Pressure Cooker

My mother always told me I put more pressure on myself than she ever did (debatable). Perhaps that’s why I wound up married to someone who likes to put pressure on himself and those around him.

Take for example, Mike’s decision to train and run a 50-mile trail race in September. That’s a huge challenge for anyone and even more so for someone recovering from a bacterial infection in his neck bone. A few weeks ago, though, this race turned into me pacing for the last 10 miles. OK, I can do that.

Not so fast.

Turns out I really need to pace him for the last 15 miles. When I ended the first (and only) half marathon I’ve ever run, I went to Mike and said, “I didn’t like that at all.” So it makes total sense that he would push me to go even further, right?

In fairness, I do have an interest in running another half – specifically so I can feel “good” at the end. (I realize this is naïve of me, but a girl can dream.) But 15 miles is so far.

The truth is, though, I do think I’m up for a new challenge – so here goes!

My 100 Days

I am probably more psyched than most about President Obama -- it still gives me chills. But all this fuss about the first 100 days is kind of annoying. No one cared what Bush I, Clinton or Bush II did in their 100 days. Enough already. 

Since people are focused on 100-day segments, I figure I better take the next 100 days to do something great. (My first 100 days of the Obama presidency were mostly filled with Mike's sickness and other stress. So I'm taking over the next 100.) 

It started today -- slowly. I took a late-morning run on the trail and felt great.  I'm committed to running at least three days a week, preferably four, and continuing with the TV yoga. (I may join a yoga studio in town, but we'll see.) Mike and I also plan join the local Y so we can start swimming again (and use those Total Immersion training tips we learned). 

As for food, I'm already a vegetarian, so there's only so much I can take out of my diet. I will, however, continue on my goal of removing high fructose corn syrup from the food I eat and limit the regular corn syrup. Chemicals in food freak me out, but I do enjoy Diet Coke. So far, I've been good at keeping this out of my diet, but I've caved a few times. (Nothing cures a hangover like a tall glass of water and cold Diet Coke.) I'll also be more aware of the other foods that may contain chemicals. Mike and I have made the switch to dried legumes to reduce the salt from the cans. This is all part of trying to remove as many packaged foods from our diets as we can.

I'll be chronicling this adventure on this blog, though I doubt I will be able to update daily. (I'll try.) This is not a day-by-day endeavor, rather it's an ongoing tale of my 100 days. Enjoy!

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.