7:10am 75 degrees 4.02 miles 47:16 11:45 pace
One of the weather sites says 100% humidity. I thought that meant it was raining. I'm no meteorologist so I haven't a clue as to what's correct but, dang! It's humid! It also smells like someone's burning a wood pile out there. Or maybe there was a house fire. Whatever. I coughed and "ahem'd" my way through my morning run. I have an inhaler prescription for exercise-induced asthma. Today was the first time in a long time that I felt symptoms and thought about using it pre-run next time.
Excuse me while I go check the air quality on another site...
...The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality says it's all within the "Good" Range. Guess it's just the humidity.
Lately I'm finding myself in a bit of an excuse-making mode. Since completing last year's marathon and taking time off to recover, I honestly haven't wanted to run again. It's a drag. It's time-consuming. It hurts. I got so busy at work that I was overcome with fatigue and couldn't manage a run. My legs felt like lead. I put on 15 of the pounds that I dropped during marathon training. (It's no wonder my legs felt heavy!) I moved and it's not safe to run in my new neighborhood in the very early morning. It's been too hot to run in the evenings.
Here's the thing about running. For me.
I keep depression at bay with what I admit is sheer defiance. When I'm not running, I white knuckle my way through my days. Running not only gives me something to look forward to, I absolutely believe it raises my seratonin levels and acts as a natural antidepressant.
Training for the 2014 Houston Marathon begins next week. I'm feeling more positive about running and more excited about it. I know it's not going to be easy. Last year I didn't use music much while I ran but I tried it again yesterday and I was happy for the diversion. I think there has been so much negative out there pushing it's way into my head and I need to find a way to drown it out. I'll be checking out Itunes for kicky stuff to make me smile while I'm on the trails.
Yeah, yeah. The negative stuff needs to be dealt with. Maybe. Some of it. Some of it will never change. (Going back to my 12 steps again. They come in handy.) Running is for ME! Reworking someone else's garbage during my time, in my running shoes, doesn't seem to be productive or healthy.
I hereby declare this marathon training season mine. I don't need to solve the problems of work or world while I run. I'm going to do my very best to enjoy it.
There! I feel better already. Kind of. :)
©Michelle Scofield, September 15, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Change Happens
3.11 36:34 11:45 pace 7:15 am 75 degrees
I woke up (I'm guessing) every 2 hours last night. It was a super-stressful week at work. A colleague I admire and respect professionally resigned and I'm sad and feeling a little adrift. Change is hard.
Even thought I'm tired as heck, I know exercise is just what I need. That, and a little time with friends. (I have a dinner set up for this evening.)
I feel better after my run.
I still miss my morning coffee. I think it's the ritual of it...I'd be sipping a cup right now, if I could. I'm not having palpitations now so I think I made the right choice.
Anyway...
Here's a picture of a pretty butterfly. It makes me happy. :)
©Michelle Scofield, September 14, 2013 All Rights Reserved
I woke up (I'm guessing) every 2 hours last night. It was a super-stressful week at work. A colleague I admire and respect professionally resigned and I'm sad and feeling a little adrift. Change is hard.
Even thought I'm tired as heck, I know exercise is just what I need. That, and a little time with friends. (I have a dinner set up for this evening.)
I feel better after my run.
I still miss my morning coffee. I think it's the ritual of it...I'd be sipping a cup right now, if I could. I'm not having palpitations now so I think I made the right choice.
Anyway...
Here's a picture of a pretty butterfly. It makes me happy. :)
©Michelle Scofield, September 14, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Bzzzzz
7:00am 75degrees 2.6 miles 31.3 12:07 pace
It's not getting any cooler. Oh, the thermometer may say it's cooler but it doesn't feel like it. The grass in the park was covered with dew this morning and my fellow joggers and I were soaked with sweat as we made our way around the trail.
I alternated 5 minute run with 1 minute walk today.
Just when it was time to run, I'd notice a mosquito had landed on me. Guess when you're moving faster you're not such an easy target? I also had one in my mouth. In. My. Mouth. I didn't spit. I'm not THAT runner. But, c'mon! That's just disgusting.
So if you're headed outside, bug spray!
My Hal Higdon marathon training schedule starts September 16. Almost here.
©Michelle Scofield, September 8, 2013 All Rights Reserved
It's not getting any cooler. Oh, the thermometer may say it's cooler but it doesn't feel like it. The grass in the park was covered with dew this morning and my fellow joggers and I were soaked with sweat as we made our way around the trail.
I alternated 5 minute run with 1 minute walk today.
Just when it was time to run, I'd notice a mosquito had landed on me. Guess when you're moving faster you're not such an easy target? I also had one in my mouth. In. My. Mouth. I didn't spit. I'm not THAT runner. But, c'mon! That's just disgusting.
So if you're headed outside, bug spray!
My Hal Higdon marathon training schedule starts September 16. Almost here.
©Michelle Scofield, September 8, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Cuppa
7:15am 79degrees 3.02 miles 36:25 12:04 pace
This week, I put my money where my coffee cup was and took myself off caffeine. I knew I was risking a whopping migraine headache but I had to do it. I've been experiencing palpitations and they got my attention.
Over the last year my coffee habit has escalated from a cup in the morning to two in the morning, one after lunch, and sometimes one in the evening if I have plans to be out late. I kind of freaked out when my coffeemaker broke about six months ago and immediately bought another one - I mean that very day.
There may be another reason for my heart flutters. I've been relying on melatonin to help me sleep at night. It's been reported to cause palpitations. I ditched that, too.
I didn't feel any yesterday. If I notice them again, I'll make an appointment with my Physician.
I had the teensiest of headaches yesterday. No big deal. (I could have attributed it to the mountain of stress that was sitting on my shoulders regarding work.) The most noticable symptom of caffeine withdrawal is muscle stiffness. I can't seem to get comfortable. And, yes...I'm a little agitated.
I admit this.
It was a good idea to get out and run this morning. I wasn't up to a sprint. A little jog was just what I needed.
It feels like a new beginning. (The coffeemaker is going on the shelf - with the coffee. I'll save it for company.)
©Michelle Scofield, September 7, 2013 All Rights Reserved
This week, I put my money where my coffee cup was and took myself off caffeine. I knew I was risking a whopping migraine headache but I had to do it. I've been experiencing palpitations and they got my attention.
Over the last year my coffee habit has escalated from a cup in the morning to two in the morning, one after lunch, and sometimes one in the evening if I have plans to be out late. I kind of freaked out when my coffeemaker broke about six months ago and immediately bought another one - I mean that very day.
There may be another reason for my heart flutters. I've been relying on melatonin to help me sleep at night. It's been reported to cause palpitations. I ditched that, too.
I didn't feel any yesterday. If I notice them again, I'll make an appointment with my Physician.
I had the teensiest of headaches yesterday. No big deal. (I could have attributed it to the mountain of stress that was sitting on my shoulders regarding work.) The most noticable symptom of caffeine withdrawal is muscle stiffness. I can't seem to get comfortable. And, yes...I'm a little agitated.
I admit this.
It was a good idea to get out and run this morning. I wasn't up to a sprint. A little jog was just what I needed.
It feels like a new beginning. (The coffeemaker is going on the shelf - with the coffee. I'll save it for company.)
©Michelle Scofield, September 7, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Monday, September 2, 2013
Good Medicine
7.50 am. 77 degrees 2.27 miles. 36.55 minutes
I'm going to keep walking this line between avoiding injury and maintaining a healthy mental status. Best way I can see to do that is to meet and greet my fellow exercises with smiles and "good mornings". We're good for each other.
I just know it.
:)
Good morning!
I'm going to keep walking this line between avoiding injury and maintaining a healthy mental status. Best way I can see to do that is to meet and greet my fellow exercises with smiles and "good mornings". We're good for each other.
I just know it.
:)
Good morning!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Holding Back and Other Rules to Go By
7:16am 75 degrees 2.32 miles 28:59 12:30 pace (ran a little, walked a little)
The ankle is feeling better. I'm aware I tweeked it a couple weeks ago. The swelling is gone. The entire ankle/heel complex is a bundle of confusion for me. I don't know what's what. I'm going slightly stir crazy so I knew I had to get out and move this morning. Missing outdoor cardio is not good for my brain chemistry.
Fresh air + sunshine + increased heart rate = increased saratonin levels.
My right knee has a point of tenderness medially. I'm not sure if it's patellar or deeper. It's nagging but it bothers me most when I'm inactive. I hope it's arthritic in nature. I hope. When hoping wears thin, I'll go to the Orthopedist.
Positives: The park was full of people out enjoying the relative coolness of the morning compared to the rest of what's forecast for the day. There were also plenty of squirrels and birds. A huge flock of pigeons landed in a tree as I passed by the statue of the General on his horse. I felt the dewdrops falling around me. I hope they were dew drops and not doo drops. One rule I've learned about jogging in the park.
Look forward, not up.
Oh, and Happy Birthday, Brett! Rule #1 and #1000 and #1,000,000! Tell those you love that you do. I love you.
©Michelle Scofield, September 1, 2013 All Rights Reserved
The ankle is feeling better. I'm aware I tweeked it a couple weeks ago. The swelling is gone. The entire ankle/heel complex is a bundle of confusion for me. I don't know what's what. I'm going slightly stir crazy so I knew I had to get out and move this morning. Missing outdoor cardio is not good for my brain chemistry.
Fresh air + sunshine + increased heart rate = increased saratonin levels.
My right knee has a point of tenderness medially. I'm not sure if it's patellar or deeper. It's nagging but it bothers me most when I'm inactive. I hope it's arthritic in nature. I hope. When hoping wears thin, I'll go to the Orthopedist.
Positives: The park was full of people out enjoying the relative coolness of the morning compared to the rest of what's forecast for the day. There were also plenty of squirrels and birds. A huge flock of pigeons landed in a tree as I passed by the statue of the General on his horse. I felt the dewdrops falling around me. I hope they were dew drops and not doo drops. One rule I've learned about jogging in the park.
Look forward, not up.
Oh, and Happy Birthday, Brett! Rule #1 and #1000 and #1,000,000! Tell those you love that you do. I love you.
©Michelle Scofield, September 1, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Uphill
7:30am 79 degrees 2.04 miles 25:12 12:36 pace
That hill at Hermann Park has been calling to me since I moved back into the neighborhood. Today I stepped up. Tomorrow I'll feel it. I consider myself lucky to have such a fantastic playground across the street from me. I need to add dips on the benches, pushups, and pullups. I'm enthusiastic but not enough to add it all at once. My joints remind me how old they are, even if my brain doesn't. Intensity will make me stronger. It always does. In running or in life.
Happy Saturday.
©Michelle Scofield, August 24, 2013 All Rights Reserved
That hill at Hermann Park has been calling to me since I moved back into the neighborhood. Today I stepped up. Tomorrow I'll feel it. I consider myself lucky to have such a fantastic playground across the street from me. I need to add dips on the benches, pushups, and pullups. I'm enthusiastic but not enough to add it all at once. My joints remind me how old they are, even if my brain doesn't. Intensity will make me stronger. It always does. In running or in life.
Happy Saturday.
©Michelle Scofield, August 24, 2013 All Rights Reserved
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