Saturday, July 26, Week 2, 8 wks to Race - Crosstrain Day

Amongst all my other things I have to do today, I have to get my training in somehow. Today's tactic is biking down to The Taylor Dock, then back up to the Farmer's Market and then back to Boulevard park for our gig. It's almost 7 miles for the entire trip. It seems like it's not a lot, especially since I'll be stopping at the Market to see my friends and have lunch. However, I will also be gigging, which means a lot of jumping around and possible dancing in between. I count all these things as "cross training".

Whatever you do that gets your heart pumping is good, but when training or focused on a goal (like weight loss), it's important to find at least one stretch of time that gets your heart rate in your training zone for at least 20 minutes.

Also, having mapped this route, I can see this is a possible long training run prior to the big race. Either way it's a beautiful day to get out in it.

My goal is to post daily, but I will be offline from Tuesday through Sunday. I will try to post something interesting when I get back. Until then, whatever gets you out there, hang onto it!

Friday, July 23rd - Week 2 - Race day in 8+ weeks

Okay, well, I started training about two weeks ago, but knew that the race was far enough off to not get too serious. However, as is typical with me, if I go more than 2 days without working out - especially running - my mental energy begins slipping. I get antsy, angsty, angry, and generally not that fun to be around. I also have learned in the last few months that I grit my teeth when I haven't gotten my daily endorphin kick. I have been futzing all day whilst the clock tick-tocks away to my deadline that I MUST get out the door or call it another lost opportunity. My jaw is killing me and I can't seem to sit still. It's a beautiful day out and this a perfect "run day" in the grand scheme of my workouts. So, why am I not out there?

Fear.

Really, that's all it comes down to. Fear of being fabulous and fear of success. So... yeah... its 1:16pm. I have to be showered and ready to head out to a gig by 3:30. I should run 4 miles, but even getting out there for 3! GO, damnit, GET OUT THERE! ... Okay, three miles... I know the route to get me my 3 miles. Out and back. Then I can take a shower (because I stink!) and put on my new make-up.

Also, I really want my jaw to relax, so... I know where my shoes are... It's 1:35... be back in 30+.

The Beginning

In June, I ran my first 10k, and my third race, ever. Training for that race has led me here, to writing a blog.

Training for the first race (a 5k), was, at the time, a real accomplishment. Looking back, I see that it helped prepare me more mentally than physically to adjust to the runner's mind. Since that first race, I've consistently made running a part of my balanced, healthy lifestyle. Most of my training for races was confined to my own brain and the random comments to my husband, children or close friends - and the occasional unsuspecting co-worker. However, with the onset of Facebook, I have found an audience for my training comments and a personal desire to expand on my 420-maximum status updates.

So, for those of you who inspire me, and those who are inspired by me, I am making my thoughts "public" - at least those thoughts that pertain to running and health. I'll do my best to keep my posts confined to my running life, but as many who have found the nirvana of meditative exercise can relate, running is where I have some of my most profound epiphanies about other areas of my life. So begins my runner's diary. Welcome ... to my mind...