That's kinda how I feel right now...that I only have my wits about me enough to put one foot in front of the other. There are several stressfull things going on in my tiny corner of the world, and trying my very best to not let it effect my training - but admittedly, it's hard to do sometimes.
There are 46 days left until my event. I'm still training, and doing TaeKwonDo. Now, I've added some light strength training for my knees. Today, they are mildly tender - but they do not hurt. Even after a very intense TKD workout last night with lots of twisting, pivoting and jumping...they do not hurt.
The key now is to remain consistant, and injury free. Left........right.........left.......right...left...right...left...right, left, right, left, right, leftrightleftright.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Du the Gu in Nu Shuz
So...at the race event in September there will be a lot of things going on along the course: music, spectators, water stations, and Gu. I love the first 3 things, but Gu?!? What the heck is Gu, and why on earth is it on my race course? Well, it is a gel-like substance that helps with energy on long distance treks.
Normally, I am not a fan of energy drinks, or substances - but at mile 10...who knows what my brain will be thinking: mirages, delirium? So, on the off chance that my brain, in a state of slosh, demands that my hand reach for a packet of this Gu - i thought it wise to start training with it, a little. I bought 2 flavors: orange and lemon, and used them yesterday during my long run/walk.
I am so glad that I have 1.5 months to get use to this Gu. It wasn't bad...just VERY different.
In conjunction with this new experience, I'm also breaking in a new pair of shoes. The Motos that I bought a few weeks ago, didn't last very long. So, I'm wearin a very stylish, gray and pink pair of shoes with great arch support. Unfortunately, my feetsies aren't quiet used to them yet, so they yell loudly at me.
Now - with 54 days left, I must continue to press on. I still think I'm a little loopy, but what's life without a little loopiness.
Normally, I am not a fan of energy drinks, or substances - but at mile 10...who knows what my brain will be thinking: mirages, delirium? So, on the off chance that my brain, in a state of slosh, demands that my hand reach for a packet of this Gu - i thought it wise to start training with it, a little. I bought 2 flavors: orange and lemon, and used them yesterday during my long run/walk.
I am so glad that I have 1.5 months to get use to this Gu. It wasn't bad...just VERY different.
In conjunction with this new experience, I'm also breaking in a new pair of shoes. The Motos that I bought a few weeks ago, didn't last very long. So, I'm wearin a very stylish, gray and pink pair of shoes with great arch support. Unfortunately, my feetsies aren't quiet used to them yet, so they yell loudly at me.
Now - with 54 days left, I must continue to press on. I still think I'm a little loopy, but what's life without a little loopiness.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
60 Days and counting
Well, yesterday was the 2 month mark. Now is the time where my "focus needs more focus." No slacking, no whining, no more punkin' out.
I will admit, rather freely, that I am quite nervous at the thought that in 60 days...I'll be in mid-route journeying toward the finish line. I have NEVER done anything like this...done something that didn't hinge on my natural abilities and/or talents. There is always the through of "What if I fail?" or "What if I'm last?" I try and tell myself that it doesn't really matter - but deep down...it does.
When I think about some of my friends (both past and present) have accomplished - I feel like a slight underachiever. But I know I can't stay in that frame of mind, now can I? So, i will do my best to throw out the line of thinking...and work at persevering through this all the way to the finish line.
60 days and counting!
I will admit, rather freely, that I am quite nervous at the thought that in 60 days...I'll be in mid-route journeying toward the finish line. I have NEVER done anything like this...done something that didn't hinge on my natural abilities and/or talents. There is always the through of "What if I fail?" or "What if I'm last?" I try and tell myself that it doesn't really matter - but deep down...it does.
When I think about some of my friends (both past and present) have accomplished - I feel like a slight underachiever. But I know I can't stay in that frame of mind, now can I? So, i will do my best to throw out the line of thinking...and work at persevering through this all the way to the finish line.
60 days and counting!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Back to the Grind
A week ago, I injured my knee (slightly), so I took that week off from training - spent the day home on Friday to ice and elevate it. Went out this morning for the first time and while my knee was little tender when I began jogging, it eventually loosend up and didn't twinge quite as bad.
What caused my knee to rebel against me...? One day during a Taekwondo class, I attempted to do 'real' squats, which I know to be a no-no. Squats and lunges are my MORTAL ENEMY!!!! The up-down motion on my knee joints is painful, and while it feels good at the moment and I tuck my thumbs under my proverbial suspenders thinking I've just done this wonderous thing...I pay for it a few days after...not on a few occassions, but EVERY...SINGLE...TIME!!!
So, i'll continue to do isometric squats and lunges while the rest of my compatriots bob up and down. Perhaps one day, when I'm about 115 pounds lighter, maybe then I'll be able to do them.
Guess what?!? I bought a new pair of running shoes. The Nike Air Max Moto+7. It is suprisingly comfortable and feels good on my tootsies. It also opens up the option to use Nike+, which is a small device that fits in the shoe, under the insert. It provides training data, and can sync with my itouch.
However, these wonderful, beautifully new, super hot-looking shoes DEFINITELY need to be broken in. I walked in them today for the first time, and by the time I was done, i thought I would cry because the outstep of my foot ached so badly. I think this happens with most new shoes, and after about a week or so, i'll be just fine. But in the interim...GEEZ!
There are 67 days until the race. My self-motivation is wearing thin as of late. I'm finding it harder and harder to get up in the morning and walk/jog - especially during these wonderful, Florida humid months. i'm not giving up by any small stretch, I'm just sayin' it's gettin hard.
So I'm askin' you to help me keep running this race with perseverance.
What caused my knee to rebel against me...? One day during a Taekwondo class, I attempted to do 'real' squats, which I know to be a no-no. Squats and lunges are my MORTAL ENEMY!!!! The up-down motion on my knee joints is painful, and while it feels good at the moment and I tuck my thumbs under my proverbial suspenders thinking I've just done this wonderous thing...I pay for it a few days after...not on a few occassions, but EVERY...SINGLE...TIME!!!
So, i'll continue to do isometric squats and lunges while the rest of my compatriots bob up and down. Perhaps one day, when I'm about 115 pounds lighter, maybe then I'll be able to do them.
Guess what?!? I bought a new pair of running shoes. The Nike Air Max Moto+7. It is suprisingly comfortable and feels good on my tootsies. It also opens up the option to use Nike+, which is a small device that fits in the shoe, under the insert. It provides training data, and can sync with my itouch.
However, these wonderful, beautifully new, super hot-looking shoes DEFINITELY need to be broken in. I walked in them today for the first time, and by the time I was done, i thought I would cry because the outstep of my foot ached so badly. I think this happens with most new shoes, and after about a week or so, i'll be just fine. But in the interim...GEEZ!
There are 67 days until the race. My self-motivation is wearing thin as of late. I'm finding it harder and harder to get up in the morning and walk/jog - especially during these wonderful, Florida humid months. i'm not giving up by any small stretch, I'm just sayin' it's gettin hard.
So I'm askin' you to help me keep running this race with perseverance.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Dear Anonymous Comment -
I don't think that I have ever been so humbled and honored. Thank you for your kind words of encouragment. Your new committment has inspired my heart. When I started this journey 41 entries ago - my heart's desire was to inspire people to start their own journey; to help encouragment and challenge them to take strides of faith. But in all honesty, I didnt' really think it would happen. It was a nice dream and desire, but I had no idea that this tiny blog would have the effect that is has.
If I could offer 1 piece of advice for your new journey, it would be this: find someone you trust and can count on to run this race and train with. Also, surround yourself with a good support system (including me, i hope) to offer you encouragement, and who you can share your concerns, struggles, triumphs and feelings with about the whole process. I have a great support base of family and friends (both near and far) who send their love to me. But I have done the majority of my training alone. This was fine in the beginning, but after about 6 weeks - it got kinda lonely and was very hard to push myself like I need to.
This is a very physical process, but it also seems to be a very emotional one too. I am sorting through thoughts and feelings that I've not really had to deal with in over 15+ years. To have an outlet for it all is so important. You might consider starting your own blog. :)
Friend, i hope to hear from you again. Let's help one another to run with perseverance this race (any kind) that has been set before us and we have made the choice to journey. Thank you again for inspiring me.
If I could offer 1 piece of advice for your new journey, it would be this: find someone you trust and can count on to run this race and train with. Also, surround yourself with a good support system (including me, i hope) to offer you encouragement, and who you can share your concerns, struggles, triumphs and feelings with about the whole process. I have a great support base of family and friends (both near and far) who send their love to me. But I have done the majority of my training alone. This was fine in the beginning, but after about 6 weeks - it got kinda lonely and was very hard to push myself like I need to.
This is a very physical process, but it also seems to be a very emotional one too. I am sorting through thoughts and feelings that I've not really had to deal with in over 15+ years. To have an outlet for it all is so important. You might consider starting your own blog. :)
Friend, i hope to hear from you again. Let's help one another to run with perseverance this race (any kind) that has been set before us and we have made the choice to journey. Thank you again for inspiring me.
Monday, June 21, 2010
TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY POINTLESS?!?!?!?
So, yesterday (Sunday) I went on my jog/walk around the campus as I have been doing for the last few Sundays. The weather was actually kind to me. In the midst of dripping sweat, and feeling my calves becoming more defined - I let my mind wander.
The last 2 weeks have been less than motivational. I've skipped workouts and have really not bad much attention to the food and drinks I've put in my body.
I started thinking - and I can be fairly logical when I need to be (or when no one is looking)! :) If I am so stubborn and lazy to not really monitor my eating habits, then what is the point of working out?!? If I have a great morning run, but eat a greasy cheeseburger for NO other reason that I just wanted one...then all the sweat, tears, panting, burning, and sometimes limping have been voided out.
In the book of Romans, Paul talks about where sin and evil behavior increase, God's exention of grace increases all the more. But should we continue in wrong behaviors so that grace could increase? In other words, is grace a license to do wrong? Of course not. The same thing is true in my case - does working out more give me free reign to continue to make unhealthy choices...of course not.
Every time I make an unhealthy choice...a portion of my journey has become pointless. If my goal (aside from the half-marathon) is to become healthy and build good habits, working out alone will not do it. For me, there must be a conscious effort to choose the apple over the Hershey's bar, the salad over the burger, and the water over the endless IV of coffee and sodas.
I don't want my journey to become moot because I wanted to cheeseburger. I don't want all the hard work to be totally and completely pointless.
Please help me to run with true perseverance this race set before me - and to stay the course with diligence.
The last 2 weeks have been less than motivational. I've skipped workouts and have really not bad much attention to the food and drinks I've put in my body.
I started thinking - and I can be fairly logical when I need to be (or when no one is looking)! :) If I am so stubborn and lazy to not really monitor my eating habits, then what is the point of working out?!? If I have a great morning run, but eat a greasy cheeseburger for NO other reason that I just wanted one...then all the sweat, tears, panting, burning, and sometimes limping have been voided out.
In the book of Romans, Paul talks about where sin and evil behavior increase, God's exention of grace increases all the more. But should we continue in wrong behaviors so that grace could increase? In other words, is grace a license to do wrong? Of course not. The same thing is true in my case - does working out more give me free reign to continue to make unhealthy choices...of course not.
Every time I make an unhealthy choice...a portion of my journey has become pointless. If my goal (aside from the half-marathon) is to become healthy and build good habits, working out alone will not do it. For me, there must be a conscious effort to choose the apple over the Hershey's bar, the salad over the burger, and the water over the endless IV of coffee and sodas.
I don't want my journey to become moot because I wanted to cheeseburger. I don't want all the hard work to be totally and completely pointless.
Please help me to run with true perseverance this race set before me - and to stay the course with diligence.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hunka hunka Burnin Calves
I went running this morning - but it sure felt like was starting from scratch. I was very winded, and sweaty - and my CALVES WERE KILLING ME!!!
However, I pushed through at made my 25 minute scheduled walk.
Do any of you run, and your muscles not burn? Will there ever be a moment when my body, as a whole, will move like a well-oiled machine - everything working as it should, no pain, cramping, burning, stinging, panting, tearing...etc?
Perhaps one day - but I assure you...today was not that day.
Keep the Faith, Stay the Course - and Run with Perseverance this race that's marked for us!
However, I pushed through at made my 25 minute scheduled walk.
Do any of you run, and your muscles not burn? Will there ever be a moment when my body, as a whole, will move like a well-oiled machine - everything working as it should, no pain, cramping, burning, stinging, panting, tearing...etc?
Perhaps one day - but I assure you...today was not that day.
Keep the Faith, Stay the Course - and Run with Perseverance this race that's marked for us!
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