Earlier today, as I lay about on the couch watching Live with Regis & Kelly and sipping Diet Coke in an attempt to escape from my four-bar, very-late-second-dinner/very-early-morning-breakfast and very-little-sleep-induced stupor (the joys of funemployment!), I was asked a strange question about running. Well, I guess technically I was asked two questions, the latter of which I consider strange just because no one has ever asked me it before. The first question was how long tomorrow's run is. Six miles, I said. The second question made me laugh. Typical follow-up questions include: "How long does that take you?", "Why?? Why???", "Where do you run?" and "Don't you get bored?" I love THIS question though!! This conversation was had on Facebook, so I literally quote: "How does that... feel?" Not wanting to scare this poor soul (for, unbeknownst to probably anyone except the girls from the RunOn social runs--and my loyal readers--ha!, I feel quite passionately about how it feels to have a great run--and there are many versions of a great run, but I digress... that's another post altogether...), I merely said that while it depends, it usually feels great. The truth is, whether it's a good or bad run, pain-free or excruciating, one thing is certain. You feel alive. It's the constant breathing that fills your lungs with air--the in and out, in and out, in and out--all the while moving in your stride and hearing the sic, sic, sic, sic of your feet hitting the ground. It's amazing. It's truly living. Don't get me wrong, it's not always enjoyable. There's nothing fun about being dogged by pain in the middle of a run, but feeling that pain definitely lets you know you're alive.
On to the surprising phone call. Not gonna lie, I typically screen my calls. Not because I feel I'm super important, but because I generally like to be the one to decide who I want to speak with and when. I also tend to sound a lot smarter (or just a lot less stupid?) in print as opposed to audio... hence the fact that I am a writer. Anyhoo, if I don't know a number, I don't answer it unless I'm feeling particularly adventurous. Thank goodness I wasn't feeling so this morning! I still haven't even ventured to put in my contacts or brush my teeth yet (shut up, single (and unemployed) people can do this--it's one of the perks--kind of like eating garlic and onions, sitting around in your underwear, drinking straight from the milk carton and eating directly out of the ice cream container), so I was in no capacity to field this call. When I checked the voicemail, it was a recruiter calling about a marketing job. I froze. No. Not yet. I'm not ready. I've just now regressed back to my college lifestyle (and weight and tanness!). I can't go back now! I hate the phone anyway. I prefer to collect necessary information, take it in, go back and forth on it and then respond when I feel comfortable. Phone calls do not allow for this. I don't know what I'll do. Probably wait til Monday to call back. I need to buy some time anyway. I don't even have my portfolio ready... or possess a suit appropriate for an interview. In fact, at this point, I have only two suits in my possession--birthday and swim. Neither would be acceptable for any interview I'd consider... although my swim suit is a very cute Michael Kors number :)
Back to training... Given last night's shenanigans, the spin and yoga class I'd planned on taking this morning did not happen. I believe once I drag myself off the couch, brush my teeth, put in my contacts and check the mail for my severance check (please dear Lord let it arrive!), I'll go do the trail. I had a nice 3 miler yesterday. Did 7 total, walked 4 of them. Feeling a bit rickety today so I'll probably just take it easy out there, do some laundry, go to bed early and be ready for the 6 miler at 6 a.m. tomorrow.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Unemployment So Far: Lots of Working Out... and Cooking!
I can't lie... It's been really nice having the last week off from work! I've been able to get lots of working out in, including taking some classes at the gym that I normally wouldn't be able to. I've also been able to spend a little more time on cooking since I haven't been in the work-commute-change clothes-workout-shower-cook-go to bed rush. I figured since I have the time, I'd start taking some photos and work on a.) presentation and b.) my extreme lack of photography skills while I'm cooking. I also figured that this blog could use some more pictures, so why not. Here you go... we have a homemade pizza and some dessert... I can't cook ALL the time b/c I'm watching my diet and my money--so far: success!
Before baking...
... and done!
Anyway, back to the real purpose of this blog--training. Last Monday I suppose I had kind of a freakout moment. I got up at the usual time I would for work and went to the trail. I did 7 miles and got caught in the rain so I missed a workout class at the gym. I went home, made some breakfast and then it dawned on me... it was 9:30 a.m. and I'd done everything I'd had on my agenda for that day. Commence freakout. So I went back to the trail and ended up doing a total of 10 miles. The rest of the week was better. I've rediscovered the beauty of sleeping in and my laundry is pretty much always done. I try to space out the cleaning if only to give me something to do should I get really antsy. I've also ventured out to the pool and done some reading. Last week I did the trail a lot as well as the Wednesday group run, pilates on Thursday and spin and yoga on Friday. Saturday we had a 5-mile training run at 6 a.m. and yesterday I actually took a rest day! That's kinda difficult to do when you have plenty of time during the day, but I hadn't taken one in more than a week and I knew I should. This morning I did a body pump (barbell) class at the gym, and I might do some yoga later.
Before baking...
... and done!
Anyway, back to the real purpose of this blog--training. Last Monday I suppose I had kind of a freakout moment. I got up at the usual time I would for work and went to the trail. I did 7 miles and got caught in the rain so I missed a workout class at the gym. I went home, made some breakfast and then it dawned on me... it was 9:30 a.m. and I'd done everything I'd had on my agenda for that day. Commence freakout. So I went back to the trail and ended up doing a total of 10 miles. The rest of the week was better. I've rediscovered the beauty of sleeping in and my laundry is pretty much always done. I try to space out the cleaning if only to give me something to do should I get really antsy. I've also ventured out to the pool and done some reading. Last week I did the trail a lot as well as the Wednesday group run, pilates on Thursday and spin and yoga on Friday. Saturday we had a 5-mile training run at 6 a.m. and yesterday I actually took a rest day! That's kinda difficult to do when you have plenty of time during the day, but I hadn't taken one in more than a week and I knew I should. This morning I did a body pump (barbell) class at the gym, and I might do some yoga later.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Recently: Orthotics, Hail, Kickoff, Faceplant, Layoff
As the title of this post suggests, a lot has happened since I last updated the blog. Due to recent events, I will be able to update it much more frequently, but more on that later... Here's a quick rundown of what's been going on...
So remember that burning in my calves? Turned out to be peroneal tendonitis in both legs. Fast forward 7 weeks and I was slowly back to running after breaking in custom orthotics--just in time to start the DRC half marathon training program for the DRC Half Marathon and White Rock Half Marathon. We did the Independence Day 5k on July 4th as an unofficial start to the training program. Many thanks to Craig, Ashley's husband, for taking the photo of me finishing the race. If you can't tell, I'm in pain. It's a work
in progress!
The night of the kickoff meeting, my friend Ashley and I decided to get a quick walk/run in on the Katy Trail. The sky looked a bit ominous to the east but there had been no mention of rain in days, so we didn't think much of it. Then it got pretty windy... then it started sprinkling... then raining... then pouring... then hailing. In July. In Texas. All while the sun is shining. It was crazy. We had intended on taking it easy and just walking, but given the hail and torrential downpour (and our white t-shirts), we ran the rest of the way.
The following Saturday was the first group training run, and I was thrilled to not have any pain at all during the run. I'd also bought a new pair of running shoes--the Asics Gel Nimbus 11s--the day before, so I was excited to try them out. We're divided by pace, so Ashley and I are in different groups but another girl I met during the RunOn social runs is in my pace group, so we ran together. Our group was going a bit slower than we'd have liked and it was really packed since it was the first run, so we broke off and went ahead. Thank goodness we did because right around the beginning of the last mile, the toe of my left shoe catches on a root/crack in the trail, and I faceplant. Hard. I felt my knees hit, then my quads, hips, stomach, and then I kinda arched/skidded and rolled onto my girls, then my chin and my face. All I heard was “uggggghmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmfffffffffffffffffff,” which was me falling/breaking my fall, and my first thought was “my teeth!” followed by “my shoes!”, “my ipod!” and “I hope my knees are ok!” I immediately popped up and yelled “Let’s go!” to my friend and we took off again. I couldn’t see my face, obviously, but I attemped to spit the dirt out of my mouth and survey the damage as best I could. My shirt, shorts, quads, knees and hands were covered in dirt. Hands and knees were a little bloody, but not too bad--nothing dripping or anything. So while we’re running back I noticed that people are looking at me kinda weird and my friend kept asking if I was sure I didn't need to stop or get help cleaning up or anything. I knew that I was going to my dad’s for breakfast right after the run anyway, so I just skipped the meeting-up thing afterward and ran straight to the car and left. Upon looking in the mirror, I realized why my friend kept asking if I needed a towel or water or anything. DIRT EVERYWHERE. Allll over my face. Road rash (trail rash?) on my hip/stomach and legs, bits of gravel shoved into the cuts on my palms, etc. I looked like I’d been through an obstacle course. My left knee was absolutely huge and green all Saturday and I had some pretty awesome bruises, but everything healed pretty quickly. It's one week later and pretty much all the scabs on my knees are gone but there's still cuts on my palms and dark bruises on my knees.
This morning's run pretty good. Had a few tinges of pain at various points, but nothing that really lasted, so that's good. Going to keep up the icing, ibuprofen-ing, stretching, etc. I'm looking forward to doing more strength training, pilates, etc. during my new-found free time. As of this morning, I've lost 10 lbs. so I'm excited to see what I can do now that I have more time to concentrate on working out. What gave me all this new free time, you ask? I got a little surprise on Thursday in the form of a layoff. Not so bad really--at least I don't have to commute any more or get dressed up in the morning! I've been so busy the past few days, I haven't really had time to let it sink in, but for now I am pretty excited to have some time off and to decide what I want to do next. So many possibilities!!!
Anyhoo, that's about all the big things going on as of late. Oh, and I saw the new Harry Potter last night--it was awesome!
So remember that burning in my calves? Turned out to be peroneal tendonitis in both legs. Fast forward 7 weeks and I was slowly back to running after breaking in custom orthotics--just in time to start the DRC half marathon training program for the DRC Half Marathon and White Rock Half Marathon. We did the Independence Day 5k on July 4th as an unofficial start to the training program. Many thanks to Craig, Ashley's husband, for taking the photo of me finishing the race. If you can't tell, I'm in pain. It's a work
in progress!The night of the kickoff meeting, my friend Ashley and I decided to get a quick walk/run in on the Katy Trail. The sky looked a bit ominous to the east but there had been no mention of rain in days, so we didn't think much of it. Then it got pretty windy... then it started sprinkling... then raining... then pouring... then hailing. In July. In Texas. All while the sun is shining. It was crazy. We had intended on taking it easy and just walking, but given the hail and torrential downpour (and our white t-shirts), we ran the rest of the way.
The following Saturday was the first group training run, and I was thrilled to not have any pain at all during the run. I'd also bought a new pair of running shoes--the Asics Gel Nimbus 11s--the day before, so I was excited to try them out. We're divided by pace, so Ashley and I are in different groups but another girl I met during the RunOn social runs is in my pace group, so we ran together. Our group was going a bit slower than we'd have liked and it was really packed since it was the first run, so we broke off and went ahead. Thank goodness we did because right around the beginning of the last mile, the toe of my left shoe catches on a root/crack in the trail, and I faceplant. Hard. I felt my knees hit, then my quads, hips, stomach, and then I kinda arched/skidded and rolled onto my girls, then my chin and my face. All I heard was “uggggghmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmfffffffffffffffffff,” which was me falling/breaking my fall, and my first thought was “my teeth!” followed by “my shoes!”, “my ipod!” and “I hope my knees are ok!” I immediately popped up and yelled “Let’s go!” to my friend and we took off again. I couldn’t see my face, obviously, but I attemped to spit the dirt out of my mouth and survey the damage as best I could. My shirt, shorts, quads, knees and hands were covered in dirt. Hands and knees were a little bloody, but not too bad--nothing dripping or anything. So while we’re running back I noticed that people are looking at me kinda weird and my friend kept asking if I was sure I didn't need to stop or get help cleaning up or anything. I knew that I was going to my dad’s for breakfast right after the run anyway, so I just skipped the meeting-up thing afterward and ran straight to the car and left. Upon looking in the mirror, I realized why my friend kept asking if I needed a towel or water or anything. DIRT EVERYWHERE. Allll over my face. Road rash (trail rash?) on my hip/stomach and legs, bits of gravel shoved into the cuts on my palms, etc. I looked like I’d been through an obstacle course. My left knee was absolutely huge and green all Saturday and I had some pretty awesome bruises, but everything healed pretty quickly. It's one week later and pretty much all the scabs on my knees are gone but there's still cuts on my palms and dark bruises on my knees.
This morning's run pretty good. Had a few tinges of pain at various points, but nothing that really lasted, so that's good. Going to keep up the icing, ibuprofen-ing, stretching, etc. I'm looking forward to doing more strength training, pilates, etc. during my new-found free time. As of this morning, I've lost 10 lbs. so I'm excited to see what I can do now that I have more time to concentrate on working out. What gave me all this new free time, you ask? I got a little surprise on Thursday in the form of a layoff. Not so bad really--at least I don't have to commute any more or get dressed up in the morning! I've been so busy the past few days, I haven't really had time to let it sink in, but for now I am pretty excited to have some time off and to decide what I want to do next. So many possibilities!!!
Anyhoo, that's about all the big things going on as of late. Oh, and I saw the new Harry Potter last night--it was awesome!
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