You may have noticed that I haven't been blogging very consistently over the last week or so. If you were able to pay attention to my running, you would have noticed the same inconsistency with that as well. So, what's the deal?
The reason is simple: I've been in a lazy mood. Now, I don't often go through these lazy spells (in the summer anyway) but every once in a while I do. I don't always have a specific explanation for my lazy times, but they always seem to coincide with the times that I've been working too much or have been stressed out.
Last month I wrote a blog post detailing the importance of pushing through when you don't feel like running in a post titled every big tree started out as a little seed. I am not looking to contradict what I wrote in that post, but I'm looking to balance it out.
To understand this, you must understand that there is a big difference between wanting to quit or random laziness for laziness sake and a prolonged period of laziness resultant from overworking yourself or stress.
And here is my theory to dealing with week-long laziness that comes with working too hard or stress...allow it! Doesn't that fly in the face of perseverance? Some might argue that. What I've found to be true, however, is that when I run a lot during these times, I don't get much out of my runs anyway. I've also found that I prolong my laziness by pushing myself and thus further burning myself out. I exacerbate the problem. I have learned that it's better to take a break for a week. It makes me fresher for the week following both physically and (more importantly) mentally.
This isn't only true of running either. I allow myself a break from everything non-essential. I simply veg out for a week. And last week was a great week of vegging out. I only ran 2 three-mile runs. I was miserable during both. I only wrote 1 blog. I had to force my way through that. I basically took a week off from everything. It felt great!
Now today, I'm feeling so refreshed and ready to get back at it. So, if you're feeling stressed out or overworked and have struggled to have ambition to exercise, run errands or do any number of other non-essential tasks, maybe you should listen to your body and relax for a week. It might be just what you need.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
busy, busy...dreadfully busy
So, I think I've made it clear that I love running. But, like anything else in life that we enjoy doing, let's face it...we don't always have time for it. I have very much been at that place lately.
In fact, since vacation a few weeks ago, I have been working crazy hours (as I mentioned in a recent blog post titled "back to the future"). Even when I haven't been working, I've been busy or tied up with other responsibilities. This has significantly impeded my running time (and as you may have noticed, my writing time as well). I hate when I don't get to run as often as I would like. In reality, our body can handle a couple of busy weeks without missing a beat, but it can be mentally tough on me.
The more I thought about how busy I've been and how little running I've done, it occurred to me that I can't be the only one who faces this battle. In fact, lack of time is probably the top reason people don't exercise as often as they should. So, I thought I'd share my little trick that usually gets me through. This is a big help both mentally and physically. And, I must confess, the reason I probably feel so miserable right now is because I haven't been doing a good job of taking my own (following) advice the last couple weeks. Still, this may be just what you're in need.
On days when you know you'll be running low on time to go for a run, try to work in these simple weights-free leg exercises (you can do them all at once or sporadically throughout your day). As when doing leg workouts with weights or running hard runs, please use caution to stretch before and after and make your run the next day an easy one. Below are some of my favorite exercises.
*NOTE: This is not an article on the technical aspect of each exercise. For proper technique, please consult a professional trainer or use online videos at your own discretion.*
1. Wall-sits
2. Lunges (I really enjoy half-full lunges)
3. Jump squats (if you're not in a practical place to jump, simple squats will do)
4. Leg raise dead lifts
5. Calf extensions (toes forward, toes pointed in and toes pointed out)
I usually do 3 sets of 12-20 reps depending on the exercise, time and how I'm feeling. For wall-sits, you can either do sets or just burn-out. Regardless, each exercise can be completed in a matter of a couple of minutes. This makes this a perfect alternative for the days when you're just so busy, busy...dreadfully busy...
In fact, since vacation a few weeks ago, I have been working crazy hours (as I mentioned in a recent blog post titled "back to the future"). Even when I haven't been working, I've been busy or tied up with other responsibilities. This has significantly impeded my running time (and as you may have noticed, my writing time as well). I hate when I don't get to run as often as I would like. In reality, our body can handle a couple of busy weeks without missing a beat, but it can be mentally tough on me.
The more I thought about how busy I've been and how little running I've done, it occurred to me that I can't be the only one who faces this battle. In fact, lack of time is probably the top reason people don't exercise as often as they should. So, I thought I'd share my little trick that usually gets me through. This is a big help both mentally and physically. And, I must confess, the reason I probably feel so miserable right now is because I haven't been doing a good job of taking my own (following) advice the last couple weeks. Still, this may be just what you're in need.
On days when you know you'll be running low on time to go for a run, try to work in these simple weights-free leg exercises (you can do them all at once or sporadically throughout your day). As when doing leg workouts with weights or running hard runs, please use caution to stretch before and after and make your run the next day an easy one. Below are some of my favorite exercises.
*NOTE: This is not an article on the technical aspect of each exercise. For proper technique, please consult a professional trainer or use online videos at your own discretion.*
1. Wall-sits
2. Lunges (I really enjoy half-full lunges)
3. Jump squats (if you're not in a practical place to jump, simple squats will do)
4. Leg raise dead lifts
5. Calf extensions (toes forward, toes pointed in and toes pointed out)
I usually do 3 sets of 12-20 reps depending on the exercise, time and how I'm feeling. For wall-sits, you can either do sets or just burn-out. Regardless, each exercise can be completed in a matter of a couple of minutes. This makes this a perfect alternative for the days when you're just so busy, busy...dreadfully busy...
Saturday, August 13, 2011
poorly planned
I was driving home from the store in Ossippee, NH this morning. I had run out to pick up syrup for our waffles. That's when I saw him. I was immediately reminded me of my morning's frustrations.
All morning I had been frustrated with myself for my poor planning. I knew I should have packed my stuff. I always pack my stuff. I can't remember the last time I didn't pack it. What made it worse was the fact that I didn't simply forget to pack it. I intentionally left it all behind. I told myself I wouldn't have time to use it.
The thought occurred to me as I drove past him: "There was a time when I would have looked at him and would have been happy I wasn't him; now, I'm jealous of him." I was now even more frustrated with myself.
Not long before, I was still on my way to the store and was deep in thought. The thought occurred to me that many times when people are frustrated or disappointed, they brought it upon themselves much in the same way I had this morning. So many times we mess ourselves up by failing ourselves by failing to plan.
He looked tired. In fact, he looked kind of miserable. He looked...like he was enjoying himself way more than I was. After all, he was running and I was driving. I should have been him. I should have been running too!
I still don't know why I convinced myself that I shouldn't take my running stuff with me to New Hampshire. I told myself that I wouldn't have time. That may have been true. But wouldn't I have been better off to pack my stuff just in case? Yes. I mean, think logically here. If I had my stuff and didn't use it, no big deal. If I had my stuff and wanted to run, I could have. But I didn't think through it logically. Instead, I set myself up for failure.
I was reminded of a valuable lesson this morning though...success (in anything) begins with successful planning. If you fail to plan well, you are setting yourself up for failure. And you will succeed at failing every time.
The other truth is that you can't beat yourself up over past mistakes. This morning is in the past. I have learned from my mistake, so now I'll pick myself back up and do better tomorrow.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
back to the future
I'm not as young as I used to be. This statement is obvious, but these days my body can feel it. No, I'm not sore after playing sports or running. No, I don't grunt when I get off the couch or bend over to pick something up off the floor. No, my body is not beginning to break down. If none of these things are true, then what do I mean when I say that I feel my age? My body can't neglect sleep the way that it used to and without feeling the effects.
I have been working crazy hours since returning back from vacation. Upon completion of work yesterday, I had worked 120 hours in the last 10 days. And that doesn't take church into account, which took up nearly an extra 8 hours this past Sunday. So really, it was 128 hours in a 10 day span. I've worked crazier hours in the past without feeling much effect. But let's face it, I was probably only 22 or 23 back then. Now, I'm 28. It seems like I'll need to reassess the situation next time all this overtime becomes available. Let's just say that it's unlikely that I'll pull so many extra shifts from here on out.
Regardless of this realization, I could not go back in time and undo the fatigue that the last 10 days had left me with by the time I got home yesterday. I was so tired.The last thing in the world I wanted to do was go for a run. My wife was planning to take my daughter for a walk after dinner so I opted to put my run on hold until then so I could hang out with my wife before dinner (I knew I'd be going to bed early and wouldn't have much time to hang out otherwise).
After playing with Genevieve for a bit (she crawled to me for the first time when she saw me when I first got home...that was good for an adrenaline boost), we put her down for a nap. My body wanted me to take a nap too, but I fought through. Polly and I got caught up on some old episodes of "So You Think You Can Dance?" Then, we sat down for some delicious pulled pork sandwiches, cucumbers and corn on the cob. We followed dinner getting caught up on a couple old episodes of "Storage Wars." Then we finally heard the noise from the monitor. The baby was up. This could mean only one thing...it was time for Polly to take Genevieve for her walk, and time for me to go for my run.
I didn't want to run. I really didn't. I was just so tired. But then I thought back to every other time I've ever not wanted to go for a run (I usually love running, so this usually means times I'm incredibly fatigued or really busy). Then I thought back to how I've felt every single time that I fought through and ran anyway as well as how I've felt the times when I didn't. You see, every time I've ever not wanted to run and didn't, I've been filled with great disappointment. Meanwhile, every time I've ever not wanted to run and did, I've felt great after and extremely satisfied that I ran. So, for me, it helps to look back (at my past runs and results) so I can convince myself to do something in the future (in this case, the run I was convincing myself to go on last night). I refer to this concept as "Back to the Future."
Really, the concept of "Back to the Future" is application to many aspects of our lives. My favorite book of the Bible is Joshua. I always think about how God told Joshua to grab stones from the Jordan River when the Israelites crossed through it on dry ground. God then told Joshua to use the stones to build a memorial. The purpose of the memorial was so that when people saw it they would remember the miracle God had performed for them and be encouraged that He could perform a miracle again. When we look back on our (or in this example, God's) accomplishments, it should serve as encouragement that we (God) can do it again. The first time should always be the hardest. Once we've done it once, we should know we can do it again.
With "Back to the Future" in full operation for me, I knew what I had to do. No matter how badly I wanted not to run, I needed to run. I needed to fight through the adversity. I needed to persevere. I laced up my running shoes, put on my GPS watched and headed out the door.
My plan was to run the 2.2 mile loop that starts and finishes from my house, but I ended up running past my house to meet up with Polly and Genevieve on the route I knew they would be walking. I ended up running 2.5 miles. It certainly wasn't my fastest time (somewhere under 22 minutes), but I knew that I had fought through the fatigue and persevered. As soon as I got back, I was satisfied that I had run. But then again, thanks to looking back to my previous experiences, I knew I would!
I have been working crazy hours since returning back from vacation. Upon completion of work yesterday, I had worked 120 hours in the last 10 days. And that doesn't take church into account, which took up nearly an extra 8 hours this past Sunday. So really, it was 128 hours in a 10 day span. I've worked crazier hours in the past without feeling much effect. But let's face it, I was probably only 22 or 23 back then. Now, I'm 28. It seems like I'll need to reassess the situation next time all this overtime becomes available. Let's just say that it's unlikely that I'll pull so many extra shifts from here on out.
Regardless of this realization, I could not go back in time and undo the fatigue that the last 10 days had left me with by the time I got home yesterday. I was so tired.The last thing in the world I wanted to do was go for a run. My wife was planning to take my daughter for a walk after dinner so I opted to put my run on hold until then so I could hang out with my wife before dinner (I knew I'd be going to bed early and wouldn't have much time to hang out otherwise).
After playing with Genevieve for a bit (she crawled to me for the first time when she saw me when I first got home...that was good for an adrenaline boost), we put her down for a nap. My body wanted me to take a nap too, but I fought through. Polly and I got caught up on some old episodes of "So You Think You Can Dance?" Then, we sat down for some delicious pulled pork sandwiches, cucumbers and corn on the cob. We followed dinner getting caught up on a couple old episodes of "Storage Wars." Then we finally heard the noise from the monitor. The baby was up. This could mean only one thing...it was time for Polly to take Genevieve for her walk, and time for me to go for my run.
I didn't want to run. I really didn't. I was just so tired. But then I thought back to every other time I've ever not wanted to go for a run (I usually love running, so this usually means times I'm incredibly fatigued or really busy). Then I thought back to how I've felt every single time that I fought through and ran anyway as well as how I've felt the times when I didn't. You see, every time I've ever not wanted to run and didn't, I've been filled with great disappointment. Meanwhile, every time I've ever not wanted to run and did, I've felt great after and extremely satisfied that I ran. So, for me, it helps to look back (at my past runs and results) so I can convince myself to do something in the future (in this case, the run I was convincing myself to go on last night). I refer to this concept as "Back to the Future."
Really, the concept of "Back to the Future" is application to many aspects of our lives. My favorite book of the Bible is Joshua. I always think about how God told Joshua to grab stones from the Jordan River when the Israelites crossed through it on dry ground. God then told Joshua to use the stones to build a memorial. The purpose of the memorial was so that when people saw it they would remember the miracle God had performed for them and be encouraged that He could perform a miracle again. When we look back on our (or in this example, God's) accomplishments, it should serve as encouragement that we (God) can do it again. The first time should always be the hardest. Once we've done it once, we should know we can do it again.
With "Back to the Future" in full operation for me, I knew what I had to do. No matter how badly I wanted not to run, I needed to run. I needed to fight through the adversity. I needed to persevere. I laced up my running shoes, put on my GPS watched and headed out the door.
My plan was to run the 2.2 mile loop that starts and finishes from my house, but I ended up running past my house to meet up with Polly and Genevieve on the route I knew they would be walking. I ended up running 2.5 miles. It certainly wasn't my fastest time (somewhere under 22 minutes), but I knew that I had fought through the fatigue and persevered. As soon as I got back, I was satisfied that I had run. But then again, thanks to looking back to my previous experiences, I knew I would!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
running with purpose
It's that time of year again when I merge two of my favorite things: running and raising money for missionaries. This year I am pleased to also involve a new one of my favorite things: Genevieve. On 9.10.11, Genevieve and I (her in the jogger and me pushing it) will be taking on the "Run to the Rock" 10k. It's a race to Plymouth Rock. This seems fitting as my family came on the Mayflower.
All donations will go to Speed the Light which is one of my favorite charities. Speed the Light provides transportation and communication equipment for missionaries around the world. This enables them to meet practical needs of people in need while also allowing them to share the Gospel. You can find out more about Speed the Light at www.speedthelight.com
If you would like to support this cause, you may make a donation by clicking the paypal link to the right. I also covet your prayers.
Thanks. God bless!
All donations will go to Speed the Light which is one of my favorite charities. Speed the Light provides transportation and communication equipment for missionaries around the world. This enables them to meet practical needs of people in need while also allowing them to share the Gospel. You can find out more about Speed the Light at www.speedthelight.com
If you would like to support this cause, you may make a donation by clicking the paypal link to the right. I also covet your prayers.
Thanks. God bless!
Monday, August 8, 2011
rain, rain go away...actually, stay
Rain is an interesting thing. It's extremely necessary and important to our sustenance but most people (though not all people) get so annoyed and even depressed by it. How do I personally feel about rain? Let's just say I have a love/hate relationship with it. Let me give two rain experiences I had recently that evoked different emotions from me.
Rain Experience 1: Rain is my enemy
I had planned the camping trip a few months prior. Now, it was time to go. I was so stoked. First, I love camping. Second, I love camping with my wife. Third, I loved being able to introduce my daughter to camping for the first time. Fourth, the camping trip was a great opportunity to hang out with the adult leaders and student leaders from our youth ministry. Everything about this camping trip shouted "love." We made it up there set up camp and had a great Thursday night. Friday was awesome as well. We had a great session in the morning, went for a hike, swam to some little island and just had a great day of bonding. Everything was going according to plan.
Then, just as I was building the fire for dinner Friday night, the skies opened up and the down-pouring onslaught of rain began. This is when hate was introduced into the camping trip. Why? Because I hate rain while camping. And unfortunately for Polly and me, it typically rains at least once during our camping trips. While dinner was ruined, we did salvage the night with some pizza and card games in the tent. As it turned out, it was also great bonding time! Maybe the rain wasn't so bad after all, right? Wrong. I was not done being annoyed.
Rain during camping has everything to do with timing. I'm not talking about time of day like how it ruined dinner (though that did annoy me). I am talking about when it rains in relation to when you need to pack up and leave. In this particular case, it was not favorable. Everything was soaked when we packed up to leave. We had to re-pitch our tent and let everything dry out when we got home. It wasn't the end of the world, but it was still annoying. Rain was not my friend that weekend.
Rain Experience 2: Rain is my friend
A couple of weeks ago, I was up in 1000 Islands in upstate New York for vacation. You may already be wondering how vacation and rain being my friend can go together. Just hear me out and it should make sense. It rained a few days during the week. Like camping, this proved to be good bonding time. Unlike camping, however, the rain never ruined dinner and we didn't have to pack up wet things. In and of itself, this would typically leave me indifferent about the rain. And for the majority of the week that's exactly how I felt...indifferent. But there was one rain storm that brought me to that place of actually loving it.
As you most likely know (and as the name and purpose of this blog even attests to), I am a runner. I love to run. And if you read any of my blogs that I wrote looking back at my vacation, you know that I ran on 4 separate occasions for a total of 20.2 miles. One morning, it was raining (drizzling to begin and a good, steady rain to end) when I went for my run. I was in my "happy place." I love running in the rain. I don't know if it's the cool feel of the rain, the lack of humidity, the change from monotony, the reminder of God's sovereignty, the rain's calming/relaxing nature, or a combination of these things and more (most likely), but I really do love running in the rain.
Some people turn to the lame, boring treadmill when they look outside and see the rain. I try to lace my shoes as fast as I can so I don't run the risk of missing the rain during my run. Last year, during a 20 mile run while in marathon training, it rained the entire time. I even stepped into a big puddle (not my favorite, but not a big deal either). That run was the easiest (and dare I say best) long run I have ever had. I enjoyed the run from start to finish.
So, that's my love-hate relationship with rain. When it's camping I hate it. When I'm running I love it. If you're one of those people who hits the treadmill you see a drop of water fall from the sky, I want to encourage you to give running in the rain a try next time. You might even end up loving it as much as I do!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
more than i can chew?
As I mentioned in a post the other day, Genevieve and I have been in need if increasing our distance with the jogger as we train for a 10k next month (9/10/11). Up to this point, we had only run 2.2 miles (on three separate occasions). In an effort to build up to at least a 6.2 mile training run (though preferably 8-10) I opted to run 4 miles with her today.
As I also mentioned in a post from the other day, the only way to run more than 2.2 miles (a loop near my house) while considering Genevieve's safety is to drive somewhere. There is a long bike trail 20 minutes from my house, so that's where we decided to go.
The game plan for plotting the distance was simple...2 miles out, 2 miles back. The tougher decision regarded the speed. Should I run at an easy pace or push myself for some speed? My 2.2 mile run on Wednesday night was at an 8:30 pace. I decided to maintain that pace for this 4 mile run as well. Now that these decisions were made, it was time actually run.
Genevieve was ready to go...
Before I say how the run went, it may be worth noting (or it may just be a lame excuse) that it was hotter (and more humid) than I expected.
I went out (first 2 miles) at around an 8:30 pace. Considering the scattered hills, I feel it was comparable to the current route I run so I hit my mark. Great, right? Nope. I was already exhausted. There was no way I was going to be able to keep that pace up for another 2 miles. I had to make a decision on the fly. I decided to run at an easy pace for the 2 mile run back. In hindsight this would have been a good plan from the beginning (running my near usual distance at my current pace and the other half slower to add distance). I turned around and headed back.
My arms were ready feeling it on the run back. When I run on my own, my arms are at a 90° angle and slightly swinging on the side of my body. With the jogger, my arms are being used to hold, stabilize and push the jogger. This expends extra energy. That was energy I was longing for at this point. I labored on.
There was one point that I definitely wanted to stop and walk for a bit. I knew that would be a bad move for me and prayed for strength to persevere. Why would that be a bad move, by the way? If I don't push through that wall in training, I will not push through during the race either.
It also proved beneficial that I watched the movie "Soul Surfer" last night. If you're unfamiliar with the basics of the true story, I will summarize it for you briefly. Bethany Hamilton was arising starin the surfing world when at age 13 she was attacked by a shark and lost her left arm. She also lost 60% of her blood meaning her survival was nothing short of miraculous. Perhaps as amazing as her survival, however, was the fact that she was back to surfing within a month. She did turn pro a few years ago and remains competitive, even with only one arm. As a solid Christian, she attributes her success to God's grace. This is an area we are in clear agreement on. Every time I run (or do anything), it's in His strength and for His glory.
So, with Bethany Hamilton's perseverance in mind and with God's strength on my side, I pressed through. When I reached the 4-mile mark, I was spent. To be honest, I felt miserable. I ended up running a 9:30 pace for the final two miles. In encouraging news, even that's a faster pace than I ran my first 2.2 mile with her about a month ago.
Running with a jogger has proven to be tough. I erred in my thinking with regards to my plans for today's run. The question is begging to be asked: "Have I bitten off more than I can chew?" The answer: it depends. If I run on my own strength, then yes. But as long as I remember that my strength is from the Lord, I know I will persevere on 9/10/11 just as through His strength I persevered today!
Friday, August 5, 2011
tresdoscuatro
I don't think it comes at a great surprise to people who know me that I love sports. I love to play them and love to watch them. It's probably also not a great surprise that when it comes to being a spectator, I root for all teams Boston. This has proven to be a fun reality over the last decade as our teams have dominated. And none have dominated more than the Patriots. That being said, they are also the team that has gone the longest without winning. As such, I've been excited to see them working toward building another legitimate contender for this season. And no move has been bigger this off-season than the addition of Chad Ochocinco.
For those who don't know, Chad Ochocinco legally changed his name from Chad Johnson so he could have his self-given nickname (Ochocinco) on the back of his jersey. Ochocinco is Spanish for 8-5. His jersey number is 85 (notice that it's not Spanish for 85).
I also enjoy playing fantasy sports, including fantasy football. I decided to honor the addition of Ochocinco in naming my team. I was trying to pick a significant number. I thought about my favorite number (if you followed my old "such is life." blog, you may know that 43 is my favorite number). Although it's my favorite number, though, it is so arbitrarily, so it just didn't jump out to me as significant enough. I thought about my college soccer number (7) but as a single-digit number it wouldn't have a good ring to it. I finally decided on "tresdoscuatro." Clearly, I meant this to represent 3-2-4 (or 324). Why 324? Let me explain.
Anyone who runs races knows that you are issued a bib number. The numbers are typically generated randomly based on when you sign up (unless your an elite runner who automatically gets either their name or low number). Needless to say the number rarely holds much significance since you don't get to choose it (or I would probably choose 43). "324" was the bib number in my last race (2011 Sharon Timlin Memorial 5k).
So if numbers are generated randomly, what qualifies the bib number from my last race to be significant? The answer: it was also coincidentally the bib number from the 2010 Hartford Marathon - my last race before the 2011 Sharon Timlin Memorial 5k. What are the odds of having the same bib number twice? I'm sure that based on their randomness, the odds can't be high. Especially considering I was issued bib 324 in two straight races. I may never get that bib number again (the odds are probably even less likely for that now) but the number will now always hold significance to me.
I'm not at all superstitious (I'm God-focused) and don't believe in luck, but that doesn't mean that I didn't/don't appreciate this crazy coincidence. Is that weird? Have you ever had the same bib number twice? Have you ever held a number dear to you for a random reason?
For those who don't know, Chad Ochocinco legally changed his name from Chad Johnson so he could have his self-given nickname (Ochocinco) on the back of his jersey. Ochocinco is Spanish for 8-5. His jersey number is 85 (notice that it's not Spanish for 85).
I also enjoy playing fantasy sports, including fantasy football. I decided to honor the addition of Ochocinco in naming my team. I was trying to pick a significant number. I thought about my favorite number (if you followed my old "such is life." blog, you may know that 43 is my favorite number). Although it's my favorite number, though, it is so arbitrarily, so it just didn't jump out to me as significant enough. I thought about my college soccer number (7) but as a single-digit number it wouldn't have a good ring to it. I finally decided on "tresdoscuatro." Clearly, I meant this to represent 3-2-4 (or 324). Why 324? Let me explain.
Anyone who runs races knows that you are issued a bib number. The numbers are typically generated randomly based on when you sign up (unless your an elite runner who automatically gets either their name or low number). Needless to say the number rarely holds much significance since you don't get to choose it (or I would probably choose 43). "324" was the bib number in my last race (2011 Sharon Timlin Memorial 5k).
So if numbers are generated randomly, what qualifies the bib number from my last race to be significant? The answer: it was also coincidentally the bib number from the 2010 Hartford Marathon - my last race before the 2011 Sharon Timlin Memorial 5k. What are the odds of having the same bib number twice? I'm sure that based on their randomness, the odds can't be high. Especially considering I was issued bib 324 in two straight races. I may never get that bib number again (the odds are probably even less likely for that now) but the number will now always hold significance to me.
I'm not at all superstitious (I'm God-focused) and don't believe in luck, but that doesn't mean that I didn't/don't appreciate this crazy coincidence. Is that weird? Have you ever had the same bib number twice? Have you ever held a number dear to you for a random reason?
Thursday, August 4, 2011
from jogging stroller to running stroller
Considering the fact that we needed to pack enough stuff for Polly, the baby and me for a whole week and taking into account the fact that I only have a Subaru Legacy (not an especially big car), the jogging stroller didn't make the cut of things to bring with us on vacation. In actuality, it's tough enough to fit the jogging stroller in the car without everything else (I have to remove the front wheel to make it fit [it's designed to do this quite conveniently]). Not being able to take the jogger meant that I couldn't run with Genevieve for a whole week. Considering the fact that our race is only slightly more than a month away (9/10/11), this reality was not incredibly helpful. If anything, I need to be increasing my training with the stroller, not decreasing it. But, there was no legitimate alternative solution. Chalk that one up to "such is life." This truth made the importance of getting out there and running with the stroller more of a priority.
Out of a need for some overtime at work (especially after a week of vacation) I chose to work 3 overtime shifts this week. That means that there are only three days I can run this week. One of those days was yesterday. As I was on my way home, the weather seemed reasonable (not too hot, too cold or raining). I called Polly and told her that I needed to run with the baby. Polly informed me that my schedule for doing so was tight because Genevieve was tired from waking up too early from her previous nap.
I got home, changed quickly, grabbed the baby and got ready to run. Genevieve gets cranky when she's tired. She wasn't cranky at the moment, but the longer I took the more tired she could be.The pressure was on. The faster I ran, the faster Polly could put the baby down for her nap (of course, she could have slept in the jogger if she was really that tired).
So, I was in a rush. Being in a rush meant that I had to run at a "fast enough" pace. Running with a jogger has been new to me. I am slower when I run with it than without. I don't think I need to explain why this is the case. Each time I have run with it (3 times now), I have run the same 2.2 mile route (more about that and the issue there in a moment). Here are my times for the first two 2.2 mile jogging stroller runs leading up to yesterday:
Run 1: 21:46
Run 2: 19:48
Before I tell you about yesterday's run, let me get to the issue of the route. It's a 2.2 mile loop around my house. The route is hilly (which is good for training, harder on time), but that's certainly not an issue. I enjoy running hills. The issue is that I haven't ventured a farther distance yet because it's the only area around my house I feel safe enough running with her (we don't have sidewalks in my back-woodsy location). The reason this is an issue is because the race is 4 miles longer than this route. I would like to run at least the 10k distance prior to the race, and my preference would actually be to go for 10 miles. There is a bike path 20 minutes away that I can go to, but I need the time to do that (the time to get there and back as well as the time to run the farther distance). Being in a rush certainly didn't leave me the option of venturing out on this occasion. So, that's why I once again stuck to this route.
Since I can't improve the distance until my (and Genevieve's) schedule allows, I need to work on getting faster and pushing harder. So, I tried to go at a decent pace yesterday. Running faster up hills is a great workout...and really tiring. I ended up shaving another minute yesterday making it 3 minutes since the first run:
Run 3: 18:46
I would like to run the entire 6.2 miles (10k) in 8:00 minute miles. This means 4 more miles at a slightly faster pace than yesterday. That's a lot to achieve in the course of a month. But I'm confident that with God's help, I will accomplish that goal. I had been taking it pretty easy to this point (even yesterday), but I want to go take it from being a jogging stroller to being a running stroller. Who likes to "jog" anyway?
For the record, Genevieve ate and immediately conked out upon our return...
Out of a need for some overtime at work (especially after a week of vacation) I chose to work 3 overtime shifts this week. That means that there are only three days I can run this week. One of those days was yesterday. As I was on my way home, the weather seemed reasonable (not too hot, too cold or raining). I called Polly and told her that I needed to run with the baby. Polly informed me that my schedule for doing so was tight because Genevieve was tired from waking up too early from her previous nap.
I got home, changed quickly, grabbed the baby and got ready to run. Genevieve gets cranky when she's tired. She wasn't cranky at the moment, but the longer I took the more tired she could be.The pressure was on. The faster I ran, the faster Polly could put the baby down for her nap (of course, she could have slept in the jogger if she was really that tired).
So, I was in a rush. Being in a rush meant that I had to run at a "fast enough" pace. Running with a jogger has been new to me. I am slower when I run with it than without. I don't think I need to explain why this is the case. Each time I have run with it (3 times now), I have run the same 2.2 mile route (more about that and the issue there in a moment). Here are my times for the first two 2.2 mile jogging stroller runs leading up to yesterday:
Run 1: 21:46
Run 2: 19:48
Before I tell you about yesterday's run, let me get to the issue of the route. It's a 2.2 mile loop around my house. The route is hilly (which is good for training, harder on time), but that's certainly not an issue. I enjoy running hills. The issue is that I haven't ventured a farther distance yet because it's the only area around my house I feel safe enough running with her (we don't have sidewalks in my back-woodsy location). The reason this is an issue is because the race is 4 miles longer than this route. I would like to run at least the 10k distance prior to the race, and my preference would actually be to go for 10 miles. There is a bike path 20 minutes away that I can go to, but I need the time to do that (the time to get there and back as well as the time to run the farther distance). Being in a rush certainly didn't leave me the option of venturing out on this occasion. So, that's why I once again stuck to this route.
Since I can't improve the distance until my (and Genevieve's) schedule allows, I need to work on getting faster and pushing harder. So, I tried to go at a decent pace yesterday. Running faster up hills is a great workout...and really tiring. I ended up shaving another minute yesterday making it 3 minutes since the first run:
Run 3: 18:46
I would like to run the entire 6.2 miles (10k) in 8:00 minute miles. This means 4 more miles at a slightly faster pace than yesterday. That's a lot to achieve in the course of a month. But I'm confident that with God's help, I will accomplish that goal. I had been taking it pretty easy to this point (even yesterday), but I want to go take it from being a jogging stroller to being a running stroller. Who likes to "jog" anyway?
For the record, Genevieve ate and immediately conked out upon our return...
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
by the numbers: vacation edition
4: Number of times I ran while on vacation. This was directly proportional to the number of clean running shorts I had at the time of packing. One pair of shorts seems to have gone missing and the other was used to run the night before I left. Six pairs of running shorts is not nearly enough, so I will be investing in more shortly. I ran on the Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of my vacation.
20.2: Total miles ran during those four runs. I ran runs of 5, 6.2, 4 and 4. This is my highest weekly total since marathon training from 2010.
2.5: Miles run while carrying a newspaper. I ran to a local market to get the newspaper. The market was precisely 2.5 miles away so I had to run the 2.5 miles back with the paper in hand. As it turned out, this was mostly uphill. It's also worth noting that I did this run on the Sunday. For those old school folks who have ever purchased an actual newspaper, you are likely aware that Sunday papers are easily the thickest of the week.
.25: Distance of my intervals for my Thursday run. I ran a half mile warm up before stretching. (I only stretch before running when I'm doing speed workouts.) I then traded off sprinting and jogging quarter mile intervals for 3 miles. I finished by running an easy half mile to cool down before stretching again. (I always stretch after a run regardless of the speed or distance.)
5:19: The fastest pace my GPS watch clocked me at during my intervals. I averaged under 6-minute miles for the first couple sprinting intervals, but ended closer to 7-minute miles. The 5:19 simply represents the fastest I was running at any moment. On the one hand, it was encouraging to me to see my speed hit that mark while still so early into my objective of getting back into running shape (it had been about a month by that run). On the other hand, it was discouraging in the grand scheme of things because my fastest timed mile in high school was 5:17. I ran faster than the fastest I ran while "sprinting" for an entire mile about 11 years ago. Looking at my actual average makes it worse. I was running just under 1:30 quarter miles, which is far from the 60 second quarters I was running in high school. Ok, ok...so I'm getting older, but at age 28, shouldn't I be in the peak years of my life right now physically? Maybe it's because I was 30 lbs lighter in high school when I ran those times. *Note: I don't sprint my absolute fastest during the "sprints" but simply go the fastest I think I can maintain for the entire quarter mile.
6.2: The longest distance I ran in one run during the week. This is also the equivalent of a 10K which I will be running with my daughter in just over a month. I'm not going to lie...adding the jogger into the mix is going to slow me down. Let's just hope it doesn't slow me down too much.
5: Slices of pizza I ate when we went for all you can eat pizza on Wednesday night. Normally, I don't eat pizza at all and definitely don't exceed 2 slices. But, when you're on vacation, you do crazy things. Hey, it was $5/person...I wanted to get my money's worth. On the positive side, I could have undoubtedly scarfed down another 5 no problem, but showed restraint. Pizza is not necessarily a runner's best friend, but there are plenty worse things one could eat.
2: Number of "coins" I purchased at a shop in Alexandria Bay. They were inspirational runner coins. On the front is a picture of a runner. On the back is the phrase, "With God, All Things Are Possible." This is a direct reference to Matthew 19:26. This is not at all what Jesus was talking about in this passage but that doesn't make it any less true! The coin was a cool piece that flows well with my running motto: "in His strength. for His glory." I will run with one of the coins during the 10k I'm running with Genevieve next month and then gift it to her after the race as a memento for her first race and a reminder of where her strength comes from. The other I already gifted to my running partner and teammate from East to West Running Club Peter Stivers (follow him on twitter @300_therunner).
2: Number of chapters I knocked out in Ryan Hall's book Running with Joy. I obviously intended to read a lot more while on vacation but opted to veg out a bunch instead.
100: Satisfaction level that I bought a GPS watch with my Christmas money earlier this year. I use it at home as well and it certainly has a great benefit to me, but the convenience of running on vacation without haven't to figure out mapping a route beforehand is a time saver and stress saver. I recommend this tool to all serious runners!
20.2: Total miles ran during those four runs. I ran runs of 5, 6.2, 4 and 4. This is my highest weekly total since marathon training from 2010.
2.5: Miles run while carrying a newspaper. I ran to a local market to get the newspaper. The market was precisely 2.5 miles away so I had to run the 2.5 miles back with the paper in hand. As it turned out, this was mostly uphill. It's also worth noting that I did this run on the Sunday. For those old school folks who have ever purchased an actual newspaper, you are likely aware that Sunday papers are easily the thickest of the week.
.25: Distance of my intervals for my Thursday run. I ran a half mile warm up before stretching. (I only stretch before running when I'm doing speed workouts.) I then traded off sprinting and jogging quarter mile intervals for 3 miles. I finished by running an easy half mile to cool down before stretching again. (I always stretch after a run regardless of the speed or distance.)
5:19: The fastest pace my GPS watch clocked me at during my intervals. I averaged under 6-minute miles for the first couple sprinting intervals, but ended closer to 7-minute miles. The 5:19 simply represents the fastest I was running at any moment. On the one hand, it was encouraging to me to see my speed hit that mark while still so early into my objective of getting back into running shape (it had been about a month by that run). On the other hand, it was discouraging in the grand scheme of things because my fastest timed mile in high school was 5:17. I ran faster than the fastest I ran while "sprinting" for an entire mile about 11 years ago. Looking at my actual average makes it worse. I was running just under 1:30 quarter miles, which is far from the 60 second quarters I was running in high school. Ok, ok...so I'm getting older, but at age 28, shouldn't I be in the peak years of my life right now physically? Maybe it's because I was 30 lbs lighter in high school when I ran those times. *Note: I don't sprint my absolute fastest during the "sprints" but simply go the fastest I think I can maintain for the entire quarter mile.
6.2: The longest distance I ran in one run during the week. This is also the equivalent of a 10K which I will be running with my daughter in just over a month. I'm not going to lie...adding the jogger into the mix is going to slow me down. Let's just hope it doesn't slow me down too much.
5: Slices of pizza I ate when we went for all you can eat pizza on Wednesday night. Normally, I don't eat pizza at all and definitely don't exceed 2 slices. But, when you're on vacation, you do crazy things. Hey, it was $5/person...I wanted to get my money's worth. On the positive side, I could have undoubtedly scarfed down another 5 no problem, but showed restraint. Pizza is not necessarily a runner's best friend, but there are plenty worse things one could eat.
2: Number of "coins" I purchased at a shop in Alexandria Bay. They were inspirational runner coins. On the front is a picture of a runner. On the back is the phrase, "With God, All Things Are Possible." This is a direct reference to Matthew 19:26. This is not at all what Jesus was talking about in this passage but that doesn't make it any less true! The coin was a cool piece that flows well with my running motto: "in His strength. for His glory." I will run with one of the coins during the 10k I'm running with Genevieve next month and then gift it to her after the race as a memento for her first race and a reminder of where her strength comes from. The other I already gifted to my running partner and teammate from East to West Running Club Peter Stivers (follow him on twitter @300_therunner).
2: Number of chapters I knocked out in Ryan Hall's book Running with Joy. I obviously intended to read a lot more while on vacation but opted to veg out a bunch instead.
100: Satisfaction level that I bought a GPS watch with my Christmas money earlier this year. I use it at home as well and it certainly has a great benefit to me, but the convenience of running on vacation without haven't to figure out mapping a route beforehand is a time saver and stress saver. I recommend this tool to all serious runners!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
now that's running that teaches, eh?
"I recommend the Old English Pub in Gananoque." The Canadian customs officer handed back our papers (Polly and my passport and Genevieve's birth certificate) and sent us on our way. Polly and I quickly decided to take the officer's lunch suggestion. We had no reason not to. We were completely unfamiliar with the area. Forget southeast Ontario, I had never even been to Canada. Polly visited this area once but she was only a kid. Having a suggestion from a local was a benefit. Our plan was to find a random restaurant. After all, our whole purpose for grabbing lunch in Canada while on vacation in upstate New York was so I could finally leave the United States for the first time in my life (which is sad considering that I grew up about 3 1/2 hours from the Canadian border). We were going to Canada to say we went to Canada. So, I followed the signs for Gananoque and we were on our way. (It's also worth noting that this was Genevieve's first trip out of the country.)
Unsurprisingly, southeastern Ontario looked a lot like New England. That aspect didn't make me feel like I was in a foreign country. In fact, only two things really jumped out at me and reminded me that we were no longer in the U.S.A. as we made our way to the restaurant.
One thing that jumped out at me was the prominence of maple leafs and lack of stars and stripes on the flags waving high. I have noticed this phenomenon before while traveling through the Canadian waters of the St. Lawrence River during previous vacations to 1000 Islands, but this was my first time experiencing it while driving down the road. I have grown so accustomed to seeing the American flag that it was eerie to me not seeing one.
The other thing that jumped out at me was more significant. Within less than a minute I saw a sign featuring the speed limit. The speed was written in kilometers with the equated miles per hour listed beneath. I was immediately thankful that the miles per hour was listed. Why? Because I don't know the metric system! I am from the U.S.A. We are one of only three countries (Myanmar and Liberia are the others) in the world that do not use the metric system.
*Random Soapbox* I have never understood why the U.S. has been so stubborn and refused to move to the metric system along with nearly every other nation of the world. And it's not as though the world uses it for no reason...it's a better system. Why wouldn't you want to use a base 10 system instead of a system that has no true base. How many meters are in a kilometer? 1,000. That's easy. Why is it easy? Because the system makes sense. Now, how many feet are in a mile? 5,280. How does that make sense. (To be fair, I wouldn't have known the answer with certainty without Google's assistance.) I want the U.S. to switch over. It might be tough initially, but it will make all the sense in the world (literally) moving forward. *End of Rant*
Unfortunately for me, the first speed limit sign was the only that included the miles per hour as well. I suddenly realized that I had no clue what the speed limit actually was. We saw a sign for Gananoque: "14 KM". Awesome. How far is that? Then it hit me (actually, I think Polly brought it up)...I can roughly figure this out. How? I don't know the conversion for our stupid system to metric, right? Well, I actually do...sort of. Here's what I remembered I knew. I run 5K's. 5K is roughly 3.1 miles. That means that 14K is just under 15K which would be nearly 9.3 miles. Figuring that 1K is roughly .6 miles based on this knowledge, I decided that 14K must be around 8.7 miles. I saw a speed limit sign for 50 KM/hour. That was an easy one...roughly 31 mph. Suddenly I realized that running prepared me better for visiting a foreign country than my extremely American math class. Now that's running that teaches, eh? (We did actually hear Canadians use "eh." It humored me).
Now, you may have just read the previous paragraph and screamed my ignorance to me. What ignorance? Well, shortly after figuring out the conversion rate using my knowledge of 5K's, I realized that speedometers also include KM/hour. I'm sure I knew that before, but never having used it I clearly forgot. I felt pretty dumb when I realized this. What can I say though...such is life. I guess it's a good reminder that sometimes the most obvious answer is the one right in front of you. (I compare it to how many times I see something I previously missed while reading the Bible. That's why there's no such thing as reading it enough.)
For the record, our three-hour venture into Canada was well worth it. We had a great time. The Old English Pub proved to be a good recommendation. I ordered the Buffalo Pot Pie (made with locally raised bison). Polly got a burger. Genevieve tried her first pickle (which she seemed to like). The food was delicious. We walked around a bit and window shopped. The only store we bought something from was a candy store. We bought some good maple toffee candies to share, a chocolate treat for me and an ice cream for Polly. I paid with a $20USD and received Canadian change back at a 1/1 rate (which was slightly to my advantage based on the actual current exchange rate). I used some of the newly acquired Canadian money to get back over the bridge into the U.S. Lacking the desire to stop and exchange the rest (seven dollars Canadian), we opted to save it for Genevieve as a souvenir for her to remember her first trip into Canada (and out of the U.S.).
This blog post seems to have taken on a life of its own and didn't even include an actual run, but I will be sure to post about my actual runs as well as other stories/lessons from my vacation tomorrow.
Unsurprisingly, southeastern Ontario looked a lot like New England. That aspect didn't make me feel like I was in a foreign country. In fact, only two things really jumped out at me and reminded me that we were no longer in the U.S.A. as we made our way to the restaurant.
One thing that jumped out at me was the prominence of maple leafs and lack of stars and stripes on the flags waving high. I have noticed this phenomenon before while traveling through the Canadian waters of the St. Lawrence River during previous vacations to 1000 Islands, but this was my first time experiencing it while driving down the road. I have grown so accustomed to seeing the American flag that it was eerie to me not seeing one.
The other thing that jumped out at me was more significant. Within less than a minute I saw a sign featuring the speed limit. The speed was written in kilometers with the equated miles per hour listed beneath. I was immediately thankful that the miles per hour was listed. Why? Because I don't know the metric system! I am from the U.S.A. We are one of only three countries (Myanmar and Liberia are the others) in the world that do not use the metric system.
*Random Soapbox* I have never understood why the U.S. has been so stubborn and refused to move to the metric system along with nearly every other nation of the world. And it's not as though the world uses it for no reason...it's a better system. Why wouldn't you want to use a base 10 system instead of a system that has no true base. How many meters are in a kilometer? 1,000. That's easy. Why is it easy? Because the system makes sense. Now, how many feet are in a mile? 5,280. How does that make sense. (To be fair, I wouldn't have known the answer with certainty without Google's assistance.) I want the U.S. to switch over. It might be tough initially, but it will make all the sense in the world (literally) moving forward. *End of Rant*
Unfortunately for me, the first speed limit sign was the only that included the miles per hour as well. I suddenly realized that I had no clue what the speed limit actually was. We saw a sign for Gananoque: "14 KM". Awesome. How far is that? Then it hit me (actually, I think Polly brought it up)...I can roughly figure this out. How? I don't know the conversion for our stupid system to metric, right? Well, I actually do...sort of. Here's what I remembered I knew. I run 5K's. 5K is roughly 3.1 miles. That means that 14K is just under 15K which would be nearly 9.3 miles. Figuring that 1K is roughly .6 miles based on this knowledge, I decided that 14K must be around 8.7 miles. I saw a speed limit sign for 50 KM/hour. That was an easy one...roughly 31 mph. Suddenly I realized that running prepared me better for visiting a foreign country than my extremely American math class. Now that's running that teaches, eh? (We did actually hear Canadians use "eh." It humored me).
Now, you may have just read the previous paragraph and screamed my ignorance to me. What ignorance? Well, shortly after figuring out the conversion rate using my knowledge of 5K's, I realized that speedometers also include KM/hour. I'm sure I knew that before, but never having used it I clearly forgot. I felt pretty dumb when I realized this. What can I say though...such is life. I guess it's a good reminder that sometimes the most obvious answer is the one right in front of you. (I compare it to how many times I see something I previously missed while reading the Bible. That's why there's no such thing as reading it enough.)
For the record, our three-hour venture into Canada was well worth it. We had a great time. The Old English Pub proved to be a good recommendation. I ordered the Buffalo Pot Pie (made with locally raised bison). Polly got a burger. Genevieve tried her first pickle (which she seemed to like). The food was delicious. We walked around a bit and window shopped. The only store we bought something from was a candy store. We bought some good maple toffee candies to share, a chocolate treat for me and an ice cream for Polly. I paid with a $20USD and received Canadian change back at a 1/1 rate (which was slightly to my advantage based on the actual current exchange rate). I used some of the newly acquired Canadian money to get back over the bridge into the U.S. Lacking the desire to stop and exchange the rest (seven dollars Canadian), we opted to save it for Genevieve as a souvenir for her to remember her first trip into Canada (and out of the U.S.).
This blog post seems to have taken on a life of its own and didn't even include an actual run, but I will be sure to post about my actual runs as well as other stories/lessons from my vacation tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)