I Run Because I Can

I was at the gym the other day and had just stepped on the indoor track and started to run. I was already feeling BLAH and 3 steps in was telling myself in my head to just quit and do something else-- something easier. I went through every excuse in the book-- I'm too tired, my legs are heavy, I'm out of shape, I won't be fast anyway, what's the point... on and on and on.

Then, I look up and see a guy with a learning and physical disability walking in front of me. Well, working on walking. He must have been in some sort of PT program or something because he was working with another person and I overheard the therapist just telling him over and over not to give up and keep working on it. 

Obviously I don't know this man. I don't know what sort of disability he has or his story. I don't know his history. Shit, I don't even know his name. I've never met him. I don't KNOW him. Not even a little. But, I felt so incredibly connected to him in this moment.

I could see the man struggle with each step. I could see that just WALKING was a struggle and such an accomplishment for him. I could see that it hurt and was painful and awkward and that it was SO HARD for him just to take a couple steps. And, I could see that he was NOT going to give up. He kept walking. Small, uneasy steps. With a grimace and moan with each step. But, he didn't give up. He kept going. And I could see he was SO PROUD of himself. Even while in pain, I could see how hard he was working and that he knew he was working hard and that he was accomplishing something.

And here I was. Bitching in my head about how I HAD to run and how it sucked and how I sucked and how hard it was. Here was this amazing man working with everything he had just to take a single step, right in front of me. I was so in my head about how my legs were heavy and how out of shape I was and how slow I was that I've been forgetting just how amazing running is.

He inspired me. I don't know him and he might tell me to shut the F up and not to use him as inspiration, but I am. He reminded me to just stop and run. I stopped bitching. I stopped complaining. I just ran. He reminded me that I run because I can. There are SO many people who would do ANYTHING to run and here I was bitching about it. Stupid me. I run because I can. I GET to run. My legs have carried me through SO much and I give them such shit. This man reminded me to stop and just run. He reminded me that I run because I CAN.

(source)

 

 



And he reminded me to be proud of that. 1 mile or 11 miles. 9 minute mile or 14 minute mile. Just shut up and be proud of what I accomplished.

 

So, I ran. I ran because I can. I ran for him. I ran for me. I ran. 7 miles. Slow, imperfect miles. But, I ran and I thought of this man I will never know. And I loved every second. 

 

(source)

 

 

Is it cheesy? Yep. Will I remember it every time I go to run? Nope. Will it make me start running 30 mile weeks? Not even a little. Does any of that make it any less true or any less profound? Not even a little.

 



I ran! Again!

Yep. You read correctly. I ran.

Again.

Say WHAAAAT?!?!

After putting it out there on the blog that I want to get back into running shape, I feel like I might actually have to (and more importantly WANT TO) actually start SLOWLY running again. Then, when Mother Nature handed me the forecast for Tuesday, what was I supposed to do??

 

I mean, really. It was like a sign that I HAD to run. It's that weather that makes my legs just ITCH to run. I WANTED to run. So, when the Hubs got home from work and we ate and put Bailey to sleep, I laced up the ol' Brooks, grabbed the much neglected Garmin, turned on some Eminem and hit the road.

 

I told the Hubs I was doing 2 slow, easy miles.

 

We all know what happens when I say that.

 

Hey! It was only one more than I said!! That's good for me! And, I kept a decent pace, even getting negative splits... errr... does it count as negative splits even on just a 3-mile run? Whatever. I did. The first mile was about 10:15, then 9:50, then 9:20something. SAY WHAAAAAT?!?!?!?

Yes, I was huffing and puffing more than a lifetime smoker climbing up the Empire State Building. But, I looooved it. And, I felt strong. I felt I could have kept going. I had a giant, goofy grin.

 

 

 

Maybe... just maybe, I can do this.

 

That time I went to a group run... and finished almost last

I love to run. I do. Yet, I haven't been running. I really have no reason for it. I could make the time. I could use the jogging stroller at take Bailey with me. I could go before the Hubs leaves for work (ya know-- at 5am). I could go after B goes to sleep. I could make it work. I really know I could. I just haven't. 

And, I just haven't because I just haven't WANTED to. I'm still working out-- home DVDs & walks. I'm enjoying that. Running hasn't sounded FUN. I LOVE to run. I'm not going to do it if it doesn't sound fun. Why force it? I know the fun will come back. Probably not til fall when this blasted heat is over, but it'll come back.

Ok, ok. I admit it. I also haven't felt like running because I kinda suck at running right now. I'm WAY outta running shape. When I run, I'm slow (for me). When I run, I huff and puff like a chain smoker. When I run, I am reminded over and over again that I am not where I was before I had Bailey. I mean-- duh, but I can kinda blissfully ignore it most other times.

So, I'm not really running right now.

But, I kinda want to. I feel the itch SLOOOOOLY coming back. SLOWLY. Like, "meeeeh- running doesn't sound terrible today so maybe I'll do it tomorrow... maybe" kinda slow. I'd prefer not to be 1000000% out of running shape (the 100% out of it I am now is plenty) when that "I WANNA RUN RIGHT NOW AND ALL THE TIME RUN RUN RUN RUN RUUUUUUN" feeling does come back. I'd like to maintain a "5-miles is easy" kinda stamina.

But, I'm not there. So, for the record, what I'm saying is before I want to start running again, I need to start running again. Makes perfect sense, right?

I do not presently have that sought after 5-mile base, as I quickly learned last week when I went to a local running stores group fun run they do all summer every Thursday evening in hopes of starting to SLOWLY start running before starting running again (again- makes perfect sense) and in hopes to meet some new people in our new town and make some FRIENDS. Anyway- I heard about these via Facebook (where else?) a while ago, but we were busy each Thursday night til this week so, I  had no excuse and told myself I was going!

I got everything ready. I talked to the Hubs and figured out our Bailey plan. He'd cover B duty (random side note: I HAAAAATE when people say the father is "babysitting". Dude. He's the DAD. He's not babysitting. He's dad-ing. End of story.). I'd nurse her before I left, be gone about an hour and though it was putting her bedtime back a few minutes, I'd be back in time to nurse her before bed. I was good to go.

So, of course, then the panic set it.

Amy talked me off the ledge and told me to shut the F up and go. Good advice and exactly what I needed to hear.

I mean- could I even RUN 3 miles? In the crazy heat, btw? Yes, I ran a half a couple weeks ago. But, we ran/walked and when running ran slow. And, it was in the morning. I'm a morning runner. This fun run was at night. I'm not a night runner. And, I'm outta running shape. And my bum/upper leg was really sore (thank you very much curtsey lunges). And, and, and. All the and's the in the world.

But, I went.

Pre-run... very unsure of how this whole RUNNING thing was gonna go.

I had mixed feelings. Part of me was sure I wouldn't even get out of the car. Part of me thought I'd freaking rock it and make a bunch of new running friends and it would be a breeze. Part of me thought I'd come in last and not even talk to anyone.

Sadly, the later is the closest to reality. NO ONE talked to me. No one. And, ok- I didn't talk to anyone either, but everyone seemed to know each other. I stood alone like a total weirdo. That pretty much sucked, I won't lie. Then, the run started and I quickly realized as the humidity starting taking a BEATING on my lungs just how outta shape I was. I struggled to maintain a 9:50ish pace. STRUGGLED.

Apparently it was a little shy of 3 miles (though I did go straight to my car instead of to the door b/c I was in a hurry to get home to nurse Bailey). Pace is a little deceiving as we stopped for a light/cross walk for OVER A MINUTE (slowest freaking light evvver) and for 3 other lights. I'd guess I maintained about a 9:50-10:00 pace. 

The front of the pack seemed to be keeping an easy-to-them 8ish pace. I couldn't help but remember and long for the days when I would have been stride for stride by them. Those days are not today. I was in the back.of.the.pack. Ok, I admit it- not the last person, but in the last couple. No exaggeration.

So, I made no new friends and I was slow and dying. In total honestly, it kinda blew all around. Not the grand return to the sport I love I had in my mind. And.... so what? Of course it wasn't going to be fun. I'm outta shape! It's gonna take WORK to get back, if I ever get back to where I was (which was never even close to great to start with, hello mediocre runner Meagan!). And, if I wanna meet people and make friends, I might actually have to initiate a conversation. As scary as that is.

So, I'm not gonna give up. I don't know if I'll be able to make every Thursday run all summer, but I do know I'm going again this week. And, I'm signing up for a local 5-mile run. I'm not saying I'm diving back into running.... errr.... not even a little. This is still running-before-starting-to-get-back-to-running mode. My goal is to get to that comfy 5-mile base-- not to be in half marathon PR shape. Baby steps. I'm ready for that small step which, for the record, feels like a pretty giant leap right now and still scares the shit out of me. It won't be easy. But, I'm kinda excited to challenge myself again. Let's do this.

Weekly Workout Summary: 1/26-2/1 & 2/2-2/8

(source)


Weekly Workout Summary: 1/26-2/1 & 2/2-2/8

Sunday, 1/26: None... though I did shovel snow outside in our driveway for like 30 minutes
Monday, 1/27: Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred & 45 minutes of snow shoveling

Tuesday, 1/28: 35 minutes of random OnDemand strength workouts

Wednesday, 1/29: 8-Minute Arms and 8-Minute Abs

Thursday, 1/30: None

Friday, 1/31: 1-mile walk with Sadie while wearing Bailey

Saturday, 2/1: None


Sunday, 2/2: None
Monday, 2/3: None
Tuesday, 2/4: None
Wednesday, 2/5: Snow Shoveling our driveway for 20 minutes
Thursday, 2/6: Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred
Friday, 2/7: None
Saturday, 2/8: Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred


So, clearly this wasn't my greatest week ever. We went out of town 1/31-2/3, so working out then was non-existent. Then, when we got back in town Bailey decided she was anti-napping anywhere but on my chest. Meh. Oh well. I'm still proud of what I did get to do, even if it's microscopic compared to other people. 

I go back to work next week, so it'll be interesting to see how that changes my workout routine/life. Til then, here's a pic of B and I on our 1-mile walk on Friday, 1/31. 

I swear she's in there somewhere! :)

Internal Conversation

Here's how my internal conversation went this morning when my alarm went off at 5am.

"Ok, Meagan. You got this! Get up!"

"Meh... ok, but give me like 1 more minute just to lay here."

"Deal."

"Ok, maybe I don't got this. Do I HAVE to go to the gym?"

"Well, you COULD go to the 6pm Spinning instead."

"Oh! I could! Yeah. That sounds good."

"But, will you really go? Plus, then you won't be home til 7:30pm and you hate that."

"Yeah... maybe I just should just skip the gym today."

"But yesterday you skipped!"

"Yeaaaaah... I so don't care."

"Ok. Deal. No gym."

{5 minutes pass with me just laying there telling myself it was OK and I could go back to sleep, but really just continuing to argue with myself.}

"Ok... FINE. I'll get up and go. You suck."

"Agreed."

(source)

And, so I went. I 100% did NOT want to go. No part of me wanted to do strength. No part of me wanted to get up. No part of me wanted to sweat.

But, I did.

5:30am Strength Class and 20 minutes on the elliptical.

Feels good to be done. I'll even admit... I'm SEMI-glad I went.

Remind me about this tomorrow when my alarm goes off again at 5am.

(source)

 



Snow and a Funk

I mean... how is it still snowing?!?! Seriously. It's APRIL.

 

 

Whatever. I know this happens every year, but I am OVER it. Come on, Mother Nature! Work with me!!

 

Anyway, while I would LOVE to blame Mother Nature on my kinda MEH attitude about the gym this week... I can't. It's 100% me. I just feel MEH. I can't blame weather or over training or being busy... though I have been busy and the weather has been a bitch. Really, I just haven't been FEELING it this week. Hopefully just a phase? I'm gonna try to kick myself in the booty and get over to the gym for a good ol' fashion runch today. We'll see how that goes.

 

(source)

 

 

So true. It always seems like SUCH a bigger deal before you actually start doing it than it does when you're actually doing it.

 

I've been trying to figure out where this funk is coming from and I'm kinda at a loss. Maybe it was just time for a funk. Who knows.

 

So, I'm telling myself to suck it up a little and get out there. I'm not gonna tell myself it has to be fast. Not even gonna tell myself it has to be X number of miles. I'm just gonna go. Hopefully I'll last 10 minutes. Then, maybe 20. 30. 40. 50. We'll see.

 

First, I just have to GO. Like, now. Annnny second now I'll get up and head over to the gym.  

(source)

 

Ok, ok. I hear you. I'm going.

How to Get Up Early to Workout

I reallllllly didn't wanna get out of bed this morning. Reasons?

1. It's freaking COLD. It "felt like" 6* AFTER my workout this morning.

I'm sure at 5am it was even colder. And, the bed is just SO warm. Especially with the Hubs still snoring away. At least it wasn't snowing. That's a plus.

2. I'm kinda in a gym/workout rut. I've introduced speed work and some hill work, which definitely helps... but, I'm just not really feeling MOTIVATED lately. Like, I haven't WANTED to workout in a while. I do it. I never dread it. I almost always like it when I'm actually doing it. But, I haven't had that fire under my ass in a while. Maybe it's just a little burn out? We'll see. Hopefully it's just a phase and it passes soon.

3. I couldn't sleep last night. Tossed and turned all night. Hate that. Usually I sleep like crap Sunday nights after a weekend, but this week Sunday I was OUT and last night sucked. Weird. My body's revolting.

4. I JUST DIDN'T WANT TO.


I mean, I guess that's really the only reasons. No fancy or eloquent way else to say it. I just didn't want to.

But, I did. Sometimes you just gotta suck it up and do it, even when you don't want to.

(source)

60-minute Signature Strength class (luckily, the focus was on arms and abs) and 2.5 miles on the TM. DONE.

Not much else to that story. I'm glad I went. I still know I didn't want to, but I'm glad I did.

So, how do I get myself to workout (especially in the morning) even when I realllllllly don't want to? I'm by no means an expert and often times bail on workouts myself, but here's how I manage...

(source)

1. Probably the biggest make-it or break-it factor for me and getting up at 4:55am to workout is my mental game. If I let myself think for even 1 second the night before that it's OK if I don't get up the next morning, for whatever reason ("if I don't sleep well", "if I promise to go at lunch", etc.) there's like a 95% chance I will not get up. I have to not even let the thought cross my mind. There is NO other option. I have to think of it like I HAVE to get up and go to the gym. Just as much as I HAVE to go to work or take Sadie out or whatever. HAVE to. No option. I don't let myself think maybe's or alternatives.

2. The second my alarm goes off, I turn it OFF and then tell myself "Ok, it's Tuesday. If you get up now, that's only 3 more mornings of waking up early before the weekend!" Somehow doing thinking about the fact that there's only X more early mornings that week helps.

3. Speaking of alarms-- NO SNOOZING! Part of this is easy because the Hubs is still asleep next to me and he'd be pisssssed if my alarm went off a billion times while we has still getting sleep. Part of this is if I snooze, I know I won't get up. It's just SO MUCH EASIER to just get up. The faster I get up, the less time my mind has to think about the fact that I'm SO TIRED and don't want to go and blah, blah, blah. I have to get up and moving and honestly even get out the door before my mind has a chance to know wtf my body is doing.

(source)

4. OK, the next two are specifically about getting up to workout early-- and, this is a no-brainer... but, I go to sleep early. Like, 9pm early. No joke. To get up before 5am, a early bed time is mandatory. Simple as that.

5. I prep EVERYTHING I need the night before. This helps me in the whole #3 thing-- not THINKING about ANYTHING that early. I have my outfit for work laid out, gym outfit laid out, lunch packed, gym bag packed and everything exactly where it needs to be.

6. I remind myself WHY I'm working out. Training for a marathon? Lose weight? Get healthy? Stress reliever? Whatever the reason-- telling myself it in my head over and over again seems to help. I also remind myself how much better I'll feel AFTER the workout. Because it's true. I pretty much ALWAYS feel a million times better after a workout. Reminding myself of that (while also doing everything else) seems to help sometimes.  

7. Schedule a workout you actually enjoy. Hate running? Why run then? There are a bazillion other workouts  you can do. Find the one you like. It makes it easier to get up and do it if you like what you're doing. Oh, and mix it up. Doing the same thing everyday gets old FAST. I love that Tu/Th I can go to Signature Strength and W/F I can go to Spinning. Helps spice things up and keeps things interesting.

7. JUST DO IT. Simple, right? But-- I mean... it's true. At the end of the day (or the start of the day?) sometimes you just gotta do things you don't wanna do. End of story.

Should I Workout Today?

(source)

 

 

 

I don't care what anyone other healthy living or running blogs say. Working out is not always sunshine and rainbows and unicorns. Some days, you just do NOT want to workout.

 

Today, I just do NOT want to workout. I slept in, skipping my morning workout. Today we had a potluck party thing at work and I ate... a LOT. Therefore, I feel just groooooss and the idea of hitting a treadmill almost makes me wanna vomit.

 

I JUST DON'T WANT TO WORKOUT. Not even a little bit.

 

But, I will.

 

Some days when you don't feel like working out I am a FIRM believer that means you shouldn't. Sometimes if you're just not feeling it I think it's your bodies way of telling you to sit your ass on the couch and chill.

 

But...

 

Some days when you don't wanna workout you just gotta suck it up, stop being a whiny little bitch and get out there anyway. So, that's what I'm gonna go do. Treadmill for a few miles, then a spinning class. Even though I don't want to. Maybe I'll experience that ever-elusive feeling where you'll start feeling it after a few minutes of doing it... doubtful. I think today is just one of those whiny JUST DON'T WANNA DO IT kinda days. And, that's OK.

 

Shocking revelation ahead: sometimes, you gotta do things you don't wanna do. I know. I was amazed the first time I heard it to.

So, I'm off. Right now. 

If Hal Says It, It Must Be True

"We all have bad days and bad workouts, when running gets ugly, when split times seem slow, when you wonder why you started. It will pass."
-Hal Higdon

 

Just a reminder for when there's a shit-tastic run. Because there always will be. Just like there will always be an amazing run.

 

I mean... if Hal says it, it must be true, right? And, yes. Me and Hal are totally on a first name basis.

Anyway-- have a good weekend! And, if you happen to have a shit-tastic workout-- don't worry. A good one is right around the corner. So is another bad one, most likely. But, let's not focus on that.

I've got exciting plans this weekend starting tonight with a meeting with our financial planner (WOAH! That makes me feel/sound SO GROWN UP. Can't handle it.) and then PIZZA (What was that I was saying about being a grown up again?) with the Hubs and the in-laws. Saturday is a busy, busy day. Sunday I have exciting long run w/ a friend plans. Just an all around amazing weekend! Hope you enjoy yours!!

84 Miles by the New Year?

While logging my morning spinning class on my DailyMile account I realized I have run 1916 miles thus far in 2012.

 

 

 

Am I the only one who thinks this is completely unacceptable? Not because of the actual distance... I mean... take 1916/365 and that averages out to just over FIVE MILES A DAY, everyday for the entire year. That's pretty crazy when you start thinking about it. Anyway-- I don't think it's bad because of the actual amount... it's more because of the number itself. See, I'm crazy. We've already established that, yes? OK. Well, since you know that this next part shouldn't be that much of a stretch.

 

I like nice, round, even numbers (or at least my definition of nice round, even numbers). I'm a little OCD about it. I have to end a run on increments of .25 (unless it's an intentional 5K or 10K, half, etc.). I have to keep the volume on the TV or on my computer in increments of 5 (15, 25, 50, etc.). I have to stop the gas pump on the dollar or $.50 (this one drives the Hubs crazy). Weirdly, I don't have to make a restaurant bill an even number when tipping... though that might just be because math would be involved. Anyway-- the list goes on. Alarm clock (usually... unless it really is just THAT important for ONE MORE MINUTE), timers, cooking times, number of reps in a set, number of sets... it goes on and on. I'm a freak.

 

Anyway-- so, that brings up back to the problem at hand. 1916?? No, no. I can't handle that. No, obviously that wouldn't be what it'd end at as I have no intention of not running the rest of the year... but, now that I see the number-- I have a GOAL. I mean-- look at it. It's SCREAMING at me to make it a nice, even 2000. Right?!?!? Or, should I say-- at LEAST 2000.  Wouldn't it be sweet to hit 2012 miles in 2012?? 2012 isn't the most even/round number... but, it's kinda a certain something since it matches the year. Either way-- the challenge has been set. Reach at least 2000 miles for 2012, leaving the window open for 2012 in 2012, if things go well.

 

I don't want to set myself up for getting hurt or anything, especially seeing as how I'm still far from 100% as it is. As the Hubs so kindly reminded me...

Ignore the "Im crossing my fingers for you." text. That was in response to that the University I work for had a power outage and I told the Hubs I might get to go home early. Oh, and that # has since changed because I ran last night... hence me asking him about 91 mile and not 84 miles. I'm so confusing! Sorry!!!

  

Can I run 84 (maybe even 96) by 11:59pm on December 31st? Sure. SHOULD I?? Well, while the Hubs isn't so sure-- I am! I totally think I can/should and can/should SAFELY. I won't push pace. I won't increase long runs by crazy amounts. I've been doing about 30-ish miles/week lately. That'll already get me to my goal. So, I just have to stick with it. Promise. And, if things hurt or something goes wrong, I'll listen to my body. Really. I will.

Oh, and for the record-- my reply to the Hubs was VERY loving.

I'm such a good wife.

So, there we have it. 2000 (maybe even 2012?!?!) miles by December 31st at 11:59pm. GOAL SET. Challenge accepted. So, while all of you out there may be doing that little RunnersWorld challenge where you do something like run a marathon everyday from now til St. Patty's Day or something crazy like that... I'll be doing my own challenge. I heard a quote today: "Don't measure yourself my someone elses ruler." Seems fitting for me today.

T-minus 84 miles...  

MOTIVATION NEEDED!

HELP!

 

I need help!

 

This morning my alarm went off at the usual 5am and I didn't even think about getting up. I immediately told myself "It's ok... you can work out later... 1 missed workout won't kill you. It's no big deal. Just go back to bed." So, a quick reset of the alarm later and I was back asleep. Dooooooh.

 

 

 

Ok, I get that this isn't THAT big of a deal. But, to me-- it kinda is. It's happening more and more frequently. About once a week, pretty regularly. I USED to never do this! I used to get up the moment my alarm started going off and never even THOUGHT about skipping the workout. My booty was out the door before I knew what was happening. Not anymore.

 

Lately, I'm DRAGGING.  It's just SO MUCH HARDER now that it's cold out! It's just so nice and toasty under the blankets and so, so, soooo cold out of them.

(source)

 

I'm finding it easier and easier to talk myself into not going in the morning. Excuses are becoming easier and easier to come by. NO GOOD.

 

I know, in my head, that I LOVE working out in the morning. I know that. I know I feel so much better all day when I get out there in the morning. I know I have more energy and just feel better all day. My brain knows that. Sadly, at 5am-- my brain just isn't working and it's just SO MUCH EASIER to roll over and go back to sleep.

 

(source)

So, here's my challenge to myself. Get up and get to the gym before work the rest of this week. 3 more days. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Just 3 more days. Then, next week-- get to the gym 4 of the 5 mornings. That's already giving myself 1 no-early-morning-workout day. Maybe KNOWING I have a day I can sleep in guilt-free will help with the other days. Kinda like a diet cheat day (though, for me-- every day's a diet cheat day. I mean-- let's be honest.) We'll see how this works. Worth a try, right?

Now, in the meantime-- if I skip the whole getting outta bed early to workout thing that does NOT mean I get to skip the whole working out thing period. There are many other hours of the day other than 5am and plenty of time to still get the workout in. No excuse. Or so I keep telling myself. it's (again, warning-- excuse coming) just so much easier to find SO MANY reasons not to workout after work. Headache, too tired from work, hungry, time with the Hubs, deserve to relax, upset tummy, and a million others.

(source)

TOO BAD, MEAGAN.

If I skip the morning workout, I hereby, publicly declare that I WILL still workout (beacuse if you say it pubically it's gotta happen, right??). Period. NO excuses.

So, today at lunch I'll get out there for 4-5 miles. Then, after work, I've got a 3 miles and Jillian date on the books. No excuses.

Maybe, just maybe, if I keep saying that I'll actually do it. Stranger things have happened, right??

 

5am : Not Happening. Turkey Trot: HAPPENING!

Raise your hand if you had EVERY intention of getting up this morning for the gym but when your alarm clock started blaring at 5am you just could NOT talk yourself into getting out of bed... just me?? Whoops!

Yup. I re-set it for 6:40am, rolled back over and passed back out. No workout for me this morning.

Is it just me or as the weather gets colder is it SO MUCH HARDER to get up in the morning?? And, there's not even snow to deal with yet! Ugh. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle this. Last year around this time, while I was working out a lot, I wasn't quiet as committed as I am now AND I was working out AFTER work, not before. It's just SO hard to get the motivation to get outta bed at 5am when it's SO cold out!

Now, I loooooove working out before work. I think it sets the whole day up to be a good day and there's SO MANY less excuses I can use to talk myself out of it. When I leave my workout til after work (like today), it's just SO easy to spend all 9 hours at work talking myself out of working out later.... I have too much to do around the house, I have a head ache, I'm too tired, etc.

HOPEFULLY today I can fight that... I set my clothes out to go for a short 5-mile-ish run when I get home. Hopefully already having them set out will help. Plus, now that it gets SO DARK SO EARLY around here the extra 10 minutes will definitely help. Then, I'm going to try to do Jillian's 30-Day Shred (Level 2) after the run. That's the plan. Putting it on the blog means I HAVE to do it, right???

(source)

Oh, and-- I'm trying Kinesio tape on my knee tonight for the first time.

(Source)

(Not my knee... but, this is often how Kinesio tape is used on "Runner's Knee" and/or patellar tendonitis which is what I've been officially diagnosed with.)

What is Kinesio tape? (source)

Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and to treat pain.

Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems.

 

The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.

 

 

I think that alone will make me want to run after work to see if it helps at all. I've never tried it and heard a lot of mixed things. An athletic trainer I know (the one who's been helping me w/ this whole stupid knee injury) is hooking me up with some take and is going to tape it up for me. If I like it, I'll buy a full roll and go from there. I'll keep you posted.


In other news, I registered for another race yesterday! Relax-- it's not another marathon (boo!).

 

A 5K on Thanksgiving! The Hubs and I are spending this holiday with his family (we split up the holidays and change every year... so, last year we spent t-giving with my fam, this year with his) and when I found out where we'd be I immediately started researching turkey trots. I've never done one, so I am SO excited!!

 

What makes me even MORE excited is that my father-in-law is doing it too!

That's me and my FIL during our first 5K together! BEST. FATHER IN LAW. EVER. And, I mean ever. I hit the in-law jackpot with both my MIL and my FIL. JACKPOT.

 

He's gotten much more into running pretty much over the same time frame I have. It's so exciting to see him get excited about it! I love it!! I cannot wait to run it with him... now, I'll just have to decide if we're going to run it together or if I'm going to try to beat the socks off of him! Oh, and the Hubs signed up too! You KNOW I'm going to have to try to beat him!! :) Regardless of who beats whom-- it'll be a great time and a nice way to get a LITTLE movement in before COPIOUS amounts of food are consumed all. day. long.