194 days
45 minutes
1. Knowing I can't run after work, setting the alarm for 5:20am
2. Snoozing until it is too late to make it to gym before work
3. Squeezing in a run anyway...but not at the usual time
5. Favorite shorts...dirty
6. Tying shoes about 12 times because they are either too loose or too tight
7. Gnats in the mouth
8. iPod Shuffle not so "shuffle-y"
9. Kids on scooters all over the trail
10. Kids' moms power walking (do people still do that?)
11.Same moms not paying attention to the fact that if this kid doesn't scoot over then the guy on the bike going 90 mph straight for me might in fact kill me.
12.Needing to stop for a quick gulp of water but not able to because a couple of desperate housewives are talking plastic surgery over the water fountain
13.Being jealous of the guy running past me doing the air drums (I love that zone where the music is literally moving your body faster)
14.Having to fart really bad but too many kids on scooters around
15.Finishing a run that was not as far or fast as the last
This list represents some of the cons I have experienced when running outside. On today's run I was lucky enough to experience every item on the list. I was more tense when I finished than I was before I started. The only time I actually felt as though my mind and body had let go was the walk home.
Every run is different. The same five miles is rarely "the same five miles". This is a hard concept for someone who lives for a routine...the same routine. If I could have every run like my run yesterday I would be so happy. But that isn't how it works. Today's run was hard and frustrating. During the marathon, when I encounter things that are not a part of my routine, I need to focus, clench my fists, and keep going...keep running.
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"Poker Face" Lady GaGa
"Poker Face" Lady GaGa
"Poker Face" Lady GaGa
(#8. iPod Shuffle is not so "shuffle-y")
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Great Escape...
199 days
45 minutes
I managed 40 minutes on Monday and Tuesday and took yesterday off. My runs seemed to control me, not the other way around. Today's run was in the back of my head all day long. I needed an "escape" and it couldn't come fast enough. I still have that sense of doubt and anxiety when I lace up. Will I run well today? How far will I make it? Why did I get off track in the first place? But today I was ready to just hit the trail.
Health care Reform, sleazy political agendas, and overused talking points from both sides of the aisle seems to be all that people are watching, hearing, and regurgitating. I am so over this debate.
This is why I could not wait to turn my pink iPod shuffle (in honor of my Mom)up as loud as I could stand it and RUN. I felt strong, I felt like I was back. Last week my runs seemed to be in my chest. Not today, I was running from my core and using my legs to pick up the pace. It was nice to let my mind go.
Ironically, it went straight to the very thing I was escaping, but I managed to squeeze some clarity out along with the sweat.
The clarity: Your talking points will never convince me that the new law will not impact people like my mom in a positive way? Is it the best...I don't know...but it is better than what we have now and that is all that matters. My Mom has been fighting cancer for two and a half years. The impact physically, mentally, and economically would make you want to run the Chicago Marathon everyday of your life if it meant not having to face what this woman has had to face. Thank God she is successful. Thank God she has options. Thank God she is not so many other women out there who do not have the resources, including insurance, to fight this son of a bitch we know as cancer. Thank God.
I needed this run today. I needed this escape. I needed this clarity. I am done fighting to get you to say I am right and you are wrong. Because you could never get me to do the same.
I hope it will be the "escapes" that will keep me going on October 10th. When I am tired and hurting I will remember to let my mind go, run from my core, and use my legs to pick up the pace. So at the end of my very first marathon, I will cross the finish line and celebrate with all my friends and of course, my mom.
And such is life, my mind clear and feeling like I managed to outrun all that was bogging me down, I started to head home. A guy I dated at a time when I had lost myself and replaced it with a whole lot of messy passed me with his boyfriend. I smiled, waved, and then laughed the entire way home. I guess we can't "Houdini" everything in life...
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"I Need You Now" Lady Antebellum
"In Da Club" 50 cent
"Coming Home" Kanye West with Coldplay's Chris Martin
45 minutes
I managed 40 minutes on Monday and Tuesday and took yesterday off. My runs seemed to control me, not the other way around. Today's run was in the back of my head all day long. I needed an "escape" and it couldn't come fast enough. I still have that sense of doubt and anxiety when I lace up. Will I run well today? How far will I make it? Why did I get off track in the first place? But today I was ready to just hit the trail.
Health care Reform, sleazy political agendas, and overused talking points from both sides of the aisle seems to be all that people are watching, hearing, and regurgitating. I am so over this debate.
This is why I could not wait to turn my pink iPod shuffle (in honor of my Mom)up as loud as I could stand it and RUN. I felt strong, I felt like I was back. Last week my runs seemed to be in my chest. Not today, I was running from my core and using my legs to pick up the pace. It was nice to let my mind go.
Ironically, it went straight to the very thing I was escaping, but I managed to squeeze some clarity out along with the sweat.
The clarity: Your talking points will never convince me that the new law will not impact people like my mom in a positive way? Is it the best...I don't know...but it is better than what we have now and that is all that matters. My Mom has been fighting cancer for two and a half years. The impact physically, mentally, and economically would make you want to run the Chicago Marathon everyday of your life if it meant not having to face what this woman has had to face. Thank God she is successful. Thank God she has options. Thank God she is not so many other women out there who do not have the resources, including insurance, to fight this son of a bitch we know as cancer. Thank God.
I needed this run today. I needed this escape. I needed this clarity. I am done fighting to get you to say I am right and you are wrong. Because you could never get me to do the same.
I hope it will be the "escapes" that will keep me going on October 10th. When I am tired and hurting I will remember to let my mind go, run from my core, and use my legs to pick up the pace. So at the end of my very first marathon, I will cross the finish line and celebrate with all my friends and of course, my mom.
And such is life, my mind clear and feeling like I managed to outrun all that was bogging me down, I started to head home. A guy I dated at a time when I had lost myself and replaced it with a whole lot of messy passed me with his boyfriend. I smiled, waved, and then laughed the entire way home. I guess we can't "Houdini" everything in life...
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"I Need You Now" Lady Antebellum
"In Da Club" 50 cent
"Coming Home" Kanye West with Coldplay's Chris Martin
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tomorrow Is Another Day, Another Run...
203 days
45 minutes on a treadmill
I didn't run yesterday...instead I feasted on pizza and beer. Snow on the first day of spring in Texas has thrown many people off including myself. It is so much easier for me to want to run when it is pretty outside. That is what I love about running, it ain't easy. You must force yourself to push the limits of where you feel comfortable just by simply lacing up those shoes and lubing up those nips with anti-chaffing protection, day after day. Like I said, it ain't easy. But I promise, I would rather run outside any day of the week than have to run on a treadmill like I did today. Boring, repetitive, and surrounded by people who look like they belong on the cover of health magazines or PSA's for the dangers of steroids. That is how I feel about the gym. At this point, the most important thing for me to keep in mind is that I have alot of work ahead of me. I need to log many miles and build my strength and stamina before I even think about Chicago 10.10.10. I cannot let inclement weather talk me out of working towards my goal. If this means becoming "hamster-like" for 45 minutes and making awkward eye contact with the women that could crush me with their adam's apples, so be it. Not my best run and definitely not my preferred forum, but I did it and thankfully tomorrow is another day. Another chance to push myself towards my goal and be better than I was today.
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"Run This Town" Jay-Z, Rihanna, & Kanye West
"Hate This Part Right Here" The Pussycat Dolls
"Mr. Brightside" The Killers
45 minutes on a treadmill
I didn't run yesterday...instead I feasted on pizza and beer. Snow on the first day of spring in Texas has thrown many people off including myself. It is so much easier for me to want to run when it is pretty outside. That is what I love about running, it ain't easy. You must force yourself to push the limits of where you feel comfortable just by simply lacing up those shoes and lubing up those nips with anti-chaffing protection, day after day. Like I said, it ain't easy. But I promise, I would rather run outside any day of the week than have to run on a treadmill like I did today. Boring, repetitive, and surrounded by people who look like they belong on the cover of health magazines or PSA's for the dangers of steroids. That is how I feel about the gym. At this point, the most important thing for me to keep in mind is that I have alot of work ahead of me. I need to log many miles and build my strength and stamina before I even think about Chicago 10.10.10. I cannot let inclement weather talk me out of working towards my goal. If this means becoming "hamster-like" for 45 minutes and making awkward eye contact with the women that could crush me with their adam's apples, so be it. Not my best run and definitely not my preferred forum, but I did it and thankfully tomorrow is another day. Another chance to push myself towards my goal and be better than I was today.
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"Run This Town" Jay-Z, Rihanna, & Kanye West
"Hate This Part Right Here" The Pussycat Dolls
"Mr. Brightside" The Killers
Friday, March 19, 2010
Keep Going...
205 days
30 minutes
Funny how each run has a mind of its own. Today's run was the hardest this week. I never felt like I got my breathing under control and seemed to be panting the entire way. Tomorrow I need to focus on a steady pattern. I need to use my legs too. I felt like I was running from the waist up. This morning when I went to breakfast with the Broussard Boys it was pretty cloudy and word on the street is Dallas will get snow tomorrow, so much for the first day of spring! But while I was out on my run today, there was nothing but blue skies, sun, and a breeze that hit my backside as to say, "keep going". Am I implying that some superpower bigger than you or I made the clouds disappear and the sun come out just for my run? Would that be so wrong?
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale
"No Air" Cast of Glee
"Meet Me Halfway" Black Eyed Peas
"Relationships" Friendly Fires
30 minutes
Funny how each run has a mind of its own. Today's run was the hardest this week. I never felt like I got my breathing under control and seemed to be panting the entire way. Tomorrow I need to focus on a steady pattern. I need to use my legs too. I felt like I was running from the waist up. This morning when I went to breakfast with the Broussard Boys it was pretty cloudy and word on the street is Dallas will get snow tomorrow, so much for the first day of spring! But while I was out on my run today, there was nothing but blue skies, sun, and a breeze that hit my backside as to say, "keep going". Am I implying that some superpower bigger than you or I made the clouds disappear and the sun come out just for my run? Would that be so wrong?
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale
"No Air" Cast of Glee
"Meet Me Halfway" Black Eyed Peas
"Relationships" Friendly Fires
Thursday, March 18, 2010
We All Start Somewhere...
206 days
40 minutes
I started my run today very cold. Should have gone with a long sleeve. But then the desperate housewives wouldn't have been able to see my bulging biceps, and why would I want to deny them that? I realized as I was running that I was thinking in "blogging" terms. It was super artificial and I realized that I need to stay focused on the initial intent of this journal. After that I was able to let my mind go and have a really good run. I slowed my pace a little more and that was good because I was feeling really strong towards the end and was able to run for a little longer. As I am getting back into it I decided to run by time for a bit. I become overly obsessed about things and I know at this point, if I run with my Garmin and I see my pace, calories burned, and mileage I might get discouraged. It is hard to not beat myself up. Last spring I was in the best shape of my life. I was running 8 miles a day 5-6 days a week. I was running fast. I was the guy passing people, and don't think my ego did not benefit from that every time some Dallas d-bag was passed by this 'mo. I never felt more connected to my body. As this guy passed me today my initial thought was pick up the pace J. Funny how that animal instinct kicks in because for a split second I had a vision of tripping him as he ran by and then trampling over him as I kept going. I need to remember that we all start somewhere. I remember when I graduated from college and moved to Arlington. My running trail was around the ballpark. What an exciting day it was when I was able to run 10 minutes straight. We all start somewhere, and the starting line is just as important as the finish line.Note to Self: Remember that the next time you get passed OR pass someone.
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"Bring Me To Life" Evanescence
"Whataya Want From Me" Adam Lambert
"Rude Boy (Sam99889's Radio Mix)" Rihanna
40 minutes
I started my run today very cold. Should have gone with a long sleeve. But then the desperate housewives wouldn't have been able to see my bulging biceps, and why would I want to deny them that? I realized as I was running that I was thinking in "blogging" terms. It was super artificial and I realized that I need to stay focused on the initial intent of this journal. After that I was able to let my mind go and have a really good run. I slowed my pace a little more and that was good because I was feeling really strong towards the end and was able to run for a little longer. As I am getting back into it I decided to run by time for a bit. I become overly obsessed about things and I know at this point, if I run with my Garmin and I see my pace, calories burned, and mileage I might get discouraged. It is hard to not beat myself up. Last spring I was in the best shape of my life. I was running 8 miles a day 5-6 days a week. I was running fast. I was the guy passing people, and don't think my ego did not benefit from that every time some Dallas d-bag was passed by this 'mo. I never felt more connected to my body. As this guy passed me today my initial thought was pick up the pace J. Funny how that animal instinct kicks in because for a split second I had a vision of tripping him as he ran by and then trampling over him as I kept going. I need to remember that we all start somewhere. I remember when I graduated from college and moved to Arlington. My running trail was around the ballpark. What an exciting day it was when I was able to run 10 minutes straight. We all start somewhere, and the starting line is just as important as the finish line.Note to Self: Remember that the next time you get passed OR pass someone.
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"Bring Me To Life" Evanescence
"Whataya Want From Me" Adam Lambert
"Rude Boy (Sam99889's Radio Mix)" Rihanna
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go...
207 days
30 minutes
As I was running today my mind seemed to be leaving me in the dust. My thoughts were all over the place. From anxiety that on Monday, March 15th, I registered for the 2010 Chicago Marathon, to how I need to let an ex co-worker know I hope the best for her and her newborn. Lots of reflection and evaluating as I huffed and puffed. I was really focusing on the trail of mental bread crumbs I was leaving in my head so I would remember these thoughts long after my run. That is when I came up with the idea to keep a running journal. A place where I can reflect on my runs from day to day and chronicle what I know will be one of the hardest challenges I have ever accepted.
I have been running somewhat consistently for the past two years, but overall, my running career has been far from consistent. I trained for a marathon once. I made it up to 18 miles. And then one day for some reason I just stopped. I didn't put on my running shoes for over a year after that.
I do not always finish what I start, say what I mean, or lead by example. I will be 30 when I run this race and I pray that through this experience I will prove to myself I have learned from my past.
Katy Trail was perfect today. My run was hard. I am paying the price for hibernating all winter. But even as the grandma passed me today as I was trying so hard to not puke all over her squeaky clean, orthopedic Nike's, I felt accomplished. I did it. And hopefully this hard work will not take long to show in my runs or my waist.
As I was leaving the Trail I ran into J.D and Susan...it must have been at least 4 years since I have seen them. The calm, positive, warmth that both of them seem to exude is infectious. It was the best way to end my run. We talked for a few minutes and as I walked away I thought "could it be possible for a hyper/selfish only child such as myself to posses the gentleness and love that draws people closer like the J.D. and Susans of the world?"
I don't know the answer, but I think I want to try...
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"Sober" Kelly Clarkson
"Love Lockdown" Kanye West
"The National Anthem" Jennifer Hudson
30 minutes
As I was running today my mind seemed to be leaving me in the dust. My thoughts were all over the place. From anxiety that on Monday, March 15th, I registered for the 2010 Chicago Marathon, to how I need to let an ex co-worker know I hope the best for her and her newborn. Lots of reflection and evaluating as I huffed and puffed. I was really focusing on the trail of mental bread crumbs I was leaving in my head so I would remember these thoughts long after my run. That is when I came up with the idea to keep a running journal. A place where I can reflect on my runs from day to day and chronicle what I know will be one of the hardest challenges I have ever accepted.
I have been running somewhat consistently for the past two years, but overall, my running career has been far from consistent. I trained for a marathon once. I made it up to 18 miles. And then one day for some reason I just stopped. I didn't put on my running shoes for over a year after that.
I do not always finish what I start, say what I mean, or lead by example. I will be 30 when I run this race and I pray that through this experience I will prove to myself I have learned from my past.
Katy Trail was perfect today. My run was hard. I am paying the price for hibernating all winter. But even as the grandma passed me today as I was trying so hard to not puke all over her squeaky clean, orthopedic Nike's, I felt accomplished. I did it. And hopefully this hard work will not take long to show in my runs or my waist.
As I was leaving the Trail I ran into J.D and Susan...it must have been at least 4 years since I have seen them. The calm, positive, warmth that both of them seem to exude is infectious. It was the best way to end my run. We talked for a few minutes and as I walked away I thought "could it be possible for a hyper/selfish only child such as myself to posses the gentleness and love that draws people closer like the J.D. and Susans of the world?"
I don't know the answer, but I think I want to try...
Three Songs That Made My Run More Reale:
"Sober" Kelly Clarkson
"Love Lockdown" Kanye West
"The National Anthem" Jennifer Hudson
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