I try to think about my form when I'm running. Shoulders relaxed, chest up, slight lean forward, let my feet follow the forward motion of my body, tighten those stomach muscles. This last one is the one that gets me. I just can't seem to hold my abs tight while I'm running. I think about it, and flex, and 3 seconds later I realize I'm not doing it anymore.
Instead I think about tucking my pelvis under. I read about this in Chi Running, which is a great running book by the way. Surprisingly this also came up with a friend of mine, but under a completely different topic of conversation. She is an older women who practices Buddhism and meditation. She is the student of an Ecuadorian Buddhist monk (strange combo, I know). She was telling me that the source of a woman's strength is her womanhood (uterus, etc., you get the general idea), and to think of it like a cup that you always want to keep righted. You don't want to let your power splash out all over the place.
This conversation sticks with me when I run. At the risk of sounding like some new-age spiritual nut, I imagine that my pelvis is that cup filled with some magical brew that must be kept upright at all times.
Guess what... my stride feels relaxed and sure, and I realize my abs are tight and strong. It's amazing what a shift in thinking will do.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Jingle All the Way
Today was the 5k Jingle Bell Run. My husband and I were out late at the symphony watching a cross between traditional holiday music and Cirque Du Soleil. It was fun, but when I got home, I realized that I didn't even have my running clothes washed, much less laid out for the morning.
After putting a load in the washer and leaving it up to Evans to switch to the dryer, I hopped into bed. I could only read a few pages, (current book: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), before my eyes were shutting down. Off to dreamland. Amazingly enough, I no longer get nervous before a race, even the half marathons. Maybe it's because I know I can do it, it's just a matter of how long it will take me.
Evans and I drove downtown and found a parking spot relatively easily. We warmed up by running to Westlake Center to pick up our race packets. I pinned my number on, retied my shoes. "Remember to double-knot your laces," Evans told me. I never double knot my laces. I just pulled on them real tight.
We're all ready for the run, except, now we have our race t-shirts that we have to carry around. Ok, Evans will run them back to the car, I will run to the bathroom. If we can't find each other, he'll meet me on the left side of the finish corral like always. Amazingly, we did meet up again, in time for a quick kiss and good luck.
I was waiting by myself for my wave to start. The crowd was getting more and more packed. Finally, the start horn blasted, and we all marched forward in slow motion. I don't even know where the start line is, I'm just carried along. Then I feel it. I look down and my shoelace is coming undone. I can't bend over to tie it when the entire crowd is bearing down on me. I'd risk a very obscene bump from behind. So, I just keep swimming along, until the masses magically separate in front of me. Thank goodness, a huge cement planter. I position myself on the other side of it from the oncoming runners, and fix my faulty laces. Or should I say my-fault laces. They are now double-knotted. I turn around and head across the start line, with my husband's voice in my head. "I told you to double-knot them. Would it have cost you anything to follow my advice. If someone else told you to do it, I bet you would have..." ugh.
My goal today is under 13 min/miles. Since I wasn't wearing a watch, I don't have the exact time, but I'm pretty sure I made it. I'm sensing a watch under the tree this year, and maybe some quick-zip laces.
After putting a load in the washer and leaving it up to Evans to switch to the dryer, I hopped into bed. I could only read a few pages, (current book: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), before my eyes were shutting down. Off to dreamland. Amazingly enough, I no longer get nervous before a race, even the half marathons. Maybe it's because I know I can do it, it's just a matter of how long it will take me.
Evans and I drove downtown and found a parking spot relatively easily. We warmed up by running to Westlake Center to pick up our race packets. I pinned my number on, retied my shoes. "Remember to double-knot your laces," Evans told me. I never double knot my laces. I just pulled on them real tight.
We're all ready for the run, except, now we have our race t-shirts that we have to carry around. Ok, Evans will run them back to the car, I will run to the bathroom. If we can't find each other, he'll meet me on the left side of the finish corral like always. Amazingly, we did meet up again, in time for a quick kiss and good luck.
I was waiting by myself for my wave to start. The crowd was getting more and more packed. Finally, the start horn blasted, and we all marched forward in slow motion. I don't even know where the start line is, I'm just carried along. Then I feel it. I look down and my shoelace is coming undone. I can't bend over to tie it when the entire crowd is bearing down on me. I'd risk a very obscene bump from behind. So, I just keep swimming along, until the masses magically separate in front of me. Thank goodness, a huge cement planter. I position myself on the other side of it from the oncoming runners, and fix my faulty laces. Or should I say my-fault laces. They are now double-knotted. I turn around and head across the start line, with my husband's voice in my head. "I told you to double-knot them. Would it have cost you anything to follow my advice. If someone else told you to do it, I bet you would have..." ugh.
My goal today is under 13 min/miles. Since I wasn't wearing a watch, I don't have the exact time, but I'm pretty sure I made it. I'm sensing a watch under the tree this year, and maybe some quick-zip laces.
Friday, December 11, 2009
2nd Run - Check
This morning my husband surprised me by staying home for the morning and heading into work later. Yes, this was a nice surprise, not an "oh, how nice, but you'll be in my way" surprise.
I was able to scoot out to the gym for a quick run. Since it was going to be a short one, I was going to take advantage of the indoor treadmill. Just two miles today, but I wasn't down on myself. I knew I'd wanted to get another run in before the Jingle Bell run this Sunday, and I did it. Yea! And, I was able to get it done early in the morning, leaving my evening free.
Now time for a movie, kettle corn, and fighting my husband for more of the blanket.
I was able to scoot out to the gym for a quick run. Since it was going to be a short one, I was going to take advantage of the indoor treadmill. Just two miles today, but I wasn't down on myself. I knew I'd wanted to get another run in before the Jingle Bell run this Sunday, and I did it. Yea! And, I was able to get it done early in the morning, leaving my evening free.
Now time for a movie, kettle corn, and fighting my husband for more of the blanket.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Elusive Pull-up
My goal is not only to lose weight and run more, but I want to do a pull-up. Just one. That's all I need.
Last night, pull-ups were on the menu at my personal training appt. I'm by no means a body builder, but after many years of being in and out of the gym and hanging with people that exercise as a way of life, I'd say I am pretty knowledgeable on my body, muscles, recovery, etc.
I have such a hard time getting my back, shoulders, and bicep muscles to act in sync...all needed if I ever want to get that pull-up checked off my list.
JT demonstrated, I tried it. JT demonstrated again, I tried it again. Now he's doing them one-armed on the pull-up assist machine. He's such a show off, but funny.
From when I started working out with him almost a year ago...I can burn through my squats and lunges, use the bosu ball like a pro, totally rock shoulder complexes, step ups, touchdowns. Everything he has me try, I can do in a short period of time, and then he steps it up again, making it more difficult...everything except the pull-up.
I think I'm getting worse at it.
Last night, pull-ups were on the menu at my personal training appt. I'm by no means a body builder, but after many years of being in and out of the gym and hanging with people that exercise as a way of life, I'd say I am pretty knowledgeable on my body, muscles, recovery, etc.
I have such a hard time getting my back, shoulders, and bicep muscles to act in sync...all needed if I ever want to get that pull-up checked off my list.
JT demonstrated, I tried it. JT demonstrated again, I tried it again. Now he's doing them one-armed on the pull-up assist machine. He's such a show off, but funny.
From when I started working out with him almost a year ago...I can burn through my squats and lunges, use the bosu ball like a pro, totally rock shoulder complexes, step ups, touchdowns. Everything he has me try, I can do in a short period of time, and then he steps it up again, making it more difficult...everything except the pull-up.
I think I'm getting worse at it.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Because Kerrie's doing it
According to Kerrie's list, she's running 3 miles today. Well, I decided that meant I should run 3 miles too. I had a short break from running after the Seattle half marathon, and now it's time to get back to it.
Regarding the Seattle Half, I did not meet my time goal, but I did come away with some measure of accomplishment. I only had the Seattle Rock and Roll half marathon that I did in June to compare it to. I completed the Seattle RnR in 3 hours 20 minutes (about a 15 min/mile pace). The course was essentially flat, and I did a run/walk. The Seattle Half was a lot hillier and I finished in 3 hours and 5 minutes, cutting my per mile pace down by a full minute. So, kudos to me on that.
Back to tonight. Once I decided that I'd hit the gym when my husband came home, I was rearing to go. I was excited to get back to running and not let myself lose any ground. I ran around getting changed while my husband was getting our son ready for his bath. The majority of this time was searching for socks. Why can I never find my running socks? We buy them by the truckload and they all disappear. (Yes, they are on my Christmas list.)
I made it to the gym, jammed my earbuds in, and cranked my ipod. I was off and running...well, walking. Ten minutes to warm up, a 3.25 mile run, and 10 minutes to cool down.
I feel great that I got my run in and could check it off my list...I mean Kerrie's list. I want to fit in 2 more runs before the Jingle Bell run this weekend. Thankfully, I believe Kerrie has scheduled those too!
Regarding the Seattle Half, I did not meet my time goal, but I did come away with some measure of accomplishment. I only had the Seattle Rock and Roll half marathon that I did in June to compare it to. I completed the Seattle RnR in 3 hours 20 minutes (about a 15 min/mile pace). The course was essentially flat, and I did a run/walk. The Seattle Half was a lot hillier and I finished in 3 hours and 5 minutes, cutting my per mile pace down by a full minute. So, kudos to me on that.
Back to tonight. Once I decided that I'd hit the gym when my husband came home, I was rearing to go. I was excited to get back to running and not let myself lose any ground. I ran around getting changed while my husband was getting our son ready for his bath. The majority of this time was searching for socks. Why can I never find my running socks? We buy them by the truckload and they all disappear. (Yes, they are on my Christmas list.)
I made it to the gym, jammed my earbuds in, and cranked my ipod. I was off and running...well, walking. Ten minutes to warm up, a 3.25 mile run, and 10 minutes to cool down.
I feel great that I got my run in and could check it off my list...I mean Kerrie's list. I want to fit in 2 more runs before the Jingle Bell run this weekend. Thankfully, I believe Kerrie has scheduled those too!
Turn About is Fair Play
I asked my personal trainer, JT, if he'd like to play some racquetball with me a while ago. I got the "oh yeah, sure." answer, and we never played. However, last week we made plans to play on Sunday afternoon, right after my training session.
I have no idea why I chose to do legs that day, but I didn't think it would affect my playing rball afterwards that much. I haven't played in two years since I found out I was pregnant anyway. I had low expectations.
We hit the ball around for a couple minutes, but then I was ready to play. By the time we both had scored a couple points it was clear that we're pretty evenly matched. However, by the way my trainer was breathing and focused, I realized that hasn't been doing much cardio lately. hah!
My strategy: hit the ball to land as far away from him as possible. Of course, most people play by this strategy, however, I got such great joy watching him run from one corner to the other, his face getting red, his breathing heavier and faster...(heh-heh). After the first game, I even asked if he was alright. I think that was the wrong thing to ask, pricking his arrogant muscle pride.
We played 3 more games. Unfortunately we had to stop at 2-2, and will have to have a tie-breaker later. I told him it was worth it to see him all ruffled and gasping. Of course, I got a blank stare in response as if he didn't know what I was talking about.
15 minutes later as I was celebrating with my grande non-fat mocha, I received a text. "That really kicked my ass. Let's do it again. JT"
I agree!
I have no idea why I chose to do legs that day, but I didn't think it would affect my playing rball afterwards that much. I haven't played in two years since I found out I was pregnant anyway. I had low expectations.
We hit the ball around for a couple minutes, but then I was ready to play. By the time we both had scored a couple points it was clear that we're pretty evenly matched. However, by the way my trainer was breathing and focused, I realized that hasn't been doing much cardio lately. hah!
My strategy: hit the ball to land as far away from him as possible. Of course, most people play by this strategy, however, I got such great joy watching him run from one corner to the other, his face getting red, his breathing heavier and faster...(heh-heh). After the first game, I even asked if he was alright. I think that was the wrong thing to ask, pricking his arrogant muscle pride.
We played 3 more games. Unfortunately we had to stop at 2-2, and will have to have a tie-breaker later. I told him it was worth it to see him all ruffled and gasping. Of course, I got a blank stare in response as if he didn't know what I was talking about.
15 minutes later as I was celebrating with my grande non-fat mocha, I received a text. "That really kicked my ass. Let's do it again. JT"
I agree!
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