Well folks, in yet another defiance of my self-imposed technophobia (the first being the installation of Twitter), if you would kindly look to your right, just under my gorgeous face you will see a countdown ticker.
That's right - my father and I are running the Detroit Half-Marathon in exactly 202 days and... well... you can watch the days, hours, and minutes tick down yourself!
"Official" training won't start until July 1. Until then, I'm just logging miles and trying to build a good base of endurance.
Matt has also signed up for the race! And, hey, if you clicked on the link I just provided to his running blog, you should also head on over to his new political blog, the Intelligent Independent. There's always something good to discuss.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Oh what a day
Day from hell is finally OVER. Things don't blow up at work very often, but when they do, it's a total nightmare.
I spent SEVENTY dollars for my kittens' second birthday. Twenty of those dollars were for new cat beds. Currently, they are taking long naps next to the beds. After about a week, they will deign to climb in. Smartasses.
I need yoga, and need it badly. Then, I need wine. And then sleep.
I spent SEVENTY dollars for my kittens' second birthday. Twenty of those dollars were for new cat beds. Currently, they are taking long naps next to the beds. After about a week, they will deign to climb in. Smartasses.
I need yoga, and need it badly. Then, I need wine. And then sleep.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Foodpix
I am so thankful that good produce is finally coming back to my neighborhood Giant. Today I stopped in and purchased apples (Granny Smith and Pink Lady), plums, and nectarines. The combination of colors is gorgeous. Here is a picture of my fruit bowl. Behind it you can see my Precision Nutrition and Gourmet Nutrition books. There is one less plum now than when this was taken:
Dinner was a simple dish inspired by a conversation last night with my muse of food and beauty, Allison. She told me about some fresh peas she steamed, which led to a discussion of our mutually favored essay "P is for Peas" from An Alphabet for Gourmets by the monarch of food writing herself, M.F.K. Fisher.
I steamed peas (shelled) for six minutes and edamame (in the shell) for five, combined with one pat butter and a handful of crumbled feta. Two grinds of fresh pepper. The texture and color really popped - what a lovely, fresh, simple meal.
Dinner was a simple dish inspired by a conversation last night with my muse of food and beauty, Allison. She told me about some fresh peas she steamed, which led to a discussion of our mutually favored essay "P is for Peas" from An Alphabet for Gourmets by the monarch of food writing herself, M.F.K. Fisher.
I steamed peas (shelled) for six minutes and edamame (in the shell) for five, combined with one pat butter and a handful of crumbled feta. Two grinds of fresh pepper. The texture and color really popped - what a lovely, fresh, simple meal.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Run Report
The moment I set out on my hilly 5-miler this afternoon, I knew it wasn't gonna be good. The top I was wearing was too baggy, meaning that all of my jiggly bits were, well, jiggling.
Ew.
And my legs just felt heavy. I felt like I was shuffling rather than running. Everything felt weighed down. Did I have a 10-pound boulder in my pocket and had forgotten or something?
Nope.
But then I caught a glimpse of myself in a storefront, and I was trucking!
Yay!
But I knew that the last leg of the run would consist of steep rolling hills, including The Hill, and I wanted to save some, so I slowed down. I really make it a goal to run a positive split (second half faster than the first) and the best way for me to do this is to start a little slower than I think I ought to.
But:
After a few minutes my pace picked up again, naturally. So finally I just decided to go with it.
Until;
Turning north on 34th St, beginning the rolling hills. Everything ground to a halt: my momentum, my desire, my pulse. Every step was laborious. And I knew, I still knew that after all these hills yet before I could collapse on the floor of my lobby and stretch was...
The Hill.
This Hill has been my enemy since I began running in Washington, DC. Even during my high-mileage days when I was training for the marathon, I barely ever made it up The Hill without stopping. But recently, and by that I mean in the past month or so, I have made it up The Hill without stopping every single time. Which didn't make me any less worried today because to be honest I wasn't have the greatest run or feeling very strong.
So,
I encouraged my way up one of the preceeding hills by offering myself a bribe: make it up this one and I would let myself walk up That One.
Nice.
But then, when I got to the foot of The Hill, instead of my normal drill-sergeant-esque inner monologue, ("Run your lazy ass up that hill, maggot, if you ever want to see the light of day again!") I said to myself, gently, "Diana, just give it a try."
And!
I shortened my stride, lowered my arms, fixed my gaze, and chugged mylazy strong and sexy ass all the way up that hill and home.
I rock.
Ew.
And my legs just felt heavy. I felt like I was shuffling rather than running. Everything felt weighed down. Did I have a 10-pound boulder in my pocket and had forgotten or something?
Nope.
But then I caught a glimpse of myself in a storefront, and I was trucking!
Yay!
But I knew that the last leg of the run would consist of steep rolling hills, including The Hill, and I wanted to save some, so I slowed down. I really make it a goal to run a positive split (second half faster than the first) and the best way for me to do this is to start a little slower than I think I ought to.
But:
After a few minutes my pace picked up again, naturally. So finally I just decided to go with it.
Until;
Turning north on 34th St, beginning the rolling hills. Everything ground to a halt: my momentum, my desire, my pulse. Every step was laborious. And I knew, I still knew that after all these hills yet before I could collapse on the floor of my lobby and stretch was...
The Hill.
This Hill has been my enemy since I began running in Washington, DC. Even during my high-mileage days when I was training for the marathon, I barely ever made it up The Hill without stopping. But recently, and by that I mean in the past month or so, I have made it up The Hill without stopping every single time. Which didn't make me any less worried today because to be honest I wasn't have the greatest run or feeling very strong.
So,
I encouraged my way up one of the preceeding hills by offering myself a bribe: make it up this one and I would let myself walk up That One.
Nice.
But then, when I got to the foot of The Hill, instead of my normal drill-sergeant-esque inner monologue, ("Run your lazy ass up that hill, maggot, if you ever want to see the light of day again!") I said to myself, gently, "Diana, just give it a try."
And!
I shortened my stride, lowered my arms, fixed my gaze, and chugged my
I rock.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Remake!
Hollywood is remaking Michael Haneke's "Funny Games."
I've been a 'fan' of Haneke ever since I traumatized myself and my friend John with "The Piano Teacher" years ago in college. I can't believe John still wanted to be my friend after I subjected him to that film.
Haneke is rough. His films are not for the mentally or physically weak. They will leave you exhausted and wondering if you will be able to crawl the distance from the couch to your bed so you can shudder under the relative safety of your covers until the images go away.
It's not bloody or gory. No gratuitous violence. Just dread. Foreboding. Psychological terror.
I blogged a review of the orignal Funny Games after I saw it. This is what I had to say:
Several years ago, Michael Haneke's film The Piano Teacher traumatized me severely. It wasn't until recently that I was able to sit down and watch it again. I've since decided to face Haneke head on, and a few minutes ago finished his more recent film, Funny Games.
I'm not sure where to start, except to perhaps paraphrase Haneke himself by saying that this is a film reserved for those who need to watch it. If, he says, the viewer is upset with the film by it's end, he would simply ask, "Why did you stay to finish it?" And indeed he presents some interesting concepts that an ordinary person might need to be walked through - or, more likely, might wish he had never be shown.
The genuis of the film is the way Haneke makes the viewer an accomplice in the violence. You'll see what I mean if you watch it. And beyond that, he generates the most acute frustration, as you realize that the victims are acting in a tragedy but the aggressors in a comedy. Watching the interaction is maddening.
Between this film and last night's Janghwa, Hongryeon (A Tale of Two Sisters) I'm in need of some serious comedy.
I deliberately left out any summary of the plot. These sorts of films, "foreign" in genre, don't generally follow the predictable plot arc to which American viewers are accustomed. They're left saying, "I don't get it" or "the ending sucked" or some other comment that entirely misses the point. These films speak to the human condition, that aspect of which most of us prefer to avoid facing. Plot is there, consistency is important, but the plot is not the only genius aspect of Haneke's films, and it's certainly not the most important aspect to bring out in a review.
If this sort of thing confuses or bores you, the film will, too. If you're intrigued, proceed with caution. If you love this line of thought, Haneke's your man, but don't hold me accountable for your nightmares.
I've been a 'fan' of Haneke ever since I traumatized myself and my friend John with "The Piano Teacher" years ago in college. I can't believe John still wanted to be my friend after I subjected him to that film.
Haneke is rough. His films are not for the mentally or physically weak. They will leave you exhausted and wondering if you will be able to crawl the distance from the couch to your bed so you can shudder under the relative safety of your covers until the images go away.
It's not bloody or gory. No gratuitous violence. Just dread. Foreboding. Psychological terror.
I blogged a review of the orignal Funny Games after I saw it. This is what I had to say:
Several years ago, Michael Haneke's film The Piano Teacher traumatized me severely. It wasn't until recently that I was able to sit down and watch it again. I've since decided to face Haneke head on, and a few minutes ago finished his more recent film, Funny Games.
I'm not sure where to start, except to perhaps paraphrase Haneke himself by saying that this is a film reserved for those who need to watch it. If, he says, the viewer is upset with the film by it's end, he would simply ask, "Why did you stay to finish it?" And indeed he presents some interesting concepts that an ordinary person might need to be walked through - or, more likely, might wish he had never be shown.
The genuis of the film is the way Haneke makes the viewer an accomplice in the violence. You'll see what I mean if you watch it. And beyond that, he generates the most acute frustration, as you realize that the victims are acting in a tragedy but the aggressors in a comedy. Watching the interaction is maddening.
Between this film and last night's Janghwa, Hongryeon (A Tale of Two Sisters) I'm in need of some serious comedy.
I deliberately left out any summary of the plot. These sorts of films, "foreign" in genre, don't generally follow the predictable plot arc to which American viewers are accustomed. They're left saying, "I don't get it" or "the ending sucked" or some other comment that entirely misses the point. These films speak to the human condition, that aspect of which most of us prefer to avoid facing. Plot is there, consistency is important, but the plot is not the only genius aspect of Haneke's films, and it's certainly not the most important aspect to bring out in a review.
If this sort of thing confuses or bores you, the film will, too. If you're intrigued, proceed with caution. If you love this line of thought, Haneke's your man, but don't hold me accountable for your nightmares.
On the Importance of Being Flexible
I am home sick from work today. Last night I developed a sore throat, which got progressively worse and woke me up at 4am, throbbing.
I am a firm believe of taking care of oneself at the first sign of sickness. I have staved off several potential colds this winter season using this method. The problem is that I hate taking unscheduled days off from running or yoga, so I need to develop a way to encourage my health while maintaining some semblance of an exercise regimen.
Athletes get sick, they do, and yet they figure out a way to maintain their endurance so that a brief sickness (or preventative rest) doesn't set them back to square one once they finally feel able to get back out there.
So later today, after a couple more glasses of water and tea, some soy protein and ibuprofen, I will go on a long (4.5) mile walk, incorporating one errand, in lieu of the five-mile run I had scheduled.
Walking can be just as good for a person as running. The heart rate doesn't get quite where it should be, but calories are still burned, muscle tone still developed, lungs still exercised. Yet I will be spared the frantic inhale-exhale of cool air that could exacerbate my sore throat.
And, as my mom so wisely said to me this morning, the reason people get tired when they're sick is because the body is expending it's energy fighing the invaders. So it makes sense to try to preserve that energy for the immune system, but at the same time it's important to preserve a certain level of fitness.
Back to the couch now. Here is my map. I hope y'all are feeling okay today and taking care of yourselves.
I am a firm believe of taking care of oneself at the first sign of sickness. I have staved off several potential colds this winter season using this method. The problem is that I hate taking unscheduled days off from running or yoga, so I need to develop a way to encourage my health while maintaining some semblance of an exercise regimen.
Athletes get sick, they do, and yet they figure out a way to maintain their endurance so that a brief sickness (or preventative rest) doesn't set them back to square one once they finally feel able to get back out there.
So later today, after a couple more glasses of water and tea, some soy protein and ibuprofen, I will go on a long (4.5) mile walk, incorporating one errand, in lieu of the five-mile run I had scheduled.
Walking can be just as good for a person as running. The heart rate doesn't get quite where it should be, but calories are still burned, muscle tone still developed, lungs still exercised. Yet I will be spared the frantic inhale-exhale of cool air that could exacerbate my sore throat.
And, as my mom so wisely said to me this morning, the reason people get tired when they're sick is because the body is expending it's energy fighing the invaders. So it makes sense to try to preserve that energy for the immune system, but at the same time it's important to preserve a certain level of fitness.
Back to the couch now. Here is my map. I hope y'all are feeling okay today and taking care of yourselves.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Need a Break
My social calendar has been quite full lately. I've been out around town listening to amazing concerts, dining with famous friends, flashing my gams around the neighborhood, and playing music.
The result - I'm exhausted. I need a break. I need a weekend.
The result - I'm exhausted. I need a break. I need a weekend.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Bender Ball Review
I can't say exactly what prompted me to finally, after months and months of seeing fragments of the infomercial, purchase a Bender Ball. But I did, and I've used it twice, and at the prompting of uber-reviewer Matt, will attempt to discuss my impressions.
The Bender Ball plus instructional DVD arrived about a week after ordering. The ball itself is rather small, about three-quarters the size of a soccer ball, and comes with a plastic straw that you use to inflate. The size of the ball makes inflation difficult, as the little bit of air that inevitably escapes when you remove the straw to insert the platic plug deflates the ball significantly. The good news is that the ball doesn't have to be fully inflated to work well. The bad news is that you have to inflate the ball before every use, and sometimes mid-use, if your session is vigorous.
The insructional DVD is, to be blunt, horrible. The instructor has flabby, uninspiring abs and the pace is incredibly slow. After one minute of the first segment I skipped to the second segment and lasted only two minutes there before giving up on the DVD entirely.
Regardless, my abs were on fire with the first slight movements, and even though I ended up deviating from the DVD and creating my own moves based on other abdominal workouts I've done, I can say confidently that the Bender Ball targets the upper and lower abs, as well as obliques, efficiently and successfully.
The first day, I used the ball for only about ten minutes, experimenting with various movements designed to hit all abdominal sections. The next day, I didn't feel sore until I got to yoga - suddenly, my abs said 'hello!' in ways they ordinarily don't. The slightest bit of core engagement on the mat and I could feel the soreness; undoubtedly the result of my Bender Ball workout.
The second time I used the Bender Ball, I went for it a little more seriously. I tried some more advanced moves and more repetitions. This thing is TOUGH. My abs were on FIRE. Despite the inflation issues and poor DVD, if you want a good abdominal workout and are decently creative, the Bender Ball WILL develop strength and tone in the midsection.
One last comment - as I was unpacking my Bender Ball, I noticed that the packing slip included an alarming little sentence that said, "Next shipment in about 30 days." Now, I have read myriad reviews online claiming that the Bender Ball company sent additional shipments and had horrible customer service. I've read stories of people claiming that they couldn't get the "continuity service" cancelled despite numerous phone calls and were billed repeatedly for additional DVDs never received. That said, it was with much trepidation that I called the customer service line to request that all future shipments and billings be stopped immediately. Overall, I was very satisfied with the customer service I received - I was immediately connected to a real live (and friendly) person without having to navigate any automated menus. Pleasantly, my representative agreed without argument to halt future shipments and provided me with a cancellation number for my references. I will be keeping an eye on my credit card statement for a few months, though.
Overall, I feel that the Bender Ball, while structurally lacking in some regards, provides a tough and effective abdominal workout superior to floor crunches. I will continue to use it to supplement my yoga and running regimine. The accompanying DVD, however, has been deemed useless and will be going in the trash.
My Lionesses
Elena (left) and Natasha lounging on a Saturday morning.
Normally mild-mannered Elena sneaks up on her sister.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Dinner!
I made dinner tonight after my run and it looked so beautiful that I had to take a photo!
Whole wheat penne with grilled chicken, halved grape tomatoes, baby spinach, and a basil pesto with a half-bottle of Rocca della Macie Chianti Classico.
Whole wheat penne with grilled chicken, halved grape tomatoes, baby spinach, and a basil pesto with a half-bottle of Rocca della Macie Chianti Classico.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
So Much Going On!
*My Bender Ball arrived. Unfortunately as I type this my hair is soaking up some chocolate brown dye, so I cannot dive in and start working on the rock hard abs. Tomorrow.
*Many of you know that I don't like to have more than two of anything. This includes pillows, kittens, and place settings. Unfortunately, I have come to realize that it is lame to only have two place settings when I am trying to entertain. So I am now the proud and panicky owner of a sixteen-piece dish set. I haven't unpacked yet. I need a tranquilizer first.
*Yes, I am dying my hair. Just one or two shades darker. This may sound weird, but almost two years ago I was at a Hawaiian themed party and I dressed up and wore a long dark wig as part of my costume. And I just loved how my skin looked against a chocolatey brown hue! So I finally went for it. Don't worry, I used an ammonia-free semi-permanent color, so my locks won't be fried and the color will gradually fade in six months. I won't have gross ugly roots showing through.
*This weekend I will combine my two most common running routes to make the longest distance I've attempted in three and a half years. Why? I don't know.
*Many of you know that I don't like to have more than two of anything. This includes pillows, kittens, and place settings. Unfortunately, I have come to realize that it is lame to only have two place settings when I am trying to entertain. So I am now the proud and panicky owner of a sixteen-piece dish set. I haven't unpacked yet. I need a tranquilizer first.
*Yes, I am dying my hair. Just one or two shades darker. This may sound weird, but almost two years ago I was at a Hawaiian themed party and I dressed up and wore a long dark wig as part of my costume. And I just loved how my skin looked against a chocolatey brown hue! So I finally went for it. Don't worry, I used an ammonia-free semi-permanent color, so my locks won't be fried and the color will gradually fade in six months. I won't have gross ugly roots showing through.
*This weekend I will combine my two most common running routes to make the longest distance I've attempted in three and a half years. Why? I don't know.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Precision Panic Attack
So my new diet is Precision Nutrition. Without going into major detail, I'll just say that there are these "10 Habits" that you are supposed to be compliant with 90% of the time, and one of those habits is to have a complete protein and vegetable with every meal.
I decided to really give this a shot for at least 30 days with my goals being fat loss and improved running performance.
With enthusiasm, I made a grocery list and hit my local Giant. I just bought more food and spent more money on one shopping trip than I think I have in... well... ever. Honestly. My typical weekly trip costs me about $35, with maybe one additional mini-trip mid-week costing about $15.
Today? I spent SIXTY-FIVE DOLLARS(USD). I feel ill.
Two apples
Two oranges
Organic trail mix
1 bag baby carrots
1 bag baby spinach
1 pint cow's milk
1 quart soy milk
4 servings Greek yogurt
1 pk. whole wheat pita
String cheese
6 chicken breasts
4 cans tuna
1 can cannelini beans
1 box water crackers
1 doz. eggs
1 carton feta cheese
1 carton Unconditionally Chocolate Dove ice cream
I am literally shaking. I can't believe there is so much food in the house. And before y'all get on my case about the ice cream, I have denied myself junk food in almost every form for a long time now, and it was getting to the point where even contemplating an ice cream purchase was grounds for a major panic attack in the freezer isle. So just the fact that I was able to allow myself a little splurge without a stream of negative self-talk pushing me to throw it out as soon a I got home is a pretty good thing. I'll eat it and won't apologize for it, thank you very much.
I was able to squeeze in a five-mile run in between some pretty heavy rain showers. I got soaked turning the corner into the last 3/4 mile, but no biggie...
I decided to really give this a shot for at least 30 days with my goals being fat loss and improved running performance.
With enthusiasm, I made a grocery list and hit my local Giant. I just bought more food and spent more money on one shopping trip than I think I have in... well... ever. Honestly. My typical weekly trip costs me about $35, with maybe one additional mini-trip mid-week costing about $15.
Today? I spent SIXTY-FIVE DOLLARS(USD). I feel ill.
Two apples
Two oranges
Organic trail mix
1 bag baby carrots
1 bag baby spinach
1 pint cow's milk
1 quart soy milk
4 servings Greek yogurt
1 pk. whole wheat pita
String cheese
6 chicken breasts
4 cans tuna
1 can cannelini beans
1 box water crackers
1 doz. eggs
1 carton feta cheese
1 carton Unconditionally Chocolate Dove ice cream
I am literally shaking. I can't believe there is so much food in the house. And before y'all get on my case about the ice cream, I have denied myself junk food in almost every form for a long time now, and it was getting to the point where even contemplating an ice cream purchase was grounds for a major panic attack in the freezer isle. So just the fact that I was able to allow myself a little splurge without a stream of negative self-talk pushing me to throw it out as soon a I got home is a pretty good thing. I'll eat it and won't apologize for it, thank you very much.
I was able to squeeze in a five-mile run in between some pretty heavy rain showers. I got soaked turning the corner into the last 3/4 mile, but no biggie...
Friday, March 07, 2008
Disoriented!
So today I didn't have to be in to work until 8am due to having to stay late for a meeting this afternoon. And while it was nice to sleep in and eat a proper breakfast in front of The Today Show (I think Matt Lauer is sorta hot, sorry!), I have to say that I don't really like the feeling of coming to the office so late.
I'm accustomed to being the first one in, before any other day shift official or detective. I'm used to being the first line of information. I like walking into a dark office and flipping on the lights and having an hour or two of silence to get the morning work done in peace. Getting to work early makes me feel like I have a high work ethic.
But when I got here today everything was already bustling, my email was full of chatter and yet I didn't know what the conversation was about because I was coming in in the middle. Even though I was technically "on time" for my tour of duty, I felt late and lazy and as though I would be playing catch-up all day.
At least it's Friday and this weekend should be rainy and cold - perfect reason to stay inside with my Netflix movies, needlepoint, magazines, kittens, and full wine rack. I did my long run yesterday so I'll just squeeze in 3-4 miles tomorrow when I can... no pressure to get out there for more than 45-minutes. I really need a rejuvenating weekend. Let it begin!
I'm accustomed to being the first one in, before any other day shift official or detective. I'm used to being the first line of information. I like walking into a dark office and flipping on the lights and having an hour or two of silence to get the morning work done in peace. Getting to work early makes me feel like I have a high work ethic.
But when I got here today everything was already bustling, my email was full of chatter and yet I didn't know what the conversation was about because I was coming in in the middle. Even though I was technically "on time" for my tour of duty, I felt late and lazy and as though I would be playing catch-up all day.
At least it's Friday and this weekend should be rainy and cold - perfect reason to stay inside with my Netflix movies, needlepoint, magazines, kittens, and full wine rack. I did my long run yesterday so I'll just squeeze in 3-4 miles tomorrow when I can... no pressure to get out there for more than 45-minutes. I really need a rejuvenating weekend. Let it begin!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Ambitious Undertaking
The weather has been so perfect lately that I am going to do my long run tomorrow instead of waiting for Saturday.
I really have just as much time on a weekday as I would on a weekend if I embark straight after work.
This is it. A 10k.
I really have just as much time on a weekday as I would on a weekend if I embark straight after work.
This is it. A 10k.
T-Storm Aftermath
The much-anticipated thunderstorm hit late last night, but I was satisfied nonetheless. The only thing I don't like about such weather is the worms! I hate worm-covered sidewalks, I hate stepping on worms and grinding them into the bottom of my shoes, I hate tracking worm guts around the office or wherever I am. I hate that worms flee to the sidewalks to avoid drowning only to inevitably get stuck and dry up in the sun and die anyway.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
I AM NOT LAZY
But it's raining and I'm tired and I'm out of classes on my card at the ashram and I can't afford another one right now so I am just going to stay home and do a practice in the low light of dusk with some nice music and tea and my shower only steps away and I walked over a mile and a half today already and ran four yesterday and I don't want to hear that I'm LAZY for staying in!
That's all, thank you.
That's all, thank you.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Hmmm....
... Even though I'm an adventure junkie... maybe I'm a teensy bit relieved to not be in Colombia right now.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Lately I've Been Single-Minded
So I know this is an all-running all-the-time blog these days, but just deal.
Yesterday I went out for three miles with Matt to see if I could uncover some of the causes of his ailments, notably a numb foot and trouble building endurance.
I had a feeling that the endurance problems were the result of doing too much too fast too soon on too hilly terrain. And the terrain was indeed hilly. I don't think we ran on flat ground at all. So I give him lots of props for getting out there as often as he does... it's frustrating to run on elevation because it takes so much longer to build endurance. And without endurance, running is frustrating. When running is frustrating, people quit. Matt hasn't quit yet and has a lofty goal coming up in April. For that, I'm proud of him!
I'm proud of myself as well for running the longest distance since ending my marathon training several years ago - close to eight miles, and hilly, and I felt DAMN GOOD when I got home.
Being here in this moment, hanging out in my sunny and clean apartment with tea and two snoozing kittens, dinner with good friends last night, a leisurely morning followed by some yoga and then a shopping excursion later on, I'm glad that I'm here and not in South America. Don't get me wrong... Colombia would have been the trip of a lifetime, but in the here and now, I'm content where I am.
Yesterday I went out for three miles with Matt to see if I could uncover some of the causes of his ailments, notably a numb foot and trouble building endurance.
I had a feeling that the endurance problems were the result of doing too much too fast too soon on too hilly terrain. And the terrain was indeed hilly. I don't think we ran on flat ground at all. So I give him lots of props for getting out there as often as he does... it's frustrating to run on elevation because it takes so much longer to build endurance. And without endurance, running is frustrating. When running is frustrating, people quit. Matt hasn't quit yet and has a lofty goal coming up in April. For that, I'm proud of him!
I'm proud of myself as well for running the longest distance since ending my marathon training several years ago - close to eight miles, and hilly, and I felt DAMN GOOD when I got home.
Being here in this moment, hanging out in my sunny and clean apartment with tea and two snoozing kittens, dinner with good friends last night, a leisurely morning followed by some yoga and then a shopping excursion later on, I'm glad that I'm here and not in South America. Don't get me wrong... Colombia would have been the trip of a lifetime, but in the here and now, I'm content where I am.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
I'm All A-Twitter
If you look to your right, you will see a little box above my links called It'sAJoy2BHidden! This is a cool feature called Twitter that Matt has been using for a while and is a lot of fun. Basically, I can provide short snippets from my day without composing a whole post! So check back often because I'm all a-twitter!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Nervous!
Matt is having trouble building endurance. So I offered to run with him tomorrow in order to get a better idea as to what exactly could be going on. Is it a form issue? A pace issue? I'll know more tomorrow.
I plan to run to Matt's (2.75 miles), then do three miles with him at a 3-min run/1-min walk interval. Hopefully he will agree to give me a lift home, otherwise I'll hoof the 2.75 miles back to my neighborhood.
Even with the ride, I'm looking at almost six miles to run tomorrow... the most significant distance I've attempted since getting my feet back under me. And from what I understand, Matt's route contains some pretty significant hills...
Thankfully, I'll be able to soothe my aching muscles and possibly bruised ego over dinner at Dukem with two good friends later that evening.
I plan to run to Matt's (2.75 miles), then do three miles with him at a 3-min run/1-min walk interval. Hopefully he will agree to give me a lift home, otherwise I'll hoof the 2.75 miles back to my neighborhood.
Even with the ride, I'm looking at almost six miles to run tomorrow... the most significant distance I've attempted since getting my feet back under me. And from what I understand, Matt's route contains some pretty significant hills...
Thankfully, I'll be able to soothe my aching muscles and possibly bruised ego over dinner at Dukem with two good friends later that evening.
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