The last year has really been different for me. I now work in the office full time (by choice), my husband has been unemployed for the past year and has taken on the stay-at-home dad role, and my workouts have suffered a bit. It's been a good year though, just a change in focus and energy. I still run, but have bypassed several races, only because I really haven't been ready for them. I run up to 5 miles from time to time, but just never take it much past that, and just not consistent with weekly workouts. Mentally I have believed that I was still in that space, but reality showed, I lost a little momentum. But that's ok, it's a new day and I am trying to start over. I forgot how hard it was to start a new program, especially as you get older. But never impossible!
Today marks my second week of training! Training for what you might wonder? I have ambitiously signed up for a 125 cycling event to raise money for MS. I recently bought a rode bike and am truly enjoying every minute on the pavement. The event, Waves to Wine Ride, is a 150 mile ride to the wine country and back with my salesforce.com cyclying team in the end of September. I have signed up to ride 75 miles the first day, and 50 the second. I am truly excited and committed to training, and believe I can do it.
For the fourth year, I will be running Nike woman's half-marathon. God willing, I got into the VIP club for this race and automatically get in every year. How can I not run it! Training for me now consists of running and cycling every other day and resting Friday's. I have never trained for two events at once. I hope to rock both!
Longest ride was last Saturday, clocking 24 miles in 1 hour 29 minutes, and longest run was today at lunch totaling 5 miles. I feel good about where I am at. I have 9 weeks for the ride and 12 weeks for the run. I think I can do it! Matter of fact, I do not have a choice, I have to do it, for I only have myself to blame if I don't.
Question of the hour? Why can't I remember to update my blog. Well, life has its ways. I work a 40+ hour week, get home and tend to the kids, have dinner and then go to bed to do it all over again the next day. I am not complaining, for I love my life and my job, but I sure would love to blog more often. Maybe I set a reminder in my calendar? Wonder if that would really work. I guess we'll see.
So far, I have run 15.5 miles and cycled 48.8 miles since July 17th. I look forward to adding to those miles next week. Until then..night! Continue to strive for all you can and remember you get to start over every day. Aren't we blessed?!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Every Day is a New Opportunity
It's true, I am not consistent in updating my blog, even though I have so much to share each and every day. Why I don't take the time to log my thoughts, I am not sure. It's simple, I do not prioritize it.. I am working on it.
Since my last three half-marathons in November, 2009, I went on a hiatus, if you will. I was burned out from training and just wasn't "into it". Which is odd considering how much joy I get from running. Could very well have a lot to do with my informal promotion at work, which happily consumed most my time. Seasons change and so do priorities, but more importantly I am back, along with that now official promotion.
Over the past six months, I had been running three to four miles happily, but devoting most my energy to work and family. But just recently in the last month, I have stepped it up. Pushed myself beyond that comfort zone and can finally say, I am back! Maybe back is the wrong word. I am a new me with a new perspective. Again, humbled and optimistic.
I am running five to six miles, and running those miles well. It took some time, but I now remember why I love to run. I got over the pain of "getting back" and just now starting to appreciate the distance again. That feeling you get when you are in mile four and you feel like you can run forever. Ahhh, love that feeling. It's amazing how easily forgotten the energy and endurance it takes to run just three miles. The mental game we play with our minds and taking for granted the once simple runs, is amazing and appreciated.
As for the coming months, I am signed up for See Jan Run half-marathon in five short weeks. I haven't run more than 5.6 miles, but plan to step it up in the coming weeks. Of course my goal is to run my best time, but is that really realistic for where I am at? Probably not. I will be happy to just complete it with a decent time. Race day energy is always a boost.
I have also been accepted in Nike Woman's half-marathon again, which is so very exciting. This I plan to be ready for, and possibly run my best PR. But, as I have experienced, this isn't always the case. I can strive for the best, but life does say otherwise sometimes.
In closing, regardless of where I am today I am inspired by tomorrow, and what is to come. I am grateful that each day is a new opportunity to start new, with a renewed attitude and perspective. We make it what we want it to be and we cannot let yesterdays faults be tomorrows. Till next time (hopefully not three months from now)..
Since my last three half-marathons in November, 2009, I went on a hiatus, if you will. I was burned out from training and just wasn't "into it". Which is odd considering how much joy I get from running. Could very well have a lot to do with my informal promotion at work, which happily consumed most my time. Seasons change and so do priorities, but more importantly I am back, along with that now official promotion.
Over the past six months, I had been running three to four miles happily, but devoting most my energy to work and family. But just recently in the last month, I have stepped it up. Pushed myself beyond that comfort zone and can finally say, I am back! Maybe back is the wrong word. I am a new me with a new perspective. Again, humbled and optimistic.
I am running five to six miles, and running those miles well. It took some time, but I now remember why I love to run. I got over the pain of "getting back" and just now starting to appreciate the distance again. That feeling you get when you are in mile four and you feel like you can run forever. Ahhh, love that feeling. It's amazing how easily forgotten the energy and endurance it takes to run just three miles. The mental game we play with our minds and taking for granted the once simple runs, is amazing and appreciated.
As for the coming months, I am signed up for See Jan Run half-marathon in five short weeks. I haven't run more than 5.6 miles, but plan to step it up in the coming weeks. Of course my goal is to run my best time, but is that really realistic for where I am at? Probably not. I will be happy to just complete it with a decent time. Race day energy is always a boost.
I have also been accepted in Nike Woman's half-marathon again, which is so very exciting. This I plan to be ready for, and possibly run my best PR. But, as I have experienced, this isn't always the case. I can strive for the best, but life does say otherwise sometimes.
In closing, regardless of where I am today I am inspired by tomorrow, and what is to come. I am grateful that each day is a new opportunity to start new, with a renewed attitude and perspective. We make it what we want it to be and we cannot let yesterdays faults be tomorrows. Till next time (hopefully not three months from now)..
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
How does time always escape me?!
Time would have it that I did not update my blog through the exciting adventure of my last 3 runs, all within 6 weeks of each other. Bummed as I am that I was unable to journal the experience, it is the facts. So here I am again to catch up on the last 5 months.
I started off strong with my 3 days here and God willing, I was able to end strong. My training did not go as anticipated on all cylinders due to travel for work and winter colds, but I can testify that I was able to run two 1/2 marathons and a 10 miler in 6 weeks with my head held high.
Nike Woman's Half Marathon in SF - This is my favorite run all time. Fortunately I was able to run it for the third time this round. It's so much fun! We get a big group of running moms from our neighborhood, get a couple hotel rooms and make a weekend out of it with dinner and shopping. To my surprise I ran this far better than I expected, with a time of 2:09. There are some gruesome hills in there but race day energy is like a drug! Oh did I mention my Tiffany necklace?!
SF Half - This run was two weeks after Nike in almost the same location in SF except we hung a right towards and over the Golden Gate rather than a left through the persidio. Running over the bridge was quite exhilarating and truly an experience to be had. Overall the race was great and yet another 1/2 under my belt (oh and my first medal).
Big Sur Half - The last of the three races was Big Sur Half along the Monterey coast. The half was sold out but I was able to secure a spot for the 10 miler, and I have to say I was very grateful for that in the end. What a beautiful course this race is. All along the coast with clear skies and crashing waves. Definitely one to do again. At this point I was ready for a break and so was my body.
As of today, I am running about 4.5 miles in distance and I haven't really strived for much more. I have to say though, I am happy at that distance. It's a great workout and I still get the awesome joy out of running that I love and crave. Life throws funny curve balls sometimes and you just have to roll with it and make lemonade out of the lemons you have. Life is busy and time is cut short most days, but no matter what I will continue to run, even if it's just 3 miles, because it defines me. I will again be at the place where I am ready to train for another race and when I am, I will embrace and enjoy each moment.
Until then, I will continue to run the race of my life with a smile and make the very best of each day. I will continue to make time to get a good workout in and when I feel like I can start to push my way forward in miles again, I will. Bottom line, life takes you on many different turns, ups and downs. Embracing the facts and truth about where you are today actually gives you more opportunity and strength for growth tomorrow. The mind is a powerful thing. Be kind to yourself and know there is always tomorrow to start new.
I started off strong with my 3 days here and God willing, I was able to end strong. My training did not go as anticipated on all cylinders due to travel for work and winter colds, but I can testify that I was able to run two 1/2 marathons and a 10 miler in 6 weeks with my head held high.
Nike Woman's Half Marathon in SF - This is my favorite run all time. Fortunately I was able to run it for the third time this round. It's so much fun! We get a big group of running moms from our neighborhood, get a couple hotel rooms and make a weekend out of it with dinner and shopping. To my surprise I ran this far better than I expected, with a time of 2:09. There are some gruesome hills in there but race day energy is like a drug! Oh did I mention my Tiffany necklace?!
SF Half - This run was two weeks after Nike in almost the same location in SF except we hung a right towards and over the Golden Gate rather than a left through the persidio. Running over the bridge was quite exhilarating and truly an experience to be had. Overall the race was great and yet another 1/2 under my belt (oh and my first medal).
Big Sur Half - The last of the three races was Big Sur Half along the Monterey coast. The half was sold out but I was able to secure a spot for the 10 miler, and I have to say I was very grateful for that in the end. What a beautiful course this race is. All along the coast with clear skies and crashing waves. Definitely one to do again. At this point I was ready for a break and so was my body.
As of today, I am running about 4.5 miles in distance and I haven't really strived for much more. I have to say though, I am happy at that distance. It's a great workout and I still get the awesome joy out of running that I love and crave. Life throws funny curve balls sometimes and you just have to roll with it and make lemonade out of the lemons you have. Life is busy and time is cut short most days, but no matter what I will continue to run, even if it's just 3 miles, because it defines me. I will again be at the place where I am ready to train for another race and when I am, I will embrace and enjoy each moment.
Until then, I will continue to run the race of my life with a smile and make the very best of each day. I will continue to make time to get a good workout in and when I feel like I can start to push my way forward in miles again, I will. Bottom line, life takes you on many different turns, ups and downs. Embracing the facts and truth about where you are today actually gives you more opportunity and strength for growth tomorrow. The mind is a powerful thing. Be kind to yourself and know there is always tomorrow to start new.
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