Distance: 3 miles
Start time: 5:40 am
Run Duration: 31 minutes
Pace: 10.33 minutes/mile
Temperature: 80 degrees
Humidity: 87%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston
I decided to set the alarm and get a run in before work today. The traffic was great getting there, not so great getting home. Gotta dash and get my day started. Just a couple things.
1. The men who run without shirts in the morning have my "yes" vote - contrasted to the vast majority of those who run without shirts in the afternoon/evening. Of course this morning was the first time I've really given it any notice or thought.
2. Cologne and perfume do not make up for lack of a shower. Don't do it. Ick, people. Just ick.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Are We What We Eat?
Distance: 3 miles
Start time: 9:35 am
Run Duration: 32 minutes
Pace: 10.67 minutes/mile
Temperature: 83 degrees
Humidity: 84%
Location: Rice University Track, Houston
I watched "Food, Inc." last week. Brilliant movie. I'm an independent film junkie so I'd been waiting for Angelika to bring this one to town. It was worth the wait. I come from farm country in Kansas and I thought I had a decent understanding of feedlots and grain farming. Wrong. I will admit that this film is obviously presented from a certain viewpoint and many of the corporations discussed weren't officially represented, but many times the narrator stated that Monsanto, Purdue, or Tyson declined interviews.
Since viewing the movie, I've been very aware of my food options and I realize - as I type this - that I haven't eaten any beef in a week. I'm not opposed to consuming beef (I don't think I am, anyway), but I absolutely don't want to consume corn-fed beef anymore. I picked up a brochure this week that listed local restaurants that serve grass-fed beef, so there are options.
I'm logging my dietary intake at mypyrimad.gov. The site allows me to track not only calories, but also essential nutrients and it's been very helpful to me in noting where I've been deficient, especially calcium. (I underwent a hysterectomy 8 years ago and am at risk for osteoporosis.) I'm also logging my runs at the site and I can see how my physical activity translates into caloric needs. It's helpful to me.
So, back to the movie. Another change I've made since watching "Food Inc." is to try to purchase more organic products. It's not that much more expensive, given my desire to eat fresh food at home instead of eating out in restaurants. I'm stopping by the grocery on the way home from work and purchasing the ingredients for salads. Fresh fruits are a sweet treat in this hot weather. Something's working. I'm feeling better, my clothes are certainly fitting better, and I'm taking more of an interest in what I eat. I feel more active about it, more involved - less passive.
Thursday night, I was at dinner with a couple of friends. While waiting for our meals to arrive, I mentioned that I had seen the movie. The response I got from one was, "I wanted to see it, but I was afraid I'd want to change the way I eat."
O.K. I smiled and waited for my fish, my spinach and my lentils.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Miss(ed) Manners
Distance: 3 miles
Start time: 8:30 am
Run Duration: 31 minutes
Pace: 10.33 minutes/mile
Temperature: 83 degrees
Humidity: 67%
Location: Rice University Track, Houston
Yesterday's clinic brought one tragedy after another and I felt used up. I was happy to meet friends for sashimi and a movie and I fell into bed, knowing that I should set the alarm in order to beat this morning's heat. I didn't. I woke at 7:30 and decided that traffic would be too daunting at Memorial. Besides, I was done with people. I'd had enough interacting. Rice seemed to be a better choice for a more solitary run.
I tuned into NPR to listen to the news because I haven't taken time to download any new instrumental stuff. That's a goal for this week. No words. No memories. Not right now.
The Rice path is only wide enough for 3 walkers/runners abreast. I'm not sure why people don't fall back (if they're walking or running in a group of 3) and make room for an approaching runner. What's happened to manners? Is there some sort of strength in numbers? It's only common sense, isn't it?
There were so few people on the path that it wasn't a case of crowding. I see this often. I see it happen to other people. It's not just me. It happens to bicyclists on the road, too. There, the safety issue is magnified.
This morning a couple was approaching me from the opposite direction and would need to pass a man who was also running toward me. Rather than wait for the man and I to pass each other, the couple kept running (side-by-side) and edged me off the path. I really don't get it.
Anyway...
Better things about this morning: A man rode by on a bike. It was an old fashioned Schwinn. Baskets in the front and back, all decked out with flowers. I shouted out to him. "Beautiful!" He smiled, waved, and kept on riding.
NPR reported on Fred Hersch and his return after battling AIDS. It's an inspiring story.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106979404
Today's run felt good. I'm going to use it to remind myself to do what's right, to treat others how I want to be treated and to keep what's really important in front of me at all times.
Start time: 8:30 am
Run Duration: 31 minutes
Pace: 10.33 minutes/mile
Temperature: 83 degrees
Humidity: 67%
Location: Rice University Track, Houston
Yesterday's clinic brought one tragedy after another and I felt used up. I was happy to meet friends for sashimi and a movie and I fell into bed, knowing that I should set the alarm in order to beat this morning's heat. I didn't. I woke at 7:30 and decided that traffic would be too daunting at Memorial. Besides, I was done with people. I'd had enough interacting. Rice seemed to be a better choice for a more solitary run.
I tuned into NPR to listen to the news because I haven't taken time to download any new instrumental stuff. That's a goal for this week. No words. No memories. Not right now.
The Rice path is only wide enough for 3 walkers/runners abreast. I'm not sure why people don't fall back (if they're walking or running in a group of 3) and make room for an approaching runner. What's happened to manners? Is there some sort of strength in numbers? It's only common sense, isn't it?
There were so few people on the path that it wasn't a case of crowding. I see this often. I see it happen to other people. It's not just me. It happens to bicyclists on the road, too. There, the safety issue is magnified.
This morning a couple was approaching me from the opposite direction and would need to pass a man who was also running toward me. Rather than wait for the man and I to pass each other, the couple kept running (side-by-side) and edged me off the path. I really don't get it.
Anyway...
Better things about this morning: A man rode by on a bike. It was an old fashioned Schwinn. Baskets in the front and back, all decked out with flowers. I shouted out to him. "Beautiful!" He smiled, waved, and kept on riding.
NPR reported on Fred Hersch and his return after battling AIDS. It's an inspiring story.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106979404
Today's run felt good. I'm going to use it to remind myself to do what's right, to treat others how I want to be treated and to keep what's really important in front of me at all times.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
All That I Can
One foot in front of the other. I'm doing all that I can. Today I am grateful for waking to health, for a stimulating career and compassionate colleagues. I am thankful for time with friends who are simply happy to spend the evening with me, breaking bread and lifting my spirits.
One foot in front of the other. I'm doing all that I can.
One foot in front of the other. I'm doing all that I can.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Connection
Today was for stretching. I woke up and went through 20 minutes of Sun Salutation, Warrior, and Triangle with the Nintendo Wii. I've taken formal yoga classes and done yoga on my own. I like the Wii for a few things, but mostly for making me be accountable to myself. I'm so OCD. The poses felt good this morning, I was able to push gently, easing into my stretch yet not straining.
I had a massage at 10:00 at Massage Envy. It's a company that offers a monthly membership at a pretty good rate. I've had a membership for several years and I pay $49/month and receive 1 massage, then each additional is only $39. It's a good deal for me. I asked Samantha to concentrate on my back and shoulders. A long surgery Monday left me pretty sore from holding retraction. She worked out a few knots. I noticed, as she moved from one side of my body to the other, that she left her hand on me and trailed it across - never taking it from the surface of my back. I asked her to explain that to me. I thought I knew why.
"It's so we don't lose our connection, right?"
"Well, it's more than that. I don't want you to get stressed." She adjusted the bolster under my knees. "Right now this room is dark. You're face down. You don't know where I am. This way you always know my location. This is important when I'm trying to help you to feel better. It's really about your vulnerability. I know you're very vulnerable right now. You shouldn't need to worry. You might not even know you're worried, but your body does. I'm here to take care of you."
All I could do was thank her for her explanation. It wasn't time for more words. I couldn't have produced them anyway.
Losing touch is not the issue, keeping touch is. I don't know what to do with this today, other than write it. I need to write it. It feels like it needs to be examined, perhaps there is more yoga to be done (without Wii) tonight, or a session of meditation/prayer. I am in need of connection.
I had a massage at 10:00 at Massage Envy. It's a company that offers a monthly membership at a pretty good rate. I've had a membership for several years and I pay $49/month and receive 1 massage, then each additional is only $39. It's a good deal for me. I asked Samantha to concentrate on my back and shoulders. A long surgery Monday left me pretty sore from holding retraction. She worked out a few knots. I noticed, as she moved from one side of my body to the other, that she left her hand on me and trailed it across - never taking it from the surface of my back. I asked her to explain that to me. I thought I knew why.
"It's so we don't lose our connection, right?"
"Well, it's more than that. I don't want you to get stressed." She adjusted the bolster under my knees. "Right now this room is dark. You're face down. You don't know where I am. This way you always know my location. This is important when I'm trying to help you to feel better. It's really about your vulnerability. I know you're very vulnerable right now. You shouldn't need to worry. You might not even know you're worried, but your body does. I'm here to take care of you."
All I could do was thank her for her explanation. It wasn't time for more words. I couldn't have produced them anyway.
Losing touch is not the issue, keeping touch is. I don't know what to do with this today, other than write it. I need to write it. It feels like it needs to be examined, perhaps there is more yoga to be done (without Wii) tonight, or a session of meditation/prayer. I am in need of connection.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday Evening
Distance: 6 miles
Start time: 6:45 pm
Run Duration: 1 hour 12 minutes
Pace: 12 minutes/mile
Temperature: 90 degrees
Humidity: 72%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston
I wavered. Should I run tonight - in the heat - or wake up early on my day off and brave rush hour traffic. I opted to hydrate as much as possible, enjoy a wholewheat pasta salad and head for the park. I got stuck in traffic anyway. I very much didn't want to give up a chance to sleep in tomorrow.
It wasn't so bad. I was hot, but not miserable. I'm finding that my body isn't the problem. It's my mind. I had my MP3 player with me and my old favorite music was distracting, even disturbing. I was becoming sad as I ran, and I started to run out of steam. I actually felt the urge to walk and did so for about a quarter of a mile. I finally turned off the music at mile 4, listening instead to my footfalls. Almost immediately, running became easier. I needed to get away from words and associating my run with my life situation.
In the past I've used exercise as a way to not deal with the emotions that are constantly welling up within me. I've used food in the same way. I don't have what I need to solve certain problems at this time. Basically I can't solve the problems. Only time will. This is an old problem for me. I see a problem, I want to solve it. I want to act. If I can't, I want to do something. I find it difficult to sit still.
This knowledge (of the need to act) can only be helpful to me. I need to remember to identify my motivation for action in order to stay out of trouble with this training.
As I sat in a huge traffic jam trying to drive out of the park, a cool breeze blew through my open windows and I was hit with a feeling of pure joy. I don't know if it was from endorphins or what. I only know I felt happy and free. Lovely. I want more.
Start time: 6:45 pm
Run Duration: 1 hour 12 minutes
Pace: 12 minutes/mile
Temperature: 90 degrees
Humidity: 72%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston
I wavered. Should I run tonight - in the heat - or wake up early on my day off and brave rush hour traffic. I opted to hydrate as much as possible, enjoy a wholewheat pasta salad and head for the park. I got stuck in traffic anyway. I very much didn't want to give up a chance to sleep in tomorrow.
It wasn't so bad. I was hot, but not miserable. I'm finding that my body isn't the problem. It's my mind. I had my MP3 player with me and my old favorite music was distracting, even disturbing. I was becoming sad as I ran, and I started to run out of steam. I actually felt the urge to walk and did so for about a quarter of a mile. I finally turned off the music at mile 4, listening instead to my footfalls. Almost immediately, running became easier. I needed to get away from words and associating my run with my life situation.
In the past I've used exercise as a way to not deal with the emotions that are constantly welling up within me. I've used food in the same way. I don't have what I need to solve certain problems at this time. Basically I can't solve the problems. Only time will. This is an old problem for me. I see a problem, I want to solve it. I want to act. If I can't, I want to do something. I find it difficult to sit still.
This knowledge (of the need to act) can only be helpful to me. I need to remember to identify my motivation for action in order to stay out of trouble with this training.
As I sat in a huge traffic jam trying to drive out of the park, a cool breeze blew through my open windows and I was hit with a feeling of pure joy. I don't know if it was from endorphins or what. I only know I felt happy and free. Lovely. I want more.
Monday, July 20, 2009
What, Me Rest?
Seriously, I don't rest. I'm supposed to rest today. It's there, in black and white, on my training schedule. Rest.
I was (by my own admission and overblown ego) the best Anatomy and Physiology tutor to grace the halls of Hutchinson Community College. Point to a muscle and I'll name it. Frank Netter was my hero. I understand the Krebs Cycle. I know about lactic acid buildup in muscle tissue. I don't, however, like to admit to the truth about my own personal anatomy or physiology. It will break down if not given the opportunity to recover. It holds no special magic over the enthusiasm that would cheer me onto prolonged daily workouts, damaging the goods and spoiling any hopes of future endeavors.
I'm excited and want to get out and run. I won't today. I looked at Zappos website and am considering purchasing my next pair of running shoes online. They've got free shipping - both ways. I know what I like when I run so it seems to make sense to go that way. Registration is already sold out for the Houston Marathon and Half-Marathon, so I'm glad I got in. Record setting registration this year.
Tomorrow is a long run.
I was (by my own admission and overblown ego) the best Anatomy and Physiology tutor to grace the halls of Hutchinson Community College. Point to a muscle and I'll name it. Frank Netter was my hero. I understand the Krebs Cycle. I know about lactic acid buildup in muscle tissue. I don't, however, like to admit to the truth about my own personal anatomy or physiology. It will break down if not given the opportunity to recover. It holds no special magic over the enthusiasm that would cheer me onto prolonged daily workouts, damaging the goods and spoiling any hopes of future endeavors.
I'm excited and want to get out and run. I won't today. I looked at Zappos website and am considering purchasing my next pair of running shoes online. They've got free shipping - both ways. I know what I like when I run so it seems to make sense to go that way. Registration is already sold out for the Houston Marathon and Half-Marathon, so I'm glad I got in. Record setting registration this year.
Tomorrow is a long run.
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