Hey everyone!
Anyone else sometimes feel like they may blow a gasket if they hear or read anymore about "balance?" Ok, a bit dramatic I know. It's not the word or concept that brings my blood pressure up to dangerous levels, it's the application and decisions that come with balance. I know what my priorities are and what is important to me, that's not the trouble. But, we all know that there are other responsibilities we have that may not be on the priority list. For example, the volunteering responsibility that comes with having your child(ren) involved in activities. Many would argue against, but I firmly think if you have your child in anything, you need to be willing to occasionally dish out a bit more than your checkbook. So where do I put that on the priority list?
Well, since getting the job done keeps my reputation in fine condition and my reputation and values rate high on my priority list, the job gets a single digit number.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Week Happenings and Training Update
Just enjoyed a crazy traveling, training and fun week! Hit the city of Saskatoon for a great farm forum sponsored by FCC with 3 amazing motivational speakers. I really enjoyed Adam Kreek, a Canadian Gold Olympic Medal winner for rowing. He had some great pointers in keeping your mental focus in difficult and painful situations. He referenced his rowing training and it certainly rings a bell in this triathlon training gal's life.
Had some fun with our son in Saskatoon. Haven't seen him since Christmas so it was good to get a visit in. He was studying for a couple midterms and we needed to get a long run in on Friday so we got out of his hair and found Goodlife Fitness. Loved the cheap price to get in (1st visit free). The locker rooms were awesome and the number of machines and equipment there was amazing. It's crazy really how the littlest things can wow a small town girl. My only complaint is that is was too warm temperature wise. I guess I am used to running in my basement where it is a bit cooler. We did pack stuff along to run outside but the wimpy-ness in us sent us to the gym. It was pretty cold and had just snowed quite a bit overnight so I knew it wouldn't be a picnic. Hard to believe it was only a couple years ago, all of our running was done outside.
So, the long run of the week got cut short. I have been having trouble with hormonal imbalances of some kind and I just could feel within a mile that it was not going down pretty. I gave it a few more miles to wait it out and after about 3 times of getting off and getting my head between my knees, hubby told me to hit the shower. It wasn't going to get better. Got 6 miles in but was sure shooting for more.
I had set up a swimming session with a local tri coach to get some tips about our swim inefficiency. Got a few great tips and need some time in the pool now to work on it.
Mon: off
Tues: 5.65 mile run, noon swim 1050 m
Wed: 16.37 mile ride
Thurs: Swim coaching 1500 m
Fri: 6 mile run
Sat: 30 mile ride
Sun: 45 mile ride
Just a random note: I have never gone to a chiropractor before. I heard great things about a new chiropractor so thought I would check her out and ask a few questions. I have been having trouble with my hip and running was making it worse and I wanted to find a way to fix it up. I didn't care to have any adjustments (am I the only one that thinks that is a scary word?) but wanted her opinion on my sore right knee and hip that just seems to come and go periodically (which is currently on it's "come" cycle). She informed me that I have a pelvis that is out of position. The right side wants to rotate ahead and the left side rotates back. So, despite my fear, I tried the "adjustment." I was very tender that night but I have been to see 2 more times with small fixes and the hip is feeling 100% better. I have stretching and strengthening exercises to do but I love the feeling of being aligned.
Wishing you a great week and happy sweating!
Had some fun with our son in Saskatoon. Haven't seen him since Christmas so it was good to get a visit in. He was studying for a couple midterms and we needed to get a long run in on Friday so we got out of his hair and found Goodlife Fitness. Loved the cheap price to get in (1st visit free). The locker rooms were awesome and the number of machines and equipment there was amazing. It's crazy really how the littlest things can wow a small town girl. My only complaint is that is was too warm temperature wise. I guess I am used to running in my basement where it is a bit cooler. We did pack stuff along to run outside but the wimpy-ness in us sent us to the gym. It was pretty cold and had just snowed quite a bit overnight so I knew it wouldn't be a picnic. Hard to believe it was only a couple years ago, all of our running was done outside.
So, the long run of the week got cut short. I have been having trouble with hormonal imbalances of some kind and I just could feel within a mile that it was not going down pretty. I gave it a few more miles to wait it out and after about 3 times of getting off and getting my head between my knees, hubby told me to hit the shower. It wasn't going to get better. Got 6 miles in but was sure shooting for more.
I had set up a swimming session with a local tri coach to get some tips about our swim inefficiency. Got a few great tips and need some time in the pool now to work on it.
Mon: off
Tues: 5.65 mile run, noon swim 1050 m
Wed: 16.37 mile ride
Thurs: Swim coaching 1500 m
Fri: 6 mile run
Sat: 30 mile ride
Sun: 45 mile ride
Just a random note: I have never gone to a chiropractor before. I heard great things about a new chiropractor so thought I would check her out and ask a few questions. I have been having trouble with my hip and running was making it worse and I wanted to find a way to fix it up. I didn't care to have any adjustments (am I the only one that thinks that is a scary word?) but wanted her opinion on my sore right knee and hip that just seems to come and go periodically (which is currently on it's "come" cycle). She informed me that I have a pelvis that is out of position. The right side wants to rotate ahead and the left side rotates back. So, despite my fear, I tried the "adjustment." I was very tender that night but I have been to see 2 more times with small fixes and the hip is feeling 100% better. I have stretching and strengthening exercises to do but I love the feeling of being aligned.
Wishing you a great week and happy sweating!
Training Week 2 and 3
Hey!
Hope you all had a great week of training and sweating life's goodness. Here's my training update from Jan 12-25 for week 2 and 3
Monday: swim 800 m
My week started off with a brisk swim. The local pool has been closed for 2 weeks for maintenance and just reopened on Monday. I swam the evening lap swim times and roaring runner and I had the pool to ourselves. No one else wanted to brave the 65 F water temp. (regular pool temp is 29 C and it was 19 C) I figured it would be a great warmup for Oceanside. It was certainly chilly and in hindsight, I wished I would have tried the neoprene cap and had my wetsuit with me. It didn't take long to get a bit of a ear ache. My hands and feet were good and I wasn't really cold until I got out of the pool. I was shivering throughout the shower and probably for the next 30 min. Even though it was only a half hour swim, it was a very beneficial experience. Some great thinking and planning already happening.
Tues: run 5.14 miles and quick 1300 m swim again in cold water
Wed: ride 20.16 miles
Thurs: run 11.85 miles
Fri: swim 1500 moff, strength training
Sat: mock tri that started with a 45 min swim of 1650 m, then came home and jumped on the bike for 3 hours putting in 46 miles and a 5 mile run in 47 min. Have to admit I was bushed after this. Tried to get my nutrition down but clearly have some improvements to make
Sun:off
Monday: 1100 m swim
Tues: bike time trial 17 miles in 1 hour
Wed: swim 1350 m
Thurs: swim 1500 m, 5 mile run
Fri: 45 mile ride
Sat: off
Sun: 31.48 mile ride, 3.13 run
I switched things around a bit by flipping Fri and Sat workouts as I was out of town all day Sat. I also had some hip troubles so I skipped a run and took it easy on the other times I ran.
Hope training is going well for everyone. Every set back is an opportunity to learn and get stronger. Embrace!
Hope you all had a great week of training and sweating life's goodness. Here's my training update from Jan 12-25 for week 2 and 3
Monday: swim 800 m
My week started off with a brisk swim. The local pool has been closed for 2 weeks for maintenance and just reopened on Monday. I swam the evening lap swim times and roaring runner and I had the pool to ourselves. No one else wanted to brave the 65 F water temp. (regular pool temp is 29 C and it was 19 C) I figured it would be a great warmup for Oceanside. It was certainly chilly and in hindsight, I wished I would have tried the neoprene cap and had my wetsuit with me. It didn't take long to get a bit of a ear ache. My hands and feet were good and I wasn't really cold until I got out of the pool. I was shivering throughout the shower and probably for the next 30 min. Even though it was only a half hour swim, it was a very beneficial experience. Some great thinking and planning already happening.
Tues: run 5.14 miles and quick 1300 m swim again in cold water
Wed: ride 20.16 miles
Thurs: run 11.85 miles
Fri: swim 1500 moff, strength training
Sat: mock tri that started with a 45 min swim of 1650 m, then came home and jumped on the bike for 3 hours putting in 46 miles and a 5 mile run in 47 min. Have to admit I was bushed after this. Tried to get my nutrition down but clearly have some improvements to make
Sun:off
Monday: 1100 m swim
Tues: bike time trial 17 miles in 1 hour
Wed: swim 1350 m
Thurs: swim 1500 m, 5 mile run
Fri: 45 mile ride
Sat: off
Sun: 31.48 mile ride, 3.13 run
I switched things around a bit by flipping Fri and Sat workouts as I was out of town all day Sat. I also had some hip troubles so I skipped a run and took it easy on the other times I ran.
Hope training is going well for everyone. Every set back is an opportunity to learn and get stronger. Embrace!
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Training Overview and Week 1
Hey! Still waiting for someone to send some warmer weather. We have been kinda house bound and I am waiting to get some fresh air and try the ski trails out again. On the bright side, I have had lots of time to spend in the pain cave to get some serious running and biking miles in.
I wanted to talk about my training. My year is divided into into blocks; Jan- April, April- Aug, Aug- Dec.
Jan- April is full on training for an event at the end of March/beginning of April. This is usually in a warmer location south. I usually have 1 lead up run prior to the event.
April- Aug is more training for an end of July/beginning of Aug event with usually 2-3 lead up events. I also usually enter another couple of events mid Aug that are close to home and after my second main event.
Aug- Dec has become my "off season" with a lot of spontaneous, flexible training that is inconsistent but led by my desire.
So, I have planned my year to have 2 "A" events with about 2 or 3 lead up"B" events and a couple "C" events.
My training this year is radically different than it was last year (at this time).
Last year's training block from Aug- Dec was spent in Maffetone training. An off season program of keeping my heart rate down while building up miles and a good cardio base was good for the next step- half ironman training from Jan- Mar. My event was the end of March so I had 16 weeks to get long and fast.
My next main event was another half ironman early in July. Interestingly enough, I discovered that the long, cold winter actually works well for training as there is not much else pulling on my time (gardening, yard, school year end). I would have liked my time to have improved the second time but it was almost exactly the same. However, I have participated in enough endurance events to know that comparison is very difficult as each time you race, it is a whole new set of everything.
Overall, though, I was satisfied with the year. Looking to always improve, but as bad as some things seem, it can always be worse. I am thankful.
This year, I have trained pretty hard Nov and Dec with more a speed building off season program. The workouts haven't been long- tops an hour and a half- but they have been very purposeful and intense. I did a 5 km time trial on the treadmill at the beginning of Nov and then repeated it the end of Dec. I also did a time trial on my bike, also at the beginning and end. Interesting enough, I had small improvements number wise. The big improvements were made mentally as I didn't think I could hold a certain pace for a certain length like I was repeatedly doing.
A lot of people will say their purpose for participating in endurance sports is to push themselves to the very limits of what they can do. To see what they are made of. I have been fighting health issues for a couple years and battle each day so the running, biking and swimming is my time AWAY from the discomfort. I push, want to do well, and have drive but didn't want to really suffer. I can see this now as I had to dig really, really deep during most of my workout lately to hit the numbers I wanted to. I have some things figured out health wise and hope I will understand my body's need better in the months ahead. I believe I am working in the right direction and I KNOW that when I have it consistently figured out- I will really be able to fly. I know the biggest decision I am facing right now is will my 2nd "A" event in July be a half ironman or the full? My husband says he knows I can do it but it depends on how much I want to suffer. That is the real issue.
This week (JAN 5-11) I have completed week 1 of half ironman training. I have 11 weeks to go until my event in March- Ironman Oceanside. Yesterday and today's training was full on bike miles and so after spending more time in the saddle than I have for awhile- my butt hurts. Actually, to be more specific, not only do my seat bones hurt but the creases between the groin and trunk hurt. Almost tempted to lose the underwear under my sweats today- haha. Need a little toughening- good.
So this week's training looked like this: Week 1
Mon- core workout, day off
Tues- crappy 3 mile run (sore everything- not off to a good start)
Wed-1 hour 45 min ride 26 miles
Thurs-1 1/2 hour run 8.25 miles
Fri- 50 min swim 2000 m
Sat- 3 hour ride 43 miles, 1/2 hour run 3.25 miles
Sun- 2 hour ride 31 miles
I did 3 days (10 min)of additional strengthening exercises.
Total 115 miles, 11 hours
Have a great sweaty week!
I wanted to talk about my training. My year is divided into into blocks; Jan- April, April- Aug, Aug- Dec.
Jan- April is full on training for an event at the end of March/beginning of April. This is usually in a warmer location south. I usually have 1 lead up run prior to the event.
April- Aug is more training for an end of July/beginning of Aug event with usually 2-3 lead up events. I also usually enter another couple of events mid Aug that are close to home and after my second main event.
Aug- Dec has become my "off season" with a lot of spontaneous, flexible training that is inconsistent but led by my desire.
So, I have planned my year to have 2 "A" events with about 2 or 3 lead up"B" events and a couple "C" events.
My training this year is radically different than it was last year (at this time).
Last year's training block from Aug- Dec was spent in Maffetone training. An off season program of keeping my heart rate down while building up miles and a good cardio base was good for the next step- half ironman training from Jan- Mar. My event was the end of March so I had 16 weeks to get long and fast.
My next main event was another half ironman early in July. Interestingly enough, I discovered that the long, cold winter actually works well for training as there is not much else pulling on my time (gardening, yard, school year end). I would have liked my time to have improved the second time but it was almost exactly the same. However, I have participated in enough endurance events to know that comparison is very difficult as each time you race, it is a whole new set of everything.
Overall, though, I was satisfied with the year. Looking to always improve, but as bad as some things seem, it can always be worse. I am thankful.
This year, I have trained pretty hard Nov and Dec with more a speed building off season program. The workouts haven't been long- tops an hour and a half- but they have been very purposeful and intense. I did a 5 km time trial on the treadmill at the beginning of Nov and then repeated it the end of Dec. I also did a time trial on my bike, also at the beginning and end. Interesting enough, I had small improvements number wise. The big improvements were made mentally as I didn't think I could hold a certain pace for a certain length like I was repeatedly doing.
A lot of people will say their purpose for participating in endurance sports is to push themselves to the very limits of what they can do. To see what they are made of. I have been fighting health issues for a couple years and battle each day so the running, biking and swimming is my time AWAY from the discomfort. I push, want to do well, and have drive but didn't want to really suffer. I can see this now as I had to dig really, really deep during most of my workout lately to hit the numbers I wanted to. I have some things figured out health wise and hope I will understand my body's need better in the months ahead. I believe I am working in the right direction and I KNOW that when I have it consistently figured out- I will really be able to fly. I know the biggest decision I am facing right now is will my 2nd "A" event in July be a half ironman or the full? My husband says he knows I can do it but it depends on how much I want to suffer. That is the real issue.
This week (JAN 5-11) I have completed week 1 of half ironman training. I have 11 weeks to go until my event in March- Ironman Oceanside. Yesterday and today's training was full on bike miles and so after spending more time in the saddle than I have for awhile- my butt hurts. Actually, to be more specific, not only do my seat bones hurt but the creases between the groin and trunk hurt. Almost tempted to lose the underwear under my sweats today- haha. Need a little toughening- good.
So this week's training looked like this: Week 1
Mon- core workout, day off
Tues- crappy 3 mile run (sore everything- not off to a good start)
Wed-1 hour 45 min ride 26 miles
Thurs-1 1/2 hour run 8.25 miles
Fri- 50 min swim 2000 m
Sat- 3 hour ride 43 miles, 1/2 hour run 3.25 miles
Sun- 2 hour ride 31 miles
I did 3 days (10 min)of additional strengthening exercises.
Total 115 miles, 11 hours
Have a great sweaty week!
Monday, January 5, 2015
A Long Time Coming and The Best of 2015
Hey Happy New Year! (and belated Merry Christmas too)
My last post was certainly some time ago. A family health crisis through some of Nov and Dec kept things pretty busy. And now with things settled a bit with that and our schedule resuming tomorrow, it should be easier to get back into normal.
It is desperately cold here in the Canadian Prairies and again, I question my sanity in living here. If the roaringrunner didn't love farming, we may be living somewhere warmer with mountains and opportunity for year round training. Oh well, a girl can dream.
Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for my life and where I am. But seriously, if some of you who live south didn't post SO many great pictures of the ocean, a green landscape, running in shorts and having adventures, I wouldn't have these problems! haha (please don't stop with the great pics- I am living through you) I won't even tell you how I have to dress to go for a run outside!
[caption id="attachment_759" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Morning run with mild temps[/caption]
Despite the weather, my training has been rocking- will spill it all next post.
[caption id="attachment_760" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
The weather this week[/caption]
So, every new year bring about reflection. There seems to be 2 groups of people; those that make resolutions and goals and those that don't. I like to take a couple items from my bucket list and make them a reality for that particular year. I usually make a list with the following headings:
work, athletics, travel/adventure, spiritual, family, finances, personal qualities, nutrition
and then list some stuff under each that I want to make happen. The headings are not in any particular order. Some I need lots of time to think and others get filled quickly. Some headings have 1 goal, others have many. I am also very specific about what I am going to do to achieve that goal.
I don't want to set myself up to fail but I also know that it takes effort to make anything happen. You need to plan, adjust, research, learn, and challenge yourself and all this requires effort so it seems pretty simple to me that if I do nothing- that's what I will get.
My whole purpose is to be the best I can and to make each moment count. To enjoy this adventure I live - not to keep up anything or anyone but just to try new things and challenge myself, meet new people and learn.
Wishing you health, happiness and lots of adventures in 2015 friends!
My last post was certainly some time ago. A family health crisis through some of Nov and Dec kept things pretty busy. And now with things settled a bit with that and our schedule resuming tomorrow, it should be easier to get back into normal.
It is desperately cold here in the Canadian Prairies and again, I question my sanity in living here. If the roaringrunner didn't love farming, we may be living somewhere warmer with mountains and opportunity for year round training. Oh well, a girl can dream.
Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for my life and where I am. But seriously, if some of you who live south didn't post SO many great pictures of the ocean, a green landscape, running in shorts and having adventures, I wouldn't have these problems! haha (please don't stop with the great pics- I am living through you) I won't even tell you how I have to dress to go for a run outside!
[caption id="attachment_759" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Morning run with mild temps[/caption]Despite the weather, my training has been rocking- will spill it all next post.
[caption id="attachment_760" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
The weather this week[/caption]So, every new year bring about reflection. There seems to be 2 groups of people; those that make resolutions and goals and those that don't. I like to take a couple items from my bucket list and make them a reality for that particular year. I usually make a list with the following headings:
work, athletics, travel/adventure, spiritual, family, finances, personal qualities, nutrition
and then list some stuff under each that I want to make happen. The headings are not in any particular order. Some I need lots of time to think and others get filled quickly. Some headings have 1 goal, others have many. I am also very specific about what I am going to do to achieve that goal.
I don't want to set myself up to fail but I also know that it takes effort to make anything happen. You need to plan, adjust, research, learn, and challenge yourself and all this requires effort so it seems pretty simple to me that if I do nothing- that's what I will get.
My whole purpose is to be the best I can and to make each moment count. To enjoy this adventure I live - not to keep up anything or anyone but just to try new things and challenge myself, meet new people and learn.
Wishing you health, happiness and lots of adventures in 2015 friends!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Post in Pictures
Hey! It's been awhile. Harvest is FINALLY done and my sanity is returning. My training is still without a formal plan but I am able to consistently get a run or ride in now. Can't wait to hit the pool in the next week.
Here has been the past month or so in picture format.
[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="150"]
Watching soccer- needed the reinforcements (sleeping bag) to stay warm. [/caption]
[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="150"]
My boy just finishing his final game with a 1-0 win.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_734" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Canadian Thanksgiving Oct 12. Kids table- lots of laughing here.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_735" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Adults table was a bit more reserved.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_736" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
A few leftovers from the garden that were just right for fresh juice.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_737" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Fall sunset[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_738" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Took awhile to wash part of my carrot crop. Mini wheats were needed to keep up my strength.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_741" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Mackenzie and I enjoying the day getting some sun.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_742" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Mackenzie with the 2 new members of the gang.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_740" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Pondering life.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_743" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Watching Denae play volleyball.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_744" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Saturday cross training.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_745" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Another beautiful fall sunset.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_746" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Great evening run.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_747" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Early morning run with roaring runner. We ran stairs.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_748" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Opened my eyes, blinked, opened again, rubbed them, oh ya it's really there.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_749" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Some pool fun on Sunday.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_750" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
My feet officially are protesting the wearing of the same skates I have had since I was 16.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_752" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Trying out my son's sweet fat tire bike. It's like floating![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_751" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Can't beat this on a Monday morning![/caption]
Have a super week!
Here has been the past month or so in picture format.
[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="150"]
Watching soccer- needed the reinforcements (sleeping bag) to stay warm. [/caption][caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="150"]
My boy just finishing his final game with a 1-0 win.[/caption][caption id="attachment_734" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Canadian Thanksgiving Oct 12. Kids table- lots of laughing here.[/caption][caption id="attachment_735" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Adults table was a bit more reserved.[/caption][caption id="attachment_736" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
A few leftovers from the garden that were just right for fresh juice.[/caption][caption id="attachment_737" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Fall sunset[/caption][caption id="attachment_738" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Took awhile to wash part of my carrot crop. Mini wheats were needed to keep up my strength.[/caption][caption id="attachment_741" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Mackenzie and I enjoying the day getting some sun.[/caption][caption id="attachment_742" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Mackenzie with the 2 new members of the gang.[/caption][caption id="attachment_740" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Pondering life.[/caption][caption id="attachment_743" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Watching Denae play volleyball.[/caption][caption id="attachment_744" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Saturday cross training.[/caption][caption id="attachment_745" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Another beautiful fall sunset.[/caption][caption id="attachment_746" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Great evening run.[/caption][caption id="attachment_747" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Early morning run with roaring runner. We ran stairs.[/caption][caption id="attachment_748" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Opened my eyes, blinked, opened again, rubbed them, oh ya it's really there.[/caption][caption id="attachment_749" align="aligncenter" width="224"]
Some pool fun on Sunday.[/caption][caption id="attachment_750" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
My feet officially are protesting the wearing of the same skates I have had since I was 16.[/caption][caption id="attachment_752" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Trying out my son's sweet fat tire bike. It's like floating![/caption][caption id="attachment_751" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Can't beat this on a Monday morning![/caption]Have a super week!
Sunday, October 5, 2014
The Feel-Good Run that Didn't
Hello
Hope the weekend is treating you well. Sundays are such an anticipated day in our home. A day to totally relax and recoup from the busy week. Sometimes there is a movie, a nap, a hike, a bonfire. Our past few Sundays have been a bit different. There have been one particular exception to the "Sunday Rules."
Number 1 Sunday Rule- No Cooking anything more than a frozen pizza. I have served rocking BIG meals for a few Sundays. This is not without a great reason though.
We have been so fortunate to have great friends from Switzerland come and visit and work with us on the farm. The timing of things has been arrivals and departures on Sundays. We have also had a family birthday party for 3 of my kids who had birthdays in September. That day we had 30 for supper. All good!
Anyway, I digress the true reason for this post.
Every runner sometimes (or often) has times when a run is just impossible to pass up. The weather is amazing, your energy is great or it is just a good time in the day. I have had a few such times in the past few weeks. With my training having little consistency due to time and energy constraints, I really NEED the times when the sun is shining and the wind blowing gently and I FEEL like running.
With all training cycles, I execute the plan the best I can whether I feel like it or not. This is important as I am committed to a goal, I have a plan and need to follow it. The mental toughness that comes with training even when I don't feel it is very crucial. I can't always go by feel but need to keep emotions out of the equation sometimes. This is a hard line to balance. This is my equation:
Success= goal + physical training + mental toughness +/- heart
So for me to find success at something I need to have a manageable goal that I want to accomplish, set a specific plan to train my body PHYSICALLY for this goal and commit to it entirely to gain some MENTALLY strength but here's the catch. The goal has to have an emotional thread woven within it- meaning it has some significance for me to be pursuing. This is the plus heart. However, there needs to be a pause button I hit to turn the emotional thinking OFF. And here in lies the trouble. Where is that spot?
It is this emotional attachment that makes me dig deeper to reach my goals and potential PR's but it is the same emotions that make me quit and give up.
Oh my! There is a line from a story that tells of two voices, one that encourages and inspires and one that lies and knocks down. Which one do you hear? Of course the one you feed!
So the run that wasn't planned happened. It was a sunny, warm day where my shoes were really singing my name. I had time, I had opportunity and most of all, I had the desire. I could feel my ponytail gently swaying in the warm breeze, I anticipated the many miles and most importantly, I knew the feeling of deep satisfaction that was going to fill me at the conclusion of that run.
My ponytail slapped my neck in irritation, my gait was like that of a horse who has seen better days a LONG time ago, the many miles dream ended at 6 and the great feeling at the end was a bust. I was discouraged with everything. Reality was the complete opposite of my hope. So the great run that could actually didn't. Any guesses as to which voice did the talking? It is hard to move past the expectations I have when things don't go my way - to be grateful and appreciative of what I can do.
I read a blog post recently that hit a bit on this idea. Maria called this the clicks and clunks. It is my reality that I will have some clunks along the way but the clicks that happen can overshadow the clunks. Maybe make me work harder. When the clunks keep coming and the clicks are scarce, the discouragement sets in. It is hard to get myself fired up about training when I start believing that all workouts are going to clunk. So what do you do?
Being a math girl- I go back to my formula. I guess this is the perfect time to take the heart OUT of the equation. Not all runs will feel good and sometimes, maybe few runs will feel good but I continue to run/swim/bike/hike/ski/.... because I NEED TO!
For now, that is all that matters.
Hope the weekend is treating you well. Sundays are such an anticipated day in our home. A day to totally relax and recoup from the busy week. Sometimes there is a movie, a nap, a hike, a bonfire. Our past few Sundays have been a bit different. There have been one particular exception to the "Sunday Rules."
Number 1 Sunday Rule- No Cooking anything more than a frozen pizza. I have served rocking BIG meals for a few Sundays. This is not without a great reason though.
We have been so fortunate to have great friends from Switzerland come and visit and work with us on the farm. The timing of things has been arrivals and departures on Sundays. We have also had a family birthday party for 3 of my kids who had birthdays in September. That day we had 30 for supper. All good!
Anyway, I digress the true reason for this post.
Every runner sometimes (or often) has times when a run is just impossible to pass up. The weather is amazing, your energy is great or it is just a good time in the day. I have had a few such times in the past few weeks. With my training having little consistency due to time and energy constraints, I really NEED the times when the sun is shining and the wind blowing gently and I FEEL like running.
With all training cycles, I execute the plan the best I can whether I feel like it or not. This is important as I am committed to a goal, I have a plan and need to follow it. The mental toughness that comes with training even when I don't feel it is very crucial. I can't always go by feel but need to keep emotions out of the equation sometimes. This is a hard line to balance. This is my equation:
Success= goal + physical training + mental toughness +/- heart
So for me to find success at something I need to have a manageable goal that I want to accomplish, set a specific plan to train my body PHYSICALLY for this goal and commit to it entirely to gain some MENTALLY strength but here's the catch. The goal has to have an emotional thread woven within it- meaning it has some significance for me to be pursuing. This is the plus heart. However, there needs to be a pause button I hit to turn the emotional thinking OFF. And here in lies the trouble. Where is that spot?
It is this emotional attachment that makes me dig deeper to reach my goals and potential PR's but it is the same emotions that make me quit and give up.
Oh my! There is a line from a story that tells of two voices, one that encourages and inspires and one that lies and knocks down. Which one do you hear? Of course the one you feed!
So the run that wasn't planned happened. It was a sunny, warm day where my shoes were really singing my name. I had time, I had opportunity and most of all, I had the desire. I could feel my ponytail gently swaying in the warm breeze, I anticipated the many miles and most importantly, I knew the feeling of deep satisfaction that was going to fill me at the conclusion of that run.
My ponytail slapped my neck in irritation, my gait was like that of a horse who has seen better days a LONG time ago, the many miles dream ended at 6 and the great feeling at the end was a bust. I was discouraged with everything. Reality was the complete opposite of my hope. So the great run that could actually didn't. Any guesses as to which voice did the talking? It is hard to move past the expectations I have when things don't go my way - to be grateful and appreciative of what I can do.
I read a blog post recently that hit a bit on this idea. Maria called this the clicks and clunks. It is my reality that I will have some clunks along the way but the clicks that happen can overshadow the clunks. Maybe make me work harder. When the clunks keep coming and the clicks are scarce, the discouragement sets in. It is hard to get myself fired up about training when I start believing that all workouts are going to clunk. So what do you do?
Being a math girl- I go back to my formula. I guess this is the perfect time to take the heart OUT of the equation. Not all runs will feel good and sometimes, maybe few runs will feel good but I continue to run/swim/bike/hike/ski/.... because I NEED TO!
For now, that is all that matters.
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