Today's Run OR I Came to Kick Butt and Chew Bubble Gum

The up side of cooler weather is that is easier to really get moving once I get out the door, if only to get warm. The down side is getting out the door, especially when Luna gets really snuggly. But I went. Of course.

Because of how the audio cues fall, I didn't know how well I had been doing until I was nearly home. I was very pleased. I'm watching my running intervals become more solid one at a time, like sliding beads on a string. Once every running interval is set, I'll up the time again.

So, yes, right now I'm concentrating on speed, although it feels strange to call it that. In my mind, I'm working on the goal of actually running an entire 5K with no walk intervals. I know it's not necessary, but I feel like I have to get this done before switching to longer distances.

I was pondering this morning about how on earth I'm going to be able to train for distance. Right now, devoting a half hour is pretty easy. If I'm going to go 10K and beyond, I need to think of 1 hour+ training sessions. Does that mean getting up even earlier? How badly do I want this?

Today's Run OR Upping the Intervals

As is common to this part of the world, temps went from low 80s yesterday to mid 50s today. When I left the house, there was a cold mist and wind that made me almost reconsider going out in the first place. Glad I did. Was even more glad for my Bondiband. (Dear Santa, please send more! All the colors!)

I nudged my intervals up from 1 min run/1 min walk to 1.5 min run/1 min walk. Seemingly minimal (and something I had sort of done before), but it was time to push myself. Of course, not every interval was completely running (partially due to traffic), but I see that I will be able to get it done to my satisfaction.

It feels foolish to admit these tiny goals. I'm basically repeating the original C25K training. One of the things I didn't like the first time around was that I couldn't repeat any of the runs; I felt forced to move forward before I was solid. I want to be a confident runner (if that's possible).

Today's Swim OR Take Courage Monday

Got going early this morning for water weight training. Pool was super full. I'm assuming post-holiday guilt for some, although I am beginning to recognize who the "regulars" are.

As for myself, I felt wonderfully stretched out in the water--like an otter. Okay, maybe an Otter Pop. Or a Tootsie Pop. But probably more like a Tootsie Roll.

Doesn't matter. I showed up. So there.

And speaking of holidays, I seem to have maintained my weight. Plus I'm having to change out rings--some too big, some finally fitting again. It's the little things.

A couple things that inspired me this weekend:

1) This video that's making the rounds on FB



2) This thought-provoking discussion on vulnerability that hit me on multiple levels.

Be encouraged! Be the One--for someone else or yourself!

Happy Monday!

Today's Run OR Cheaper Than Therapy

I need to rethink Thanksgiving weekend. The day itself is usually good after we scramble to figure out our plans (and I do no food prep except for the occasional baking--that's all Mister). The day after is a little ... blank. Part of it is post-rush let-down. Part of it is a self-imposed house arrest to avoid shopping crowds. Part of it is an annual sadness that lurks in the corners; I try not to stare at it and make it bigger. And then I usually have to work that Saturday (as I do this year).

All this to say that, even though it made getting ready a little tight this morning, I really needed to run. Another brain-turned-off-follow-the-intervals-but-not-push outing. So, speed sucked. But oddly enough, I made a PR for longest distance in a week. Unexpected, that.

But I really need to figure out a new tradition for the Friday that follows Thanksgiving. If I've learned nothing else from this venture, it's that change rarely "just happens." Intention is involved.

(Virtual) Race Report: Gobbler Gallop

Charity: For the Love of the Kids
Finish Time: 0:42:17

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Of the virtual races I have done so far, this felt the most "race-like." Part of it was the bib. I normally feel a little weird about pinning on a bib for a run around the neighborhood; but the one that was sent in my race packet was so nice, I felt obligated to wear it. I'm glad I did. It helped me take the venture seriously.

Another part that helped was that my family got up with me to see me off; Mister set the timer for 40 minutes, and then he and Miss greeted me at the finish line (aka the end of our block).

But little things made this race wonderful. The weather is gorgeous. No technical issues with my GPS or my music. Easy traffic. Easy terrain. Met a couple walking their dogs at one point who cheered me on. I was also mindful that both my Running Mama was racing this morning, as well as one of my dearest friends participating in her first 5K; I said a prayer of gratitude for them both.

I have a lot for which to be thankful. I really do.

And now, as Master Shifu would say, "I am free to eat."

Today's Run OR Meh

Today's run was not one of those spiritual and insightful sort of outings. It was--meh. Lots of walking. Brain tuned out.

It was more something to check off the list. One less thing to feel guilty about.

I'm really okay with not everything being epic.

Today's Run OR Thanksgiving Week

After scrolling through a bunch of run and race reports yesterday, my heart wanted to RUN! I was, however, still a little sore after Saturday's excursion with Miss to Hermann Park and the zoo.* Plus, I have a virtual race on Thanksgiving morning, which means timing my runs. Would a swim be more beneficial?

Turns out the pool at the Y is having maintenance (glad I found out before I arrived). Run it is!

Great run (except for issues with my GPS)! Again, solid run intervals. At the beginning I thought, I can go longer than this! Toward the end, I was counting down for each interval, but they were completed. Says to me two things: 1) don't blow out at the beginning; and 2) it's time to up the intervals.

I'm not sure how to plan the rest of my week, though. Maybe a short, easy run tomorrow; walk on Wednesday; virtual race on Thursday; possible family activity on Friday (but what?); pre-work walk on Saturday (or maybe rest).

* If I was tired, I can only imagine what her little legs and feet were like. She did clunk out on the drive home and slept very well that night. I am probably underestimating her.