I’m only running 5k’s right now, as I am getting back into regular running. The run felt great, but it’s a little more work than it should be. I think by the end of next week I’ll be back to where I was at the end of 08. I’m eager to start incorporating longer runs and mixing things up a bit. Right now I’m taking it easy, getting comfortable with 4 runs a week.
And - here’s a bit of motivation from Kara Goucher.
Cross training that is free, quick and simple. The “burpie.” I’ll let Mike Rowe, from “Dirty Jobs,” explain and demonstrate it.
Nice run today. 3.1 miles, 58° and sunny. Feels good. I’m still shaking off the month-long hibernation, and the winter-long slow down, but am so glad to be back at it.
I just signed up at The Daily Mile, a social network for tracking your mileage, making friends, getting advice, etc. Looks good, is easy to use - but I am not sure yet. Today is my first logged run there, but I thought I would give it a try. It syncs with Nike+ so that will make it easy for those of you running with that system. Check it out here.
My life is busier than ever these days - probably like most of yours. My family comes first. So I work at dating my wife, playing with and raising my kids. All of that takes time - time I gladly give. I love my family. I am the Lead Pastor of a new church - it’s growing as God continues to do amazing things there. That takes up a lot of time, and again I am so blessed to be a part of something so awesome. I write a little on the side, the kids and I hit the dojang four times a week for Tae Kwon Do… all of this and more. A busy life is something most adults understand. But a buy life demands demands that we prioritize, schedule, sacrifice and shift. Some things have to come first, some things I have to give up, other things have to wait. In my case, I have to maintain an organized schedule on the one hand, but remain flexible as well. Especially if I want to run. I have to allow for shift.
I love running, and it’s important for me mentally, physically and spiritually. I am a better husband, dad, and pastor because of it (maybe a future post on that). But other things will have to come first because I simply cannot reschedule them. So running for me is sometimes planned to the hour, and sometimes crammed in wherever it will fit. Like today. Skip lunch, go for a run, eat lunch in car on way home. Boom. That’s shift. It’s not when I would ideally plan a run, but it’s where it has to be today.
Here’s what I have found in my running experience so far (only 2 years in). I have to shift a lot, and it’s usually for two simple reasons.
1. Unexpected life changes.
You know, your work needs you to switch schedules, or they’re doing crazy construction where you like to run - whatever. Some people view these as meaningless interruptions, but I see them as a part of God’s “providence” - his active care, oversight, management and involvement in my life. I believe he puts these things into play. And because they come from him I know they are not meant to harm, but to help. Nevertheless, they are still sometimes initially very annoying. Things change and I am forced to shift. Adapt. Ultimately these things that are outside of my control forces variety in my running and tests my resolve. Good stuff.
2. A groove deepens into a rut.
When I’m in a groove everything is working, I’m runnin and lovin it, making progress and feeling like a runner! But after a while my groove deepens and becomes a rut. When I’m in a rut I continue to run but it’s harder, progress seems to slow and I don’t feel like much of a runner. When I hit this experience I need to shift. This is my choice, and it always helps. How do I shift and get out of a rut? I’ll try a new time to run, pick a new route, run different/new distances, break out the iPod, or leave it at home. Maybe you might try running with a person, or a new person - or no person.
Well, that’s what I was thinking about today on my run. It was a nice run from the church offices in misty/rainy weather. 5k through town, then down along the river and back.
Ok, so just like the winter in 07/08, my running slowed to a crawl this year as well. In January I ran a little, in February I don’t think I took one serious run. I like to blame/curse the harsh winter we had, but the truth is I just haven’t figured out how to keep running in Jan/Feb. It’s more on me than the weather. But it’s only my second winter as a runner, so I am hopeful I will continue to “learning to run.” Thankfully I had Tae Kwon Do to keep me working out through the winter. It’s March, Spring is almost here and running is back on. Ran just under 4 miles yesterday and it felt great. Here’s what’s been going on, and what’s on my mind lately.
1. The treadmill beat me this winter.
Friends from church gave us their treadmill and I was happy to have a way of running in the brutal weather. But mentally - I just couldn’t do it. I can run 8 miles outside, no problem. I’m not fast, but I can and love to run. On the treadmill… I seem to max out at 3 miles. I just lose heart or something. I am going to work on this and be ready for next winter.
2. Tae Kwon Do.
This has become a regular part of my routine, which means I finally have serious cross training. I’m new to it, but hit the dojang 4 times a week and am making good progress. Finally, something I like to do besides running.
3. Nike+
The Nike+ system was fun for a while, but it got old for me. Not having Nike shoes, the hack for the sensor worked okay, but it didn’t feel quite right. Plus, I didn’t like having to recalibrate the thing. Too much work, when I am perfectly happy recording my runs in a Moleskine journal. So, I think I am done with that product.
4. Reviews.
A very cool company sent me some products to review on the blog. Of course they arrived just in time for my running hibernation. I will be reviewing the products soon - and let me say what I have used is awesome!
5. Blog.
I am trying to figure out what I’m going to do with this blog. Sometime in the next week I’ll be upgrading to the newest Wordpress, and determining what format this blog will follow.
This week has been different - friends gave us a treadmill they no longer use, so I have been able to run despite the bitter cold, high winds and inches of snow. I had only run once on a treadmill before we set this bad boy up in our library, and as I expected - I find it more difficult to run on the machine than outside. Not physically, but mentally.
It’s harder for me to drift into associative and dissociative thinking; I just keep thinking about the fact that I’m running still. And it’s boring. And I honestly think its more dangerous; I feel like I have less control while I’m on it. When I hop off I feel a bit disoriented. That never happens when I come in from a outdoor run. I will have to figure it out, and despite all of this whining - this machine is a real blessing because it will keep me running all winter long! So, big “Thanks” to our friends from church!
Had a great run tonight. When I went out I wasn’t sure how long I would run, but was thinking 5 miles. It was an out and back route, and since I was feeling good I kept going. Nice country run that went on until the sun was down and the night had come. The run felt great! 8 miles. Rest tomorrow, and then back at it on Monday.
Ok, not exactly 6 miles. 5.98. I was going to pick a fight with my Nike+ for shorting me mileage I was sure I ran, but when I carefuly checked my route, it’s right.
I’m looking forward to a good day of food, family, and fun. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I got home with enough time to spare to squeeze in a 5k before dinner. The sun was setting, it was in the 30’s so it turned out to be a very comfortable run. I didn’t push myself, just enjoyed getting out there.
So, something weird has happened… I stopped drinking soda. This is no small thing. I grew up drinking as much cola as I liked. No limits. I was pounding 8 cans a day of regular Coke in my 20’s. As a married man I was drinking 4 cans a day easy (cost prohibited any more). I switched to Diet Coke and would drink bewteen 3-6 cans a day. Then I started running and learned the value of drinking water, but continued to indulge in my thirst for Diet Coke.
I’m not sure what happened, but about 4 weeks ago I just stopped the “pop” (ok, I’ve had 2 cans in that time). I’m drinking a lot of water. With my meals, with my snacks, and get this… when I’m thirsty! Weird huh? Just a few months ago it was hard for my to consider enjoying some of my favorites foods without a sweet carbonated beverage. But now - it’s all I want. Like right now, I’m sitting on the couch with my wife watching the Biggest Loser with a shot-glass full of almonds and a tall glass of water. The idea of drinking coke does not appeal to me at all. Weird. It’s like, as I’m learning to run, I’m learning to drink as well.
Of course this matters because drinking water is - well, good for you! How good? Here are a few reasons you should drink water taken from a few sources (here, here, and here). There are more reasons that the following 7, but as a runner who still has a few lbs to loose, these are the ones I care most about.
1. Drinking water can help maintain a healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite.
2. Drinking water can increase your energy levels (The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration.).
3. Drinking (enough) water can decrease the risk of certain types of cancers.
4. Drinking water can significantly reduce joint and/or back pain.
5. Drinking water flushes out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.
6. Drinking water can prevent and alleviate headaches.
7. Drinking water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.
Follow the links above to read on. Good stuff.
So, I’m running regular (and loving it), and for a year and a half there have been no running related injuries. I’m now in Tae Kwon Do - and while that’s pushing my body in another direction, so far so good. This week I was climbing around in the attic, getting our Christmas decorations. No problems. Then a few days ago I reached up to pull a book down from one of my book cases and, “tweak.” Major pain since. It’s at the base of my neck and the upper part of the trapezius on the left. Just when I start to feel manly, oooh, grabbing a book proves to be too much for my frail body.
I haven’t run since Wednesday, and am waiting until later today (Saturday) to get back out there. I’ve been gently stretching - but what do I do? Heat pad? Ice? I am totally clueless. I’m not inclined to see a doctor, and am looking for practical advice, but all suggestions are appreciated.
I began running in the summer of 2007 at over 40lbs overweight. This blog is a chronicle of my progress and the lessons I'm learning along the way.
