April

Okay, FINE.  You people win.  Despite my best efforts, despite fighting with all of my might to deny this, you all (especially YOU ChristieO.) have made it clear that I’m no longer a non-runner.  So this week, I give you…

Thoughts from a runner.

But I still don’t like to run.  I know many of you keep telling me that I will find that love one day.  That it will come.  So, I’m going to humor you and smile and say, “okay”.   But until that day comes, I’m going to just continue to run for other reasons.  For my teammates.  For the cause.  Because I can.

It cracks me up that 3 miles is increasingly becoming a “short run”.  And I’m quite certain that the first mile of any run is always going to be pure hell for me.  This past weekend the long run was a 4 miler.  We all know what mental blocks I’ve had with getting past 3 miles, so I dreaded this run for most of the day.

Despite the nice weather we had, I chose to run on the treadmill.  I’m actually one of those weird-o’s that doesn’t mind running on the treadmill.  Why?  Because I like having my speed, time, and distance right in front of me.  I like being able to know how much longer I have to go.  I also like pushing myself on the treadmill and “seeing” how fast I can go and for how long, but I admit that running on the treadmill can be boring.  Luckily, there’s a TV in the gym at work, and while I also listen to music, I find something to watch every single run (unless someone has beat me to it).

Now, I don’t know how many of you have been keeping up with Olympics, but I love them.  My favorite sport to watch during the Olympics is curling.  I have no idea what the rules are, just that you throw a big rock on ice towards a bulls-eye and you want to hit the other team’s rock out of the bulls-eye.  Oh and you get to sweep da ice with these really cool brooms.  Yeah, that’s it.  I can sit mesmerized for hours watching a curling match.

So, I rocked my four-mile run to Eminem, Metallica, and Curling.

And it wasn’t so bad.

Now.  What am I going to do when the Olympics end?

***

On the weigh in side of things today starts a brand new challenge!  It’s called the Sisterhood Spring Fling, and we’re doing teams again!  Who’s excited?!

That nasty Aunt Flo is near, so I’m up this week.  I really hate Aunt Flo.

Starting weight for challenge: 152

Good luck everyone!

I won’t lie, folks.  Training-wise, it was a rough week.  I struggled with just not wanting to run.  My run on Sunday was the best of example of the way I’ve felt this week.  I’ll try to replay my thoughts…

Man, I don’t want to run today.  I just don’t.  Okay, if the temperature is above 35 degrees, I’ll run.  37.  DAMMIT.  Okay, I guess I’ll run.  I did eat a spoonful of frosting after all.  Does my butt look big in these runner’s pants?  Who am I kidding?  I don’t have a butt.  Was that the wind blowing?  I can’t run if the wind is blowing.  No, trees aren’t waving.  Shit. I guess I do get to try out my new Skullcandy ear buds if I do run.  I’m pretty excited about that.  Okay, outdoor running gear on.  Hat on.  Gloves on.  Ear buds in, playlist set, let’s go.  OH.MY.GOD.  It’s cold out here. Stupid snow.  Stupid sun reflecting on the stupid snow.  Oh look at that guy looking at me as if I’m nuts.  Yeah, he’s right.  I really don’t want to be doing this today.  I want to be inside eating more frosting.  STOP.  Think of your teammates.  Think of what you’re raising money for.  Okay, I’ll keep going but if my knees or ankles hurt, I’m stopping.  Oooh, I really like this song.  Ouch, knee a little sore.  Not bad.  I guess I can push throught it for a little while longer.  Man, I really don’t want to do this today.  That’s it-oooh, Eminem’s Lose Yourself.  I love running to this song.  FINE.  I’ll keep running.  Yeah, okay, and I like this song too.  And now it isn’t so cold right now anyway.  I’ll just keep running…

I do admit to stopping after 3 miles because my knee never did quit hurting.  But I promise you that I pushed myself as hard and long as I could.  And I did run this morning before work (Which, by the way, means I have to shower at work, which means that I’m pretty much having a bad hair day.  It’s okay, I’m fine with it.  Mostly.).  Melissa is my “running buddy” and it makes it much easier to get up and get it done when I know she is too.  Also, am I the only weirdo that will “race” against other people on the other machines?  It’s like if someone is next to me, I automatically push myself harder.  Hmm.

Oh, and I guess since it is Weigh-in Wednesday I should report my 0.4 loss.  Go me. ;o)

As you all know, I hate to run running and I aren’t exactly the best of friends.  I was forced challenged to run a half marathon with a lot of you super fun people.  This is something I want to do, not only to meet some of you, but also to raise money for a really good cause!  (Hey, wanna go here or here to help us get there?! THANKS!)

Knowing that I have such a hard time with running, I decided to give  myself a head start on training.  A few weeks before Christmas, I started running on the treadmill at the gym.  For whatever reason, I cannot mentally get past 3 miles.  I know physically I can do it.  I can now run 3 miles and not be too winded or sweaty.  But once I hit that 3 mile mark, my mind shuts down completely.

I have even told myself “today, I’m going to run 4 miles.  I’m going to do it” and then get on the treadmill, hit three miles and I’m done.

Today, Brooke and I were chatting over email.  At one point, I told her, “today I’m going 4 miles.”  I thought that maybe by telling her this instead of just myself, my mind would commit to running 4 miles, but I still had my doubts.

Then Brooke says, “you have to do 4 miles today. cause that’s how much i’m doing. and you don’t want me to show you up do you?”

Everything about that screamed CHALLENGE.  I heart a good challenge, so here we go:

Mile 1: Mentally mile 1 is a tough one.  Remember, I’d rather be playing Guitar Hero doing a work out DVD, so mile 1 is not my friend.  Physically mile 1 is a piece of cake and is beginning to pass more quickly.

Mile 2: Nowadays, my brain begins to say “screw it” during this mile.  It has accept the fact they we’re going to do this and takes the “let’s get it over with” attitude.  This mile passes quickly and physically is no just as easy as mile 1.

Mile 3: Here is where my brain is seeing the finish line.  It’s telling my body, we’re almost done, just one short mile and we’re done for the day.  Physically it’s more challenging, but it’s doable.

Today, I’m watching the treadmill as it nears the end of the third mile.  My brain is happy because we’re almost done…oh, no, will I stop again today?  Remember, I’ve been issued a challenge.  2.98, 2.99, 3.0, and I keep running.  I slowed my pace a bit so that I wouldn’t crap out.   My mind is screaming, “what the HELL are you doing?” My body isn’t that happy with me either.  I’m testing it’s limits right now.  I’ve never run this far in my life. I’ve never run this long in my life.  3.5…I pick up the pace because I figure the faster I run, the more quickly this will be over.  I watch the treadmill count the distance.  My body is drenched with sweat.  3.75…I REALLY want to stop now, can I stop now?  Please?  But you’re almost there.  Come ON.  3.9 …let’s finish this; bump the speed up to 6.0.  4.0…DONE.

I ran 4 miles in 44 minutes.  I broke the 3 mile barrier.  I’m sore, going to be more sore tomorrow, my brain is tired, and I feel AMAZING.

Now. Only nine more miles to train for.

Today’s weigh-in day, and on the weigh-in side of things, I have nothing new to report.  I’m holding steady at 147, which is not great, but not bad either.

Today, I’m going to focus on my miles.  As of today, I got in 11 miles in this week, which for me is HUGE.  If you will recall, I Hate to Run.  But I am running.

It’s been cold and rainy and windy and I don’t get off from work until dusk, so I haven’t been running outside.

My company provides us with a tiny little gym. I used to go all the time.  Then, January of 2008 happened.  Does everyone know what happens every January?  EVERYONE makes a resolution to lose weight.  Don’t get me wrong, I think that’s great (I just wish people would STICK WITH IT), but being the creature who needs her schedule just so every day, having to wait for 45 mins for a machine just made me angry.  So, I turned to work out DVDs, and that got the job done.

But now, because someone thought it would be a good idea to force me challenge me to start running, I’m back in the gym.  And I’m on the stupid wonderful treadmill.  Okay, no.  I can’t lie there.  I hate the treadmill, that first mile freaking sucks my ass. (And don’t you pretend like that first mile doesn’t, cause it does.  So there.)  The second mile is okay.  By that time my brain has given up hope that I’m going to stop so that when I reach the third mile, I just go.  But once I hit that mile 3 mark, my brain flat out refuses to do more.  (I have news for my brain, we’re running four miles next week.  Don’t tell it, mkay?  Let’s surprise it.)

So, anyway…at work, we have a new fitness manager.  The last fitness manager we had, I was SO not impressed.  She made me so annoyed that I couldn’t even look at her.  And I admit, when my cubemate said, “Hey, April! Did you hear we had a new fitness manager,” I was a little leary at first, but guys, I love this chick!

She and I were chatting today and I told her about my 5K time yesterday. (Hey, did you hear? I beat my last time by 15 seconds!)  And she asked me if I was running the 5K race Roanoke is having on Saturday.  I had thought about it, but Saturday is SO busy for me that I just wasn’t sure that I could work it in.  Then she says:

“It starts at 9, you’d be back in your car by 10.  And I’ll run it with you!”

Does that not sound like something I would say?!  Seriously.  How can I not love it?

So, on Saturday, I’m going to be running the Jingle Bell Run to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.  Anyone else want to join me?!  Do I have to dare you?

I hate to run.  I’m just being honest here.  I’ve always hated running.  Hang on, let me back track.  If running involves a ball on a court or field, then I enjoy it.  In fact, I enjoy it a lot.  I love the strategy and competition that comes with sports that involves running.  Actual running, I’ve never understood.

I’m not going to say that I’m learning to love running.  I haven’t.  I actually kind of hate every.single.second. while I run.

So, why then have I bought a pair of running shoes?  Why have I asked for running gear for Christmas?  Why have I been running?

I love the struggle that goes on within my mind while I run.  I love the fact that my mind is screaming “STOP! YOU HATE DOING THIS!” while my body is saying, “I KNOW we can do this.  Let’s keep going!”  I love the, “She’s insane…she’s running for FUN” looks that I get sometimes when I run.  These are the same looks that I used to give people.  I love possibility that someone MAY see me and that MAY inspire him or her to take the step and become healthier.  I love the feeling of accomplishment that my mind feels when I’m done.  (Even though my mind was the one screaming for me to stop.)  I love the that this is a challenge for me, and that even if I get to the point I may not feel challenged, I can always up the challenge by running a further distance.

And THAT is why I’ve been running. )

I’m sitting in Christy’s living room (I love being able to say that!) looking at the amazing view, and just a mere 5 feet away, Christy is on her laptop.  I did I mention that she has an AMAZING VIEW from her living room?  I’m so jealous.

And we are both SORE.  (Christy more so than me probably!)

Because, this has been no ordinary visit.  Oh no.

On Wednesday we went hiking at Lost Maples State Natural Area.  We hiked about 5.5 miles and 1.5 miles of that was basically rock climbing.  I’m not joking.  And here’s the kicker…are you ready for it?  Christy carried Mia in a pack on her back!  Seriously.  She’s my hero for that.  And just as a note, we did all of that in 4 hours!! (Maybe a little less!)

Yesterday, we ran.  (Because we have that thing called a 5K coming up this weekend.  You’re running with us, aren’t you?!)  We ran and walked about 3.7 miles in around 42 minutes.

How’s that for exercise while on vacation?!

I’m so freaking proud of us, I could smack Christy. ;oP

Here are some shots from our hike!  (Not the rock climbing parts though, we were just focused on making it up the mountain!)

I’m going to blog my weigh-in over here today.  I admit, I’m not all that excited.  I know, a loss, is a loss.  And trust me, I’m grateful I didn’t gain, but man, this shrinking thang has gotten tough.

I know what the biggest problem is.  I’m doing okay with food.  I’m trying to remember to log in my points, but I don’t always remember.  I know that defeats the purpose, but I’ve been tracking in my head for over a year now, so old habits die hard.  My problem is that I’m not doing as high intesity work outs as my body is used to.  I’m trying to build up Kelci’s endurance so that she can jog with me, so I’ve been doing more walking than running.  So, the solution is to add more cardio, right?  Sure, but the problem is I just don’t have the time to do that.  I know I just have to be patient.  I know w are getting close to running more than walking.  In fact, I think next week will be good to start running her more.  Patience right?

So, yes, right now I’m frustrated.

Please forgive me for no upbeat, uplifiting posts today.  Please?

Last week’s weight: 144.2

This week’s weight: 143.8

1. Walking in the rain with my dog isn’t so bad.

2. Running in the rain with my dog is a ton of fun!  (I’m serious, I loved it, she loved it.  And I hate the rain.)

3.  I have THE BEST running partner in my dog.  She sticks right by my side, slows when I slow, speeds up when I speed up and occasionally looks at me for encouragement.

4.  I love the sports work outs on EA Sports Active so much that I reward myself with doing just the sports sections of the Sports Day work out. (minus inline skating)

5.  If you shoot the basketball hard enough in the shooting exercise of EA Sports Active, you can shoot the ball completely over the backboard.

6.  I never was good at volleyball in high school.  I still suck at it on EA Sports Active.  I’m fine with it.

7.  I’m a pro at tennis.  The EA trainer said so.

8.  Burnt Quaker Mini Delights do not taste good burnt; however, you can’t tell they’re burnt until after you put them in your mouth and chew.  Fair warning.  You’re welcome.