Stagnant

Well, it's obvious I didn't run the past week. I will say that my sinuses were really stuffy starting in the middle of the week and I only managed to take large amounts of Sudafed & Benadryll, however I have no excuse for the beginning of the week.

I'm really struggling the past couple days to convince myself to run. I want to, kinda. I need to, truly. And I got really cool compression socks for Christmas that have no reason to be worn right now. I'm afraid because I know I haven't really committed the time to running like I should have the past couple weeks and some how am holding myself in place hoping that will move me forward.... counterintuitive maybe? Suppose to do 4 miles today... looming like a cloud.

On other horizons, I started the South Beach "Phase 1" yesterday. I hate it. I better loose some weight or the Ben & Jerry diet is next... again, counter productive? Either way, don't think this is going to stick for long but need a little bit of a physical jump start, a rekindling with my kitchen, and some healthier food choices. Annual physical is this month and triglycerides don't lie.

Alright, I'm going to go see if I can find a defibrillator (metaphorically speaking) and get back to normal... and put on my running clothes.

Quantity not Quality

Quality of today's 11 mile run/walk left something to be desired. Like a kid who won't eat their vegetables, I had to trick myself into even starting the run. My bed was so warm and comfortable and the thought of the 10 minute drive to the forest to run in the wind loomed without appeal. I concluded once again that the gym would do. Treadmill not elliptical, Amanda. Trouble started after the first three miles, my heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest... and since I'm rather found of having a heart, I decided maybe taking it easy today was a good idea. So I walked almost the remainder of the time... and yes, I realize walking about half of your run is like the Jets kicking field goals instead of making touchdowns, they couldn't beat the Bills that way and I'm not going to beat Oprah that way. Oprah finished in 4:29:15 and it would make me very happy to beat her time. Needless to say I did complete the 11 miles, ran the last couple and felt completely spent by the end. Hope next week is better.

Almost Running

Fluid... organization is necessary at times and something I'm very good at... but organization also can take the fun out of everything... and life usually needs some flexibility... the chance to be fluid. Funny we should talk about fluids, that's how we got here from our "organized" day. Today should have been a promptly scheduled 8am run for 10 miles on either the marathon route or the forest trail. Because yes, I did sign up for that 12 mile trail run at the end of January and haven't run any trails yet. Anyway, bunny trail.... but instead of this scheduled run being done just so, adjustment was needed. Last night was long and this morning I would have sworn Dumbo's pink elephants had been here. Therefore, there was no way I was able (though willing) to run 1 mile, let alone 10 miles. Ahh negotiation time. Maybe I can run either tomorrow or the next day while on vacation? After much contemplation that idea's out. Ok, must do something. Elliptical. Similar to running motion, less effort... comparable. Get dressed, brush teeth, out the door to a 2 hour elliptical wonderland. Turn on the mp3, hit start on the machine, and drift away...

Rain Happens

5 mile run... on a treadmill. Chicken grease to the weatherman who forecasted "80% chance of thunderstorms", drizzle yes, thunderstorms no. Love to my rarely used mp3 player, you really came through.  ** Nowhere to run to baby.. no where to hide..got nowhere to run to baby.. nowhere to hide..

Random

Insanity...a foolish or senseless action....like eating mindless amounts of Christmas goodies. This happens EVERY year. People drop off goodies to the office and I feel the need to try everything like I've never had it before... I think I barely left the kitchen today... cake, cupcakes, cookies, cheese... Seriously if it's yummy, I want some. And then, I think about the fact that I didn't run the past two days like I was suppose to, one of the two. So I do my 3 miles today and the whole time I'm thinking... butter and sugar ugh, please don't get sick. I didn't. And also thinking, WHEN WILL I EVER LEARN! This happens EVERY year! So I'm sure tomorrow I will under eat in order to compensate for today's over eating and tomorrow I run 5 miles. Should be a day of rest in there, but, we all know I'm not running on a Friday.

Is it possible to do the South Beach diet and still drink beer?? (rhetorical question)... what about South Beach and my only carbs ARE beer?!! Think about it...

Turtle Endorphins

Well I made it. It was turtle running but slow and steady gets it done. Really glad it is too, I feel better. I've been such a bah-humbug lately that I needed a little shot of endorphins to smack my brain around. I didn't go to the forest like planned... instead turned a 5 mile trail into 8 miles. Actually... ran to what I thought was the finish and my gps said 7.83 miles - crap. Had to double back and finish it out. There is no "close enough" when training because there is no "close enough" when racing.

Slacker

Confession time... I was suppose to run 5 miles yesterday, and well... I didn't. This is my first Thursday without class since finals and ok, to be completely honest, going out weighed heavier on my pleasure seeking scale than running. Of course with the lie to myself... that I still run Saturday (which I will) and that next week we get right back on the training schedule (which I hope). Funny enough - training related - last night after my NY strip steak, potato cake & asparagus I headed back to "location #1" and ordered rocket tots to which point the "Boston Qualifier" (name has been changed to protect the fast) said... be careful, that's how people get big. HAHA! How true! So weight. Yes, we all want to look awesome in our clothes but additionally...as a runner.... the more you weigh, the more you have to propel forward. The more you're adding to the pounding of your knees, feet... spandex. Ugh, I like living in reality, but sometimes I hate swallowing it.

Motivational quote time... Charles Swab said.... A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm. Hmmm...dictionary.com says enthusiasm is absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit. Doesn't action need to be involved? We'll modify...
A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm and drive. Hm, just found my steering wheel.