December 31st, 2007
21 MINUTES!!!!!
I couldn't believe it. Had to toss that last minute in for good measure. Walked and ran for about 10 minutes more to get home. The key was to just get over that slump I always feel early on. After that, it was smooth as a dolphin's back.
Peace and best wishes for a Happy New Year.
Monday, December 31, 2007
December 30th, 2007
I have been in Little Rock, Arkansas since December 19th. In that time, I have been embroiled in some serious familial drama. No fights amongst ourselves, but a situation that required powerful (and ulitmately very time-consuming) show of solidarity. I'm glad to say that I managed to squeeze in my walk/runs by taking liberties with the schedule - I'd do two days on, then a rest day, if I missed a run. I worry about delays in training. I understand now what people mean about balance. This whole situation has taken all of my time. All of it. I have to make running a priority I keep no matter what. This trip has definitely taken a toll on work, as I've had to extend my stay, and haven't really been able to get anything done. Running is turning out to be something I've had to fight for in a way. something to defend
The Hill
The great thing about training here is that Little Rock is one big treadmill on an incline interval training program. Hills. Hills. Hills. Made me feel like the juggernaut true, when I finally conquered a hill that had kicked a new hole in my ass the first time I tried to get up it. I went from having to walk half of it - to being able to get my self to the top, if I talked myself through it - to starting up it and being surprised to look around and see that I was done. Psyched.
People are Nice
Like that nice fellow in the truck who pulled over when he saw a woman sitting on the side of the road. In fact, he and his friend turned around to come see how I was. He was telling his mother all about it on his cell phone. Thank God for humanity. After I ascertained that the ankle twist was non-run-threatening, I did the run anyway...details later.
I ran today, but tomorrow, I'm scheduled to run 20 minutes without stopping. I can't miss that date, even if though it means running three days in a row.
I'm expecting greater ease and more speed when I get back to the city.
Speaking of my Ass
I weigh 124.5 pounds butt naked.
Did I mention the cheesecakes? Purchased as an accompaniment to the pork roast and all that bacon? Thick. Thick. Bacon.
I have been in Little Rock, Arkansas since December 19th. In that time, I have been embroiled in some serious familial drama. No fights amongst ourselves, but a situation that required powerful (and ulitmately very time-consuming) show of solidarity. I'm glad to say that I managed to squeeze in my walk/runs by taking liberties with the schedule - I'd do two days on, then a rest day, if I missed a run. I worry about delays in training. I understand now what people mean about balance. This whole situation has taken all of my time. All of it. I have to make running a priority I keep no matter what. This trip has definitely taken a toll on work, as I've had to extend my stay, and haven't really been able to get anything done. Running is turning out to be something I've had to fight for in a way. something to defend
The Hill
The great thing about training here is that Little Rock is one big treadmill on an incline interval training program. Hills. Hills. Hills. Made me feel like the juggernaut true, when I finally conquered a hill that had kicked a new hole in my ass the first time I tried to get up it. I went from having to walk half of it - to being able to get my self to the top, if I talked myself through it - to starting up it and being surprised to look around and see that I was done. Psyched.
People are Nice
Like that nice fellow in the truck who pulled over when he saw a woman sitting on the side of the road. In fact, he and his friend turned around to come see how I was. He was telling his mother all about it on his cell phone. Thank God for humanity. After I ascertained that the ankle twist was non-run-threatening, I did the run anyway...details later.
I ran today, but tomorrow, I'm scheduled to run 20 minutes without stopping. I can't miss that date, even if though it means running three days in a row.
I'm expecting greater ease and more speed when I get back to the city.
Speaking of my Ass
I weigh 124.5 pounds butt naked.
Did I mention the cheesecakes? Purchased as an accompaniment to the pork roast and all that bacon? Thick. Thick. Bacon.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Dec. 16, 2007 - Sunday - Complete Rest Day
(Dec. 15, 2007 - 17 min. run/walk - 29 degrees? - wore Sugoi hooded cling top, thigh socks, sports bra, white sport tank, grey (wool?) knit pants, zip hoodie)
(12/15) Got sick. Not sure if it was the weather from the last run, or getting all wet and sweaty, or a combination of things. Above the neck with stuffy nose and sore throat. Drinking Emergen-C's by the packet full, and spraying that truly awful Zicam inside my cheeks. Terrible. Checked the internet, which said that you can train with above the neck symptoms, so I did. Time was short, and I wanted to be at least a little cautious, so I cut the training short. I almost turned back at the beginning, because of the cold, thinking I could run the next day. I'm glad I didn't give in. I compromised, when I was cold after first going out. Went back to add the socks to my wardrobe, as I didn't want to take any stupid chances running with a cold. It was a good training, though with more running than walking. Felt my speed pick up after watching those running videos with Dagan and getting a sense of the technique for marathons. Also loving the Sugoi top that Dagan surprised me with. Works like magic for keeping you just the right temperature, dryness, etc. Feeling more and more like a runner every day. Using this time to explore my nature as a runner and learn how to anticipate what my body needs in order to be successful.
The "HOME" mantra has become a fixture in getting me to keep running all the way to my stoop at the finish. A lot of the time, I pick up speed at the end. I imagine this to be the last 385 yards to the finish line - passing the 26 mile marker and starting up the "HOME" mantra as I kick it in.
After training, I was glad I'd gone out, even for a short time. I knew I would be glad the next day that I'd taken my run, and that I would have regretted it if I hadn't. Partied with the Buddhists afterwards. Everything was all clean and vegetarian and alcohol free and over by 10ish. The perfect event to hang out at, if you're training for a marathon.
(12/16) Today is the one complete rest day I allow myself each week. I get to lollygag and ruminate and catch up on bad TV. Make casseroles with friends. And above all - not exercise. Mental and physical recovery. I do meditate, of course. Been thinking about ways to spread the benefit of this process. Maybe run to raise money for my next show, or for Three Jewels, the dharma center where I study.
Starting to realize the importance of scheduling my runs, and of getting the right gear to make it through the winter. Spent a lot of the morning researching running apparel and heart rate monitors. It strikes me that I stand somewhat impaired in matters regarding all functions of the heart and would do well to seek outside technical assistance.
My Bew Year's Resolution for 2008 is the 27 hour day. I've often felt that, if I had just 3 more hours in a day, I could accompllsh all the things I desired. So I'm starting now, rooting out all the little habits and tendencies that siphon precious minutes from my day - starting from when I wake up. Preceded by what I do before I sleep.
Sunday = read about racing, study the dharms, spend some time with friends.
Going to keep this as my race research day, so I stop procrastinating with it during the week. Have to start thinking now about my post-race plan - dry clothes, snacks, water, ice packs, stretching, meditation, etc. Yes - pre- and post-race checklists are key. water, energy gel, etc.
This is hard. I keep wanting to run today or do something physical. Must.resist.
(Dec. 15, 2007 - 17 min. run/walk - 29 degrees? - wore Sugoi hooded cling top, thigh socks, sports bra, white sport tank, grey (wool?) knit pants, zip hoodie)
(12/15) Got sick. Not sure if it was the weather from the last run, or getting all wet and sweaty, or a combination of things. Above the neck with stuffy nose and sore throat. Drinking Emergen-C's by the packet full, and spraying that truly awful Zicam inside my cheeks. Terrible. Checked the internet, which said that you can train with above the neck symptoms, so I did. Time was short, and I wanted to be at least a little cautious, so I cut the training short. I almost turned back at the beginning, because of the cold, thinking I could run the next day. I'm glad I didn't give in. I compromised, when I was cold after first going out. Went back to add the socks to my wardrobe, as I didn't want to take any stupid chances running with a cold. It was a good training, though with more running than walking. Felt my speed pick up after watching those running videos with Dagan and getting a sense of the technique for marathons. Also loving the Sugoi top that Dagan surprised me with. Works like magic for keeping you just the right temperature, dryness, etc. Feeling more and more like a runner every day. Using this time to explore my nature as a runner and learn how to anticipate what my body needs in order to be successful.
The "HOME" mantra has become a fixture in getting me to keep running all the way to my stoop at the finish. A lot of the time, I pick up speed at the end. I imagine this to be the last 385 yards to the finish line - passing the 26 mile marker and starting up the "HOME" mantra as I kick it in.
After training, I was glad I'd gone out, even for a short time. I knew I would be glad the next day that I'd taken my run, and that I would have regretted it if I hadn't. Partied with the Buddhists afterwards. Everything was all clean and vegetarian and alcohol free and over by 10ish. The perfect event to hang out at, if you're training for a marathon.
(12/16) Today is the one complete rest day I allow myself each week. I get to lollygag and ruminate and catch up on bad TV. Make casseroles with friends. And above all - not exercise. Mental and physical recovery. I do meditate, of course. Been thinking about ways to spread the benefit of this process. Maybe run to raise money for my next show, or for Three Jewels, the dharma center where I study.
Starting to realize the importance of scheduling my runs, and of getting the right gear to make it through the winter. Spent a lot of the morning researching running apparel and heart rate monitors. It strikes me that I stand somewhat impaired in matters regarding all functions of the heart and would do well to seek outside technical assistance.
My Bew Year's Resolution for 2008 is the 27 hour day. I've often felt that, if I had just 3 more hours in a day, I could accompllsh all the things I desired. So I'm starting now, rooting out all the little habits and tendencies that siphon precious minutes from my day - starting from when I wake up. Preceded by what I do before I sleep.
Sunday = read about racing, study the dharms, spend some time with friends.
Going to keep this as my race research day, so I stop procrastinating with it during the week. Have to start thinking now about my post-race plan - dry clothes, snacks, water, ice packs, stretching, meditation, etc. Yes - pre- and post-race checklists are key. water, energy gel, etc.
This is hard. I keep wanting to run today or do something physical. Must.resist.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Dec. 13, 2007 - 45 min run/walk - 52 degrees and clear
(Dec. 12, 2007 - 28 min. run/walk, 2.5 hour contact improv class) - 36 degrees and snow/sleet/rain wit acumulation
About to run myself out in the snow. Another new experience - and a skill set I'll need to master, if I'm going to do marathon training in the winter time. Wish me luck.
As for yesterday's run - a blessed 52 degrees of bliss. Running felt better, and my speed picked up, though I'm going to have to learn how to determine and control my pace. Did all hills and upward inclines running, and reserved my walk breaks for flats. Used the small paths in the park, since mileage is not a factor yet.
Went to the chiropractor after. Definitely felt the accident hip, which she tended to. She also popped my ankle, providing a sense of freedom in that joint that I had begun to think impossible. Then I pigged out at Vanessa's Dumplings and went to a Contact Improv class with my friends, Susanna and Doug. Then got some salads, sandwiches, tea at this place called Corner Cafe. Came home, took 4 advil and a melatonin, watched Blades of Glory while I iced my ankle and went to sleep.
Better get to running. The snow is coming harder and harder, and it's only piling up the more I wait.
Did it. Quick notes - the tracks in the acumulating sleet/snow told me that others had already been out in this mess. It made me feel good - like I was joining an elite group of people who wouldn't be discouraged the caprices of weather. I enjoyed the slight crunch of slush under my feet. Felt the cushioning. Was able to take my mind of of the road, off of my timer, and take in the beauty of the park. I stayed on the main track, and really enjjoyed how much easier it was to run, and how much longer I could go. I realized that things that seem difficult ar often just a little bit out of our comfort zones. All in all, an enjoyable training session.
For the first 30 minutes.
Having somehow grossly miscalculated the halfway point, I unconsciously reset my time to 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes. As the minutes ticked past the half hour mark, I started to have a problem. The wet rainy part of the equation was starting to eclipse the downy snowy part. My clothes were getting wet and absorbing water to my skin in the way that cottony things do. I had been so proud of myself for not running out and buying all those running costumes, but sister-love's gonna have to get herself over to Jack Rabbit Sports and get some gear. By the end of the session, as my clothes were soaking through, the precipitation turned more resolutely to sleet and started stinging my face. I returned to my mantra - "HOME(puff) HOME(puff) HOME(puff) HOME(puff) HOME" to get myself to my front door. Socks wet, shoes wet, hair wet, clothes wet. knee feels good, ankle feels good. gonna ice the ankle anyway.
Hot chocolate for breakfast, but first a recovery smoothie, and tallying what I've learned.
(Dec. 12, 2007 - 28 min. run/walk, 2.5 hour contact improv class) - 36 degrees and snow/sleet/rain wit acumulation
About to run myself out in the snow. Another new experience - and a skill set I'll need to master, if I'm going to do marathon training in the winter time. Wish me luck.
As for yesterday's run - a blessed 52 degrees of bliss. Running felt better, and my speed picked up, though I'm going to have to learn how to determine and control my pace. Did all hills and upward inclines running, and reserved my walk breaks for flats. Used the small paths in the park, since mileage is not a factor yet.
Went to the chiropractor after. Definitely felt the accident hip, which she tended to. She also popped my ankle, providing a sense of freedom in that joint that I had begun to think impossible. Then I pigged out at Vanessa's Dumplings and went to a Contact Improv class with my friends, Susanna and Doug. Then got some salads, sandwiches, tea at this place called Corner Cafe. Came home, took 4 advil and a melatonin, watched Blades of Glory while I iced my ankle and went to sleep.
Better get to running. The snow is coming harder and harder, and it's only piling up the more I wait.
Did it. Quick notes - the tracks in the acumulating sleet/snow told me that others had already been out in this mess. It made me feel good - like I was joining an elite group of people who wouldn't be discouraged the caprices of weather. I enjoyed the slight crunch of slush under my feet. Felt the cushioning. Was able to take my mind of of the road, off of my timer, and take in the beauty of the park. I stayed on the main track, and really enjjoyed how much easier it was to run, and how much longer I could go. I realized that things that seem difficult ar often just a little bit out of our comfort zones. All in all, an enjoyable training session.
For the first 30 minutes.
Having somehow grossly miscalculated the halfway point, I unconsciously reset my time to 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes. As the minutes ticked past the half hour mark, I started to have a problem. The wet rainy part of the equation was starting to eclipse the downy snowy part. My clothes were getting wet and absorbing water to my skin in the way that cottony things do. I had been so proud of myself for not running out and buying all those running costumes, but sister-love's gonna have to get herself over to Jack Rabbit Sports and get some gear. By the end of the session, as my clothes were soaking through, the precipitation turned more resolutely to sleet and started stinging my face. I returned to my mantra - "HOME(puff) HOME(puff) HOME(puff) HOME(puff) HOME" to get myself to my front door. Socks wet, shoes wet, hair wet, clothes wet. knee feels good, ankle feels good. gonna ice the ankle anyway.
Hot chocolate for breakfast, but first a recovery smoothie, and tallying what I've learned.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Dec. 11, 2007 - rehearsal - 2 hrs
Woke up, the ankle was waaaay better, keeping an eye on it, and treating it like diamonds and glass. Felt ok after rehearsal, but iced it anyway and ibuprofen just in case. My wind was just generally better during rehearsal. Yeah. Hell yeah.
Running's been good for my meditation practice too. Yes. good heavens, yes!
BUFFALO MARATHON - May 25th, 2007
Woke up, the ankle was waaaay better, keeping an eye on it, and treating it like diamonds and glass. Felt ok after rehearsal, but iced it anyway and ibuprofen just in case. My wind was just generally better during rehearsal. Yeah. Hell yeah.
Running's been good for my meditation practice too. Yes. good heavens, yes!
BUFFALO MARATHON - May 25th, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Dec. 10, 2007 - Run/Walk 30 min scheduled - 32 min actual
So begins my thirty minute week. As before, the knee started to bother just slightly this time, but got good very soon into the run. The ankle on the other hand, started to get more and more uncomfortable as the run went on. That said, I still felt better running for longer periods of time, expecially after the warm-up walk at the beginning. I never though I would get to a place where I was forcing myself to walk, but would rather run. Did my best to stay off the pavement and on the paths at the side of the road.
As the run was ending, the ankle started to really get to me. Got home, iced the knee, and frankly forgot to do the ankle. By the time I had to go to the chiro, it was hurting me to the point I was limping. She did some things to it in the office, and I thought I felt better until I started walking out the door. I limped out of her office and over to Red Hook to do a massage trade. I limped out of Rafe's place to Nisha's birthday party. Hid the limp as I walked away from the party - hurt like an angry spike from hell was being driven into the outside back of my ankle by some mean little elves.. Had to stop at Walgreens to get some ibuprofen, epson salts and an ankle brace. Yes, I was that sad.
Took an epsom soak when I got home, followed by some ice on the ankle, and lots of ibuprofen. Kept my narrow behind in bed the rest of the night.
Also - spent much of the day researching runner's trots and how to avoid them. Fascinating. And scatalogical. This marathon thing is turning out to have hidden benefits of its own.
So begins my thirty minute week. As before, the knee started to bother just slightly this time, but got good very soon into the run. The ankle on the other hand, started to get more and more uncomfortable as the run went on. That said, I still felt better running for longer periods of time, expecially after the warm-up walk at the beginning. I never though I would get to a place where I was forcing myself to walk, but would rather run. Did my best to stay off the pavement and on the paths at the side of the road.
As the run was ending, the ankle started to really get to me. Got home, iced the knee, and frankly forgot to do the ankle. By the time I had to go to the chiro, it was hurting me to the point I was limping. She did some things to it in the office, and I thought I felt better until I started walking out the door. I limped out of her office and over to Red Hook to do a massage trade. I limped out of Rafe's place to Nisha's birthday party. Hid the limp as I walked away from the party - hurt like an angry spike from hell was being driven into the outside back of my ankle by some mean little elves.. Had to stop at Walgreens to get some ibuprofen, epson salts and an ankle brace. Yes, I was that sad.
Took an epsom soak when I got home, followed by some ice on the ankle, and lots of ibuprofen. Kept my narrow behind in bed the rest of the night.
Also - spent much of the day researching runner's trots and how to avoid them. Fascinating. And scatalogical. This marathon thing is turning out to have hidden benefits of its own.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Dec. 8, 2007 - Run/Walk 25 min scheduled - 28 min actual
Good to get back to training after the accident. Went to the park today. Ran around 2pm or so. About 40 degrees on a clear day. Knee hurt at beginning of run…considered skipping today, but felt that if I did, I would never start, never finish, would just get mired in excuses and trapped by regret. Decided to train anyway, and was fine by the middle of the workout. So glad I pressed on. Wore a light knee brace and an ankle brace. Ankle brace extremely uncomfortable, had to take it off,. Used it to carry my keys. Trained an abbreviated Eltesia session with ground hip sequence, fountains, curls and reverse curls, did a shower and scalp scrub, and then iced my ankle and knee. Ordered a pasta machine. Felt much power.
On the run, I kept saying things like 3 more minutes, 3 more minutes, 3more minutes, 3 more minutes...Then home, home, home, home. Kept pushing myself not to stop just yet. No ipod, tried to stay connected to my time, my technique, and my environment. The last half-block home was the finish line. Every training is the last leg of the marathon. Not the first.
Good to get back to training after the accident. Went to the park today. Ran around 2pm or so. About 40 degrees on a clear day. Knee hurt at beginning of run…considered skipping today, but felt that if I did, I would never start, never finish, would just get mired in excuses and trapped by regret. Decided to train anyway, and was fine by the middle of the workout. So glad I pressed on. Wore a light knee brace and an ankle brace. Ankle brace extremely uncomfortable, had to take it off,. Used it to carry my keys. Trained an abbreviated Eltesia session with ground hip sequence, fountains, curls and reverse curls, did a shower and scalp scrub, and then iced my ankle and knee. Ordered a pasta machine. Felt much power.
On the run, I kept saying things like 3 more minutes, 3 more minutes, 3more minutes, 3 more minutes...Then home, home, home, home. Kept pushing myself not to stop just yet. No ipod, tried to stay connected to my time, my technique, and my environment. The last half-block home was the finish line. Every training is the last leg of the marathon. Not the first.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)