Beauty of short-term memory

September 19, 2010 by 3 Comments

One thing I’ve learned as I’ve started to work to increase my mileage, is how important it is to have a short-term memory. If you dwell on a bad run, that run’s impact can last for more than for just those few miles…and self-doubt is not a pretty thing!

Nope one of the keys to running I’ve discovered is to have a short-term memory – the ability to chalk up a bad run for exactly was it was a Bad Run… not a signal of your failure to train properly, or your inability to run an upcoming race…or to be a runner at all for that matter. It’s just a bad run.

I had one of those really bad runs on Friday – truly craptastic! But today was a new day…and a new run! Today my 6.2 miles felt easy and smooth. Today I finished strong and with a smile on my face….ah yes, the beauty of short-term memory!

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Filed Under: observations, tough runs, training

Sunday morning solitude

July 18, 2010 by 3 Comments

Despite my overwhelming desire to sleep in on a Sunday morning, this is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week to get a run in!

Early on a Sunday morning, there’s is no commuter traffic to dodge. Instead “traffic” this morning consisted of a rabbit, a couple of squirrels, and a family of Canadian geese. No need to try to tune out the trucks making early morning deliveries. Instead, just the birds having an animated “conversation” and the sound of my own footsteps. Even my Chatter Brain decided to sleep-in. It was a rare chance to just tune in and enjoy the rhythm of the run.

Even when I return home, Sundays are the rare day when I can come back home to a quiet house…only the dog is waiting for me…wondering why I didn’t take him along. To not be greeted with a barrage of “Mom I need”‘s is a beautiful thing indeed! Sometimes, like this morning, I’m even lucky enough for the solitude to extend through a post-run shower – definitely not happening during the week!

I remind myself of the solitude that awaits me when I feel that urge to hit the snooze. The peaceful, almost meditative state of a Sunday morning run sets a great tone for the day ahead!

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Filed Under: general musings, observations

Chatter brain

July 9, 2010 by 1 Comment

Maybe it was the shock of the early hour (first time before 6!) or maybe it was the humidity but my brain was in overdrive this morning…..

  • how can it STILL be this HOT!?! And why am I out here?!?
  • ok you’re out here so you can either whine about it or try to enjoy it
  • it’s cool to watch the sky brighten as the sun rises higher
  • actually feeling pretty good….kickin’ Mother Nature’s fanny!
  • love listening to the Black Eye Peas
  • what am I packing the boys for lunch today? Really need to hit the grocery store
  • hmmm what should I make for dinner….
  • now why did I have to run by the bank….sometimes it’s better NOT know how hot it is
  • wonder whose idea it was to have banks display the time and temp….what does that have to do with money? just sayin’…..
  • this last half mile seems to be going on forever
  • ok am I actually singing along with Kanye West out loud…oh the neighbors will love that!
  • hello Mother Nature…I take back the fanny comment – maybe we could call it a draw

Have a great weekend!

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Filed Under: general musings, observations

random observations from the road

June 15, 2010 by 3 Comments

Hit the road this morning to start the final week of the C25K program . It was an absolutely picture perfect morning and I actually turned my iPod off (gasp!) and just took in the run.

  • it is amazing how many drivers are busy doing something else other than looking at the road
  • every one should walk or run along the road once, it would make them more considerate when behind the wheel!
  • 6:30 am is too early for a young girl to be waiting by herself for a school bus
  • older men are far more courteous (read – say “good morning,” move aside on the sidewalk, etc.) than their younger counterparts
  • running through puddles is inevitable
  • there are too many hills in my town
  • do hills ever get easier?
  • love that I no longer feel so wiped out after a run!

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Filed Under: C25K, general musings, observations

I may never walk again!

May 5, 2010 by 1 Comment

At least that’s what it felt like about half way through my walking lunges series at the gym this morning! I recently joined the local Gold’s Gym and as part of the deal I signed on for a few sessions with one of their trainers. So once a week, for the past couple of weeks, I spend 40 minutes or so in trainer torture with Mike!

Usually I’m not much for weight training….and based on observing the weights area at my gym I don’t think many women are. Is it the fear of bulking up? Or, an uncertainty about which exercises to do? Or, just no desire to mix it up among the muscle heads? Perhaps all of the above. To Mike’s credit, he makes weight training enjoyable — he sized me up quickly and recognized I can get bored pretty easily, so he mixes it up, finds new ways to challenge my muscles, keeps me laughing all while putting me through a tough workout. And, I gotta say I’m starting to see the results – my left knee pain is lessening and the recovery time needed after a run is getting shorter. All good stuff, right? When I first sat down to talk with Mike, he kept emphasizing the importance of weight-training to my running and he’s made a believer out of me. So all I can say now is “Step aside big boys, cause mama’s got to pump some iron!”

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Filed Under: observations, training