start doing weekly entries to recap my training (much like my friend Laura did) so I have something to look back on and something to grow from. Plus, it'll help when (if) I'm training for the full marathon next year.
Monday 1/17/11
It was my first time back at the gym since Christmas, or at least I think it was. The goal for Monday night was three miles, which I made but it was a rough three miles. I had worn regular cotton socks instead of running socks because I felt that it was only three miles and I'd be fine. By the end of the first mile, I had a hot spot on my pinkie toe and had to force myself through the final two miles. I ended up with a small blister by the end of the night but I was proud of myself for making it the full three miles.
Wednesday 1/19/11
I wasn't going to run on Wednesday night because Jon was out of town so Denise was home with the kids. We had arranged to make Wednesday night the night we were going to chat so I could interview her for a paper I'm writing for my Career Development class. Well, I ended up having a rough day at work, followed by getting into a fight with my mom over my car and my emotional eating side wanted to take over and drown my sorrows in food. Instead, I went to the gym and sprinted through two miles which completely took everything out of me, including all of my frustrations and anger. I ended up apologizing to my mom and felt so much better after I had run everything out. It was definitely better than drowning my sorrows in food.
Sunday 1/23/11
Today's goal was seven miles and it was my first long run since before Christmas. Well, I made it five miles, which is great and better than nothing but man, the mental road blocks today were tough. Two miles in I was ready to quit and had I not had Denise beside me, I probably would have given up and gone home. Instead, I trudged through because she wanted me to at least hit 4.5. Well, I hit four and told Denise that if I was going to go 4.5, I might as well push through that last half mile and hit five solid miles and that's exactly what I did. It wasn't without pain and agony (most of it mentally) but I made it. I sprinted the last tenth of a mile and got an adrenaline rush for knowing I had pushed myself through a long run when I didn't think I could do it.
Denise kept reminding me today that we're both bouncing back from a lot of time off and that I can't just go and expect to run seven miles like it's nothing. I need to build myself back up slowly. She kept telling me how great I had done going through five miles and pushing myself and proving that I could do it, even when I thought I couldn't.
I learned today though, how important it is to make sure you get plenty of rest the night before a long run. I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. working on homework and getting caught up from being sick and then still got up early to go to church this morning. I came home and napped for an hour on the couch before my run but I think that just made it worse because then I just wanted to keep sleeping instead of going for a run. From now on, I know I need to get plenty of sleep the night before a long run so I physically have the energy to actually make it through the run.
I knew coming into this training that it wasn't going to be easy but I'm continually amazed by how much running is a mental activity. I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to my runs and I need to stop beating myself up every time I have a difficult run because then it's hard to continue to motivate myself to keep running.
Tonight at church I was talking with one of the other adult sponsors about my run today and later on in the evening, one of my youth stopped me as I was leaving and wished me luck in my training. He told me that he knows I had a rough run today but that he believes in me and knows that I'll meet my goal and finish the race in May.
I tell you, it is moments like tonight that remind me why I love being a youth sponsor and why I love my kids. Not only do I get to pour into them and build them up, but they pour into me and encourage me during some of my darkest moments. I live for nights like tonight and love that this is where my life has taken me.
Tomorrow is a short run/recovery night. I only have to hit three miles tomorrow, most of which I'll probably walk and then I think I'm going to lift some weights. Even after today's difficult run, I can't wait to get back out there and do it all over again.
I'm going to start doing weekly entries to recap my training (much like my friend Laura did) so I have something to look back on and something to grow from. Plus, it'll help when (if) I'm training for the full marathon next year.
Monday 1/17/11
It was my first time back at the gym since Christmas, or at least I think it was. The goal for Monday night was three miles, which I made but it was a rough three miles. I had worn regular cotton socks instead of running socks because I felt that it was only three miles and I'd be fine. By the end of the first mile, I had a hot spot on my pinkie toe and had to force myself through the final two miles. I ended up with a small blister by the end of the night but I was proud of myself for making it the full three miles.
Wednesday 1/19/11
I wasn't going to run on Wednesday night because Jon was out of town so Denise was home with the kids. We had arranged to make Wednesday night the night we were going to chat so I could interview her for a paper I'm writing for my Career Development class. Well, I ended up having a rough day at work, followed by getting into a fight with my mom over my car and my emotional eating side wanted to take over and drown my sorrows in food. Instead, I went to the gym and sprinted through two miles which completely took everything out of me, including all of my frustrations and anger. I ended up apologizing to my mom and felt so much better after I had run everything out. It was definitely better than drowning my sorrows in food.
Sunday 1/23/11
Today's goal was seven miles and it was my first long run since before Christmas. Well, I made it five miles, which is great and better than nothing but man, the mental road blocks today were tough. Two miles in I was ready to quit and had I not had Denise beside me, I probably would have given up and gone home. Instead, I trudged through because she wanted me to at least hit 4.5. Well, I hit four and told Denise that if I was going to go 4.5, I might as well push through that last half mile and hit five solid miles and that's exactly what I did. It wasn't without pain and agony (most of it mentally) but I made it. I sprinted the last tenth of a mile and got an adrenaline rush for knowing I had pushed myself through a long run when I didn't think I could do it.
Denise kept reminding me today that we're both bouncing back from a lot of time off and that I can't just go and expect to run seven miles like it's nothing. I need to build myself back up slowly. She kept telling me how great I had done going through five miles and pushing myself and proving that I could do it, even when I thought I couldn't.
I learned today though, how important it is to make sure you get plenty of rest the night before a long run. I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. working on homework and getting caught up from being sick and then still got up early to go to church this morning. I came home and napped for an hour on the couch before my run but I think that just made it worse because then I just wanted to keep sleeping instead of going for a run. From now on, I know I need to get plenty of sleep the night before a long run so I physically have the energy to actually make it through the run.
I knew coming into this training that it wasn't going to be easy but I'm continually amazed by how much running is a mental activity. I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to my runs and I need to stop beating myself up every time I have a difficult run because then it's hard to continue to motivate myself to keep running.
Tonight at church I was talking with one of the other adult sponsors about my run today and later on in the evening, one of my youth stopped me as I was leaving and wished me luck in my training. He told me that he knows I had a rough run today but that he believes in me and knows that I'll meet my goal and finish the race in May.
I tell you, it is moments like tonight that remind me why I love being a youth sponsor and why I love my kids. Not only do I get to pour into them and build them up, but they pour into me and encourage me during some of my darkest moments. I live for nights like tonight and love that this is where my life has taken me.
Tomorrow is a short run/recovery night. I only have to hit three miles tomorrow, most of which I'll probably walk and then I think I'm going to lift some weights. Even after today's difficult run, I can't wait to get back out there and do it all over again.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Things I love
I have to admit, this entry isn't my idea. It's actually my best friend's idea so she needs all the credit. However, lately I find myself occasionally getting into a "negative nancy" mood so today before class I sat in Panera and had some reflection time where I thought about everything in my life that I love and decided to make it a blog entry I can reflect back on later as a reminder that even when the skies are gray, there are many things in my life I love.
So without further ado, I leave you with things I love (in no particular order):
--Falling asleep to the sound of rain on the roof
--My Bible
--Sitting in the food court of Kenwood Mall having spiritual conversations with great friends
--Driving with the windows down and the music up
--Reading
--Being an advocate for education and school counseling
--My crackberry
--My family, especially all the kids in it
--Running!
--Pushing through a run when it hurts and the rush it brings at the end
--Long conversations on side by side treadmills with my running partner
--Sunday night phone calls with the person I tell everything to
--Walking on a beautiful college campus
--Being downtown and the vibe of city living
--Hanging out with some sweet youth every Sunday night
--Road trips with my best friend, screaming Miley Cyrus at 2 am in the ghetto
--Bengals football and Reds baseball...I love Cincy sports!
--New York Yankees...enough said.
--Blankets fresh out of the dryer
--My multiple Vera Bradley bags
--flip flops and barefeet
--Summertime
--Ohio University on a sunny fall day
--Ohio University on any type of day :-)
--The kids I teach everyday
--80's teen movies like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles
--Holding hands and walking on the river talking about life
--Denver :-)
--Friends who have known you since kindergarten and still love you
--Texts from friends just to say hi because I know I was being thought of at that moment
--My best friend because she brought me to Christ :-)
--My aunt who always loves me and supports me and lets me be such a big part of their lives
--My sister, who I couldn't live without
--Crossing the finish line of a big race and the satisfaction of finishing what I started
--Taking pictures
--Dressing up for a night on the town
--My mom and stepdad for never giving up on me and loving me despite my stupid choices
--Curling up in bed on the weekends with a good book and a cheesy chick flick
--Days I can get by in jeans and a t-shirt with my hair in a ponytail and no makeup on
--My turquoise dyed opal earrings from Denver
--My UC blanket from my bbff
--Hot summer nights at the ballpark
--Long conversations and laughing with my small group
--Sitting in coffee shops reading and people watching
--Smoothies from Smoothie King-you'll win my heart for the day if you bring me one! :-)
--My planner
--Writing in black ink
--Sitting in my favorite spot on the river thinking when I'm alone and having great conversations when with friends
--My sweet running shoes!
--Labor Day weekend in Cincinnati...or let's face it: any weekend in Cincinnati!
--Being a student and learning something new everyday
--Cokes from McDonald's because they taste the best
--Play dates with the world's cutest twin girls
--My nieces and my nephew who stole my heart the day they were born
--My nalgene water bottle
--Getting dressed up and going to the Aronoff with my faves
--My life and the people in it who make it worth living :-)
So without further ado, I leave you with things I love (in no particular order):
--Falling asleep to the sound of rain on the roof
--My Bible
--Sitting in the food court of Kenwood Mall having spiritual conversations with great friends
--Driving with the windows down and the music up
--Reading
--Being an advocate for education and school counseling
--My crackberry
--My family, especially all the kids in it
--Running!
--Pushing through a run when it hurts and the rush it brings at the end
--Long conversations on side by side treadmills with my running partner
--Sunday night phone calls with the person I tell everything to
--Walking on a beautiful college campus
--Being downtown and the vibe of city living
--Hanging out with some sweet youth every Sunday night
--Road trips with my best friend, screaming Miley Cyrus at 2 am in the ghetto
--Bengals football and Reds baseball...I love Cincy sports!
--New York Yankees...enough said.
--Blankets fresh out of the dryer
--My multiple Vera Bradley bags
--flip flops and barefeet
--Summertime
--Ohio University on a sunny fall day
--Ohio University on any type of day :-)
--The kids I teach everyday
--80's teen movies like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles
--Holding hands and walking on the river talking about life
--Denver :-)
--Friends who have known you since kindergarten and still love you
--Texts from friends just to say hi because I know I was being thought of at that moment
--My best friend because she brought me to Christ :-)
--My aunt who always loves me and supports me and lets me be such a big part of their lives
--My sister, who I couldn't live without
--Crossing the finish line of a big race and the satisfaction of finishing what I started
--Taking pictures
--Dressing up for a night on the town
--My mom and stepdad for never giving up on me and loving me despite my stupid choices
--Curling up in bed on the weekends with a good book and a cheesy chick flick
--Days I can get by in jeans and a t-shirt with my hair in a ponytail and no makeup on
--My turquoise dyed opal earrings from Denver
--My UC blanket from my bbff
--Hot summer nights at the ballpark
--Long conversations and laughing with my small group
--Sitting in coffee shops reading and people watching
--Smoothies from Smoothie King-you'll win my heart for the day if you bring me one! :-)
--My planner
--Writing in black ink
--Sitting in my favorite spot on the river thinking when I'm alone and having great conversations when with friends
--My sweet running shoes!
--Labor Day weekend in Cincinnati...or let's face it: any weekend in Cincinnati!
--Being a student and learning something new everyday
--Cokes from McDonald's because they taste the best
--Play dates with the world's cutest twin girls
--My nieces and my nephew who stole my heart the day they were born
--My nalgene water bottle
--Getting dressed up and going to the Aronoff with my faves
--My life and the people in it who make it worth living :-)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Racing thoughts...
My title literally means that I'm laying here thinking about races. It's 1:20 in the morning and all my brain can think about is my marathon training and how I haven't done a long run since before Christmas. Between my back problems, vacation, and then getting sick, I just haven't been to the gym and that's not going to cut it anymore.
My next race is the Heart Mini Marathon 15k (which for all you non-runners is a 9.3 mile race) on March 20th...as in nine weeks from now. Oh yeah. Nine weeks. At most, I've run 6.2 and that was the 10k I ran on Thanksgiving. I haven't done over four miles since then. This is not a good thing, especially since the half marathon (13.1 miles) is in 15 weeks. Oh boy.
I haven't wanted something so badly as I want this in a long time. This is my personal challenge to myself, to prove that I can do anything I set my mind to. And that I train for of course. I don't recommed trying to run anything beyond four miles without training! Every since watching Denise cross the finish line after running the full marathon (26.2 miles) last spring, I have wanted this with every fiber of my being. I've been training since that moment and was doing well up until now. Now I'm just afraid that I've set my own training back and I won't be on course to finish either of the two races I've lined up for myself.
My mom asked me tonight if I had registered yet for the 15k and I told her no, that I wanted to get a couple more long runs in before I registered, just to prove to myself that I am going to be ready for it come March. I know if Denise could hear my thoughts right now she would tell me that I'm fine, that we have plenty of time, and that my training up to this very weekend only has me up to six miles and I know I can pull out six miles so I shouldn't be worrying. I can't help it. All I'm doing is worrying, which is ridiculous. Of all the things going on in my life right now, I'm worried about running. Forget the fact that I'm two weeks behind on reading for class because I've been sick. That's apparently not important. The only thing running through my mind right now is running. (Ha! No pun intended!)
My high school friend Laura is running her first half marathon tomorrow in Arizona and I am so very proud of her! She's come so far in her own weight loss journey and it's been an incredible inspiration to watch her prepare for this half. I wish I could be there in person but I told her I'll be there in spirit cheering her on because I know come May, she'll be doing the same for me.
I'm fine. I've got this. I can run 9.3 miles in nine weeks and then I can run 13.1 miles in 15 weeks. There is NO reason for me to be stressing over this. I just need to get my butt back into gear and get myself back to the gym. The rest will just fall into place.
I have noticed though that when I do run consistently, that my immune system doesn't fail me. Since I haven't run since before Christmas, I've come down with colds, a stomach bug, and now a sinus infection. This should just be proof to me why I shouldn't take time off of running. It's actually doing good things for my body! Now I just need to keep telling myself that.
Whew. Alright. I think I feel better so maybe I can actually get some sleep without stressing over my training. I've got this in the bag. It's go time!
My next race is the Heart Mini Marathon 15k (which for all you non-runners is a 9.3 mile race) on March 20th...as in nine weeks from now. Oh yeah. Nine weeks. At most, I've run 6.2 and that was the 10k I ran on Thanksgiving. I haven't done over four miles since then. This is not a good thing, especially since the half marathon (13.1 miles) is in 15 weeks. Oh boy.
I haven't wanted something so badly as I want this in a long time. This is my personal challenge to myself, to prove that I can do anything I set my mind to. And that I train for of course. I don't recommed trying to run anything beyond four miles without training! Every since watching Denise cross the finish line after running the full marathon (26.2 miles) last spring, I have wanted this with every fiber of my being. I've been training since that moment and was doing well up until now. Now I'm just afraid that I've set my own training back and I won't be on course to finish either of the two races I've lined up for myself.
My mom asked me tonight if I had registered yet for the 15k and I told her no, that I wanted to get a couple more long runs in before I registered, just to prove to myself that I am going to be ready for it come March. I know if Denise could hear my thoughts right now she would tell me that I'm fine, that we have plenty of time, and that my training up to this very weekend only has me up to six miles and I know I can pull out six miles so I shouldn't be worrying. I can't help it. All I'm doing is worrying, which is ridiculous. Of all the things going on in my life right now, I'm worried about running. Forget the fact that I'm two weeks behind on reading for class because I've been sick. That's apparently not important. The only thing running through my mind right now is running. (Ha! No pun intended!)
My high school friend Laura is running her first half marathon tomorrow in Arizona and I am so very proud of her! She's come so far in her own weight loss journey and it's been an incredible inspiration to watch her prepare for this half. I wish I could be there in person but I told her I'll be there in spirit cheering her on because I know come May, she'll be doing the same for me.
I'm fine. I've got this. I can run 9.3 miles in nine weeks and then I can run 13.1 miles in 15 weeks. There is NO reason for me to be stressing over this. I just need to get my butt back into gear and get myself back to the gym. The rest will just fall into place.
I have noticed though that when I do run consistently, that my immune system doesn't fail me. Since I haven't run since before Christmas, I've come down with colds, a stomach bug, and now a sinus infection. This should just be proof to me why I shouldn't take time off of running. It's actually doing good things for my body! Now I just need to keep telling myself that.
Whew. Alright. I think I feel better so maybe I can actually get some sleep without stressing over my training. I've got this in the bag. It's go time!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sick again
I've been an awful blogger and commenter lately. I've been in bed sick since Monday night so I've been reading, but not commenting because it just takes too much energy. After I write this I may go back to sleep, even though that's all I've done for the last two days. I'm running a fever of 101 and can't keep anything down. I feel hungry but I'm too afraid to eat because I really don't want to get sick again.
We have a staff meeting at work tomorrow night so my goal was to be back at work tomorrow but if my temperature keeps spiking up the way it does, I may have to call in again tomorrow. I really just want to feel better. :-/
We have a staff meeting at work tomorrow night so my goal was to be back at work tomorrow but if my temperature keeps spiking up the way it does, I may have to call in again tomorrow. I really just want to feel better. :-/
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Believe
Each year, I tell myself that I am going to make resolutions and stick to them. Each year, by February or March, those resolutions have gone out the window. Last year, I made several and the only one that I stuck to pretty firmly (though I stumbled occasionally) was to not date for the year.
This year, while I have made goals that I do intend to meet such as trying to pay off credit card debt, paying on student loan interest (remind me to do an entry on my views on college and finances soon), and finishing the half marathon, I decided that I want this year to be a year of spiritual growth. I was encouraged by a post I read by my dear friend Megan who shared that she is following KLove's encouragement of having a word of the year that is Spirit led for the year. Since she shared her word with us, I have spent a lot of time in thought and prayer before deciding that this was how I wanted to approach 2011.
Today, I spent a good chunk of my day in prayer and my word of the year for 2011 is believe. God has been calling me to believe for awhile now and it's time to fully discover what that means. I obviously believe in God and I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins but I struggle with truly believing in the promises that He has made and what He's been revealing to me in the last couple of years. I want to spend 2011 finding out what it means to believe God, who He says He is, and the truths and promises He has been breathing into my life in the last few years. I've been thinking a lot today on where I was a couple of years ago and where I am today and the growth I've seen is incredible, but I know there is so much more He wants to teach me and until I can believe, my eyes are not going to be able to see beyond what is right in front of me.
It's time to step out of my comfort zone and dig deep. It's time to believe and start living a spirit filled life that I know He is calling me to. I can't wait to see where 2011 takes me.
This year, while I have made goals that I do intend to meet such as trying to pay off credit card debt, paying on student loan interest (remind me to do an entry on my views on college and finances soon), and finishing the half marathon, I decided that I want this year to be a year of spiritual growth. I was encouraged by a post I read by my dear friend Megan who shared that she is following KLove's encouragement of having a word of the year that is Spirit led for the year. Since she shared her word with us, I have spent a lot of time in thought and prayer before deciding that this was how I wanted to approach 2011.
Today, I spent a good chunk of my day in prayer and my word of the year for 2011 is believe. God has been calling me to believe for awhile now and it's time to fully discover what that means. I obviously believe in God and I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins but I struggle with truly believing in the promises that He has made and what He's been revealing to me in the last couple of years. I want to spend 2011 finding out what it means to believe God, who He says He is, and the truths and promises He has been breathing into my life in the last few years. I've been thinking a lot today on where I was a couple of years ago and where I am today and the growth I've seen is incredible, but I know there is so much more He wants to teach me and until I can believe, my eyes are not going to be able to see beyond what is right in front of me.
It's time to step out of my comfort zone and dig deep. It's time to believe and start living a spirit filled life that I know He is calling me to. I can't wait to see where 2011 takes me.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Home sweet home
I'm home from Florida! We got in around 10:30 Saturday night and I have spent the last two days in bed because I've been dealing with back spasms from the 15 hour car drive home. Hopefully tomorrow will be better so I can actually go back to work.
The Bahamas were incredible! When I'm not tired and groggy from the muscle relaxers I've been taking I'll be back with a proper update. For now, I'm going back to bed to sleep off this weird feeling from the muscle relaxers.
The Bahamas were incredible! When I'm not tired and groggy from the muscle relaxers I've been taking I'll be back with a proper update. For now, I'm going back to bed to sleep off this weird feeling from the muscle relaxers.
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