When fast people run, they're probably focused on their pace or their form or their "splits" (which by the way, I still don't know exactly what those are or how they're calculated or why they matter, but anyway...)
When I run, I tend to focus on things like where the next water fountain is, or how my mom's doing, or what I'll cook for dinner, or I might replay a funny story in my head... basically just about ANYthing other than the fact that I'm already tired and I still have about 1 million more miles to go.
I'm afraid of letting my brain make the connection between me running and how nice it would be to not be sweaty and spending time away from other priorities. Too dangerous!
My most common discouraging thoughts:
1. Am I KILLING my knees? Will I still be able to walk in 20 years? In 2 years? Back to my apartment? What if they just FALL off?
2. WHAT?! I'm not even half way! JEEEEEEZUS!
3. My motivational self: "Okay! One more mile!"
My running self: "Ugh, that's still really far! Can't we measure in seconds?"
4. I don't have tiiiiime for 5 miles today!!!
5. uuuuuugh. I shouldn't have eaten that.
6. It's fine if I just walk, right? Like, the whole rest of the way?
I need ways to ward off these thoughts, and one of my methods is to imagine how the song on my iPod will fit into my very dramatic and inspirational made-for-women's-television running movie based on my life.
I can't think hard enough to make a whole plot (that'll be the writer's job anyway) but the part where Virginia really starts training hard, but she's still struggling, but doing it anyway... that scene will show the actress who plays me (yet to be determined. Maybe on my next run!) running in all different points along the lake and in different seasons and weather conditions, and - most importantly- they'll play the new Kellie Pickler song:
(It'll be soft at first, and then get louder at the more relevant parts.)
"I've felt the power of forgiveness.
I know that life can let you down.
I'm not blind. No, I don't need a witness to tell me there's angels all around
...
And there's dreams I told myself I'd keep!
Now I don't give up easy, I've got many miles to go, but I can't wait to get to what I see down this road.
And all my life I've learned to just take it day by day
I'm not there yet, but I know I'm on my way!
I've looked out the window when there's no hope in sight, But I swear I heard a whisper; said it would be worth the fight!
So I woke up one morning, and I put my fears aside.
Now look how far I've come; from the back of an endless line!
I still got lessons to be learned, there's a choice at every turn.
Someone out there cleared a path, and there's no turning back!"
THEN, As Virginia finishes the marathon, it be all slow-motion during the last stretch and they'll play "My Hallelujah Song" by Julianne Hough:
(Please excuse the terrible music video in light of the lyrics.)
"Look at me, can't believe I finally made it here!
Feeling like I'm where I belong, singing my hallelujah song
Hard to find, took some time,
But I think that I might be hittin' on what's been missing all along
Singing my hallelujah song
It's a highway sliding through a Sunday afternoon.
It's a snapshot smiling like we ain't got nothing to lose!
It's the peace in knowing that love is gonna be gone someday,but you only get more when you give it away.
...
It's a sweet prayer knowing someone's up there hearing it.
Divine punch lines take a little time but I'm getting it!
Life is more than just how many breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away.
Baby, take my breath away
...
Hard to find, took some time
But I never was by myself. There were angels helping me all along
Singing my hallelujah song..."
Stay Tuned!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Running plus something that rhymes with Kate
Maybe it's because we got rid of cable, but I just learned that Kate Gosselin runs too! Go figure!
On the Run - Kate's Take: Kate Gosselin blogs for TLC.com
I related well to this part, "I enjoy the fact that every time I start running down my driveway toward the road, I'm convinced that this time I CAN'T run five miles ... but always do."
But not so much to the "I couldn't run outside last summer due to the sometimes 15 (!) cars of paparazzi that would, like a funeral procession, follow me wherever I went..." part.
Just for the record though, I was into running before I ever knew she ran too. No one is that lame.
On the Run - Kate's Take: Kate Gosselin blogs for TLC.com
I related well to this part, "I enjoy the fact that every time I start running down my driveway toward the road, I'm convinced that this time I CAN'T run five miles ... but always do."
But not so much to the "I couldn't run outside last summer due to the sometimes 15 (!) cars of paparazzi that would, like a funeral procession, follow me wherever I went..." part.
Just for the record though, I was into running before I ever knew she ran too. No one is that lame.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Dinner Dilemma
I just realized that I can hardly remember the last time I cooked a decent meal for my sweet husband, and it's all Running's fault!
I would try to change that today, but I still have to get in my tempo run.
Stupid priorities. And public transit... that eats up a lot of time too.
Sorry, sweetheart : /
I would try to change that today, but I still have to get in my tempo run.
Stupid priorities. And public transit... that eats up a lot of time too.
Sorry, sweetheart : /
Monday, June 28, 2010
False Alarm
I really slacked off on my running this past week, but I promise I have a good excuse!
Early Monday, I noticed a sharp pain of the left side of my lung/chest that would travel up to my neck and intensify with deep breaths, but I figured maybe I was just anxious or something. That afternoon, I reluctantly went out for my Monday 3-miler, but every breath was alarming and painful, so I decided to just walk my normal route. The pain didn't go away that night or the next morning. Surely I am too young and not in that bad of shape that I could be having a heart attack, right? I was growing less and less convinced, so I called my doctor, and she was concerned that it could be a blood clot, and advised me to go to the ER. Scary!
Long story short, I do not have any blood clots! Praise the Lord! Instead, the theory is that I somehow managed to pull or otherwise injure a muscle in my ribcage. Yeah, my ribcage!? Of all the possible muscles and bones, I'd have ranked this one close to last in likelihood. Go figure!
I'm sad that I missed out on going to Six Flags for my company outing with Courtney and Jack, but needless to say, I am very relieved it's not something serious!
Early Monday, I noticed a sharp pain of the left side of my lung/chest that would travel up to my neck and intensify with deep breaths, but I figured maybe I was just anxious or something. That afternoon, I reluctantly went out for my Monday 3-miler, but every breath was alarming and painful, so I decided to just walk my normal route. The pain didn't go away that night or the next morning. Surely I am too young and not in that bad of shape that I could be having a heart attack, right? I was growing less and less convinced, so I called my doctor, and she was concerned that it could be a blood clot, and advised me to go to the ER. Scary!
Long story short, I do not have any blood clots! Praise the Lord! Instead, the theory is that I somehow managed to pull or otherwise injure a muscle in my ribcage. Yeah, my ribcage!? Of all the possible muscles and bones, I'd have ranked this one close to last in likelihood. Go figure!
I'm sad that I missed out on going to Six Flags for my company outing with Courtney and Jack, but needless to say, I am very relieved it's not something serious!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Just because I want to brag
It's my blog. I can do what I want!
And today I want to talk about how stinkin' FAST I ran today. (Which should make all of you "real runners" feel really good about yourselves and encourage my fellow newcomers that someday, you too, may run faster than a one-legged grandma.)
But before I do, I want to say that I hope no one ever takes my gloating seriously! Whenever I get excited about something I've accomplished, I say it with all the enthuasism of a kindergardner who just drew his momma a beautiful picture for her, but with the full knowledge that the picture is just a bunch a scribbles. So while I am excited about it because it's new to me, I also by no means think I'm actually impressive or even good at this!
Anyhow, today is Thursday, which in training terms, means it's Hard Day. I decided to do Three 1-mile repeats, which just means you run a mile as fast as you can, stop for a minute or so and get some water, and then repeat that process.
So...
I ran my first mile in 8:50! EIGHT-fifty! OMG! A time that starts with EIGHT!!!
I am certain this is my fastest time ever.
The next mile was almost a full minute slower.
Then I ran the last one in 9:12... and wanted to throw up when I was done.
That's all I wanted to say!
And today I want to talk about how stinkin' FAST I ran today. (Which should make all of you "real runners" feel really good about yourselves and encourage my fellow newcomers that someday, you too, may run faster than a one-legged grandma.)
But before I do, I want to say that I hope no one ever takes my gloating seriously! Whenever I get excited about something I've accomplished, I say it with all the enthuasism of a kindergardner who just drew his momma a beautiful picture for her, but with the full knowledge that the picture is just a bunch a scribbles. So while I am excited about it because it's new to me, I also by no means think I'm actually impressive or even good at this!
Anyhow, today is Thursday, which in training terms, means it's Hard Day. I decided to do Three 1-mile repeats, which just means you run a mile as fast as you can, stop for a minute or so and get some water, and then repeat that process.
So...
I ran my first mile in 8:50! EIGHT-fifty! OMG! A time that starts with EIGHT!!!
I am certain this is my fastest time ever.
The next mile was almost a full minute slower.
Then I ran the last one in 9:12... and wanted to throw up when I was done.
That's all I wanted to say!
Virginia goes to Physical Therapy
As the title suggests, I had my first visit with a Physical Therapist today!
Relax, I'm not injured!
I'm just paranoid.
When I was training for the half marathon, my knees started acting up, and I had seemingly continuous back pain, so I figured I ought to be proactive about strengthening and stretching the parts that need that kind of thing.
My biggest fear is that I will run my knees or back into the ground and not be able run anymore and thus lose the only successful weight and cholesterol management method I know.
My physical therapist said I was super tight all over my calves and hamstrings, including my IT band, which is most likely the culprit for my knee pain. I could hardly do one of the simple calf stretches she showed me. The coolest part is that instead of just telling me that my pelvis is misaligned, she talked about things I could do to fix it! That information alone was worth more than half a dozen trips to the chiropractor! She even told me how to test if my shoes were worn out!
Thank you, Physical Therapy and Husband's company's AWESOME insurance benefits for keeping me on the pavement!
Also, sorry to all my fans for scarcely updating. They don't pay me enough (ahem, anything) for this ; )
Lastly, you may (or may not) have noticed my fancy new background. It matches my running shoes!
Happy Trails!
Relax, I'm not injured!
I'm just paranoid.
When I was training for the half marathon, my knees started acting up, and I had seemingly continuous back pain, so I figured I ought to be proactive about strengthening and stretching the parts that need that kind of thing.
My biggest fear is that I will run my knees or back into the ground and not be able run anymore and thus lose the only successful weight and cholesterol management method I know.
My physical therapist said I was super tight all over my calves and hamstrings, including my IT band, which is most likely the culprit for my knee pain. I could hardly do one of the simple calf stretches she showed me. The coolest part is that instead of just telling me that my pelvis is misaligned, she talked about things I could do to fix it! That information alone was worth more than half a dozen trips to the chiropractor! She even told me how to test if my shoes were worn out!
Thank you, Physical Therapy and Husband's company's AWESOME insurance benefits for keeping me on the pavement!
Also, sorry to all my fans for scarcely updating. They don't pay me enough (ahem, anything) for this ; )
Lastly, you may (or may not) have noticed my fancy new background. It matches my running shoes!
Happy Trails!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Biggest Nerd
I have been meaning for a while to post about how The Biggest Loser has inspired me, and I guess now I have an even greater reason to post because today I totally High-Fived this seasons winner, Michael!
I knew he was from the Chicago 'burbs, and they showed clips of him running on the lakefront, but I was still totally surprised! I recognized him right away, walking with a big crown behind him and being a big ham, and I got all star-stuck like a small-town girl. haha.
So what do I do? I run up beside him and yell "BIGGEST LOSER MICHAEL!! WHAT'S UP?!" and put up my hand for a high-five! He was with his mom, Maria, so I waved at her and said "Go Team White!" and then I felt really dumb and overly-excited, so I ran away.
It kinda made my day!
I've decided that if I see him again, I'm going to ask him to sponsor a World Vision child because I know he has the money!
***Shameless plug: If you want to beat him to the chase, you can be my FIRST sponsor here! Come on, I feel a little pathetic being at $0.00!)
So anyway, on to the inspirational bit. I'll keep it short, I promise.
I guess it's pretty simple, really. There are these painfully obese people who work out around the clock and learn about nutrition and end up losing a ton of weight, and then THEY RUN A MARATHON! It's a total "if they can do it, so can I" story. It's true that I don't work out 12 hours a day, but I do have about a 200-pound advantage on most of them! (And better hair... sorry, Daris!)
I've only recently subscribed to Runners' World, but so far every single issue has had someone with a six-pack on the cover. Maybe I'm strange, or maybe I just can't relate, but fit people don't motivate nearly as much as seeing a recovering obese person push themselves across the marathon finish line. In my mind, a six-packer should be running marathons. It's probably easy for them. That's what skinny people do, right? Run marathons all day! But an obese person? Now that's an accomplishment to finish a marathon!
I've always taken the BMI chart with a grain of salt, but at one point I was a pound or two away from being technically obese. It's really embarrassing and surprising and scary because I never felt obese, but I was slowly on my way to being a Biggest Loser candidate myself someday. Thankfully I got my wake-up call early and took it seriously with the support of my Mr. Wonderful, family and friends.
So consider me on the Orange team (World Vision's color) 'cuz here I come, Formerly-fat Marathon-runners' Club!
GRRRR!
I knew he was from the Chicago 'burbs, and they showed clips of him running on the lakefront, but I was still totally surprised! I recognized him right away, walking with a big crown behind him and being a big ham, and I got all star-stuck like a small-town girl. haha.
So what do I do? I run up beside him and yell "BIGGEST LOSER MICHAEL!! WHAT'S UP?!" and put up my hand for a high-five! He was with his mom, Maria, so I waved at her and said "Go Team White!" and then I felt really dumb and overly-excited, so I ran away.
It kinda made my day!
I've decided that if I see him again, I'm going to ask him to sponsor a World Vision child because I know he has the money!
***Shameless plug: If you want to beat him to the chase, you can be my FIRST sponsor here! Come on, I feel a little pathetic being at $0.00!)
So anyway, on to the inspirational bit. I'll keep it short, I promise.
I guess it's pretty simple, really. There are these painfully obese people who work out around the clock and learn about nutrition and end up losing a ton of weight, and then THEY RUN A MARATHON! It's a total "if they can do it, so can I" story. It's true that I don't work out 12 hours a day, but I do have about a 200-pound advantage on most of them! (And better hair... sorry, Daris!)
I've only recently subscribed to Runners' World, but so far every single issue has had someone with a six-pack on the cover. Maybe I'm strange, or maybe I just can't relate, but fit people don't motivate nearly as much as seeing a recovering obese person push themselves across the marathon finish line. In my mind, a six-packer should be running marathons. It's probably easy for them. That's what skinny people do, right? Run marathons all day! But an obese person? Now that's an accomplishment to finish a marathon!
I've always taken the BMI chart with a grain of salt, but at one point I was a pound or two away from being technically obese. It's really embarrassing and surprising and scary because I never felt obese, but I was slowly on my way to being a Biggest Loser candidate myself someday. Thankfully I got my wake-up call early and took it seriously with the support of my Mr. Wonderful, family and friends.
So consider me on the Orange team (World Vision's color) 'cuz here I come, Formerly-fat Marathon-runners' Club!
GRRRR!
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