A joyful thing happened in South Carolina, in addition to my son's wedding. I discovered once again how enjoyable it is to share a run with those you love and admire.
I have quite a few nieces who are becoming runners. Sometime back we discussed getting together in South Carolina while we were all there for the wedding and going for a run. I took the liberty of finding a good route that would provide us with a loop to stop for water and bathrooms. This happened to be my son's future in-laws neighborhood.
Saturday morning we rose early and drove over to park in their drive to begin our run. My brother joined us as well. All running different paces I showed them the route and we all took off on our adventure. It seems simple and uneventful, nothing really to write about, nothing is further from the truth!
Sharing a time with my family, who are now on a quest to be more healthy, who are there to share in our joy later in the evening, well it was more than just a "run" to me. As I think back on it I needed that run and that time to share with them more than they realize. They may have been there for reasons that have nothing to do with me but in the end they gave me a great gift. A gift of camaraderie, the gift of calm and joy in sharing my passion with them on a day when instead I could have been a bag of nerves.
This is one of those runs that will make my list of my best runs. Thank you all for making such a wonderful memory with me.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Swim team
I've now been officially told that I can move to lane 2! I started this swim team last year with a lot of fear, and no skill. I've now learned the basics and the fear is gone.
Through the winter season I will practice endurance and continue to practice my stroke mechanics and then for next summer I will be in lane 2.
This shows that no matter what the age you can improve, learn new things, and grow in many ways both physically and mentally.
It really is a wonderful feeling that can be carried to many areas of life. Putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation and getting through it is something that everyone should go through, it makes life easier to handle.
Through the winter season I will practice endurance and continue to practice my stroke mechanics and then for next summer I will be in lane 2.
This shows that no matter what the age you can improve, learn new things, and grow in many ways both physically and mentally.
It really is a wonderful feeling that can be carried to many areas of life. Putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation and getting through it is something that everyone should go through, it makes life easier to handle.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Relativity
Yesterday we ran the Freedom 5K here in Granbury and while I got 3rd in my age division my time was slow in comparison to what I've run in the past. Terry came in 2nd and likewise his time was slow in comparison to the past.
I was not going to run this 5K. I've not been running hard since Cowtown and I know I am not in race shape so my decision to run the 5K was to simply run it, not race it.
Then the race comes. I simply cannot just RUN in a race and I push, not hard enough, but still I push. And then when it's over I am upset with myself that I didn't train hard for the race. And yet it's all relative right? I've learned that for me it's best to train for specific races and then allow my body to rest and do some cross training. And so my PRs came in the spring. It was time to let my body recover and get ready for knee surgery so that I can run the Missoula Montana Marathon next July.
In the end getting 3rd place which used to be exciting and amazing to me, has become mundane when I KNOW I could win 1st if I really trained. And so my attitude must change. I can run, and I run a pretty good pace even when I am not in race shape and my knee is hurting and so it's all a matter of relativity.
And now I'm on to the next phase in my running/swimming/biking endeavors.
I was not going to run this 5K. I've not been running hard since Cowtown and I know I am not in race shape so my decision to run the 5K was to simply run it, not race it.
Then the race comes. I simply cannot just RUN in a race and I push, not hard enough, but still I push. And then when it's over I am upset with myself that I didn't train hard for the race. And yet it's all relative right? I've learned that for me it's best to train for specific races and then allow my body to rest and do some cross training. And so my PRs came in the spring. It was time to let my body recover and get ready for knee surgery so that I can run the Missoula Montana Marathon next July.
In the end getting 3rd place which used to be exciting and amazing to me, has become mundane when I KNOW I could win 1st if I really trained. And so my attitude must change. I can run, and I run a pretty good pace even when I am not in race shape and my knee is hurting and so it's all a matter of relativity.
And now I'm on to the next phase in my running/swimming/biking endeavors.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Behind on Blogging!
I've learned so much over the past couple of years in regard to excersize, it's hard to know how to begin to share what I have learned but I shall give it a try.
1. Running with no cross training will eventually lead to injury
2. Cross training is fun and I've learned that swimming (and I mean REALLY swimming), learning all of the strokes, doing tough drills, and sprints, plus distance swimming, has helped me in a number of ways. I've also learned I really won't drown if I push hard swimming!
3. Cycling is very hard, much harder than running in my opinion. But also very rewarding and exhilerating.
4. Yoga/Pilates provide a very tough but cleansing workout while allowing me to gain strength I never got with lifting weights.
5. Most of all though I've come to the realization that all of these activities (and others) have become such a way of life that they are no longer just "workouts".
When we begin working out we have to plan and think about when we will get our workouts in, it becomes a hassle to make sure we get just enough time in to counter our calorie intake. While it is positive and we enjoy it, it is "exersize".
No longer do I feel this way, these activites are a way of life, they are what I do, just like brushing my teeth, doing my hair, eating. It's just the way we live and with it comes freedom.
In a few weeks I have knee surgery, nothing major, I am worried about how I will fill my time while not being able to fully live they way I have become accustomed. I guess I will just have to work hard to get myself back better than ever!
Last I want to express how exciting it has been to see family members beginning the quest for health, and you know who you are! Congratulations and know that I am here to support you in any way I can. Looking forward to a "family" half sometime in the future!
1. Running with no cross training will eventually lead to injury
2. Cross training is fun and I've learned that swimming (and I mean REALLY swimming), learning all of the strokes, doing tough drills, and sprints, plus distance swimming, has helped me in a number of ways. I've also learned I really won't drown if I push hard swimming!
3. Cycling is very hard, much harder than running in my opinion. But also very rewarding and exhilerating.
4. Yoga/Pilates provide a very tough but cleansing workout while allowing me to gain strength I never got with lifting weights.
5. Most of all though I've come to the realization that all of these activities (and others) have become such a way of life that they are no longer just "workouts".
When we begin working out we have to plan and think about when we will get our workouts in, it becomes a hassle to make sure we get just enough time in to counter our calorie intake. While it is positive and we enjoy it, it is "exersize".
No longer do I feel this way, these activites are a way of life, they are what I do, just like brushing my teeth, doing my hair, eating. It's just the way we live and with it comes freedom.
In a few weeks I have knee surgery, nothing major, I am worried about how I will fill my time while not being able to fully live they way I have become accustomed. I guess I will just have to work hard to get myself back better than ever!
Last I want to express how exciting it has been to see family members beginning the quest for health, and you know who you are! Congratulations and know that I am here to support you in any way I can. Looking forward to a "family" half sometime in the future!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
A Week of Reflection
Have you ever had something happen, or maybe many somethings, all close to the same time that cause you to reflect on life, love, happiness, success and what that means to us?
This week one of our dogs had to be put down. This dog was one we rescued from the pound when we lived in Abilene. They did not realize she was pregnant, soon after her rescue we had 12 puppies. She was well trained and loved everyone. Her life with us was fun, we gave her all our love. In the end she was sick and there wasn't anything more we could do.
This week a woman I knew in Abilene, an avid cyclist, was killed while riding. A horrible tragedy that still has me wondering if I am ready should something happen. Have I done all I want to do, given enough, loved enough, been wise enough, made the right choices more often than not?
This week our son moved to South Carolina after graduating from UT. He is off to another life, far enough away that we can't drive to him easily. He will be getting married a couple of months, he will be responsible for his own family then. And I ponder whether or not he will find success as he defines it, I hope they don't go through so many of the hard times we went through and yet I know they have to in order to grow together.
It's been a week to think about life, the meaning behind why we are here. These are the things I think about while I'm running. It's easy for me to zone out and just think about all that is happening and my place in everything around me. Thank goodness I have running to help me sort out my own reflection.
This week one of our dogs had to be put down. This dog was one we rescued from the pound when we lived in Abilene. They did not realize she was pregnant, soon after her rescue we had 12 puppies. She was well trained and loved everyone. Her life with us was fun, we gave her all our love. In the end she was sick and there wasn't anything more we could do.
This week a woman I knew in Abilene, an avid cyclist, was killed while riding. A horrible tragedy that still has me wondering if I am ready should something happen. Have I done all I want to do, given enough, loved enough, been wise enough, made the right choices more often than not?
This week our son moved to South Carolina after graduating from UT. He is off to another life, far enough away that we can't drive to him easily. He will be getting married a couple of months, he will be responsible for his own family then. And I ponder whether or not he will find success as he defines it, I hope they don't go through so many of the hard times we went through and yet I know they have to in order to grow together.
It's been a week to think about life, the meaning behind why we are here. These are the things I think about while I'm running. It's easy for me to zone out and just think about all that is happening and my place in everything around me. Thank goodness I have running to help me sort out my own reflection.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Kroger Loves Me!
As some of you know I have started a new activity (for me) called cycling. Those who do this often make it seem easy, they ride along effortlessly, smoothly, looking fluent and one with the road.
Believe me it's not that easy. At least not for me. Running and cycling are very different, from what I've gathered thus far there are those who are good runners and those who are good cyclists and most folks are not good at both, or like both at the same level.
I am enjoying learning to cycle. It is such a different experience and there is so much to learn and get used to. For example:
The bottom part of the handlebars, the part that curves toward you, are called drops. The first time someone told me to use my drops I thought they were telling me it was time to put drops in my eyes! There are lots of little terms like that, all part of the learning experience.
There are a few things that are difficult for me to get used to. Such as, you ride on the RIGHT side of the road. Sounds silly I know but I am so used to running on the left that I find myself going to the left on my bike when I really need to stay on the right.
The most difficult thing for me is looking back over my left shoulder to see if there is a car coming. Keeping the handle bars from turning when you are looking over your shoulder is impossible! I am afraid I will go right into the ditch or hit a tree or something. Therefore I rely on others to tell me if a car is coming or I stop and look...I keep hearing this will be easier as I get used to it...yeah right!
And let's not forget the seat...when the heck do your bones get used to that bumping up and down on that seat? Again people say "oh you will get used to it", OK ... so WHEN????
My last experience though was the one that thus far wins the prize. I went out for a ride with some friends who are training for several triathlons...yes they are she beasts... no doubt. It should have been an easy 30 mile ride. The most I had ridden before this ride was 18. No problem, I think to myself. We begin to ride, it's great at first and then we begin climbing hills, everywhere we went was an incline. Not to mention the wind was at 20 mph in our face! REALLY? Why did I do this. One thing I am not comfortable with is drinking water while riding and so I just didn't drink until we took a break. A little too late for that. At 80 degrees and humidity above 60% drinking and eating are important. I ate at noon but didn't ride until 3:30.
Because I run so much I know when to fuel and when it's OK not to, it's different in cycling and it's something I was not ready for. I simply did not prepare.
Even before half way I had no water left. The girls were sweet enough to give me water but it was too late I was already dehydrated. At mile 25 we went by the Kroger so that I could get a banana and some more water. I tried to eat, tried to drink but I felt pretty bad and although there were only a few miles left I simply could not go on. But before my friends could hit the road and leave me to get a ride home I got sick.
Yes, I threw up 4 or 5 times right in front of Kroger with people going in and out to buy groceries...there I was hurling chunks of banana. Needless to say I was very dehydrated. Lesson learned, I will be more prepared on my next longer ride!
They went on while one of the husbands came to pick me up and take me to my car.
Do I still like cycling you may be asking? Heck yeah! I can't wait to go out with them again, this time better prepared for the long haul.
Believe me it's not that easy. At least not for me. Running and cycling are very different, from what I've gathered thus far there are those who are good runners and those who are good cyclists and most folks are not good at both, or like both at the same level.
I am enjoying learning to cycle. It is such a different experience and there is so much to learn and get used to. For example:
The bottom part of the handlebars, the part that curves toward you, are called drops. The first time someone told me to use my drops I thought they were telling me it was time to put drops in my eyes! There are lots of little terms like that, all part of the learning experience.
There are a few things that are difficult for me to get used to. Such as, you ride on the RIGHT side of the road. Sounds silly I know but I am so used to running on the left that I find myself going to the left on my bike when I really need to stay on the right.
The most difficult thing for me is looking back over my left shoulder to see if there is a car coming. Keeping the handle bars from turning when you are looking over your shoulder is impossible! I am afraid I will go right into the ditch or hit a tree or something. Therefore I rely on others to tell me if a car is coming or I stop and look...I keep hearing this will be easier as I get used to it...yeah right!
And let's not forget the seat...when the heck do your bones get used to that bumping up and down on that seat? Again people say "oh you will get used to it", OK ... so WHEN????
My last experience though was the one that thus far wins the prize. I went out for a ride with some friends who are training for several triathlons...yes they are she beasts... no doubt. It should have been an easy 30 mile ride. The most I had ridden before this ride was 18. No problem, I think to myself. We begin to ride, it's great at first and then we begin climbing hills, everywhere we went was an incline. Not to mention the wind was at 20 mph in our face! REALLY? Why did I do this. One thing I am not comfortable with is drinking water while riding and so I just didn't drink until we took a break. A little too late for that. At 80 degrees and humidity above 60% drinking and eating are important. I ate at noon but didn't ride until 3:30.
Because I run so much I know when to fuel and when it's OK not to, it's different in cycling and it's something I was not ready for. I simply did not prepare.
Even before half way I had no water left. The girls were sweet enough to give me water but it was too late I was already dehydrated. At mile 25 we went by the Kroger so that I could get a banana and some more water. I tried to eat, tried to drink but I felt pretty bad and although there were only a few miles left I simply could not go on. But before my friends could hit the road and leave me to get a ride home I got sick.
Yes, I threw up 4 or 5 times right in front of Kroger with people going in and out to buy groceries...there I was hurling chunks of banana. Needless to say I was very dehydrated. Lesson learned, I will be more prepared on my next longer ride!
They went on while one of the husbands came to pick me up and take me to my car.
Do I still like cycling you may be asking? Heck yeah! I can't wait to go out with them again, this time better prepared for the long haul.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Spring
We've had a lot of rain this year and this spring the eyes see green grass, green trees, colorful wildflowers everywhere, yards and gardens coming to life. Spring is such a rebirth for Mother Earth as well as for all of us, a time to begin anew.
On my ride the other day, the one with the really big hills, I was in awe of the wildflowers. So many colors everywhere you look, God is so amazing in his palette I never cease to be amazed.
The only downside is that my knee is really not well after Cowtown Half and so I am once again struggling to recover. Running is something I am doing less of now. But never fear I am going to an orthopedist here next week and hope soon to be back on my running feet. In the meantime I am walking, cycling, swimming, yogaing (is that a word?), working in the yard, fishing, so as you see I am still very active. It's only the running that seems to bother me...sigh.
However, walking does have some advantages. I've noticed that when I'm walking I tend to see things happening around me more than when I am running. An example follows.
A transition to spring is baseball. Everyone knows this, even those who don't keep up with sports. The local little league teams play close to the walking/bike/running path. It is funny how seeing those little boys out there playing, the brothers and sisters running around and lining up at the concession stand, or playing wallball on the side of the buildings, brings a warm feeling that starts deep down in my heart and builds up to my face where then a smile cannot be suppressed.
Yesterday on the path near the fields was this little boy, maybe 5 or 6, playing a game with his shadow. Jumping up and down trying to throw the shadow off. He would turn and look, jump up, spin around, as if trying desperately to separate himself from the shadow but when he could not he would giggle that little kid giggle that is so contagious. This is the way it should be I thought to myself. Kids need this, the outdoors, the imaginative spirit. Forget the video games, the TV, those things can squash our ability to imagine, to live, to play with our shadows. It was wonderful to see a child doing what children do naturally. Little does he know the affect he had on me.
We never know the affect we have on others. I hope that the affect I have is a positive one! Thank you kiddo for the shadow dance.
On my ride the other day, the one with the really big hills, I was in awe of the wildflowers. So many colors everywhere you look, God is so amazing in his palette I never cease to be amazed.
The only downside is that my knee is really not well after Cowtown Half and so I am once again struggling to recover. Running is something I am doing less of now. But never fear I am going to an orthopedist here next week and hope soon to be back on my running feet. In the meantime I am walking, cycling, swimming, yogaing (is that a word?), working in the yard, fishing, so as you see I am still very active. It's only the running that seems to bother me...sigh.
However, walking does have some advantages. I've noticed that when I'm walking I tend to see things happening around me more than when I am running. An example follows.
A transition to spring is baseball. Everyone knows this, even those who don't keep up with sports. The local little league teams play close to the walking/bike/running path. It is funny how seeing those little boys out there playing, the brothers and sisters running around and lining up at the concession stand, or playing wallball on the side of the buildings, brings a warm feeling that starts deep down in my heart and builds up to my face where then a smile cannot be suppressed.
Yesterday on the path near the fields was this little boy, maybe 5 or 6, playing a game with his shadow. Jumping up and down trying to throw the shadow off. He would turn and look, jump up, spin around, as if trying desperately to separate himself from the shadow but when he could not he would giggle that little kid giggle that is so contagious. This is the way it should be I thought to myself. Kids need this, the outdoors, the imaginative spirit. Forget the video games, the TV, those things can squash our ability to imagine, to live, to play with our shadows. It was wonderful to see a child doing what children do naturally. Little does he know the affect he had on me.
We never know the affect we have on others. I hope that the affect I have is a positive one! Thank you kiddo for the shadow dance.
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