Sometimes the to do list gets pretty long and I think, "I can't go running...I have things to do"
Luckily, when mowing the lawn is on that list I can still get a good workout in. Takes me 40 minutes to mow my yard. Its not the most strenuous, but its activity. Thats the key.
And by the way...yes. The stomach muscles hurt. A lot. Today was not a good day to have allergies act up, for that results in sneezing. And sneezing today hurt.
Its Friday tomorrow. I'll throw up an iPod it to get you into the weekend.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Trying to make up for a week in a day
I had been fairly lazy lately. Granted, I did mow my lawn over the weekend. No small feat, considering how tall the grass was. Plus, I bought a push mower. Fully self powered. So, I got a work out in then, but other than that....its been lazy.
So, with today's weather being perfect (70 degrees, 18% humidity) I went for a two mile run after work. Standard route. I made sure to keep my tempo up for the whole run. I made myself work, and it paid off with a good run.
However, that wasn't enough. I did 15 sit-ups and 10 push ups after the run. Its been awhile since I did either of those exercises, so it should be interesting to see how those muscle groups feel in the morning.
The one benefit to working as hard as I did today...is I felt slimmer. SOmething about a good workout makes me feel fit and athletic. I try to avoid the mirrors while feeling this way. No sense spoiling that magic.
Wednesday weigh-in...I come in at 215 pounds. So, slowly but surely I'm working off some weight. Its going to take a big time effort if I'm to get to 199 by the end of June. That may not happen, but if I can work hard and still drops some pounds, it will be pretty beneficial. I'm not on The Biggest Loser or anything.
So, with today's weather being perfect (70 degrees, 18% humidity) I went for a two mile run after work. Standard route. I made sure to keep my tempo up for the whole run. I made myself work, and it paid off with a good run.
However, that wasn't enough. I did 15 sit-ups and 10 push ups after the run. Its been awhile since I did either of those exercises, so it should be interesting to see how those muscle groups feel in the morning.
The one benefit to working as hard as I did today...is I felt slimmer. SOmething about a good workout makes me feel fit and athletic. I try to avoid the mirrors while feeling this way. No sense spoiling that magic.
Wednesday weigh-in...I come in at 215 pounds. So, slowly but surely I'm working off some weight. Its going to take a big time effort if I'm to get to 199 by the end of June. That may not happen, but if I can work hard and still drops some pounds, it will be pretty beneficial. I'm not on The Biggest Loser or anything.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Adding to the routine
I went for my typical two mile run today, but I tried to be aware of my stride a little more. When I started to "baby step" I pumped the arms a little bit harder. I worked a bit more out on the run.
Then to top it off, I did 15 sit ups when I got home, because I figured that would be a good way to wrap up the workout. Ab muscles aren't worked to hard during a run, so I wanted to attack them directly and try to strengthen them.
Anyway, it was also Wednesday, so I did the usual scale thing. 216. I'm certain I gained weight since 217, then dropped own to 216. I'm wondering if by working at it I can get to 200 by the end of June. We'll see.
Then to top it off, I did 15 sit ups when I got home, because I figured that would be a good way to wrap up the workout. Ab muscles aren't worked to hard during a run, so I wanted to attack them directly and try to strengthen them.
Anyway, it was also Wednesday, so I did the usual scale thing. 216. I'm certain I gained weight since 217, then dropped own to 216. I'm wondering if by working at it I can get to 200 by the end of June. We'll see.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Since I've been lazy...
I've been fairly lazy lately, what with the not going for runs like I should. I tweaked my groin on my last run, so I took a few days off, then forgot to go running again, and then...well, you know. These things happen. Hopefully, not as often.
So, why not kick off a new feature at the blog dedicated to people who are ultimatly not lazy. I'm calling it "Fun" Runs. These will be races and events that I come across that I find interesting.
The first, is a series ofultramathons races* called 4 Deserts. Runners criss cross the Gobi, Atamaca, and Sahara deserts. If you do two of those, you earn the right to go to race in Antartica.
What I find really cool about 4 Deserts is that the races are run in stages. Each night, the racers all camp together with the help of a local indigenous family, prompting a cultural exchange.
The courses are 250 km long (155 miles). You can run them, walk them, the organizers just want you to finish. And here's the impressive part...
"Many who complete an event have never completed a marathon" -4 Deserts Quick Facts
I'd love to do one of these someday, for the experience and just to say that I did it. Even though the FAQ says you don't have to train hard, I reckon getting out on the trails isn't a half bad idea.
Want more info? Go to their webpage. Have fun learning about the event. 4 deserts
*I called this an ultramarthon, but the websites FAQ says it is not. It just says it is a unique racing event and I wouldn't disagree.
So, why not kick off a new feature at the blog dedicated to people who are ultimatly not lazy. I'm calling it "Fun" Runs. These will be races and events that I come across that I find interesting.
The first, is a series of
What I find really cool about 4 Deserts is that the races are run in stages. Each night, the racers all camp together with the help of a local indigenous family, prompting a cultural exchange.
The courses are 250 km long (155 miles). You can run them, walk them, the organizers just want you to finish. And here's the impressive part...
"Many who complete an event have never completed a marathon" -4 Deserts Quick Facts
I'd love to do one of these someday, for the experience and just to say that I did it. Even though the FAQ says you don't have to train hard, I reckon getting out on the trails isn't a half bad idea.
Want more info? Go to their webpage. Have fun learning about the event. 4 deserts
*I called this an ultramarthon, but the websites FAQ says it is not. It just says it is a unique racing event and I wouldn't disagree.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Need inspiration?
Running is largely an individual sport. Those of us who do not run competitively anymore are out there for our own benefit. There are no cheering crowds, no finishing line tape, no adoring fans. So, it can be hard to find motivation, especially when it is just you vs the world.
Well, one high school girl took on the whole state of Texas...and won.
Its impressive enough to win a state track event. To win the whole meet? Hats off to her.
Makes me want to go for a second run...almost.
Well, one high school girl took on the whole state of Texas...and won.
Its impressive enough to win a state track event. To win the whole meet? Hats off to her.
Makes me want to go for a second run...almost.
Ah....
Just got back from the run I said I was going on last night, and yes, it was good. A bit slower than I would have liked, but I enjoyed it. I feel great and I'll be more energized through the day then I would have been if I had stayed in bed till eleven.
I need to go out more. I'm not getting any stronger, which is to expected when one goes for a run, takes three days off, then runs again. I plan on going back out there tomorrow.
I need to go out more. I'm not getting any stronger, which is to expected when one goes for a run, takes three days off, then runs again. I plan on going back out there tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Why I run
This post promises to be quite random, but might even tie together if we're lucky and if I'm talented enough as a writer. Lets find out.
A few years ago, Cal State Fullerton won the College World Series. I can't remember a thing about that team except for one of their rituals. The team captain placed a strip of athletic tape along the dugout wall. And on it he wrote these words:
"Think how good it’s going to feel"
He was referring to the emotion that would be felt when the team would pour out of the dugout, make a dog pile at the pitcher's mound and realize that they were, without question, champions of college baseball.
"Think how good it’s going to feel"
I have used that mantra at many times in my life. I use it to justify being a Seattle sports fan, because when the Seahawks do raise that Vince Lombardi Trophy, damnit, I don’t know if I will have ever felt such elation. I've used it when taking on big projects, because when I finish it’s going to be great. Do I get to high five my teammates and get soaked in champagne? No. But, I feel pretty good.
Today, this past week even, has been less then ideal. I'm dealing with things that I don't really want to deal with. Today I got a phone call that the bank I'm getting a loan from misplaced the paperwork I just gave to them, so I have to give it to them again. My job entails sitting in the most boring meetings imaginable and trying to write stories to make people think the meeting was important in some aspect. There are days, I will admit, that I'd rather not do that. Personally, I'd rather go off into the sunset, drink bourbon and smoke cigars all day. However, that doesn't pay the bills and likely gives you cancer.
So, I've moved into this new town. I'm not very social so I sometimes feel a bit isolated. I have a job that sometimes isn't what I signed up for and I get to keep dealing with these morons from the bank. There are probably other things that, quite bluntly, piss me off.
Then I look at my running shoes.
"Think how good it’s going to feel"
Tomorrow morning, rain or shine, I'm lacing those up and going out for a run. I won't have a cell phone; I won't have to think about another meeting, the bank can't get a hold of me. It’s just me, the road, and nothing else.
I can't wait.
I often forget, in times where I'm stressed, that running is my outlet. It’s a lot less destructive then some other outlets that I sometimes succumb to (you know, the bourbon and cigars). It’s my stress reliever, my outlet, my escape.
And, you know what? It’s going to feel great.
A few years ago, Cal State Fullerton won the College World Series. I can't remember a thing about that team except for one of their rituals. The team captain placed a strip of athletic tape along the dugout wall. And on it he wrote these words:
"Think how good it’s going to feel"
He was referring to the emotion that would be felt when the team would pour out of the dugout, make a dog pile at the pitcher's mound and realize that they were, without question, champions of college baseball.
"Think how good it’s going to feel"
I have used that mantra at many times in my life. I use it to justify being a Seattle sports fan, because when the Seahawks do raise that Vince Lombardi Trophy, damnit, I don’t know if I will have ever felt such elation. I've used it when taking on big projects, because when I finish it’s going to be great. Do I get to high five my teammates and get soaked in champagne? No. But, I feel pretty good.
Today, this past week even, has been less then ideal. I'm dealing with things that I don't really want to deal with. Today I got a phone call that the bank I'm getting a loan from misplaced the paperwork I just gave to them, so I have to give it to them again. My job entails sitting in the most boring meetings imaginable and trying to write stories to make people think the meeting was important in some aspect. There are days, I will admit, that I'd rather not do that. Personally, I'd rather go off into the sunset, drink bourbon and smoke cigars all day. However, that doesn't pay the bills and likely gives you cancer.
So, I've moved into this new town. I'm not very social so I sometimes feel a bit isolated. I have a job that sometimes isn't what I signed up for and I get to keep dealing with these morons from the bank. There are probably other things that, quite bluntly, piss me off.
Then I look at my running shoes.
"Think how good it’s going to feel"
Tomorrow morning, rain or shine, I'm lacing those up and going out for a run. I won't have a cell phone; I won't have to think about another meeting, the bank can't get a hold of me. It’s just me, the road, and nothing else.
I can't wait.
I often forget, in times where I'm stressed, that running is my outlet. It’s a lot less destructive then some other outlets that I sometimes succumb to (you know, the bourbon and cigars). It’s my stress reliever, my outlet, my escape.
And, you know what? It’s going to feel great.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
iPod it! Godzilla
Blogger thought I was spamming, what with all the links to May My Run. So, they shut the blog down for awhile. But, after I told blogger that I was in fact, a human being, they opened it back up.
So, lets celebrate with my favorite warm up tune. Blue Oyster Cult's Godzilla. For our added enjoyment, here's the song being performed live. After the monologue that talks about how great pot is, the song gets down to its serious rocking, complete with a drum solo that rocks so hard the drummer has to put on a Godzilla head just to justify it. Plus, the bass rift just before the drum solo = win.
I've always liked this song because, well, who doesn't like Godzilla? Personally, I feel a certain kinship with the monster. I have a strong desire to work hard and get a sweaty t-shirt. He has a strong desire to bitchslap Tokyo. At any rate, the combination of good old fashioned rocking and lyrics that talk about destruction are good in my book.
If you want your rocking condensed to the original version but with cuts of Godzilla dominating...
OH NO! THERE GOES TOKYO! OH NO, GODZILLA!
So, lets celebrate with my favorite warm up tune. Blue Oyster Cult's Godzilla. For our added enjoyment, here's the song being performed live. After the monologue that talks about how great pot is, the song gets down to its serious rocking, complete with a drum solo that rocks so hard the drummer has to put on a Godzilla head just to justify it. Plus, the bass rift just before the drum solo = win.
I've always liked this song because, well, who doesn't like Godzilla? Personally, I feel a certain kinship with the monster. I have a strong desire to work hard and get a sweaty t-shirt. He has a strong desire to bitchslap Tokyo. At any rate, the combination of good old fashioned rocking and lyrics that talk about destruction are good in my book.
If you want your rocking condensed to the original version but with cuts of Godzilla dominating...
OH NO! THERE GOES TOKYO! OH NO, GODZILLA!
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