Thank You, Kara Goucher

I ran yesterday. And, boy, did it feel nice. I went out and did a nice, easy run of 2 miles. Took a slow pace for most of it. The only exceptions were when I pushed my pace up the two hills on my route, and then when I sprinted the ends of each mile. I was pouring sweat when I was done, but it felt great! And, I finished under 30minutes. Woohoo!

I've been lacking motivation again lately (surprised? I didn't think so.) It's so hard for me to get back into a routine when work is killing all of my energy. I work with kids all day, every day. I love it, but it is EXHAUSTING. Being high-energy all the time is great- it's almost like a workout in itself, but by the time I get home, I want to curl up in bed and just sleep. It's also hard to wake myself up early to try and run, but this is nothing new. I'm just not a morning person and I'm okay with that.

I was talking with my boyfriend the other night about how I feel I have been slacking WAY too much for my upcoming race in October and how I'm considering not doing it and just using the extra time to prep for the Disney Princess race in February. I hate that I even thought that- it makes me feel like such a quitter. Ugh! Anyway, my boyfriend told me not to give up just yet. He said to wipe the slate clean, get back on the wagon, and see how I do over the next few weeks. If, by the time I hit September, I'm not feeling ready, then to wait till February. But, if I work through my road blocks and get back in the game, he would be there to cheer me on (for both races).

So, I pulled out a book I had almost forgotten I'd bought- Kara Goucher's Book: Running for Women.

source

I cracked it open and started reading. I eventually got to the pages where she talks about her set backs and how she sometimes has periods where she has a hard time doing her trainings. Then, she put in a great list of suggestions to help make training a little less cumbersome. One thing she suggested was to change wording- instead of saying "I'm going to do 4 run days this week,", change it to "I'm giving myself 3 rest days this week,". She said it's almost like reverse psychology. I'm going to start trying that possibly. If not aloud, then at least in my own head.

Another thing she suggested was mixing up your training a bit (especially when you find it hard to stick to a particular schedule). For instance, I know I have to do 3 runs and a cross training/walking day. However, instead of making it every Tuesday is a short run, every Thursday is a tempo, etc, to try and mix it up as it fits into my week. That way you don't stress as much or get so down on yourself if something unexpected happens on Tuesday and you can't make a run.

One last thing she advises is to give yourself a break! (Seriously!) If you are scheduled to do an 8 mile run, but you feel you can't do it- just go out for a one mile run. First off, one mile is better than no miles, and , secondly, once you are out and running the chances are you will start to feel better and extend your run a bit on your own.

I've only read like 5 chapters in the book, but it made me feel so much better about my training road blocks. Just knowing that Kara Goucher hits some hurdles herself makes me feel that what I'm going through is perfectly normal. And that's comforting. It makes me think that maybe I can get back on the bandwagon and do ING Hartford in October afterall. 

And I'm Back!

Aren't you excited?! 

I am!

I missed you all SO much! Let's never be apart like that again, okay?

I am finally home from dog sitting. I miss Ella (the dog) but I know she's excited that her dad is back home. I was able to go to the gym twice this week since I've been home. That's right- TWICE! Homegirl doesn't play. I went last night (after a very relaxing and much needed surprise pedicure- my toes are NEON PINK!!) and I did the 30minute cross training routine. Then, I went today and did a short 1.2 mile run, just to get myself back into the swing of things. My body still feels tired from being on the go for so long, but I'm glad to be getting myself back on track.

I am concerned because I start rehearsals for a new show on Monday and that is going to take up my evenings for the next 6 weeks. I don't want to fall off track again because it's almost half marathon time!! So, I've devised a plan to keep myself in line. Now, for anyone who knows me (or possibly has read some of my earlier blogs), you will know I am NOT a morning person. Not even close. Considering most of the time I don't have to be at work till 11am or later, I can usually sleep in pretty late. Well, over the summer I have been weening myself into getting up earlier and earlier. I don't like that feeling of knowing that I slept so late I wasted my day away. It makes me feel like I've accomplished nothing- no matter what I might get done the rest of the day. So, I slowly started setting my alarm for earlier times. At first, I would get up at 10, then 9:45, then 9:30. Now, I can usually get myself up by 8:45 or 9 am. For me, that's a huge deal! My intent is to start getting myself up at 7:30 or 8 (depending upon what time I have to be at work, etc) so I can go to the gym or hit the pavement first thing in the morning. I have high hopes that I can do this!! I feel better having a plan of sorts in place for the upcoming chaos.

Also, on a side note, I went to Borders for their Going Out of Business Sale. I was armed with a $25 gift card and managed to snag 2 fitness books, a pleasure read and a book for my niece. I am very excited about the fitness books. One is all about Core strengthening and different core exercises, the other is a running book called "Run For Life". It seemed interesting. I also still have Kara Goucher's book to get through as well (plus 4 additional pleasure reads- oy). I am going to start Kara's book within the next week. And I'm going to do the core book everyday until the half marathon. My plan is to read the book within the next few days and then do 5-8 of the moves every morning. Good plan, yes? It's my own version of the 30 day Ab Challenge.... only, I've got more than 30 days. HA. Eventually I will get to my pleasure reads (I read pretty fast actually).

Ok... enough of my rambling. Have a good night everyone!!