Website Wednesday

I hesitate to recommend this website, not because I think that the product isn't fabulous, or that their free shipping isn't a brilliant idea. I hesitate because it's so popular around these parts that it is rarely seen as a legitimate source for running gear. It is though - especially as they have expanded their running line and have an eye for the most part on the wet coast's weather.

Lululemon

Music Monday

I tried to find the "official" video but alas it is elusive apparently, but this mix is really good, I like the beat. I am aware it's really popular - I promise to dig through some archives to find some more "universal" running classics or hidden jems. Apologies for Music Monday coming on Tuesday - it was a holiday weekend around these parts

Back on Schedule

The heat around these parts is killing my running schedule, so is my class and work schedule for that matter. But I do hope to get back on schedule and that includes regularly posting here too..., Monday - Music, Wednesday - Websites/Info and Friday - Fun Facts. Friday was "Food Friday" but I am blogging food regularly on my Gluten Free/Dairy Free/Soy Free site. So given that I will be adding info about travel, race discounts etc along with generally updating my progress - which will include fun events - like hills and speed work!

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/popofphoto/2378830761/

And so it begins...

I have registered for the 1/2 marathon in Philadelphia, and got in the lottery for Houston for the full - so thus the training has officially started. On that note, a note to self, avoid listening to Brittney Spears songs lest you actually stop running to break out into dance.

Toning

I requested a BOSU for Christmas - and you might think that is completely crazy but I have to say it is probably more used that my yoga mat that is the same price. I have found that especially since I ditched my gym membership for more pavement time.

Now whether you own a BOSU or have access to one check out these exercises, a large medicine ball could be substituted for many of these.
One that isn't demonstrated on the above series of videos is actually one of my favorites seen below:

Note that I prefer to use to BOSU flipped over when I do this version as I find the softer surface when it is positioned as below strains my wrist.

But hell why stop the challenges there just Google or YouTube BOSU and you'll have enough to keep you crazy for months and months..

Hello There!

So I am back at it, SLOWLY, but surely and here is my new goal - the Seattle Marathon, while I would love to run dozens of races before this one, and maybe how about not running in the Pacific Northwest in November but alas, such is life. I know that I need to give myself the full 16 weeks, if not longer but at this point I am slowly getting up to the base miles for the 16 week training schedule which means if we all do some of our GRE required math I will have until the beginning of August to really get the base miles under my belt. What am I getting at? Well I would like to know that come August that 6 miles is a comfortable aka easier run for me, and that maybe I will have already tried out a 10 miler by then too... You might say well doesn't that defeat the point of a training schedule. Maybe it might, this time I am going to be doing a different schedule - the one in Bart Yasso's book to be exact and I'm going to be running a really hilly course, so much so that the Vegas Marathon a week later looks REALLY appealing and that might just happen instead. My goal is to do it in 4:30. A big challenge, but I might just be able to twist a few arms to join me so we'll see.

All that being said I believe that I should leave you with some music to run to:



This song came on the radio this week at work and I was surprised that I hadn't put up any of their songs - thankfully that issue has been rectified

Finding Grace in Running

Starting to run after months of being on my ass or back feeling horrible, is like starting running as an obese adult with no history of cardiovascular activity - it's hard. It might even be harder because I know what it used to feel like. I am starting over from the beginning.

In starting over, I've decided to make changes. I am becoming devoted to my runs rather than their mileage or times. I personally feel that this is the best way for me to make baby steps towards building up my mileage without the stress of not succeeding or feeling I need to push, push, push. I am aware that I can easily get back to where I was if I am determined to run myself into the ground.

As such I have started to cherish the small victories, small changes - I can run up the last hill in my run without feeling like I'm going to die half way up. I run more these days and walk less. The mileage is exactly the same - 3 miles. That is it, no less and some days a little more. I have decided to follow the Marathon training guide which is Run - TWTh Sat and Sun, off on Mondays and Fridays - but since my Tuesday's are not free my schedule is WTh, SatSunMon. The benefits right now of only doing 3 miles are:

1. It's short - not overly taxing
2. Because it's short I can cross train
3. It's about the process not about the speed - I measure my runs now on how I feel.

3 miles might seem small but 26.2 isn't really a whole lot longer... in that when you start the race it's about chipping away at that total - I just have to chip away at it 8.5ish times over.

But in the end that's not the point - grace for myself is - I get out there and I feel what my body is doing - good or bad, it's a run and it's a step back towards health.