Find whatever it takes to push yourself.

I really have no idea how many people look at my blog or who uses it simply to check on me or maybe as motivation for themselves. If it ever encourages you along in your own training, great! It can be difficult at times to tie up the shoes or drive out to the gym or wake up early. There are plenty of demons that stare us down: laziness, the comfy couch, our boyfriends, a bad attitude. That's why it's so important to have strategies for dealing with the fight. I think we all agree that many times we don't feel like working out but, every time that we do, we're thrilled to have done it.

One thing I like is new stuff. I mean my get-a-grips are still exciting to me. Last night I ran my 3 miles around my neighborhood (at 730, so it was dark) and it seemed fun for me to strap those babies on. They give me some sort of mental edge, like "oooh, Alex, you're so tough". Heh heh. Again, whatever works. I think new workout apparel can be helpful as well. Who gets excited about going to the gym in the same pit-stained, holey t-shirt? BORING. How about new shorts? That might be more incentive. I can see the argument of why waste money for clothes that you just sweat in. You don't have to think of it in that way. Picture yourself in the gear that makes you feel strong, energized, attractive. I mean you are exercising for the health of your body---the only one you will ever have. Do whatever it takes to keep your one, unique, amazing body functioning at its peak. Treat yourself now and then.

Today my motivation is my new bathing suit. It comes in the mail today. This means when I am out hoofing my 5 mile run at the park, I can picture that bikini waiting for me. I'm not sure how I'll feel when I actually pull it on, but for 5 miles I can imagine that maybe, just this one time, it will be some dream bathing suit. Dreams are what keep us going and who is going to tell someone else how 'worthy' their dream is? Again, try and find whatever it takes for YOU to push yourself.

my legs are sore!

I am beginning to see how this running is taking a toll on my body. I am so incredibly tired these days. I can hardly stay awake through a movie and I hit snooze a half a dozen times each morning. On Sunday, my only day to sleep in, I think I slept for about 13 hours. Man alive! Although, I do try and think of the positives. For instance, not going out on the weekends gives me a bit of extra cash. We all know the difference that an extra $5 in the wallet makes. Now, I can finally afford that extra pair of headphones. (Does anyone actually use those i-pod earbuds for long distances?)

Well I ran the full 6 miles on Saturday. And I did that with one less layer of clothing. Ahhh, those little signs that spring is on the way :) On Sunday, I confronted my comfy, cozy couch laziness head on and forced myself to the gym for another 3 miles.

Now the countdown is on: only 4 more runs until I leave for Florida!!!

tomorrow's mission: 6 miles

I can't believe this will only be my 4th Saturday at Kensington. For some reason, it feels as if I have been doing this for much longer. Our overall weekly mileage is taking a dramatic turn upwards. Last week, my total mileage was 18 miles. This week it bumps up to 21. Doesn't seem like much when I write it out but when I'll be running, then I'll really feel the difference. So far, my body is holding up well. I haven't had any crazy pains or soreness. I am THANKFUL for that and I HOPE to keep it up. Fortunately, this is my last week of raging cold February temps. After that, a week in sunny Florida. There is a light!!

making 18 miles so far

I have a 3 mile run tonight which will put my weekly total since Saturday at 18 miles. That sounds so accomplished!! Who would've thought I had it in me?
I'll be doing my run at the gym. I'd probably blow over outside with these 20+ mph gusts. That's alright though. Jason made me a mix cd for V day that he thought would be sporty for my runs. I guess I'll give it a trial listen tonight. I can go at a leisurely pace since Thursdays seem to be uncrowded at the gym. That means lots of time for stretching and weights.

I had pancakes for breakfast.

I think today is a nice day.

Two early days of running

Well, let's be honest, I wasn't up that early! I think both days I started running about 8:15 am or so. That was an early enough start for me.

Tuesday was my 4-miler of the week and I ran on the treadmill at the gym. I think the gym is starting to annoy me. I mean really with all this forced outdoor running, I find that I am truly enjoying it. In the gym, I just have my eyes boring into the tm's console irritatingly seeing each tenth of a second pass or each tenth of a mile. It's excruciating. Plus, any room that's indoors these days is just sickeningly dry. My mouth feels like sand after about ten minutes in that cactus-growing environment. Needless to say, that 4 miles was a struggle. I just couldn't get my head to focus. It was mentally grueling. By the end, I think I had paused about 3 times before I was done. At least, I did it.

Today I decided to run outside. The weather is finally starting to perk up. However, the snow that melts in the afternoon is pure ice on the driveways and sidewalks during the morning frost. Thankfully I strapped on my get-a-grips which made maneuvering around much easier. I did my 3 miles in about a half hour without stopping. That's a refreshing start to the day!!

An efficient weekend of running

This was a productive weekend.
I ran the full 5 miles at Kensington on Saturday WITHOUT stopping.
That's a big development in my training. The amazing thing is that it didn't seem like that herculean of a task. I kept repeating the mantra pick 'em up and put 'em down. In other words, just don't stop running. After that I was bushed, whooped, beaten down and sore. I came home, showered, threw down some oatmeal and promptly crashed for a nap by 1130. Hell. I deserved it!

Sunday was my 3 miles at the gym. Sometimes it's great to be at the gym on a lazy, uncrowded, unhurried afternoon. I strolled for a relaxing 10 minute warm up. I finished my 3 miles with a relaxing 15 minute cool down. Then I stretched. I LOVE stretching. Unfortunately, it's too cold outside to plop down in the grass right now and by the time I get home, I'm usually in a rush to shower and warm myself up. I took full advantage of the gym's area to wring my muscles out. It was so cathartic. I even did a circuit on the weight machines. I treated myself to some luxuriating time in the steam room and the dry sauna. That is how one does a trip to the gym properly!

Now, it's Monday. My day of well-deserved rest!!!

all things must come to an end, even slacking

I have not been too fastidious with following my training plan this week. I have plenty of excuses, none of them excellent or meaningful. Sure, I had the great run last Saturday and the blustering trek on Tuesday and then I actually got up before work to run on Wednesday. Alas, that's about it. Shame. Shame.
Time to move forward.
Tomorrow's another chance to do the right thing.
I have my 5 miles out at Kensington at 8am. The weather is really heating up. I mean I'll probably need some sunblock with the feels like of 11 degrees. Yowza!
Then I'll motivate for 3 miles on Sunday and next week will start off wonderfully. It has to. I only have two full weeks before my Florida vacation. I must stay consistent with the schedule so I'm ready for it down there. Plus, I totally need to get the bikini boom boom body ready.
Bwah ha haaaa.....

Get-A-Grip

With my newest running accessory, I was feeling bold and brave and determined to huff it through the snow yesterday. I had not worked out since Saturday's morning run. I had been ungraciously gorging on extra dessert treats. The gym would not do for my 430 run. The outdoors was my only alternative. Boy, that midwest arctic blast couldn't have had worse timing. I was going out into the milky white thick of it. I knew I had to toughen up my adventurous spirit when I pulled into Kensington and only saw two other vehicles. That means there were only 2 runners out there. I was curious as to what type of Eskimos they might be and I instantly felt a neighborly connection with them.

I rolled out of my car with the chunky snow like flints against my eyes. I hopped up and down for a few brief seconds testing the feel of my shoes strapped into the get-a-grip traction. I saw the footprints of the other two runners and thought "Alright, winter buddies, let's do this!" (Yes, I am very much a geek, and even more so when trying to rally my spirits.)

I got to the starting mark, saw the path disappearing under fluctuating drifts of feathery snow and began to jog. Pick 'em and put 'em down. I could barely look up with the flakes crusting into my eyelids. For a second, I even bemoaned this sucks but I kept with it. My shoes kind of made me feel spritely. I bounded on and off the path, over the dry areas, through the deeper snowy patches. I kept it up. I almost told myself I'd turn around at the 1.25 mark and be satisfied with a 2.5 mile run but I kept on going to the 1.5 mark before I turned around. I even passed my buddies and felt a surge of confidence and comradery as we nodded in mutual admiration (at least that's how it occurred in my head---they were probably wondering why this odd duck waddling about was even trying as she gasped and choked for breath in that blizzard). I persevered though. I did the whole 3-mile loop without stopping.

Yeah Me!!!!

Then I was lucky enough to be given a two-hour work delay this morning. I was at the gym by 8am getting in my short two miles for Wednesday. Gotta get that positive body mindset going for my valentine's day dinner. WHEE!! Exciting :)
*Happy VD everyone*

bah humbug

Gargoyle Girl and her trusty sidekick, Inflamed Cold Sore, aren't feeling too spicy today. Someone has a walloping case of pms and someone else is getting crusty. Will they have a party of pity together? Will they run through the blizzard together, the parasitic face hemorrhoid and the unshowered jogger? Will they settle for the gym, only to bawk at the long lines and scowls reflected in the mirrors?

oh, the suspense and bated breath for tomorrow's post.

Who will triumph?

Reminds me of an old favorite joke:
Q. Why do they call it pms?
A. Because mad cow disease was already taken.

hoot hoot. over and out.

small miracles

For two weeks in a row now, I have made it out to Kensington. I was on time at 8am in the wildly warmer 15 degrees. At least the sun was shining and it was glorious. It's really a beautiful route out there, through the woods, around the lake and away from city congestion and traffic.

Something remarkable happened that morning. I ran for 4.25 miles until I took a walking break. 4.25 miles! Talk about a rush of excitement and self-congratulation. Whatever, I am doing, must be working. I walked for the next quarter of a mile then ran the last .5 for a grand total of 5 miles out at the park.

I was whooped. I still am whooped. I think this new stress on my body of more than 20 miles a week of running is going to take some adjusting to. I'm tired as well. My body is acting out. I have a cold sore. It's disgusting. I am not feeling too crafty or loquacious for this blog post. Although, like my mom pointed out, if my body is going to act out, better a cold sore, than an actual cold that would run me down and keep me in bed. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

{PS: From one evolved bipedal mammal to all the others, Happy Darwin Day!}

a heart of gratitude

I see that my letters have been received and some donations have started to flow in. For all of you who have been so generous and kind, thank you. THANK YOU! I knew that when I chose to become involved, I'd be asking a lot of myself. I also knew I'd be asking others for help. I was a little unsure of what to expect, but you are all passing my expectations. I am so very grateful. I appreciate you helping me. Truly, I do.

a day for my legs to relax

Yesterday I was lucky enough to get out of the gym for my run. I visited my friend Rachel and used the tm at her house. It was a nice change of pace. Although, with most things new and unfamiliar, I think the different machine took some mental adjusting. I ran the 3 miles, but I did slow down for two walking breaks. While I would have liked to push through, I should be happy that I even did anything while visiting my friend for an overdue girl's night. Plus, my poor quadriceps are really sore. Today's day of rest is definitely needed.

Tomorrow is my first five miles out at Kensington at 8am. The feels like temperature looks to be above 0 degrees. How balmy (not). Wish me luck!

figuring out the kinks

I ran for two miles outside when weather.com had listed the feels like temperature to be -1. I did my run in about 21 minutes so I wasn't out there long enough to worry about frostbite, hypothermia or my lungs freezing---the things which nonrunners fear.

I've come to the conclusion that my current neck warmer/mouth-and-nose guard is not working efficiently. I either have to run with my eyes downcast in order to keep it from slipping or rearrange it every time it falls down. Either way, that's not working for me. Plus whenever I adjusted the neck tube, my earbuds fell out. What a pain. I finally put my ipod in my pocket and ran without a soundtrack. That was okay but I didn't experience any type of bucolic epiphany after listening to the supposed sounds of nature, which basically consisted of the pounding blood between my ears, the huffing of my shortened breath and the snowy crunch of unshoveled sidewalks.

Looks like this Friday I'll shell out some more money for sportier headphones and a nose-and-mouth guard that actually stays in place. I'm still learning.

2 miles at 0 degrees---that's nothing

Well I did run my 4 miles last night, but not as seamlessly as I'd hoped.
I forgot to bring in water and after 2.6 miles, I was desperately parched. I hopped off my treadmill and sprinted to the drinking fountain and back. I 'paused' the treadmill, while leaving my fleece next to it and my ipod hanging off from it. I fly back from the fountain to see some guy on my machine. And this tool is talking on his cellphone.

Argh. He's even reset the machine but looking around as if he feels weird about what he's done. I make direct eye contact with him, clearly indicating with all my body language that he has usurped my machine. He gets off slowly, stands there and watches me get back into place. I see he's already set up his water bottle so I firmly hand it back to him. At this point, he asks "So, you're not done?" Uh, hello? No. I am not. Didn't you see all my stuff? I wasn't even at the 30 minute mark. Of course, I don't say those things, I just coolly reply "no, I'm not done." It's worth noting that there were other tm's available. Ah, the gym can be so exasperating.

Which brings me to today and my 2 mile run. I'm going outside. It may be crystal cold out there but it is a brilliant sun radiating in Plymouth, MI. If I scurry/shuffle/jog/huff fast enough, perhaps I can outrace the impending tentacles of hypothermia. And hey, after a sure 4 miles last night, what's a measly 2?

4 treadmill miles

Today I am psyching myself up to run 4 miles. Obviously, that was my goal last Saturday but the shrieking winds, new environment and unfamiliar route didn't add up to a combination of factors pushing me towards that fleshed out, full-figured 4 miles. I'm ready though. I'll be fueling my system with healthy food all day. I'll peruse some motivational articles at runner's world to keep me focused.

The only bummer is having to use a treadmill at the gym. Our gym only has a paltry 7 treadmills and that's ridiculous. I'm sure if I were out of bed at 6am, I could have easily found one without waiting but, big surprise, I wasn't up then. The treadmills seem to be full even at 730 at night. I hope it's just the first flush of new resolutions in people that is responsible for the greater numbers filling up the gym. I do applaud their fortitude, but if they want to give up, well, hey, it would leave another empty treadmill for me.

So, until I have a house of my own and the extra money to buy a treadmill, I'll be working late on Tuesdays and secretly hoping the newbies are giving in to their cravings to eat bon bons and watch tv. Besides, a run of 4 miles at 8pm is no less wimpy than one at 7am.

I am going to love Mondays!

If I am fastidious in following my training schedule, I will run 5 days a week. That's a toughy, but I am sure I will tweak the plan occasionally. So far I am on track. 10 miles in the past 4 days. To celebrate for the back to back running days over the weekend, I have Monday off. YEAH! That means a slower, mellow start to my morning. No rushing to be into work, so that I can be out of work, so that I can get to the gym and beat the other treadmill rats. Just a casual slow-paced day. When I go home, I am going to make dinner for my man with some new recipes. I never knew Monday would be my easy day.

My first, frigid foray into the outdoors

• I was pumped for Saturday morning's run.
• I had bought a new jacket.
• I had all the layers I would need.
• I watched Prefontaine the night before.
• I slept well and ate a good breakfast.

Unfortunately, life doesn't always go as we have prepared.

To begin with, I was ten minutes late. I hate being late, especially for a first meeting. I thought I left myself enough time to figure out the meeting spot but Kensington park was bigger than I thought. I show up to the parking lot, huff out of my car and throw my many layers on. I see an SUV marked with the TIT sign so I trudge over. The helper was polite and friendly, instructing me on how to follow the trail. It was simple enough: I was running 4 miles and so I'd head to mile marker 2 and turn around.

I walked up to the 0.0 mile marker feeling slightly dejected. Where was my team? Was I really doing this sub-freezing run alone? Should I have expected this and brought my ipod? I tried to put these disconcerting thoughts aside and focus on myself, my run, the courage I had to show up. The run was fine enough. I was dressed very protectively. I ended up doing some walking stints on the turn around. It was fierce out there on those uphill battles, the howling wind like a banshee in my face and shimmering through the laces on my shoes. Less than an hour later, I returned to the SUV and re-fueled with bagels and water. My mentor was there and asked if I had had success. Well, what did he think I was gauging success by? Never pausing to walk? Not developing hypothermia? Hmmm. "Well, you made it back", someone jokes.

Yes, I made it back. I suppose that was my success of the morning. I woke up early on a freezing cold Saturday morning to run outdoors for the best 4 miles I could. I accomplished the first group run out of 16 to go. I didn't freeze to death. I could still feel my legs and fingers. So, for the initial time out, I had found some success.

...and so it begins

Tomorrow officially marks the beginning of my running with Team In Training and I am psyched!

I've been keeping up with my running on my own and think I am up for the 4 mile run tomorrow. I think accomplishing the run will be easier than braving the weather and walking out my front door. Weather.com states that the approximate temp at 9am will be 9* F, but it will feel like -5 with the wind chill. I'm a bit nervous about that but I get to go shopping tonight (whee!!) and buy myself a new jacket. That's fun!

I'm starting to see what my friends meant when they talked about how good this group made them feel. It's an amazing feeling to be a part of something outside of our everyday, rather self-centered, lives. I am proud to be raising money for the cancer society. Too many lives have been lost.

I am so thankful everyday to have my sister Martinique with me. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and faced some obstacles but she made it. She is flourishing and healthy. I am lucky. We are all lucky. However, many others aren't so blessed. How many years do drugs go undiscovered or sit on shelves simply because there isn't the funding to push the research through? What a senseless waste.

If you are interested in viewing my page for team in training, click here.

Have a relaxing weekend, everyone!!