I was out of commission for about a week. I have had this nagging pain that occurs in my arse. Unfortunately, it seems to get worse after about a week of working out. The only thing that seems to help is time off.
So, this week I am incorporating a different strategy. I am going to two-a-day workouts. This might sound crazy, but I am going to give it a try. It is not that I am doing more work, as in each workout before I was both running, lifting, doing some ab and back strengthening exercises... plus some stretches. Instead of doing it all in one workout, I am breaking it up into workouts that are at least 9 hours apart.
The morning will consist of a walk. Not a power walk, but not a lazy meandering through the park either. Just a 20-30 minute walk to get the juices flowing. There are plenty of hills and twists and turn, so I figure this will help to get the heart rate up and start that metabolism. After my walk, there will be half of my lifting and abs for the day - then some stretches before bringing it in to home base.
The evening will consist of a bike or run to get warmed up, the other half of my lifting and abs - then some stretching. I am hoping that this approach will both strengthen the muscles and work to keep them from getting so cold and achy between workouts.
We will see how this approach goes.
Today my morning workout took about an hour (but I did stop and watch the mokeys flying through the trees and then again to watch a giant tree that had fallen on the path be cut into pieces). My evening workout took about 45 minutes. All-in-all it was very doable time-wise.
Live to run another day.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Week 2, Day 1...New Schedule?
Today started week 2 for me in the Couch to 5k (C25k) program. Physically it wasn't a hard day, but psychologically it had a moment of dispair. Well, maybe not dispair - but there was a moment between minutes 10-12 that I just wanted to stop.
The thing is - it wasn't anything physical that was making me consider just stopping. It was purely about control. Which part of me - the athlete or the couch potato - was in control? It was like a two-year-old rebelling about not wearing shoes. Like a teenager who thinks her friends are right and there is no way her parents can understand. But today - Today I told those children to stop being so simple minded. To focus on the long-term goal. To do what was best - for her - for today - for the future. Today - the athlete won.
The thing I am realizing is that I am a person who has thrived in chaos - or so I want myself to believe. It is more that I survived chaos. It was the careers I held that were chaos. In reality, I didn't thrive in them - I was just one of the best survivors. I can handle chaos.
BUT - If I really look at my successes, really look at them. I find that the best, the sweetest, the most rewarding successes came when I had a routine. A set routine. A compartmentalized day. Time for me; time for my body/workout; time to work; time to read/study; time to socialize; time to rest. Do not get me wrong. It wasn't that I did exactly the same thing everyday at the exact same time. But there were sections of my day that were set. Rarely did I alter them. If I did it was for something important - a marriage or some other life moments. If I altered them - I already had a plan for when I was making the time up or how I was working around the change.
When I had kids - I just seemed to let all of that go. 'Good graciousness - don't be that micro-managing mom. The ones you see on TV and say she is off her rocker...' that was my thought process. What that translated to in my reality was - You don't have to do anything. Do what you want, when you want, as long as it is good for the kids.
That hasn't been a horrible mindset, but it hasn't made me happy. So, I am going back to a bit of a daily schedule. I told my kids about it today. They are on board. I think this will be better for us in the long-run as well. My kids should see this side of me. They need to see this side of me so they can better understand my previous successes. More than that - they need to see that there are different things that work at different times. They can always apply that to their education, social life, careers, etc.
But this isn't particularly about them. It is just easier to say that I am doing it for the kids, than to admit that this is something I need and want. Because *that is so selfish for a mother to do. Right??
Today I ran.
The thing is - it wasn't anything physical that was making me consider just stopping. It was purely about control. Which part of me - the athlete or the couch potato - was in control? It was like a two-year-old rebelling about not wearing shoes. Like a teenager who thinks her friends are right and there is no way her parents can understand. But today - Today I told those children to stop being so simple minded. To focus on the long-term goal. To do what was best - for her - for today - for the future. Today - the athlete won.
The thing I am realizing is that I am a person who has thrived in chaos - or so I want myself to believe. It is more that I survived chaos. It was the careers I held that were chaos. In reality, I didn't thrive in them - I was just one of the best survivors. I can handle chaos.
BUT - If I really look at my successes, really look at them. I find that the best, the sweetest, the most rewarding successes came when I had a routine. A set routine. A compartmentalized day. Time for me; time for my body/workout; time to work; time to read/study; time to socialize; time to rest. Do not get me wrong. It wasn't that I did exactly the same thing everyday at the exact same time. But there were sections of my day that were set. Rarely did I alter them. If I did it was for something important - a marriage or some other life moments. If I altered them - I already had a plan for when I was making the time up or how I was working around the change.
When I had kids - I just seemed to let all of that go. 'Good graciousness - don't be that micro-managing mom. The ones you see on TV and say she is off her rocker...' that was my thought process. What that translated to in my reality was - You don't have to do anything. Do what you want, when you want, as long as it is good for the kids.
That hasn't been a horrible mindset, but it hasn't made me happy. So, I am going back to a bit of a daily schedule. I told my kids about it today. They are on board. I think this will be better for us in the long-run as well. My kids should see this side of me. They need to see this side of me so they can better understand my previous successes. More than that - they need to see that there are different things that work at different times. They can always apply that to their education, social life, careers, etc.
But this isn't particularly about them. It is just easier to say that I am doing it for the kids, than to admit that this is something I need and want. Because *that is so selfish for a mother to do. Right??
Today I ran.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Rest Day = Research Day
Yesterday I took body measurements. They are nothing that I will be sharing. Mystery leaves others wanting... or so I have heard.
Today is a rest day. I started the morning off with a few yoga poses, lots of stretching and a call from the massage man. Well, the masseur that was recommended, is THE masseur for the national soccer team here. So, he's good - but he also got called to go traveling with them. So, the massage will have to be put off until after 1 April. I may go to someone else before he returns. That left me with some time on my hands today. So - Google was on the agenda.
Search Term: International Marathons
First race that is definately up for consideration: Ronhill Connemara International Marathon in Ireland. The reviews seem to fit perfectly with the type of experience that I want to have. (http://www.connemarathon.com) The race for 2013 is in just a few weeks. But this is a definite consideration for 2014 or 2015.
Another one that peaked my interest was the Rock-n-Roll Marathon in Oslo, Norway. There is just something about all those Scandanavian countries that just seems almost mystical to me. It is probably more about my love of water and all those fjords that appeals to me. (http://no.competitor.com/oslo/) The only thing about this race that makes me hesitate is that it was suppose to happen in 2013, but has been postponed until 2014, noting "...We recognize that we need more time to create an entirely new event to the high standards established by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series and expected by our local community partners..." Just makes me hesitate a bit. It is one I will have to watch and continue to read about.
Then there is Switzerland. To me, Switzerland is a country I could get lost in for the rest of my life - and I would love it. However, I have never been to Switzerland. A trial run would help me decide if I really like Switzerland! (http://zurichmarathon.ch/index2010_e.php) Zurich is a possibility.
Germany has a number of marathons. Oh - the reasearch and decissions...
I see Penang, Malaysia has one for this fall. It spans the bridges of Penang. This might be a good one to get my feet wet again. On second thought - Are they nuts??? 2 AM START TIME???!!! I do not see that as a good option. Oh, maybe the half marathon will be at a better time.... oh, great - 3:15 AM??!! The reviews from last year aren't that great either.... hmmmm.....
Today is a rest day. I started the morning off with a few yoga poses, lots of stretching and a call from the massage man. Well, the masseur that was recommended, is THE masseur for the national soccer team here. So, he's good - but he also got called to go traveling with them. So, the massage will have to be put off until after 1 April. I may go to someone else before he returns. That left me with some time on my hands today. So - Google was on the agenda.
Search Term: International Marathons
First race that is definately up for consideration: Ronhill Connemara International Marathon in Ireland. The reviews seem to fit perfectly with the type of experience that I want to have. (http://www.connemarathon.com) The race for 2013 is in just a few weeks. But this is a definite consideration for 2014 or 2015.
Another one that peaked my interest was the Rock-n-Roll Marathon in Oslo, Norway. There is just something about all those Scandanavian countries that just seems almost mystical to me. It is probably more about my love of water and all those fjords that appeals to me. (http://no.competitor.com/oslo/) The only thing about this race that makes me hesitate is that it was suppose to happen in 2013, but has been postponed until 2014, noting "...We recognize that we need more time to create an entirely new event to the high standards established by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series and expected by our local community partners..." Just makes me hesitate a bit. It is one I will have to watch and continue to read about.
Then there is Switzerland. To me, Switzerland is a country I could get lost in for the rest of my life - and I would love it. However, I have never been to Switzerland. A trial run would help me decide if I really like Switzerland! (http://zurichmarathon.ch/index2010_e.php) Zurich is a possibility.
Germany has a number of marathons. Oh - the reasearch and decissions...
I see Penang, Malaysia has one for this fall. It spans the bridges of Penang. This might be a good one to get my feet wet again. On second thought - Are they nuts??? 2 AM START TIME???!!! I do not see that as a good option. Oh, maybe the half marathon will be at a better time.... oh, great - 3:15 AM??!! The reviews from last year aren't that great either.... hmmmm.....
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Third Day of Running - FUN??!
Again, in line with the Couch-to-5k (C25k) program, I have completed week 1 of the workouts. The running aspect of it is seeming very easy (a.k.a. not challenging). This is usually the point where I putter out on a program because I am not seeing the immediate effects or feel that I am so vastly improved that I don't need the program... No, not really - but I just get bored with it because it isn't challenging me enough.
I have added some weight/lifting programs to my workout so that the psychological need for me to feel the challenge and effects of the workout feeds my psyche. I think it is working. I am looking forward to the workouts next week.
Additionally, I guess I am allowing myself to start to get excited about the aspect of running some marathon(s) in some new country and or city. I don't usually allow myself to get to excited about something. But, in this case - I am almost starting to feel a little giddy about the possibilities.
The other challenge that I am putting myself through is taking measurements and comparing them each week. I have only done this at one other time in my life. It was over a decade ago as well. To tell the truth - it scares me a little to have a record of these measurements... but I will jsut burn them when the time is right. (That may be weekly!) Lighter at the ready....
Follow UP:
I have added some weight/lifting programs to my workout so that the psychological need for me to feel the challenge and effects of the workout feeds my psyche. I think it is working. I am looking forward to the workouts next week.
Additionally, I guess I am allowing myself to start to get excited about the aspect of running some marathon(s) in some new country and or city. I don't usually allow myself to get to excited about something. But, in this case - I am almost starting to feel a little giddy about the possibilities.
The other challenge that I am putting myself through is taking measurements and comparing them each week. I have only done this at one other time in my life. It was over a decade ago as well. To tell the truth - it scares me a little to have a record of these measurements... but I will jsut burn them when the time is right. (That may be weekly!) Lighter at the ready....
Follow UP:
- Most of the aches and pains from earlier this week have diminished or are completely gone
- Massage will be my treat for completing the 2nd week
- I have a pair of jeans that will be going in for alteration... already too saggy, too baggy
Friday, March 15, 2013
Workout 2 - DONE!
Today started off a bit different. Sure, I was still a little tight from the workout the first day. I had gone on a walk on day two, got side tracked with a photo shoot that took longe than expected and then had to take the kids to rugby practice, which led to no run yesterday. So, even in bed last night I was determined to have my run first thing in the morning. As I opened my eyes and looked to see if my hubby was still in bed (or even in the room), I felt the pinch and twinge in my neck. Great. I had managed to breathe and turn my head just right that I pinched a nerve or something. All of the muscles in my neck tensed up and I was now beyond a Forrest scenario. *On a bright note - I hardly noticed any tightness or pain in my buttock today!!
Chiro-hubby to the rescue.... well, he made it better, but it was still painfully uncomfortable all day. I didn't let it stop me though. After a sequence of icings, I finally thought, "Well, running doesn't require a lot of head turning, if I do it on the treadmill. AND, it might actually warm up and relax the muscles a little. Perhaps it will feel better if I just go run."
So, down to the treadmill I headed. The nutshell version of my workout. Concise. I completed the running workout and added a five minute push-up routine afterward. The run almost seemed easy. I upped the km/h and the incline. It just felt good.
The other challenge I am facing is finding a women's running shoe in my size in this country (Malaysia). Every store I go into says that they can fit me in a men's shoe. This was fine when I was pregnant - 9 years ago! My favorite pair of running shoes used to be Reeboks. I have a narrow foot and a high arch. Men's shoes just invite blisters, and honestly - it is just too hot here to be adding padded socks to try and make the shoe fit. So for now - I am running in my Vibrams. I have been surprised by how comfortable and easy it has been for me to start running in them. Surprised and pleased. But seriously - I am only a size 10.5 or 42/43. Surely there is somewhere in this country where I can find a women's running shoe in my size?!? (Although now that I think about it, my 9 year old daughter has bigger feet than our cleaning lady... wish me luck in finding any shoe, much less a women's running shoe.)
I am still trying to figure out where I want to complete these runs in 2014 and 2015. Perhaps a European venue? Perhaps Australia or New Zealand?? I would also love a US run sometime... Decisions, decisions, decisions.... I need a running bucket list.
Today I ran.
Chiro-hubby to the rescue.... well, he made it better, but it was still painfully uncomfortable all day. I didn't let it stop me though. After a sequence of icings, I finally thought, "Well, running doesn't require a lot of head turning, if I do it on the treadmill. AND, it might actually warm up and relax the muscles a little. Perhaps it will feel better if I just go run."
So, down to the treadmill I headed. The nutshell version of my workout. Concise. I completed the running workout and added a five minute push-up routine afterward. The run almost seemed easy. I upped the km/h and the incline. It just felt good.
The other challenge I am facing is finding a women's running shoe in my size in this country (Malaysia). Every store I go into says that they can fit me in a men's shoe. This was fine when I was pregnant - 9 years ago! My favorite pair of running shoes used to be Reeboks. I have a narrow foot and a high arch. Men's shoes just invite blisters, and honestly - it is just too hot here to be adding padded socks to try and make the shoe fit. So for now - I am running in my Vibrams. I have been surprised by how comfortable and easy it has been for me to start running in them. Surprised and pleased. But seriously - I am only a size 10.5 or 42/43. Surely there is somewhere in this country where I can find a women's running shoe in my size?!? (Although now that I think about it, my 9 year old daughter has bigger feet than our cleaning lady... wish me luck in finding any shoe, much less a women's running shoe.)
I am still trying to figure out where I want to complete these runs in 2014 and 2015. Perhaps a European venue? Perhaps Australia or New Zealand?? I would also love a US run sometime... Decisions, decisions, decisions.... I need a running bucket list.
Today I ran.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I'm Commiserating with Forrest.
Well, Forrest got shot in the buttocks. I just have a pain in one.
Starting over from scratch will, I am sure, bring a whole new set of pains as I rebuild muscles that haven't been used for running in quite some time. This seems to have already started. Where do I feel the results of that first day running? Here is the rundown from toe to head:
Right foot - superior aspect
Shins - both of them
Hamstrings - both of them
Right hip and buttock
Lower back
Triceps - this is from the weight workout, not the running
Pectorals - again, the weight/pushup workout, not the running as the cause *I think
Shoulders
Neck - both distal aspects
Given, the only things that are sore are my triceps and pectorals. Everything else just seems to be tight. Hence, I am taking a cue from the main man in my life and calling in a masseur. I also took a trip to my favorite chiropractor this morning. Between the two of them, I hope that we can make this transition back to running as pain free and enjoyable as possible.
One other handy tool: Rolling pin. Although I bought it for the hubby to work on his hip, I am finding it to be a great tool for the arches of my feet. *I have one of those all wooden ones that has the rounded wooden handle. That is the best part for the arches!
Second run will come later today. Looks like it will be happening indoors as the air quality is looking quite questionable today. I can befriend the treadmill every once in a while - at least it helps that it looks toward the backyard mountain. Makes me almost enjoy the treadmill... Almost.
Starting over from scratch will, I am sure, bring a whole new set of pains as I rebuild muscles that haven't been used for running in quite some time. This seems to have already started. Where do I feel the results of that first day running? Here is the rundown from toe to head:
Right foot - superior aspect
Shins - both of them
Hamstrings - both of them
Right hip and buttock
Lower back
Triceps - this is from the weight workout, not the running
Pectorals - again, the weight/pushup workout, not the running as the cause *I think
Shoulders
Neck - both distal aspects
Given, the only things that are sore are my triceps and pectorals. Everything else just seems to be tight. Hence, I am taking a cue from the main man in my life and calling in a masseur. I also took a trip to my favorite chiropractor this morning. Between the two of them, I hope that we can make this transition back to running as pain free and enjoyable as possible.
One other handy tool: Rolling pin. Although I bought it for the hubby to work on his hip, I am finding it to be a great tool for the arches of my feet. *I have one of those all wooden ones that has the rounded wooden handle. That is the best part for the arches!
Second run will come later today. Looks like it will be happening indoors as the air quality is looking quite questionable today. I can befriend the treadmill every once in a while - at least it helps that it looks toward the backyard mountain. Makes me almost enjoy the treadmill... Almost.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
First Run - DONE!
So, in following the C25K (Couch to 5k) program - Day 1 is DONE!
I like running. I have never been one of those people who hated running; I just don't always have the motivation to do it if I don't think I will look good doing it. (Is the song "Your so Vain" playing in your head right now, too??)
What is driving me to run again? Well, there are a couple of things. First - I was purchasing some winter jackets for our upcoming cold-weather trips. (Since I now live on the equator, I have given away everything except a light jacket and one long sleeve shirt!) Well, the best I could find was a couple sizes smaller than I am currently. So, the new, cute, form-fitting jacket is all mine as long as I can fit into it!! While that is a nice treat, that isn't the main factor moving this train.
I had been thinking about running or completing a marathon again this winter when I visit Florida. I thought it would be a nice treat to me and it would give my kids a way to see some part of Tampa or Orlando in a new way. Thinking isn't doing, though.
The big kicker came today. It wasn't a major thing that inspired this movement, it was simply a question posed by Active.com. The question was: How far out do you schedule your races? Simple question. A little over decade ago I was running every week, did a 5k every Saturday and had a 10k, and Marathon planned out about 6-9 months in advance. Big deal - that was a long time ago. Right? Well, that would normally be my response. "Stop living in the past. Focus on what you can do now and what you are going to do tomorrow."
Then it hit me. I am 38 years old. 2014 is the last year before I turn 40. I have wanted to do another marathon for over a decade now. No time like the present. Get focused and get going!
I am not a person concerned about her age. I am not that affected by turning 40. However, I am not getting any younger and I still have a lot of traveling, visiting, and learning to do. So, this is more about the goals of:
1) Doing a great Before 40 Marathon. I want to pick a great location that I haven't been to. I want to be able to go there, spend time seeing the area in a great run that I am prepared for. I want to experience something new!
2) Then I want to do another marathon that celebrates my 40th birthday. (For someone who doesn't care abou turning 40, I sure am making a lot of hubba-baloo about it!) Again, I want to choose another NEW place to run, visit, and experience!
Bottom line: Today I ran. No land-speed records were broken. Neither were any bones! Today I ran.
I like running. I have never been one of those people who hated running; I just don't always have the motivation to do it if I don't think I will look good doing it. (Is the song "Your so Vain" playing in your head right now, too??)
What is driving me to run again? Well, there are a couple of things. First - I was purchasing some winter jackets for our upcoming cold-weather trips. (Since I now live on the equator, I have given away everything except a light jacket and one long sleeve shirt!) Well, the best I could find was a couple sizes smaller than I am currently. So, the new, cute, form-fitting jacket is all mine as long as I can fit into it!! While that is a nice treat, that isn't the main factor moving this train.
I had been thinking about running or completing a marathon again this winter when I visit Florida. I thought it would be a nice treat to me and it would give my kids a way to see some part of Tampa or Orlando in a new way. Thinking isn't doing, though.
The big kicker came today. It wasn't a major thing that inspired this movement, it was simply a question posed by Active.com. The question was: How far out do you schedule your races? Simple question. A little over decade ago I was running every week, did a 5k every Saturday and had a 10k, and Marathon planned out about 6-9 months in advance. Big deal - that was a long time ago. Right? Well, that would normally be my response. "Stop living in the past. Focus on what you can do now and what you are going to do tomorrow."
Then it hit me. I am 38 years old. 2014 is the last year before I turn 40. I have wanted to do another marathon for over a decade now. No time like the present. Get focused and get going!
I am not a person concerned about her age. I am not that affected by turning 40. However, I am not getting any younger and I still have a lot of traveling, visiting, and learning to do. So, this is more about the goals of:
1) Doing a great Before 40 Marathon. I want to pick a great location that I haven't been to. I want to be able to go there, spend time seeing the area in a great run that I am prepared for. I want to experience something new!
2) Then I want to do another marathon that celebrates my 40th birthday. (For someone who doesn't care abou turning 40, I sure am making a lot of hubba-baloo about it!) Again, I want to choose another NEW place to run, visit, and experience!
Bottom line: Today I ran. No land-speed records were broken. Neither were any bones! Today I ran.
Time to Run!
So tonight is day one of running.... Again. After a 12 year hiatus from running - I have an itch that just needs to be scratched. Here I go....
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