It's OK to Say Hello!

As I promised myself, I woke up this morning and took a short run. Saturday mornings are great for runs on the trail that starts in front of our house and meanders down to the George Washington Bridge. 

After Mike's dramatic story about finding a half-eaten carcass on the trail yesterday, I was hesitant, yet intrigued. I headed out on the trail preparing to see a disgustingly rotted deer carcass. Thankfully, though, the bones had been cleaned (by other animals, I guess) and dried in yesterday afternoon's sun. Still creepy, though. 

On way back, I encountered a few other runners and walkers. I tend to be a good mood when I run, so I love to share cheer with all who pass. Most at least offer a smile, but today was different. I encountered a man and woman running together (well she was trying to catch up), who couldn't even crack their lips to my cheerful "good morning," WTF? Is it really that hard? Come on people -- exercising is supposed to be fun and make you feel good. Would it hurt to crack a smile or nod? I expect cyclist to now say hello (more on that later), but other runners and walkers are supposed to be different. It's Saturday, it's going to be 80 degrees, what could be so bad? (end of rant)

So next time you're running and someone says hello, remember to at least crack a smile. Enjoy today! 

Taking Back the Morning

To be fair on myself, I have to admit that it’s been a hard year. My hub’s sickness really took its toll on me – physically and emotionally. My entire schedule was messed up for four months.

But the excuses have to end. It’s time for me to get back into my training – for life. I did indeed accomplish my goal of running a half marathon (I’ll write more on that later). At the end of which, I said, “I didn’t like that.” So my new goal is to run one that doesn’t hurt quite as much. Perhaps the weather can be above 26 at the start and the water station at mile 10 won’t be filled with ice – more importantly, though, I will have trained right.

I was reminded of this by a New York Times article today that focuses on the importance of training to succeed.

And in doing so, I will try to keep this blog as updated as possible on my progress. That said; blogging can’t get in the way of training.

Dorky Commuter

It’s T-minus-six days until the race and my nerves are starting to kick in. Not to mention my right knee, which has never been a problem, feels weird.

I expect my left knee to hurt. (We have a history together – falling on ice, falling on concrete, cheerleading, surgery, etc.) But when a totally different knee hurts, I get a little freaked.

This weekend I took the pain to mean I needed to rest – did a short 3 miles on Sunday, but nothing else. And I’ve now turned into the ultimate dorky commuter with my running shoes on. But, hey – I can’t chance being hurt on Sunday.

Runner's High

With less than four weeks left to go, I’m feeling more confident about the race. This weekend was my first-ever 10-miler. Yes, it hurt, but not as bad I thought it would and not for very long. After an afternoon nap, my leg pains were pretty much gone. (… if only the nasty headache I had would have gone away, too.)

One of the greatest things about this endeavor is that I reintroduced myself to the runner’s high. It’s something that happens at different points for people, but it’s one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Remember when you were young and running around without a care in the world. You know, when you thought you were invincible and the only thing stopping you from getting to the top of the tree was fear of the trouble you would get in from the adults, not fear of falling.

That’s what it’s like for me. My first two or three miles are spent psyching myself into my runs. (Because I run in the mornings, there is a huge mental wall in the way at times, but I chug on.) At around mile three and four, I feel good. Wow, I’m running. Me, the girl who had the doctor write a permanent note for gym class so she would NEVER have to run; and I’m pretty good. Mile five is cake (and I often dream of the cake I can eat since I did run!). From there it's bliss… I just get this huge boost of energy like I can do anything… climb the highest tree, jump from the sky or, even run a marathon (crazy).

Don’t worry; I don’t think there is a marathon in my future, because runner’s high can’t fix my knee, but it is truly one of the greatest feelings. If you’re not into running, swim a mile or bike about 15 miles – it happens then, too. Pushing your body to its limits feels awesome – I highly recommend it!

Feeling Invincible

One of the greatest things about running for me is feeling like nothing can stop you. It had been a long time since I felt that amazing feeling--like I could run forever. Yesterday, it came back.

I missed my morning run yesterday, but came home early enough to take a run through on the trail in front of my house.

Baby Girl?

When did it become a turn on or even attractive to use the term "baby girl" when referring to a woman? (And what does this have to do with running, right?)

At the start of my daily runs, I head north on my street and happen through my "town," which has a pretty lively nightlife that often extends into the early hours of my run, on Fridays and Saturdays mostly. But today -- Thursday -- I run past a group of three guys (early 20s, I guess) who call out to me "Hey, baby girl!" "Hey, baby girl." (I don't reply and they mumble something.) Sadly this is not the first time someone has referred to me as "baby girl," but I had a good three miles to over-contemplate the encounter and I'm left baffled. What did these guys hope to accomplish? Was I going to stop my training to say, "Hey, big boys how's that corner treatin' you?" And then what?

Whatever the desired outcome, I'm more concerned that we -- women -- have somehow made it OK to be referred to as one might a child. Why is it that a man is a "big daddy" (don't get me started on that one), but women are "baby girls?" I guess it's all part of the gross incest theme of sexual relations in our society. When did that happen? Perhaps I should do more research. I'd much prefer a man (or woman) call me "Michelle" with a loving glance than any of these weird terms of endearment.

(end of rant)

And the run? I ran today because by the time I got home last night my head was hurting and I didn't feel like running. (I did a yoga DVD instead.) This mornings run was OK. It started off slow, but got better as I hit mile one. My knee was a little sore after, but nothing a little ice didn't help.

Getting Back Up

So you could say I've fallen off the training a bit this past month. And the truth is I have no one to blame but myself. But I've promised myself that I will run four times this week and yoga twice. I'm started well with a great three mile run yesterday. I missed yoga this morning, but will make it up tomorrow evening.

My inspiration is a book titled: Anti Cancer: A New Way of Life, by David Servan-Schreiber. Mike and I were lucky enough go to the official launch party and hear from David himself about the book and his personal struggles with cancer. He takes the "you are what you eat" adage a few steps further -- "you are what you eat, drink and do and who you hang out with." I can't wait to read the book.

The truth is if we all work to be better versions of ourselves, the world would be a much better place. As simple as that seems, that's my goal. Each day I'm going to try to improve on the fabulousness that is me. Sounds like a plan to me!