Pepper spray...my new best friend

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

....I'M BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN....I felt REALLY GREAT today in my run, totally opposite from what I felt on Sunday. I went .5 further today and faster than on Sunday. I just get around the corner and a HUGE Marmaduke dog runs at me. I've never seen the guy before and he is chasing me and barking..granted his tail was wagging but I was not going to take any chances. I did have to spray my pepper spray his direction, and thankfully he backed off sneezing. He didn't follow me any further and on my way back, he never left his yard....sigh of relief!

DH helped me map out our neighborhood with all the distances for my training runs. As we were driving into town he noticed I was REALLY quiet. He asked what was wrong, and I had to admit I was a little afraid of the longer distances...2 1/2 times around our home owners for my 10 mile run and some pretty steep hills that I can't avoid. AM I CRAZY attempting this at my age?

Then today I read an article in Runners World about not obsessing over any part of your run. Don't worry about the length, how fast...any of that. Just do it and do your best for THAT day and THAT run. Huh..how ironic that I find this article just as I'm questioning my own sanity!

So another run down. TRAIN ON and 42 days until OKC!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ACTIVE_AT_60 3/18/2009 6:55AM

LOL ... what do you mean - 'my age'... I was 50+ when I ran my first half. As John Bingham says - the miracle isn't that I finished - the miracle is that I started. I am glad you got back in the grove again, and remember whatever you - - this will be a personal best for you. On race day - you should focus on telling yourself - I am doing it, go out have a great time (the event itself will just be a phenomenal experience) and keep in mind why you are doing it .... you ... and the people who was never given a chance to do something like this ... they will all watch down on you and be proud of you. run on my friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

BRIAN36 3/17/2009 5:15PM

There's just something about those double-digit runs... I have the same thoughts as you. What am I trying to prove at this age? Just last night I had to tell myself to "get out of your head and just run". Just remember how good it feels when you're done. I mapped out a nice 6.5 miler and I drove it yesterday to see if the one dirt road had dried up enough to run on only to discover that two different homes on the route each had no less than 3 large and loose dogs in the yard. I may have to look into the pepper spray because I'd like this to be my "go to" route. It has every thing, flats, two slow steady inclines, a couple killer hills followed immediately by nice recovery downhills with just enough houses to be safe but hardly any traffic. Where did you get the pepperspray? Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZ_NR_HEATHROW 3/17/2009 2:58PM

It's natural to feel a little apprehensive but you've put in the training. Just have fun and enjoy it, do your best and you will feel SO proud of yourself. We only really regret what we DON'T DO.!! Go for it!!!!!!!!!! Luv Caz xx Report Inappropriate Comment

Low Mojo

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Everyone has one of those days....can't get into the groove of their workout. Well that was my day today. For some reason my impending run was making me nervous. It took me about 3/4 of mile in to get into the workout. About mile 2, I was feeling a bit better and started to pick my speed up a bit. I didn't finish the run in a faster time, but oh well...I finished!

So on days that you just don't "feel like" working out, just do what you can. Hopefully about 15 minutes in, you'll feel better and with the completion of your workout, you'll be one step closer to attaining your goals.

43 days until OKC....TRAIN ON!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ACTIVE_AT_60 3/17/2009 8:04AM

this is not uncommon. I was doing a 14 mile run on Sunday - the first 4 miles were TORTURE. I couldn't find a rhythm, I walked, I couldn't get my breathing in sync .. and I am sure you recognize all of it...BUT I kept going, and eventually it all fell into place. We will all have those days - whether it is your first or it is you n-th run you are training for. A lot of what this is about is mental. So, next time you are getting into this 'rot' - think about why you are doing this! Run on my friend. I am proud of you! Comment edited on: 3/17/2009 8:05:49 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

2BHOTNTONED 3/16/2009 8:23AM

I know the feeling well, well done for not giving in. You can do this you know you can. on your great workout. Jas Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 3/15/2009 7:24PM

Been there, done THAT! It's a true test of one's commitment to persevere when it would be oh-so-easy to throw in the towel and take a day off, here, there, pretty soon it's "workout? what's THAT!?" :-) WTG in your dedication and efforts today! You're flexing those *other* muscles...lol! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE_DEBBIE 3/15/2009 4:51PM

on your "don't feel like it" workout! You rock! Spark on! Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZ_NR_HEATHROW 3/15/2009 2:44PM

Wise words. Everyone has trouble getting started or even to feel that the workout they're doing some days isn't as good as others. You didn't give in hun, you went for it. Caz Report Inappropriate Comment

HOME-BODY 3/15/2009 1:35PM

You did great!!! You went out and JUST DID IT!!! Marj. Report Inappropriate Comment

The very essence of life is CHANGE

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Change...that's what my 2009 is all about. Changing ME by tackling my fears which will inturn make me a stronger person and athlete. Having discovered what I wanted to do this year has brought a new excitement into my days and my training schedule. I always enjoy my time in the gym, but somehow having these new goals set for myself, I feel "different" about it all. As I was coming up on the last lap of my run today, I sprinted to the finish line which resulted in the fastest time on my short distance finish yet. Having seen what I CAN do so far in my training eases my fears just a bit of the longer distances yet to come.

After my run today, I finished out my workout with an hour of yoga. How rejuvinated I felt and the sense of accomplishment after the workout is a WONDERFUL feeling to carry with me the rest of the day.

TRAIN ON!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CAZ_NR_HEATHROW 3/14/2009 4:51PM

Isn't it great to accomplish something you had doubts you could do, that marvelous feeling inside?! Well done you, you are doing a tremendous job. Luv Caz xx Report Inappropriate Comment

HOME-BODY 3/14/2009 3:54PM

I glad to hear that you have more confidence in yourself. It's great that you are feeling in a great place with yourself at this time. Keep up the great work that you are doing. You are an inspiration my friend!! Report Inappropriate Comment

That which doesn't kill me.....

Thursday, March 12, 2009

For the past 2 years, I have run a 5K close to every month, yet I have never considered myself a runner. I'm a big girl compared to my clients that run all the time. They all are very lean, small boned, petite, and FAST. I'm tall, big boned and feel like a clod when I run.

Today as I did a short run listening to my tunes, the phrase..that which doesn't kill me makes me stronger, just popped into my head. So began the internal talk with myself. Why did I think that all the running would kill me? Why was I afraid to focus my cardio sessions around this sport? Two summers ago I was at my leanest because I DID run 4 days a week. AN EPIPHONE! This isn't going to kill me...I am becoming stronger and a better rounded "athlete" with each run that I am doing. Heck the last run I did a lady that crossed the finish line after me came up and said I was a great motivation for her...HUH what a shock to here this statement...ME the NON RUNNER!

So if I just stay hydrated, eat correctly for my running, and keep the drive alive, I will achieve this goal too! So begins my year of conquering the fear of long distances.

TRAIN ON...RUNSTRONG

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HERE2PERSEVERE 3/12/2009 7:33PM

Becky, it is so cool to hear the energy and motivation shining through in your posts these days! I think that's really what life is about, working towards...something! I think it's part of what makes us feel alive and gives us that push to get up each day and keep going! So glad to hear how well it's going for you! Comment edited on: 3/12/2009 7:34:10 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

TRAINER_T 3/12/2009 3:16PM

Train on girl! You are the running and long distance you just keep on keeping on! I can't beleive how AWSOME YOU ARE! Im thinking you had some great tunes on right??? Fear NOT you are an long distance athlete Report Inappropriate Comment

HELENAWF 3/12/2009 3:11PM

Wow! That is great. I admire your commentment to running. I can't wait to push myself further once my knee heals. Keep it up! Wendy Team leader of Figure Competitors over 35 Report Inappropriate Comment

AMAZING

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The support and friendships that I have formed here at Spark are such a wonderful thing! After blogging my run yesterday, it was so moving to find the support provided from folks I've never met in person. I know when I cross the finish line of my first half, I'll have more than just my family rooting me on; I will be able to envision those who have offered their kind words and praise talking me through to the end. Let's just hope I'm not passed out and hallucinating!

You guys really have no idea how a few kind words can help someone in so many ways. THANK YOU and you know I will be there for you whether it's to help you through a hard time or offer the support needed to succeed in your journey. TRAIN ON MY FRIENDS!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HELENAWF 3/11/2009 6:28PM

Thank you for the kind words. We are all here to encourage each other and cheer when each of us succeeds. Keep up the good work! Wendy aka helenawf Report Inappropriate Comment

SHININGTHRU126 3/11/2009 3:06PM

Oh yeah! You're doing the work - our job is easy! It's no work at all! You're pretty fantastic and when we're all caught up in the details of our own lives, it's easy not to see how great we are and the great things we're achieving. You're a Rock Star - rock on! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOME-BODY 3/11/2009 2:36PM

That's what friends are for. Sparkspeople is a great place to get lots of support and encouragement. Marj. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRAINER_T 3/11/2009 2:35PM

Train ON! Is right sweetie, you are going to make this happen and in a BIG way. You are already a Rockstar, so stay focused and shine. We have the easy job, cheering you on. We are here for you, so keep it up Report Inappropriate Comment