Distance: 3.5 miles
Start time: 8:57 am
Run Duration: 35 minutes
Average Pace: 10 minutes/mile
Temperature: 46 degrees
Humidity: 69%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I tried to sleep in, I had the best intentions. I was up at 6 am even though it's my day off work. I didn't relish the thought of running in the cold air. I did that the other night and I was reaching for my inhaler as soon as I got through my door. (I'd forgotten to use it in advance of the run.) I've not yet got it through my thick head that I need the silly thing.
This morning I puttered around the apartment for an hour before deciding I had to do something productive today. I packed another box. I can't believe just how much stuff I still have, after unloading so much fluff and flotsam. I can't bring myself to do away with some of my grandmother's things. They're simply too precious to me. They won't really "go" with my new place, but I'll find a spot for them.
By the time I felt it was warm enough for my lungs and my muscles, traffic was snarly and I took the feeder road all the way to the park. There was certainly no problem finding a parking place today. I've not seen the trails with so few runners before. I guess the cool weather really keeps people home.
I used my MP3 player today. I loaded Norah Jones and Adele onto it this week. Their songs aren't exactly peppy, but they are still sweet to listen to and I figured they would be good for distraction as my miles increase over the next few weeks. I wasn't ready to hear Adele's "Melt My Heart to Stone". Ouch. That's still a tough one. I just kept running. What's the alternative, anyway?
I washed my car on the way home and while vacuuming it out found my favorite pair of Ralph Lauren heels, abandoned in the back. Poor things. I'd put them there, planning on getting them repaired. No time like the present. I dropped them off at the Shoe Hospital. It won't be cheap but they're worth it. I've never found a pair of shoes that look so good and feel so comfortable at the same time.
Overall, it's been a good morning. I feel like I've accomplished a lot. The mileage is getting easier (or at least not so difficult), I ran a few errands, and I pushed past a reminder of...
...yeah, I pushed past a reminder. Kind of. One step at a time, right?
Today I lift up gratitude for feeling. It beats the alternative.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Arrogence
We burned down like wicks in our favorite candles.
Neither of us wanted to admit that there was
no
real
hope
of maintaining
light
after we went to the trouble and pain
of finally sparking a flame.
With our fingertips singed from our efforts
and our eyes stinging from smoke,
we sat in the dark and pretended to romance.
Could we not have used a torch, a lamp, anything different to light our way?
Were we that blinded by habit?
The ashes of arrogance are cooling in the kitchen sink.
It seems to be the only place to put them for safekeeping.
M. Scofield 11/17/2009
Neither of us wanted to admit that there was
no
real
hope
of maintaining
light
after we went to the trouble and pain
of finally sparking a flame.
With our fingertips singed from our efforts
and our eyes stinging from smoke,
we sat in the dark and pretended to romance.
Could we not have used a torch, a lamp, anything different to light our way?
Were we that blinded by habit?
The ashes of arrogance are cooling in the kitchen sink.
It seems to be the only place to put them for safekeeping.
M. Scofield 11/17/2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
A Few Words with Myself
Distance: 3.5 miles
Start time: 4:35 pm
Run Duration: 35 minutes
Average Pace: 10 minutes/mile
Temperature: 59 degrees
Humidity: 51%
Location: Hermann Park
There are 9 weeks until the Houston Aramco Half-Marathon. I pulled out the training schedule today and entered all the mileage from now until January 17, 2009 on my calendar. I can do this.
Sunday miles increase by 1 each week. Only 5 this week, I already know I can do 6.
From everything I've heard and read, getting up to 10 in training is the biggie, come race day, adrenaline will carry me through to the end. Lots of people have done this before me.
This evening's 3.5 felt good (despite the sore toe) and the weather was beautiful. I know the temperature is supposed to plummet overnight so tomorrow morning's directions to "stretch and strengthen" will be perfect with yoga before work.
I can do this.
Start time: 4:35 pm
Run Duration: 35 minutes
Average Pace: 10 minutes/mile
Temperature: 59 degrees
Humidity: 51%
Location: Hermann Park
There are 9 weeks until the Houston Aramco Half-Marathon. I pulled out the training schedule today and entered all the mileage from now until January 17, 2009 on my calendar. I can do this.
Sunday miles increase by 1 each week. Only 5 this week, I already know I can do 6.
From everything I've heard and read, getting up to 10 in training is the biggie, come race day, adrenaline will carry me through to the end. Lots of people have done this before me.
This evening's 3.5 felt good (despite the sore toe) and the weather was beautiful. I know the temperature is supposed to plummet overnight so tomorrow morning's directions to "stretch and strengthen" will be perfect with yoga before work.
I can do this.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Crossroads
I walked 4 miles today, 2 miles to Reliant Park and 2 miles back. My friend Kerith and I decided it was much better than driving and spending 10 bucks to park.
This afternoon I met Chloe Dao (of Project Runway fame). That was exciting for me. What a thrill to meet someone who lives her life in her art. For weeks now, I've been thinking (obsessing!) about what it would take for me to live my life doing what makes me happy and fulfilled. I'm a firm believer in noticing...
...EVERYTHING!!!
I'm paying more attention to fleeting thoughts as they come my way. Ideas, "what if's", even dreams are little gifts that I don't think I can afford to ignore right now. I'm trying to listen. It feels very important right now.
This afternoon I met Chloe Dao (of Project Runway fame). That was exciting for me. What a thrill to meet someone who lives her life in her art. For weeks now, I've been thinking (obsessing!) about what it would take for me to live my life doing what makes me happy and fulfilled. I'm a firm believer in noticing...
...EVERYTHING!!!
I'm paying more attention to fleeting thoughts as they come my way. Ideas, "what if's", even dreams are little gifts that I don't think I can afford to ignore right now. I'm trying to listen. It feels very important right now.
Friday, November 13, 2009
No Crying
Distance: 3 miles
Start time: 2:06 pm
Run Duration: 29 minutes
Average Pace: 9.67 minutes/mile
Temperature: 77 degrees
Humidity: 48%
Location: Reliant Area
They say there's no crying in sport, but there was plenty of whining in my head as I started out today. I had no confidence in my ability to complete the 3 miles in front of me. I had a list of reasons not to run.
1. I hadn't run in over a week. It would be hard.
2. I have the end of a light cold, or the remainders of really crappy allergies.
3. I haven't been sleeping well because of number 2.
4. The area around the fourth and fifth metatarsals on my left foot hurts like a bastard. It's not my little toe, it's more proximal, deep in my foot. I've been afraid it might be a stress fracture, but I haven't been running for a week. I think it's more a matter of standing hour upon hour in surgery in bad shoes.
Add up 1 through 4 and they're all excuses. They're all outweighed by one big thing.
I WANT TO RUN.
Today, more than anything else, I wanted to put on my shoes, get out in the sunshine and sweat.
So...I put on my shoes, I stepped into the sunshine and I started to run. Oh, mama! My foot hurt, but only for a little while. I was running on pavement, which I haven't done in ages. I'll have to do it more often. The race in January is on city streets. My foot doesn't really hurt now, it's only a slight ache. I'll take some ibuprofen. My lungs burned. Yeah, they really did. I'd used my inhaler, but the pollen is still very, very thick out there and I felt it. I must have sounded like the little engine that could, chugging down the street.
I was more determined than ever to get these miles in today. They're in. I'm happy. It felt very much like when I first started running. I kept a litany of curse words going the entire time. I swore I'd get through it. And I did. Faster than I've gone in awhile. Surprise!
Lifting up gratitude today for the sunshine. It was simply too beautiful to waste.
Start time: 2:06 pm
Run Duration: 29 minutes
Average Pace: 9.67 minutes/mile
Temperature: 77 degrees
Humidity: 48%
Location: Reliant Area
They say there's no crying in sport, but there was plenty of whining in my head as I started out today. I had no confidence in my ability to complete the 3 miles in front of me. I had a list of reasons not to run.
1. I hadn't run in over a week. It would be hard.
2. I have the end of a light cold, or the remainders of really crappy allergies.
3. I haven't been sleeping well because of number 2.
4. The area around the fourth and fifth metatarsals on my left foot hurts like a bastard. It's not my little toe, it's more proximal, deep in my foot. I've been afraid it might be a stress fracture, but I haven't been running for a week. I think it's more a matter of standing hour upon hour in surgery in bad shoes.
Add up 1 through 4 and they're all excuses. They're all outweighed by one big thing.
I WANT TO RUN.
Today, more than anything else, I wanted to put on my shoes, get out in the sunshine and sweat.
So...I put on my shoes, I stepped into the sunshine and I started to run. Oh, mama! My foot hurt, but only for a little while. I was running on pavement, which I haven't done in ages. I'll have to do it more often. The race in January is on city streets. My foot doesn't really hurt now, it's only a slight ache. I'll take some ibuprofen. My lungs burned. Yeah, they really did. I'd used my inhaler, but the pollen is still very, very thick out there and I felt it. I must have sounded like the little engine that could, chugging down the street.
I was more determined than ever to get these miles in today. They're in. I'm happy. It felt very much like when I first started running. I kept a litany of curse words going the entire time. I swore I'd get through it. And I did. Faster than I've gone in awhile. Surprise!
Lifting up gratitude today for the sunshine. It was simply too beautiful to waste.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Ah-Choo!!!
No, I didn't run today. I was off work and I spent the day watching movies and doing laundry. I also packed a couple boxes. I'm trying to pack at least one box a day. Hopefully I'll be able to open the door when the movers show up and everything will go smoothly. (Optimism!)
I didn't get out into the "fresh" air until after 5pm and that was only to check my mail. I forgot that there wouldn't be mail delivery today because of the holiday. (Thanks to all of you who served our country. I appreciate you!) It felt good to be out of the apartment but I immediately started sneezing again.
That's me...itchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes. I'm a walking commercial for antihistamines. I didn't think it was wise to push the envelope and run today. Besides, I put in 10+ hours of work yesterday (straight through) and felt entitled to a day of rest. Maybe I'm making excuses. I don't know.
The pollen forecast says it's going to be better later in the week. I hope so. I feel lazy and sluggish.
I didn't get out into the "fresh" air until after 5pm and that was only to check my mail. I forgot that there wouldn't be mail delivery today because of the holiday. (Thanks to all of you who served our country. I appreciate you!) It felt good to be out of the apartment but I immediately started sneezing again.
That's me...itchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes. I'm a walking commercial for antihistamines. I didn't think it was wise to push the envelope and run today. Besides, I put in 10+ hours of work yesterday (straight through) and felt entitled to a day of rest. Maybe I'm making excuses. I don't know.
The pollen forecast says it's going to be better later in the week. I hope so. I feel lazy and sluggish.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Over That Rainbow
Distance: 2 miles
Start time: 6:30 am
Run Duration: 20 minutes
Average Pace: 10. minutes/mile
Temperature: not a clue
Humidity: again, have no idea
Location: The Gulf of Mexico
I woke most mornings before sunrise. I was on a cruise aboard the Carnival Ecstasy. I only exercised "officially" one day this week. I made my way to the Sports Deck, quickly read the notice that let me know that 11 laps equaled one land mile and started running, counterclockwise as directed. I could see the rain to the South, and we were closing in on it. I thought I could complete my run before getting soaked. I did. This blog entry isn't about the run. But before I get to what it's really about, know that I took the stairs for 90% of the cruise and I danced. I danced a lot. I didn't gain a single pound on this vacation and I ate a thousand-million calories. Well, maybe not that many - but a lot.
Here's what this blog is about.
I just returned from an odyssey - a theme trip I never planned to take. It all started at Frankel's costume shop about a month ago. My friend Daryl wanted us to "really dress up for Halloween". He liked the thought of me being Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz. (I'm from Kansas, right?) I bent to his will, plunked down my $65 and brought home a sexy little blue gingham number, complete with a petticoat and thigh high stockings. I purchased a wig, a basket and found a stuffed Toto to carry. I was all set for a raucous party on Halloween night.
Fast forward to the drive to Galveston to board the ship. Daryl told me he'd changed his mind. He wasn't going to wear a costume, he wasn't feeling so enthusiastic about dressing up. Uhuh. Fine. I did and so did another friend who went on the trip with us. By the time dinner came around we were tarted up, calling attention to ourselves and dancing the night away. Fun, right? Should have been the end of it, right? Not so simple.
Three of us booked an excursion to snorkel at Cozumel. We boarded our charter speed boat with about 15 other adventuresome folks and zipped off across the pristine waters. After a few hours of fun, sun, beer, chicken and veggies, we noticed the clouds building to the East (in the direction of our Mother Ship). They became darker and more ominous. Soon we saw a finger drop to the water in the form of a water spout. A big, ugly funnel had formed and we needed to pack it up and head back to the ship while we still could. As we grew closer and closer to the pier it became evident that we were about to enter a terrible storm. The clouds were black, the seas were rough and lightening played around us. Suddenly the crew of the boat stopped us dead in the water and told us to pass our belongings to the front if we wanted our things to remain dry. We did, fire-brigade style...and then it hit. We were in a deluge of rain, soaking us with a power that stunned us. At first we attempted to cover ourselves with our beach towels but we soon realized the futility in that effort and opened our faces to the rain, laughing. Our captain pushed onward through the storm, turning the music up. That was an adventure.
A twister.
The next morning brings me to my run. I finished my miles and moved to the front of the ship, noticing a rainbow like I'd never seen. It was just off the ship's bow with both ends of the arc sitting in the water. The ship was moving through the rainbow. As the rain started, the drops moved through the colors of the rainbow and lit up brilliantly, especially when they hit the purple stripe. Fascinated I stood next to a man and woman who were also transfixed, watching the show. I asked them if they'd ever seen anything like it before.
"No, but he told me that we needed to be here this morning. He said so when we woke up, so we're here." This is what the woman told me. This is how she explained their presence. We chatted a bit. We joked about how wet we were getting, but how we didn't care. He said he'd rather be wet than at work. They asked where I worked. I told them. They looked at me in stunned silence.
Their son will be coming to my hospital in 2 weeks with a diagnosis of a tumor that is within my subspecialty. They were so worried. I was able to give them comfort and to reassure them that he will be in good hands. I knew (immediately) about his particular diagnosis and was able to say, "Please rest your minds, please know that he is coming to the best place. Please know that I understand your anxiety, but it sounds like everything is on track."
A rainbow.
I was relaxing on deck yesterday with my friend. This one is simple. I looked up and saw something I'd never seen before. There was a rainbow in the middle of the sky. It wasn't attached to anything. It was simply an arc for the sun. James told me earlier in the day that the sprinkles we were feeling were probably blowing from miles away. I understand that water refracts the light. I get that. I also know that sometimes I need to see things that I've never seen before.
A different kind of rainbow.
This vacation I saw so many things I've never seen before. I thought thoughts I hadn't even considered. I'm lifting up gratitude for my traveling companions: Every day is a good day when I learn. I feel that they hold a mirror for me and I love them for their patience and compassion.
James (heart) was anxious to get home to his little dog. This love for another living being warms me and strikes me as pure and sweet and I am so lucky to call him friend.
Daryl (courage) has taken the steps to know himself and is willing to be himself in a world that is not always ready to hear passion and honesty. His belief in eye contact is inspirational. I feel safe in our friendship.
Bevilee (nerve) drinks this life to the fullest, arms wide, smile even wider. She is steeled for success, yet feminine. We have a friendship that goes deeper than the sea.
I'll take this kind of theme cruise any day. Oh, I guess there was one more thing. I did a little dreaming, about the kinds of dreams that really do come true.
Start time: 6:30 am
Run Duration: 20 minutes
Average Pace: 10. minutes/mile
Temperature: not a clue
Humidity: again, have no idea
Location: The Gulf of Mexico
I woke most mornings before sunrise. I was on a cruise aboard the Carnival Ecstasy. I only exercised "officially" one day this week. I made my way to the Sports Deck, quickly read the notice that let me know that 11 laps equaled one land mile and started running, counterclockwise as directed. I could see the rain to the South, and we were closing in on it. I thought I could complete my run before getting soaked. I did. This blog entry isn't about the run. But before I get to what it's really about, know that I took the stairs for 90% of the cruise and I danced. I danced a lot. I didn't gain a single pound on this vacation and I ate a thousand-million calories. Well, maybe not that many - but a lot.
Here's what this blog is about.
I just returned from an odyssey - a theme trip I never planned to take. It all started at Frankel's costume shop about a month ago. My friend Daryl wanted us to "really dress up for Halloween". He liked the thought of me being Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz. (I'm from Kansas, right?) I bent to his will, plunked down my $65 and brought home a sexy little blue gingham number, complete with a petticoat and thigh high stockings. I purchased a wig, a basket and found a stuffed Toto to carry. I was all set for a raucous party on Halloween night.
Fast forward to the drive to Galveston to board the ship. Daryl told me he'd changed his mind. He wasn't going to wear a costume, he wasn't feeling so enthusiastic about dressing up. Uhuh. Fine. I did and so did another friend who went on the trip with us. By the time dinner came around we were tarted up, calling attention to ourselves and dancing the night away. Fun, right? Should have been the end of it, right? Not so simple.
Three of us booked an excursion to snorkel at Cozumel. We boarded our charter speed boat with about 15 other adventuresome folks and zipped off across the pristine waters. After a few hours of fun, sun, beer, chicken and veggies, we noticed the clouds building to the East (in the direction of our Mother Ship). They became darker and more ominous. Soon we saw a finger drop to the water in the form of a water spout. A big, ugly funnel had formed and we needed to pack it up and head back to the ship while we still could. As we grew closer and closer to the pier it became evident that we were about to enter a terrible storm. The clouds were black, the seas were rough and lightening played around us. Suddenly the crew of the boat stopped us dead in the water and told us to pass our belongings to the front if we wanted our things to remain dry. We did, fire-brigade style...and then it hit. We were in a deluge of rain, soaking us with a power that stunned us. At first we attempted to cover ourselves with our beach towels but we soon realized the futility in that effort and opened our faces to the rain, laughing. Our captain pushed onward through the storm, turning the music up. That was an adventure.
A twister.
The next morning brings me to my run. I finished my miles and moved to the front of the ship, noticing a rainbow like I'd never seen. It was just off the ship's bow with both ends of the arc sitting in the water. The ship was moving through the rainbow. As the rain started, the drops moved through the colors of the rainbow and lit up brilliantly, especially when they hit the purple stripe. Fascinated I stood next to a man and woman who were also transfixed, watching the show. I asked them if they'd ever seen anything like it before.
"No, but he told me that we needed to be here this morning. He said so when we woke up, so we're here." This is what the woman told me. This is how she explained their presence. We chatted a bit. We joked about how wet we were getting, but how we didn't care. He said he'd rather be wet than at work. They asked where I worked. I told them. They looked at me in stunned silence.
Their son will be coming to my hospital in 2 weeks with a diagnosis of a tumor that is within my subspecialty. They were so worried. I was able to give them comfort and to reassure them that he will be in good hands. I knew (immediately) about his particular diagnosis and was able to say, "Please rest your minds, please know that he is coming to the best place. Please know that I understand your anxiety, but it sounds like everything is on track."
A rainbow.
I was relaxing on deck yesterday with my friend. This one is simple. I looked up and saw something I'd never seen before. There was a rainbow in the middle of the sky. It wasn't attached to anything. It was simply an arc for the sun. James told me earlier in the day that the sprinkles we were feeling were probably blowing from miles away. I understand that water refracts the light. I get that. I also know that sometimes I need to see things that I've never seen before.
A different kind of rainbow.
This vacation I saw so many things I've never seen before. I thought thoughts I hadn't even considered. I'm lifting up gratitude for my traveling companions: Every day is a good day when I learn. I feel that they hold a mirror for me and I love them for their patience and compassion.
James (heart) was anxious to get home to his little dog. This love for another living being warms me and strikes me as pure and sweet and I am so lucky to call him friend.
Daryl (courage) has taken the steps to know himself and is willing to be himself in a world that is not always ready to hear passion and honesty. His belief in eye contact is inspirational. I feel safe in our friendship.
Bevilee (nerve) drinks this life to the fullest, arms wide, smile even wider. She is steeled for success, yet feminine. We have a friendship that goes deeper than the sea.
I'll take this kind of theme cruise any day. Oh, I guess there was one more thing. I did a little dreaming, about the kinds of dreams that really do come true.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
