What you call crazy, I call determined:)

Feb12

Maybe it’s just me, but among my non running/triathlon friends, I’m considered a little crazy for various reasons. They don’t understand my drive to run in the cold. They don’t understand how I really make sure that my workouts are actually scheduled into my daily routine. (Ok, not last week; but most weeks.) They don’t understand how I think it’s fun to get up before the sun to go run a race even if I get a shiny medal. Well I will let you in on a little secret, I haven’t the foggiest idea either!

There I said it. It’s true. I am not sure what is driving me. I, as many of my friends, could exercise “like a normal person” to be healthy. There is no need to train for 25 minute 5K’s or 2 hour half marathons or run a marathon either. (ok, I really don’t mean that:) I’m a middle of the packer anyway. I’m not getting paid for these things. If anything, I am loosing money, but don’t tell my husband. That being said, I’m not backing down. I’m, hopefully, not slowing down either. I can’t explain why I do the things that I do, but I know that these things make me happy. So maybe that is the simplest solution. I do the things that I do to because they make me happy.

I know that I am not alone in my craziness which does make it easier to dive into it. It is like a cult where we do line up to drink the Kool aid. We can’t help ourselves as it does taste so good. There is safety in numbers as the saying goes. One person posts a race they are thinking of doing. We not only all chime in “that’s awesome,” but “that sounds like fun so I’m going to sign up too!” Who knows maybe peer pressure doesn’t really end in high school like we like to think. But this is a good peer pressure! Not that I really think that is why we do these things. No amount of peer pressure is going to make someone run 13.2 miles just because. They have to want to do. Truth.

A little determination in life to get moving is good anyway. Determination will keep you moving forward and not allow you to get stagnate. It is very easy to get bored with same workout routine or any routine for that matter. That is the beauty of all these races. Even if you run the same race two years in a row, it is different. Just like every run is different. Yes the routes may be the same; but attitude, weather, and the your body will run it is different. That is the beauty of what we do. To others it may look like we are doing the same thing day in and day out, but we know the truth. Each run is different. Each swim is different. Each workout is different. It is never the same thing twice. It is never easy, but it is always worth it.

Putting it All in Perspective

Feb9

Today was the day. Today was the day that I was going to be picked for the #AMRSaucony Winner. Just like Saturday night I was going to win the lottery. Actually, I did throw my name in the hat for the Every Mother Runner Saucony Winner. I knew that I wouldn’t win. I even said so to a fellow Mama when she asked while we were out on a run. Not to say that there wasn’t a part of me that was dreaming, because there should always be hope in all that we do. It’s just I’m a bit of a realist. Although I will say that Amy from Amyupnorth.com sounds amazing and I congratulate her on being picked. Can’t wait to read more from her and I do have to say Kudos to the way that Every Mother Runner announced it. Very cool showcasing a lot of other mother runners.

Now all that being said, I admit I was disappointed. I’m a realist, but just like when I realize that I didn’t win the lottery I am slightly disappointed. But then I had a reality check. I had plans this morning to spend with a friend helping her make cake pops for her Breast Cancer Support Group. Thankfully, my friend is on her way to recovery. She is finished with her Chemo. Just finished up another surgery and is one her way! We had a fun morning, but it does put things in perspective. Not just about the blog, but about my training and life in general.

Before she came over I was looking at my totals for last week. I realized how much I had allowed myself to slack last week. Some due to weather. Some due to the couch just being too comfy on a weekend morning. I just didn’t bring my A game. Although, I did do the speed workout, but still only did 2 out of the 5 runs my training plan called for me to do. Ooops. No excuses. I’m hoping that this week will be better.

I know one thing that motivates me is just seeing what everyone else is doing. It makes me feel like a slacker, but I’ve been a slacker so I should feel like one. Although, I am thankful for these groups, their motivation and inspiration. If not for them, I think it would be so much easier to hang up my shoes and call it a day. It’s hard to do when you see what all the BAMR’s are doing. They don’t make excuses and just get it done. I think the key to keeping yourself on track besides having a goal is to have friends who will text, message, or call you to see how your training is going, People who want to meet for a run, a yoga session, or just compare notes. People who also have goals.

Who Inspires you?

Friday 5 – Fitness Snapshots

Feb6

Danger, Will Robertson, Danger!

(Am I the only one old enough to remember where that came from?)

Anyway consider yourself warned!

Today’s Friday 5 hosted by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Now, it would have been helpful to me to look ahead to see what today’s post was going to be about and then I could have taken actual snapshots during the week. Since I didn’t do that, I am going to just go with 5 Fitness Snapshots.

1. This photo goes way back. Back to before I even signed up for my first race. This goes back to the beginning of this fitness journey. This is from the Bootcamp class I started that gave me the courage to sign up for my first Triathlon. This was the beginning….

2. This is the bike that I bought to ride in my first Triathlon. I thought I was going to be one and done, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. I am promising to train with it more this year when the roads clear and spring comes. It is a great low impact leg workout and I do need to get more comfortable in the saddle.

3. This is a scary, scary picture, but it is hard to look both perky and good after a 90 minute session of Bikram Yoga in a 116 degree room. I don’t know if I would enjoy yoga as much without the heat and knowing me, probably not. I like the intensity that the heat gives the yoga. I’ve also promised to do yoga more this year as I need more balance and flexibility in my life and body:)

4. Strength training. Although I am sadly resigned to temporarily giving up the intensity of Crossfit, this does not mean that I will give up working with weights. There is something to be said for pumping iron and if you’ve never tried it you should. My goal is to lift weights at least twice a week.

5. This is an obvious one….. Running. This year I’m focusing on time which means that these legs and feet are going to have to push it to their limits. It will be an amazing adventure to see how far they can take me.

What did you do this week?

Laying It All Out There….

Feb5

I’m being Bold.

Yesterday while pursuing the internet, I was reading an article that was about healthy weights and BMI (Body Mass Index). I thought to myself, “I know that I need to loose a few pounds but I wonder where I stand with my BMI.”

After calculating it, I found out a shocking fact. A fact that I don’t believe. It’s not that I am in denial. It’s just that I think it’s totally wrong and this chart doesn’t take into account many things. Curious as to what this chart told me?

According to this handy dandy chart that many healthcare professionals (and I’m sure insurance company’s use) to help determine my health,

I am

Wait for it.

Here it comes….

I am (according to the chart)

Overweight (yeah, I know),

but also according to the chart

on the boarder of becoming obese.

Yup, you heard me.

This apparently is what borderline obese looks like.

As the saying goes, I beg to differ.

I’ve discussed this before in It’s Really Just A Number.

Today, I’m going one step further and putting it out there as I’m not ashamed and it really is what it is. I’m 150ish pounds depending on the day.

It’s just a number after all. Yes, a little bigger than I would like, but it does not define me.

Yes, I do know that I could stand to loose 10 pounds and maybe a few more. I’m not disputing that. Never have. I just like food. I admit it. Yes, I am 5 foot 2. Yes, I weight between 150 and 155. Yes, according to the handy dandy chart a healthy weight for me is between 118 and 132. Well, I haven’t seen those numbers since before my first son was born and I doubt very much that I will ever see them again. I’m ok with that as I’m doing ok as I am. I would really settle for 140 to 145 but I’m not actively dieting. I’m ok with that too..

Now, to go a step further, this handy dandy chart does not take many other factors into account. It is a generic chart that too many people depend on to determine their health. It does not take my muscle tone into account. I’m not one to brag, but my legs are solid muscle. Solid. My arms aren’t’ too flabby either. I will readily admit that I have no muscle mass around my belly and it does like to jiggle like a bowl full of jelly which I’m working on (sometimes). I will also admit that I very comfortable in a size 8 and if I don’t want to breathe I can fit into a 6.

So please, please tell me how this makes me borderline obese. I hate that there are people looking at just these charts, looking in the mirror and then feeling bad about themselves. One size does not fit all and we have to stop generalizing sizes, weights, BMI, and everything in between based on a number or size.

I will further say that even with a high BMI, my cholesterol is VERY good with my good levels being much much higher than my bad which is very low. I have good blood sugar levels, blood pressure and all those other things they check.

So my question is why we always try to fit everyone into one mold?

Make It Happen

Feb4

Now yesterday I was saying how there are so many things in our lives and training plans that we can’t control and to give in to that lack of control by Giving Up the Reins. I do need to clarify though that just because you accept that lack of control and go with the flow so to speak, does not mean you are absolved from everything.

It would be like expecting our children to do well on a Biology Test without every opening their books. It just won’t happen without some good hard work. So like the Boy Scouts Motto, we need to prepare for the things we want and that are somewhat in our control. No just because we prepare doesn’t mean that everything will go according to our plan, but without a plan you won’t every have a chance of meeting your goals (or at least for me it works that way). So, I know your shocked, I’ve got a plan.

Planning, Preparing, and Working Hard to Reach our goals are all in our control. Now, right now I am doing all my planning, preparing, and working my butt off to reach my goal of running a 5K in 25 minutes. I really don’t know that I will be able to do it. My fastest 5K is 27:17. Now to someone who is not a runner reading this (Hi Mom), shaving two minutes off a 5K sounds easy enough; but I know the reality of it. Shaving those two minutes off is going to be hard work and even with pushing myself I’m not sure that I still will be able to do it. I won’t know though unless I try.

You know I’m trying too, when I’m willing to go run inside on a treadmill to do my speed workout. Today’s run is going to be hard. I would much rather run circles at my local park, but I know with the cold and ice it is not a safe or smart thing to do. So I will lace up, go to my gym and push it.

Push it real good.

I’m not going to lie. I am not looking forward to today. Not only is it running on the treadmill 6 miles, but it is repeats.

Description: 1-mile warmup
3 x 1 mile @ 8:00/mile with 800-meter recovery jog
1-mile cool down

Doesn’t that sound like fun?

NO, not at all!

So why do it if it’s not fun?

Because if I don’t, I won’t have a chance of meeting my goal. You get out what you put in which means putting in the hard runs in this case as every run can’t be an “easy” run. This is especially true when you are a woman in your mid 40’s getting closer to not being able to say mid. This is especially true when you were also not born to run like a gazelle like some woman I know.

The truth is if you want something to happen,

you have to also make it happen.

No all the planning, preparing, and Hard Work won’t necessarily mean I will meet my goal, but it will give me a chance.

and

All I need is a chance!

Giving up the Reins, but taking back control…

Feb3

Right now we are in the midst of what they are calling a Flash Freeze. Sounds like something done in the food industry, but this is what the weather people are calling our plunging temperatures and freezing surfaces. Got to have a catchy phrase. Just like the snowstorms have to have catchy names now. Last nights storm was called Linus? Who names these snow storms and why?

Non Funny Joke of the Day…

You know what a snowstorm was named when I was growing up?

A Snow Storm

Ha Ha (not really, but true).

Anyway, where was I going….

There are so many things not just in our training, but in our everyday normal lives that we can’t not control. As much as we would like to micro-manage everything and think it’s all in our control, most things in life are not.

Scary Stuff I know.

We must honor that lack of control.

We must embrace that lack of control.

We must just accept that lack of control.

Honestly, throw your hands up in the air and give up control.

All is not lost though.

We do have some control.

Each and every one of us has total control of the way we react to the challenges that the Universe throws at us.

As true as this is, you might be wondering what any of this has to do with running. I’m getting there.

We all have goals (big, small, and every where in between) when it comes to our running. We all have days where as much as we want to, we just can’t do what we felt we needed to do that day. Maybe we missed a training run, had to shorten it, or just had an “off” running day. Maybe we missed a class at the gym. Maybe even getting sick or injured causing a total lack of training. Maybe hard as we tried, we didn’t make a PR that we wanted or any such things. These things happen. These are just some of the things that are out of our control. These things cause us stress. These are the things that might even put us over the edge.

We need to come back from the edge though.

That is our only choice.

Life is better….

When you realize that since you can’t change the challenges thrown at you

When you learn to face them head on and with a smile when possible

(which isn’t always the case).

If you miss a run…

if you miss a goal..

life happens

remember

Hard to argue with Nelson Mandela, isn’t it.

So dust yourself off, get back up, and keep moving.

Don’t Take This Wrong Way….

Jan30

When I say that I run my longer runs at a slower pace and you ask what that pace was and I reply that I ran 11 – 12 minute pace, …

I am not putting anyone down whose pace this is. A run is still a run no matter what the pace. This was my pace when I started running. This is no longer my pace. My average run pace now is about 10 to 10 1/2 depending on the day. If I’m pushing it, I can go faster. Also why did you ask if you didn’t want to hear.

When you talk about the “Marathon” that I just ran and I correct you that it was only a Half Marathon, ...

I do need to correct you because I do NOT want to take credit for something I didn’t do. When I ran my full marathon, I took credit. I owned it, but I don’t want to claim something that I didn’t do any other day.

When I order french toast instead of an egg white omelet at breakfast because I’m carb loading, …

probably shouldn’t be eating it either. There are probably healthy ways to carb load, but french toast is my weakness. Besides the way I look at it, the benefit of running all over town is to be able to eat the french toast if I want.

When you ask how far I ran today and I say that I only ran 5 miles causing you to roll your eyes, …

I am not trying to sound all uppity. I am saying only because that tends to me my normal run when I have time. So my average run mileage is about 5 miles.

When you ask why I’m running a 5K and I say that I want to run a shorter race for time, …

I am not putting anyone down whose goal race is the 5K. It is no longer my goal race. My favorite race of choice at this time, I would say is a half marathon. There is a big difference between how I would pace myself for a 5K as to a half marathon. I might even say that since my goal in a 5K is time, I might even be pushing myself harder.

When I share my runs on Facebook, Instagram, or any other place, …

it is not because I am bragging. It is because I have many friends who are also runners. We like to share. We like to see what we are all doing. We like to cheer each other on. We are a strange group, but we love to do this. If for some reason these posts bother you, please feel free to hide me or even delete me because this is who I am and this is what I love.

No, I really am not trying to be a jerk.

Really, Really, Really

I get where you are coming from as I was once on the rolling eyes side.

I admit it. I did.

It was more a reflection on what I thought of me than you.

I also know that these things do not bother my real friends as they know how hard I work for the things that I do. These things do not come easy to me. I push and then I push some more.

Have you seen the eye rolling?

I get that it might appear that I am bragging, but I’m not. Am I proud of what I’m doing? You bet.

Should it bother you that I’m doing it? I don’t think so.

You do what makes you happy and I will do what makes me happy.

Anything to add….

Friday Five – Favorite Indoor Workouts

Jan30

Friday Five link-up hosted by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s topic

Five Favorite Indoor Workouts

Now, you know I’ve been struggling to come up with my routine. I think I’m getting there and these are the five that will stay in the mix.

Bikram Hot Yoga

Love, Love, Love it! I’m not sure that I would love the Yoga without the heat. I guess that is how you know that I am not a true Yogi which is something that I never claimed to be. I am actually not very flexible at all either. I’m hoping that will come with time as I can’t do many of the poses properly, but it doesn’t stop me from trying. One day I may even be able to do Dhanurasana (#19) Maybe the same day that I can pronounce it, I will also be able to reach my ankles.

Swimming

This is on my list of things to get back to on my rest days from running. It is low impact, but still an amazing workout. Plus since one of my goals is to have a better swim time in my September Triathlon, I really need to get going. I want to get comfortable enough in my swim that when I do go out in the bay, I don’t have my normal panic attack and end up doing the backstroke. Although I’m not sure swim class will help with that as it is more a panic attack from not being in the pool.

Strength Training

As you know, I’ve made the decision to cut Crossfit out of my routine. It was a hard decision that I still wonder if it was the right one. But as much as I love it, it doesn’t go with my goals for the year. That being said, I am not giving up on weight training as I really think it was good for my running too. All studies show how beneficial it is to women for not just their weight, but the bone density and many other things. So don’t be afraid to pick up a weight.

Here is me doing my favorite lift – The Deadlift

Spin Classes

I couldn’t just get on a bike inside and ride. If I did, I would go at a leisure pace and not push myself. Therefore, Spin Classes are perfect. Great low impact workout for the legs. There is also some talk that it is great cross-training for runners. I can believe it as it is all legs! You are going full throttle building leg muscles but non of the impact of a run. Plus with the way you push up the “hills” in class it is a great interval training.

Must remember to take more spin classes.

Kettle Bell Workout

If you don’t have a kettle bell, get one. It’s something that doesn’t take up a lot of room in your house. You can leave it sit in the corner of your closet or in my case, my workout stuff corner. Don’t have time for a full workout? Want to add something extra on a short run day? There are so many things that you can do with it to target so many different muscles. Can you tell I love mine? I need to use it more as it really does pack a punch. Don’t believe me. Then just give it a try.

I guess it is good that I’ve thought about all of these great indoor things that I should be doing more of because we are entering a really, really, really cold front. Plus my YMCA catalog just came. So I think it is time to add some of these things back into my routine.

What is your favorite indoor workout?

Now What?

Jan29

So as the expression goes,

I’m off and running.

So far. So good.

I’ve met my January goal having completed not just one, but two events. February, my local MRTT group is hosting an event, so I’m good there and I’ve got races scheduled in March, April, and May for the 9+1; so I am on my way. Although, I am not getting ahead of myself as I know I’ve got a long way to go, but it is nice to have a plan.

Speaking of plans…

My next NYRR race is the Washington Heights Salsa and Blues 5K. It seems like a fun event. Plus it’s short even though they say it is a hilly course. Now my cohort in crime has informed me that we are training to do this in 25 minutes. SAY WHAT???? Did she not see the part about it being a hilly course? Of course, Dawn loves her hills so this will be a good excuse to run some hills. That being said, my fastest 5K is around 27 minutes on a course that could really only be described as non hilly. But being as Dawn is my cohort in crime and I’ve talked her into (yes, your in) running the 9+1 AGAIN this year as she already did it last year and will actually be running NYCM this year, she is doing it again. Therefore, I will train on hills. I will run as fast as I can. I will hope that we can do it. The beauty of a shorter race is that you can run full throttle and just pass out or throw up at the end. But lets hope that doesn’t happen and we are prepared for it.

Now the question will be….

How to prepare for it?

I’m not sure, but I do believe there may be some hill repeats, some dreaded treadmill workouts, and some other torturous running involved.

The next question will be…..

Why?

Easy answer…..

Because we can or at least think we can.

That is the beauty of running. Just lace up. Go out and see what happens. The way I look at it, if it doesn’t happen what is the worst that can happen? We have to try it again. Now, I know that I am no Speedy Gonzalez and that a 25 minute 5K is probably the fastest I will ever run it (if I ever do). You know what “that’s what it’s all about.” Pushing limits. Having fun and just seeing where it will take me (and my cohort).

In a million years would never imagine that I would be running races at all let alone setting time goals on them. So I will just see how far I can go which is already farther than I’ve ever imagined.

Word of the Week – Celebrate!

Jan28

Today I am going to have two words of the day as I think that they go hand in hand.

Celebrate & Display

celebrate

verb (used with object), celebrated, celebrating.

to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities:

display

verb (used with object)

To show or exhibit; make visible

Now as Mom’s most of us are great at doing this with our children.

We put their art work, grades, ect up on the fridge for all to see.

We have pictures of them through out our houses.

We proudly display their ribbons, trophies, or such on the mantle.

BUT

When it comes to our own accomplishments, we may tend to down play them.

We celebrate the moment, but as soon as we come home we jump back into “Mom Mode.” We work hard for each and every one of these events. We don’t just show up. Then we pass the finish line, collect our bling which we may even wear afterwards with our fellow runners. But by the time we get home, we are ready to put them in a drawer and move on.

Now I’m not saying we should walk around wearing our bling at the grocery store because that would just be obnoxious. That being said, we can still share our accomplishments by more than a few Facebook posts. I know most of us don’t want to appear like we are bragging although that’s not a problem when it comes to our kids. Why is that? We deserve a little celebration of our own too. Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to be proud of your accomplishments no matter how big or small.

Now, I will admit that last year, I did buy a display plaque from Etsy for my bling and bibs for me. I hung it in my office in the basement. This tends to be my area and I wanted to be able to see my medals to continue to inspire myself. But over the weekend, I took it a step further. I added some of my favorite race photos to it and I really like the way it looks. Plus there is room on the other side for more. I think I might save that side for the NYC Marathon.

I call it

The Wall of Me!

I think that every person should have a place to celebrate themselves. No matter if it’s running, knitting, writing or what ever should be celebrated. Now, I’m not saying that it needs to be in peoples faces, but a celebration none the less. My Wall of me is for me. It is in my basement which most people don’t go in. It is by my computer and as I write my blog posts, sign up for races, or just play on my computer. I can glance at it and smile. It can encourage me to push myself further remembering how far I’ve already come.

I think by taking pride in my accomplishments, I am being a good role model for my children. Think about it. What message does it send to your children if they don’t think that their mother’s accomplishments don’t deserve a spot on the wall.

Do you have a Wall of Me?

Do you want one?

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!