I am sorry, I have been avoiding you all like the H1N1 virus. I haven't even peeked at my bloggers and bloggistas in the past week or so- not once. If many of you weren't on facebook, I wouldn't know about your tapers, your prs, your 10k placings, your no-nos, etc... If you weren't on gmail chat or skype, I would be blissfully unaware of your haircuts, your arrivals and departures, your treadmills and pilates machines..... BUT, alas, I couldn't stay away - NOT ONE MORE MOMENT. At first I peeked at my dashboard to see what was new, then (in typical Laura fashion) I had to start commenting on everything. So, I am now shamed into admiting that I have been avoiding the blog (and knew I was doing it.)
1 - I didn't want to run at all (so I didn't.)
2 - I need a new goal (shocker of the century - been there done that.)
3 - despite my attempts to drop my jkl challenge 15 - it's just not coming off.
Good news - I'm back on the wagon. I am a runner (thank you MichaelB and the rest for the support.) I am going to prescribe to the same philosohpy that Kari is - run short, fast, fun runs that are over as fast as they start. I need to keep the imune system healthy and if that is what will do it - so be it. So, the good news is that my favorite running weather has returned - thank god the hot summer weather has departed and the beautiful fall has arrived. I'm testing the garmin each day with my short runs - this sucker has a lot of options! (note to self, that should be my next post.)
Alright - I'm off to shower and hit the hay. I have finally come to admit that I need a lot more sleep than I have been allowing myself. I am up at the crack of dawn (5am or before) so I must be in bed before 9pm if I am to get a good night rest. Cheers to all (and good work on all the running you've been doing. I'm proud of you all)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Everything is A-OK!
In spite of a couple of relapses (wine yesterday, chocolate today) I am feeling great! I'm getting a lot of miles in becase I'm running to work as much as possible, and the fact that I'm doing shorter distances means that I actually look forward to running because I know that I will be done in about 30-45 minutes (rather than, say, 3 or 4 hours...). I sometimes double up so I can get 60 minutes in a day. This recipe seems to work for me. Since we started our challenge I have lost about 2-3 kilos (depends on when you ask me: morning, afternoon, before run, or after...) and am pretty committed to staying on track.
The other nice thing about the 30-45 minute run is that I have not fallen prey to the FLU (Poor Sweetie has...). Studies show that if you run more than 45 minutes, you lose that protection (although the natural anti-inflammatories kick in at that point, which can be helpful for the long runs. Check this out. I think it's old news for a lot of runners, but whatever). This makes me think of Laura's rip-roaring colds that she got before BOTH marathons. Hmmm. Maybe peppering the marathon training with short runs could help?
Anyway, waiting for an update from the other challenge participants. Although, Ms. Fool seems to have an unfair advantage because, although she has a weakness for red velvet cupcakes, she is at the tail end of her NY marathon prep and getting in some seriously long runs (and placed 3rd in her last 10K!!)!
Laura, give us an update, girl!
The other nice thing about the 30-45 minute run is that I have not fallen prey to the FLU (Poor Sweetie has...). Studies show that if you run more than 45 minutes, you lose that protection (although the natural anti-inflammatories kick in at that point, which can be helpful for the long runs. Check this out. I think it's old news for a lot of runners, but whatever). This makes me think of Laura's rip-roaring colds that she got before BOTH marathons. Hmmm. Maybe peppering the marathon training with short runs could help?
Anyway, waiting for an update from the other challenge participants. Although, Ms. Fool seems to have an unfair advantage because, although she has a weakness for red velvet cupcakes, she is at the tail end of her NY marathon prep and getting in some seriously long runs (and placed 3rd in her last 10K!!)!
Laura, give us an update, girl!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Still breaking in the VFFs
I decided to take a walk with my VFFs today (and my dog). I spent most of the time stretching out my toes to try to get used to what the Vibram people call the "Toe Pockets". It helped. The pinky toe on my right foot is feeling more comfortable. I have them on as I write this. They don't feel invisible yet but I think we're getting close. I am going to run in my regular running shoes today, just because I don't want to overdo it. I'm going with Michael's advice to take it slow.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Running with the VFFs
I just did two 1.5 mile loops in my new Vibram 5 fingers.
Pros:
You don't have to dig around for clean socks.
They feel like you're running barefoot in all the good ways.
They force you to use your whole body, including the upper legs.
The slapping sound on the pavement makes you realize how bad your form is (I'm working on it).
It's a great workout for the shins (especially for those of us with shin splints which are not stress fractures).
They are LIGHT on the hills, both going up and down,
They look much less weird to passers-by than going barefoot barefoot.
They have good grip on slippery surfaces and wet areas.
They will be GREAT for travelling since they take up about a third the space of regular running shoes.
Cons:
They're not easy to put on, but generally, if you get your first and second toes in, the others follow suit.
They are one width fits all, and I have narrow feet, so my pinky toe is spread a little too far.
Rubbing of material on said pinky toe.
Like I said in a previous post, they are not the perfect fit, but they seem to be okay anyway.
They are kind of like a ballet slipper, they come up to just where your toes turn into foot, which is a bit like putting on one of those footies at the shoe store. It feels like it should come up higher.
Also:
They have a drawstring that I initially had pulled tight, but when I loosened it, it was much better. It would be hard for them to fall off with your toes wedged into the toe holes anyway.
All in all, I like them. I did not run far, but I did expect to have something to show for it, like blisters or sore spots. I don't. I would like to plunge right into using these and putting my regular shoes away for a while, but promised myself that I would ease into them if I feel any kind of discomfort at all.
This is going to sound strange, but running down the street in them brought back memories of running on a beach somewhere. I know, but the sensation is similar. You have direct contact with what is under you (even through the rubber) and the absence of cushion forces you to use your entire body as a shock absorber, which is one of the reasons, I think, that running barefoot is so satisfying. When you finish your run, you have the feeling that your whole body was part of the running process, from your feet up to your shoulders.
So far, so good. Once my pinky toe toughens up, the VFFs are going to be awesome!
Pros:
You don't have to dig around for clean socks.
They feel like you're running barefoot in all the good ways.
They force you to use your whole body, including the upper legs.
The slapping sound on the pavement makes you realize how bad your form is (I'm working on it).
It's a great workout for the shins (especially for those of us with shin splints which are not stress fractures).
They are LIGHT on the hills, both going up and down,
They look much less weird to passers-by than going barefoot barefoot.
They have good grip on slippery surfaces and wet areas.
They will be GREAT for travelling since they take up about a third the space of regular running shoes.
Cons:
They're not easy to put on, but generally, if you get your first and second toes in, the others follow suit.
They are one width fits all, and I have narrow feet, so my pinky toe is spread a little too far.
Rubbing of material on said pinky toe.
Like I said in a previous post, they are not the perfect fit, but they seem to be okay anyway.
They are kind of like a ballet slipper, they come up to just where your toes turn into foot, which is a bit like putting on one of those footies at the shoe store. It feels like it should come up higher.
Also:
They have a drawstring that I initially had pulled tight, but when I loosened it, it was much better. It would be hard for them to fall off with your toes wedged into the toe holes anyway.
All in all, I like them. I did not run far, but I did expect to have something to show for it, like blisters or sore spots. I don't. I would like to plunge right into using these and putting my regular shoes away for a while, but promised myself that I would ease into them if I feel any kind of discomfort at all.
This is going to sound strange, but running down the street in them brought back memories of running on a beach somewhere. I know, but the sensation is similar. You have direct contact with what is under you (even through the rubber) and the absence of cushion forces you to use your entire body as a shock absorber, which is one of the reasons, I think, that running barefoot is so satisfying. When you finish your run, you have the feeling that your whole body was part of the running process, from your feet up to your shoulders.
So far, so good. Once my pinky toe toughens up, the VFFs are going to be awesome!
The Present I Got Myself
The other day I was taking a walk with Sweetie downtown by the Piazza where there were stands and lots of people walking through them for the Barcolana Regatta slash stuff-that-has-nothing-to-do-with-sailing Expo when I ran across a display for (you're never going to guess what, Okay, I'll tell you) VIBRAM 5-Fingers. I couldn't believe it. I thought I would never see them in Europe, but there they were. So I tried them on (the 40s were too snug, the 41s, a little loose) and quickly bought them (on sale) without really thinking it through (they are yellow and denim-colored). I was feeling pretty smug about the GREAT DEAL I got when I passed ANOTHER DISPLAY of VFFs where they cost 8 euros less. Then I sort of regretted rushing into the purchase. But oh well. Now I have them on my feet and I think they look silly and feel funny. Will I get used to them?
I'm thinking of a doing a run around the block to see how they work. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm thinking of a doing a run around the block to see how they work. I'll let you know how it goes.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Grossest thing about running downtown
is not the car exhaust. It is the smoke coming from the cigarettes of pedestrians on the sidewalks I run on. It stays with you for a good ten paces after the person has passed. Car exhaust only stinks for a second. Makes you think. I used to smoke (even while I was a runner, which was my reason for running: to clean out my nasty lungs) and it generally doesn't bother me when people smoke near me. It's only when I'm running past smokers that it bugs me. Enough to blog about it...
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The big 9-0-0
According to the Daily Mile, today I hit 900 miles for the year.
Happy 900 to me!! I should get something for this, like, I don't know, a bozo button, or a cookie, or a quarter to call someone who cares, or something, right?
I can't wait to hit 1000. Then I'm going to party.
Happy 900 to me!! I should get something for this, like, I don't know, a bozo button, or a cookie, or a quarter to call someone who cares, or something, right?
I can't wait to hit 1000. Then I'm going to party.
I love my life right now
I am feeling great these days. I officially went free-lance a couple of months ago and I'm actually working (getting paid is another story...). I'm finally doing work that I am good at again (I'm officially a Translator/Interpreter but I do other things like teach, help out at the Italian American Association here in Trieste, help people when they get in a bind with Social Security in America, you name it, if it's in English, or has to do with America, I can help.), I'm seeing and meeting lots of interesting people, and have been about 1000 times more productive than I had been in a long time. I wake up at least an hour earlier than I used to when I had to get up and go to work and I sleep like a log! Working in my little office at home rocks. I love it. The other great thing is that since I determine my schedule I can fit my runs in during the day. I can run to meetings and appointments and/or home if Sweetie gives me a ride there. This is the coolest. It's exactly the kind of lifestyle I have always wanted for myself. Yeah!
If you don't have days where you just think I HAVE THE COOLEST LIFE. Rethink something, please, and take action.
If you don't have days where you just think I HAVE THE COOLEST LIFE. Rethink something, please, and take action.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Can we NOT plan fun things during this challenge?
This whole challenge thing would be MUCH easier if people didn't get married during them or plan really fun things to do that involve eating during the period of time we have set aside to be GOOD!
I've been trying to put more miles on, as my dailymile log shamelessly boasts, which was good for taking off 4 kilos. I put a couple back on over the weekend, but am working on that, too. I thought cutting out booze alone would be good for some automatic weight loss, but sadly, that is not the case.
What it has done, however, is make for some amazingly lucid mornings, and that is a good thing.
This morning I did all my errands by running. I was really happy that the dentist was not grossed out when I put my microfiber towel under my head so as to not get his fancy dentist chair all sweaty... He actually said I was BRAVA just for running.
That made me feel pretty good. I will write more later. Am on my way out the door!!! See you after lunch.
I've been trying to put more miles on, as my dailymile log shamelessly boasts, which was good for taking off 4 kilos. I put a couple back on over the weekend, but am working on that, too. I thought cutting out booze alone would be good for some automatic weight loss, but sadly, that is not the case.
What it has done, however, is make for some amazingly lucid mornings, and that is a good thing.
This morning I did all my errands by running. I was really happy that the dentist was not grossed out when I put my microfiber towel under my head so as to not get his fancy dentist chair all sweaty... He actually said I was BRAVA just for running.
That made me feel pretty good. I will write more later. Am on my way out the door!!! See you after lunch.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Week One - JKL challenge LIVESTRONG
Some of my friends and I are planning on heading to Europe in July to catch some of the Tour de France when it departs Holland and heads through Belgium on its way to France. I know it is early to start writing about it, but my friend, Beckster, and I are really starting to get excited about it. (Kari- you going to come up and join us in Liege for a few days? ) Beck has found some tools on the Livestrong website to help get her on track for our trip. She and I are cycling junkies - truly need intervention in the month of July - and can't wait to watch the tour through the flat stages in the summer. Maybe I'll take a look at Lance's tips for healthy living - both Beck and I want to be strong for our trip. I think she is secretly joining our JKL challenge.
I was so happy to hop on the scale and find myself down three lbs - YAY me! Those south beach breakfast bars and yummy lunch salads paid off. Too bad that I stepped back on a few days later to find myself right back where I started! BOOO me! Well, the long and the short of it is that I fell 5 miles short of my weekly goal (not killing myself about this, though.) I practiced serious control yesterday at the famly Oktoberfest - only had one beer (but made it a good one, of course.) I wish I could have stayed away from those RiceCrispie treats, though. All-in-all, not a bad first week.
I need to start looking for some half marathons in the area - MUST FIND A GOAL to keep me living strong!
I was so happy to hop on the scale and find myself down three lbs - YAY me! Those south beach breakfast bars and yummy lunch salads paid off. Too bad that I stepped back on a few days later to find myself right back where I started! BOOO me! Well, the long and the short of it is that I fell 5 miles short of my weekly goal (not killing myself about this, though.) I practiced serious control yesterday at the famly Oktoberfest - only had one beer (but made it a good one, of course.) I wish I could have stayed away from those RiceCrispie treats, though. All-in-all, not a bad first week.
I need to start looking for some half marathons in the area - MUST FIND A GOAL to keep me living strong!
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