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.....