Good hard habits

What do I know for sure? Not much.
Here's my list:

• chocolate is delicious and addictive.
• the couch is very comfortable when eating chocolate.
• dogs are magical creatures.
• it's physically impossible for me to avoid all of the above all the time.
• forming a good habit is very hard.
  

I chatted with my friend Ashley today. We talked about how we often start running then take dabble breaks. It's a curse really. But, life gets in the way. We both have stressful jobs in the medical field, lots of good friends, dog (mine is in my dreams so far) and hubbies. It's hard to find the time for a run. Actually it's not the time, it's the energy.
The temptation to hide under the bed after work is very powerful. In the past week, I was kicked in the chest, almost bitten and slapped by 2 different confused patients; I'm positive Ashley's had worse on her job.
The fact that we go out in public at all is good. Having the energy to go out for a run or workout is great. Tomorrow (off today after 4 straight workout days) I must remember to feel proud of myself ... Forming a good habit is very hard.

My inner tomboy is cheering ecstatically!

So... yesterday I went swimming. That's my cross training plan. I'm shooting for 2 swimming workouts a week. But, that's not why I'm writing today.
The workout was good. I felt OK, swimming finds all of my weakness and then kicks my buttocks. I barely beat out the gal in the next lane and I had swim fins on....she didn't. Needless to say, I felt a little puny when I finished. BUT....
As I was changing a woman next to me started to chat. She asked me what 'tri' are you training for? Inside there was a little girl tomboy cheering ecstatically 'This woman thought I was a triathlete!!!!!' OK, she very well could have been just making conversation but I'm going with the joyful thought/delusion she thought I was studly. I explained what my plan was and she lamented about being in the pool due to injury. BOO injuries! I told her good luck and that she was great for keeping up on workouts then we went our separate ways.
Today was even better. I ran a track workout with friends and it was actually fun, like gym class was...And.... it sunk in that wow I'm an athletic person at 40. Not bad, not bad at all.

The outer limits

I talked about limits this week. My outer limits are close...very close. I've been running into them almost daily. I am forced to run a little slower or take a walk break up a hill but, this week I notice that my limits are becoming a little further away.
Today, I ran Lake Padden with Janel. We planned to run two laps. The first went by and I felt OK but was doubtful about the second. I'd run the past couple of days and the looming limit was creeping up.
We started on the second lap and I said, "I'm not sure I can do 2 today". Janel was so nice and said, "no problem, just let me know if you want to turn around early."
I thought about it for a bit then decided we should just finish the lap. About 3/4 of the way through the lap there's a hill. It's steep, a little curvy and feels about a mile long (In reality it's only about 40 yards long). Needless to say, my lungs were screaming for a rest. But then it was done and I had a few minutes left. I felt great and even managed to speak...out loud and say so. Janel and I agreed that the second lap feels even better and were both glad to finish. You know what? I felt tired and close to my limit for the day but...I could have run at least another mile or two.
So, I say Just keep running, just keep running, just keep swimming...I mean running. Thanks Steve (and Dory)

Free flying advice on running...

Running has an interesting culture all it's own. Within it is acceptable to snot rocket, stink a bit and advice flies freely. I like the running culture. I enjoy the camaraderie of seeking advice, discussing what works and doesn't.
I decided to use a book about marathon training this time around. It's called 4 Hours to a 4 Hour Marathon. OK, the title totally sucked me in. I read the book and thought, hey I can finish this. Then, I spoke to my friend Steve...the really good runner I told you about? Yeah, him. Well he thinks speed work is not necessary even though it's in the book. My plan includes speed training. He suggested hill repeats or fartleks (short bursts of speed followed by easy running) to increase my aerobic fitness.
Now, I think Steve's a really smart and a really experienced runner AND I'm nervous. By the way, my friend Megan was told the same information by her brother in law.
I think this brings up another mind over matter issue. Do I sway from the training or listen to my friend. Currently, I'm not even in the training cycle, just building my mileage so it's nothing to get worked up about. In the end though, I will probably listen to Steve and just run, and run... again and again...
Off for a run.

It's all in my head. It's all in my head.

I think half of running is mental. There is a limit to training the body. Physically, you must challenge your body and push further and further. I think that's the easy part. Sure, there are the obvious barriers. Mine? Age, my tight left quad, being short...and eating chocolate. But, those barriers are not as great as doubt.
We grow into doubt. As children, we all ran around without a care in the world. I remember the freedom and joy of running. My face and back would be all sweaty and there was always a game of some sort. It was just so fun! That feeling didn't last forever. At some point, I found my body's limitations. Some people run through those barriers and turn into athletes and hopefully, keep the joyous part. Others, like myself, find themselves slowing down.
We know that professional runners are mentally tough. They can do things mere mortals only dream of. They have doubts but have found a way around them. So, how does the everyday Joe manage to get past those doubts? I think we have to prove it to ourselves.
This morning I ran with a friend Kate, who walks regularly. Let me clarify, she walks regularly, really fast. We ran much of a 5 mile course today which challenged Kate. She will be very fast in a few months. I think today may have been the last day I would find it easy to run with her. Why am I the one running faster now? I've been running more but that's not the biggest advantage I have. Her spider-monkey like long legs will be running efficiently and far quicker than my stubby little legs very soon.
My greatest advantage is I know, no BELIEVE, that I can make it to the end of the road and back again. I've proven it to my brain. Right now, I'm attempting to make my mind believe I can do a marathon in under 4 hours. Now, if I could just get past the doubt and move on to the joy...

The Big "A"

I went for lunch with friends yesterday. One of them asked, "Why a blog? Why put it out there for the world to see?" She also asked if I was self-centered thinking there was a sunny spot following me.
Well, yes I am self-centered. Anyone who has spent time with me knows that...sort of. I'm what you'd call self-focused. That is, I tend to look inward before looking out. You know what? It's working for me. I have amazing people around me! You know what else? I still think there's a sunny spot out there for me, but feel free to share the light.
About the blog...I have never published anything in my life. I finished a Creative Writing degree at WWU and have never tried to publish. Why? I am a big chicken! A blog is pretty anonymous. How many people are reading this? Maybe 10 if I'm lucky. What is it doing for me? It gives me the big 'A'.
That's right, this blog gives me accountability! And... in my wildest dreams... a load of people reading along and finding inspiration.
I will go for a run today. Why? I just wrote it...and I always write MY truth. Testify to the big "A" sister!


"At first an ordeal and then an accomplishment, the daily run becomes a staple, like bread, or wine, a fine marriage, or air. It is also a free pass to friendship." --quote of the day from http://runnersworld.com/