A sensory feast

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

That was my run just 2 short hours ago. You'd never know it to look at the grayness otside now! Maybe today will be a repeat of yesterday - cloudy in the morning, clearing up into the most gorgeous afternoon.

It rained overnight, but nothing was coming down as I headed out the door. The birds were chirping away, which always helps me to get out that door. There were lots of clouds, but there was some yellow brightening the horizon.

The wonderful smell of lilacs wafted in the air. Such childhood memories - I have a really deep connection to a lot of the trees we had in my first home - is that weird?

The forsythia & crabapples are beginning to bloom, finally, too. Tulips are unfolding.

I got glimpses of a yellow sunrise from time to time, but no blue skies, nor any expected from the forecast. I was just so grateful to have a dry run without a jacket weighing me down & hindering the freedom of my run!

There was the smell of gas at the turn where there's so frequently that smell. Someday those houses are going to blow up, but I think we live far enough away to be safe. And yes, we've contacted the gas company about it anyway.

There was the deafening rumble if the garbage truck at that turn, but it's the one fewer people use (not included in our taxes) so thankfully it soon left me in peace.

As I neared home, a tiny cardinal raced across the street.

And that is why I run. At least sometimes. True, you could get all that from walking, too. I believe that I do get more endorphins from running than walking, tho. Even from leisurely runs like this morning.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RATFINKROB 4/28/2011 9:34AM

I love my morning walks for the same reason. The robbins always hop along beside me and the cardinals will tweet and dart in front of me. Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 4/28/2011 8:51AM

Lilacs take me back to my childhood - and we don't have them down here. I really miss the trees, shrubs and flowers of my childhood. Funny..... Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 4/28/2011 7:00AM

Love those moments when we're feeling SO IN-SYNC with nature...! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 4/27/2011 9:13PM

Sounds like you had a wonderful run! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 4/27/2011 6:10PM

Sounds like a lovely run. I've noticed the birds are back (must be spring, but it still doesn't look it!) and singing up a storm. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/27/2011 12:18PM

I'm glad you got your run before it got icky. Yes, I think we do have fond memories of childhood smells. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 4/27/2011 11:18AM

Sounds like you had the perfect run and all of nature's best this morning. Report Inappropriate Comment

EDWINA172 4/27/2011 9:36AM

Thanks for posting this. I visualized all that you described. Its not weird that you have a connection to your trees. I have one also! OK....so, maybe we're both a little weird. LOL! I can recall childhood memories of sitting in my "favorite" tree for what felt like hours. When I run, I seem to notice that there are usually two of every little creature playing or running in front of me. Squirrels, birds, bunnies and deer. I think that God planned it that way. None of us were meant to complete this journey alone. Thanks for sharing yours with me;) Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 4/27/2011 8:09AM

Wonderful! I'm looking forward to an easy run later this morning. I can't wait! Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 4/27/2011 7:56AM

What a gift to us, to enjoy your intriguing descriptions! Thanks for letting us tag along on your delightful runs! Report Inappropriate Comment

A stalemate

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The devil didn't win yesterday, but neither did the angel. I'd call it a draw. I did not have dessert for dinner (instead I had breakfast for dinner), but I also didn't have any veggies yesterday. Nada, zero, zilch.

Extremely unusual for me. I did, OTOH, have a fair amount of fruit & I didn't pig out on candy or sweets or anything. What I ate was fairly healthy, just not very balanced. I ended up with oatmeal for dinner.

Yesterday was a real low energy day. Could've been the weather, could've been not enough sleep in general over the last week, could've been the lack of veggies - most likely all 3 combined. The weather doesn't look to get better anytime soon, altho at least it's finally getting warmer. Whatever; it's not something I can control so I just have to accept it.

I also wanted to make a brief comment on my limiting carbs as the day goes on. I don't really think carbs in the evening have anything to do with weight gain (or plateau), but I'm giving this a try because I find that by not having carbs with dinner I can get in an afternoon snack. That afternoon snack usually helps keep late-day cravings for sweets at bay.

It's not written in stone, obviously, since I had oatmeal for dinner last night. I was able to squeeze in my afternoon snack yesterday so it worked for me. Usually even more veggies take the place of the dinnertime carbs, and more veggies can only be a good thing.

I have salad on the menu for dinner tonight. I'm really hoping they got the forecast right - warm - otherwise I know I won't want salad. Salad with shrimp & avocado, BTW, not just veggies.

Dreaming of sun & warm weather . . . everyone's gotta have dreams!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DDOORN 4/26/2011 12:58PM

Carbs can be so tricky...and SO easy to go overboard, at least for me! Love eggs for the same reason as you...they really go the distance! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/26/2011 12:32PM

Sometimes I have a day without veggies, too. That usually happens on the weekend because I always have broccoli for lunch. Tonight we're having Trader Joe's chicken sausages on buns!!! Yay for bread at home!! I rarely want a salad but never do when it's cold. Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 4/26/2011 9:39AM

I'll trade the weather, if you can make it happen. I frequently have breakfast for dinner. OTOH, last night I had chocolate for dinner. Sigh......yes, emotional eating. Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 4/26/2011 9:27AM

You fought them both to a stand still. Sounds like a win to me. We got a little rain last night and the tornado missed us, that's always a plus. Today clear with a high of 88. Time for a bike ride! Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 4/26/2011 7:56AM

I could send you some sun but the temperature is still -2 C here! I don't mind it though as long as the sun is out. Keep taking one day at a time as we all have slip ups....I'm on a month long slip up, myself! Ha! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 4/26/2011 7:50AM

Sending warmth & sunshine your way P.S. Good job in not letting the win. Comment edited on: 4/26/2011 7:51:42 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

TURCOTTEP 4/26/2011 7:45AM

Keep going Report Inappropriate Comment

Who will I listen to?

Monday, April 25, 2011

I'm having one of those angel vs devil days. Thinking about a brownie for dinner cause Passover is over and I need something other than brown rice & matzo.

Then my head tells me I have a race this weekend, that I'm an athlete (snort!) and I need to fuel myself properly. Besides which I'm trying to limit carbs in the evenings.

Then my stomach says it's heartily sick of eggs. Yes, the discovery that they really keep me fuller has been most welcome, but after a while I need something different and there have been a lot of eggs this week.

My stomach also says it's a dreary, drizzly, chilly day and oatmeal sounds so good . . . but technically Passover doesn't end til this evening & there's the whole limiting carbsin the evening thing.

But then maybe a healthy dessert for dinner wouldn't be do bad . . .

Well, some days are like that. Some days I make a meal plan and I stick right to it and I'm very satisfied. But some days it's a struggle & a real ongoing conversation with myself.

No decisions have been reached yet. The conversation continues. Or is that to be continued?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PCOH051610 4/26/2011 7:53AM

Oh dear, sounds like you are facing a struggle within! I hope you opted for the healthy dessert as remember this is not about depriving yourself. I'm sure you will do just fine at the upcoming race, dessert or not! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/25/2011 9:03PM

Passover is definitely full of eggs. What did you finally decide? I thought Passover was over tomorrow night. Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 4/25/2011 4:54PM

What would that healthy dessert be? Report Inappropriate Comment

XFITSTRONG 4/25/2011 3:51PM

LOL! I have those converstaions repeatedly!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 4/25/2011 2:12PM

Good will always triumph over evil. Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 4/25/2011 2:03PM

Don't you just hate those days :) Some days I don't even know who to cheer for the angel or the devil. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 4/25/2011 12:26PM

This weather is killing me. And you're right, it does make it harder to stick to our plans. Good Luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

JEANLECUY 4/25/2011 12:22PM

I had one of those conversations last night. I made and tracked my whole day. I was so ready and prepared. Easter feast in front of us. I ate exactly what I had logged. Then my fil brought 2 huge platters of cheese cake. Each peice was already sliced. I served my 9 guests and family and then I picked up the nutritional info. At the moment I was slightly tempted at that point. 380 calories for a sliver.... I took my fresh strawberries and a dab of whipped cream and I felt so much better!!!!!! I understand the struggle. it is moment by moment isn't it? Have a great day Judy!!!! :) Jeanne Report Inappropriate Comment

The solo group run

Sunday, April 24, 2011

I already ran more than I'd planned to this week, but when someone posted a group run at the area I'll be racing at next week - where I've never been - even tho they posted for 6 miles & I know they're faster runners than me - I signed up.

I figured I'd go my own pace & maybe meet up with them when they turned around. Having just done 6 miles on Friday, I really didn't want to run 6 miles today.

I also told them if I was late it meant I was lost & not to wait up for me.

Good thing! I actually got there early - way early - but had parked in a different parking lot. I walked around, I stretched out, & finally I took off running. When things got less scenic, I turned around. As I passed a different parking lot I realized THAT was the right one.

I took a walking break, figuring maybe I'd see them coming back. Walked a bit, turned around, and ran back to the car. Almost 4 miles plus some walking. I never did run into the group.

That's ok - I have a slightly better idea of where I'm going next weekend, and I probably would've run harder in a group - and my hip is talking to me slightly - which it doesn't normally do - so I was probably better off taking it slow. Don't know if it's the extra miles this week or the new sneakers.

It was a great morning for a run, altho now it's clouded over, so I'm just thankful that the posted run pushed me out the door to discover a new place to run and/or take the dogs walking.

To everyone celebrating today, hope your enjoying your holiday in a healthy way!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RATFINKROB 4/25/2011 10:01AM

Sounds like a good time even if on your own. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 4/24/2011 9:16PM

Good for you to work in a run on a holiday! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 4/24/2011 6:24PM

To bad you weren't able to meet up with the group, but it was productive anyhow. Great job getting out there. We have warm weather again today, so hopefully today's snowshoeing will be my last for the season. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 4/24/2011 5:48PM

Your adventurous spirit emboldens me! I love your resilience and resourcefulness. You are able to make a wide variety of experiences benefit you & your goals! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 4/24/2011 12:34PM

Yay! Glad you were able to get a run in while it was still nice out. I was thinking about 8:30 that it looked perfect. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/24/2011 12:08PM

Sounds like you got a good run and at least know where you need to be for the race. I hope the hip recovers soon. Have a good one. Report Inappropriate Comment

Tuning into my body

Saturday, April 23, 2011

It really amazes me sometimes that I can feel the difference in a couple of pounds on my body - even see the difference. I think this is one tool you miss when you weigh yourself every day - the scale can become a crutch, just as music can become a crutch to running sometimes.

It makes me really wonder at the denial I must have been in to gain 30 or so pounds in the first place. Sometimes I wonder if I focus on food, exercise, my eating & my body too much. I'm sure it can come across that way in these blogs, but this is where I vent & work my way thru my problems so it doesn't really show the whole picture.

Running with music can be a great thing - it motivates you & pumps you up. But it doesn't really let you get in tune with your body - what your breathing is like when you push too hard, any aches & pains that maybe you ought to be paying attention to.

Weighing everyday gives you lots of immediate feedback & for some people it's very motivating. But you don't get as much feel for what it TRULY feels like to gain weight. The scale can show a gain in weight when you're building muscle or retaining water - but both of those will make you clothes feel very different.

I just got to thinking about all this because I've felt pretty in tune with my body the last couple of weeks. I don't always.but I've certainly become more in tune over the last few years & for the most part I think that's a good thing.

I'm not necessarily trying to get you to give up the scale - just throwing out some food for thought.

How in tune with your body are you? Would you like to be more in tune? What do you think it would take to get yourself more in tune with your body?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HALFFAST 4/25/2011 8:53AM

I'm one who weighs every morning, but I don't use the scale to dictate my behavior. I know when I've eaten something (or lots of somethings) I probably shouldn't have, and I take that into consideration. Same with if I'm not eating enough. Where the scale helps me is, like today, I know when it's time to be more mindful of what I am putting into my body. And for running, sometimes I listen to music, sometimes I listen to audio books, and sometimes I just listen. But I do tend to go faster and farther with music :) Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 4/24/2011 9:05PM

I definitely need to acquire more of that ability to be in tune to my body. Occasionally when the right tune is on while I'm working out I'll find it seems to be right in sync with my body...but you're right, most times music ISN'T in unison with one's body. Don Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/23/2011 11:03PM

I don't tend to weight myself very often. I use my clothes as a guide more often (and the calender to make sure TOM is to blame). I do like to listen to music when I exercise, though. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 4/23/2011 8:51PM

One way I am in tune with my body is recognizing when hormonal fluctuations are causing emotional turmoil. It helps me cope to realize there is a chemical cause for my temporary insanity. I am better able to compensate and stay on a more even keel . . . sometimes! Report Inappropriate Comment

FIT-WHIT 4/23/2011 11:55AM

Great thoughts! I like how you compare it to running with music. Usually, I'm a no-music outdoor runner. I LIKE to listen to my breath and the pace of my feet, and lately I've been counting breaths in and out to pace myself, and then up my tempo for 20 breaths, then back to comfortable for 60 breaths. It's helped me focus on how it FEELS to run faster, harder, versus at an easy pace. Same with my body this week-- I had my husband hide the scale, so I haven't been on it all week. But I've been eating clean and working out hard, and I think my waist/abs measurements have even gone down about a quarter inch. It's challenging somedays to NOT give in to the temptation to weigh myself and use whatever number is there to dictate my behavior. But I really want to start adjusting to a wholly intuitive assessment of my health and how I'm feeling in this body to determine my wellness. I totally understand what you mean about the denial and out-of-tuneness that I must have been in before losing weight, while gaining and gaining. I kept blaming the clothing sizes -- that they were all getting TOO SMALL!! LOL! What a crock! (Clothes just keep getting bigger and bigger because of mindsets like that!) Report Inappropriate Comment