Today is an important milestone in my little journey of 2007. February 28th marks the mid-point of my running program. Exactly two months ago I started running, and in two months I'll be completing the first of several races! While the ultimate goal still remains running both the Chicago and White Rock marathons in the fall, I'm currently two months out from running the Nashville Country Music (Half!) Marathon on April 28.
I guess the question today, "Is it worth it?" Well, let's see. On January 2nd I started my running program. I could barely complete 1.5 miles. I weighed a whopping 215 lbs. I would have shortness of breath whenever I attempted to run to the train... or walk at a brisk pace. Basically, I was an out-of-shape fat slob.
Since that day I have run 129 miles, as well as cross-trained an additional 51 miles. I have dropped numerous inches and lost over 15 lbs. I'm sleeping better, eating better, and feeling better... except for the soreness.
This hasn't been just a physical commitment, but also a mental one. Probably moreso. It takes a lot of effort to go home at the end of a long day and either jump on the treadmill or hit the pavement. Especially when you're just wanting to unwind, sit in your lazy chair with a beer, and watch some TV. But the rewards (besides what I stated above) also include the feeling of, "Wow... I did it!" I guess my motivation is health - I'm choosing healthiness over laziness this year.
Another commitment has been financial. As most of you know, I'm a bit "tight" when it comes to spending money. Especially on myself. However, I have spent close to $800 this year on shoes, race registrations, flights, GPS Forerunner, and even an iPod Shuffle. Good gravy!
I'm currently on Week 10 of my 38 week training regimen. Sounds a little daunting, especially when I write it out like that. However, I'm focused on the goal. Thanks to those who keep encouraging me, and to those that have picked up running this year. I've really enjoyed our running conversations!
2 months! What a day! We'll see where I am after April 28th... and 13.1 miles!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
"I've got a case of the MUNDAYS..."
Have you ever heard that saying? It used to drive me crazy... partly because it was annoying, and partly because there was some truth in it. However, it hit me yesterday. I actually DID have a case of the "Mundays." But instead of it being a bad day, I realized that I enjoy "Mondays."
Why? I'm now on my 10th week of running. Can you believe it? With Sundays devoted to my long runs, Mondays are always my "rest" days. I am so beaten down/sore these days that I REALLY enjoy my off days. And given that I only have 2 (Mondays and Fridays), being off is like a mini-vacation!
On Sunday I ran 7 miles, and I felt every mile of that! Yesterday, having the day off, I went home early and enjoyed the evening sunset: Walked around my backyard for the first time in a while, fed the birds, took the trash out, etc. I ate a snack before a healthy-portioned dinner. Enjoyed a few beers. Worked on my website (attempting to spruce it up this week). Watched several T.V. shows.
The point is, I love Mondays! I get to take a day to myself. No running schedules to manage. No inevitable soreness or recovery to deal with after a long run. No feelings of being rushed. I'm sure others have similar feelings. But to me, having a day to "Regan" is just a good day all-around.
For those not running, you're lucky! But for those who do run, remember to take time to yourself on your off-days. It really does reduce the mental fatigue...
Why? I'm now on my 10th week of running. Can you believe it? With Sundays devoted to my long runs, Mondays are always my "rest" days. I am so beaten down/sore these days that I REALLY enjoy my off days. And given that I only have 2 (Mondays and Fridays), being off is like a mini-vacation!
On Sunday I ran 7 miles, and I felt every mile of that! Yesterday, having the day off, I went home early and enjoyed the evening sunset: Walked around my backyard for the first time in a while, fed the birds, took the trash out, etc. I ate a snack before a healthy-portioned dinner. Enjoyed a few beers. Worked on my website (attempting to spruce it up this week). Watched several T.V. shows.
The point is, I love Mondays! I get to take a day to myself. No running schedules to manage. No inevitable soreness or recovery to deal with after a long run. No feelings of being rushed. I'm sure others have similar feelings. But to me, having a day to "Regan" is just a good day all-around.
For those not running, you're lucky! But for those who do run, remember to take time to yourself on your off-days. It really does reduce the mental fatigue...
Monday, February 26, 2007
Men... Women... and the differences in shoes!
Webster's defines "Black Toe" as... oh, what the heck. Just click this link to know what happened to me: http://www.thewalkingsite.com/feet.html
Ok, with that said, Chandra and I went to "Run On" on Saturday to be fitted with the perfect shoes. It's kinda cool if you've never been properly fitted. You go in with your old shoes and sign up on a sheet. Within 5 minutes, your name is called and you're sitting there discussing your running experiences with an expert! They review your shoes and then have you walk/jog inside the store so they can see where you need help.
I tried on 3 different shoes and decided on a pair of Brooks. I was told to pick the shoe that best felt like wearing a slipper. Surprisingly, these feel just like that:
http://www.brooksrunning.com/prod.php?k=23642&p=BSI41170
Now here is where the story gets a bit funny... and strange. Chandra started her "fitting" about 5 minutes prior to mine. It takes about 30 minutes, so I was a bit surprised to see her still talking with her advisor when I was up at the cash register. As soon as I was finished paying, she's standing right next to me asking, "Ok... I need your opinion. What do you think of these 2 shoes?" She's wearing different shoes on her feet, and she begins to explain that she can't stand the way one looks even though it fits better and will be better for her knees. I said, "Well, you need to go with the one that fits better" and then I begin to explain the "Slipper" decision. Apparently, that doesn't mean diddly-squat to a girl. "But it's UGLY!!!!" she proclaims. I said, "In the end you'll be thanking yourself for buying a better shoe when you're at mile 13 and you don't have any knee problems... or you'll be cursing yourself for NOT buying it if you go with the prettier one."
Again, I got the "But Regan... it's hideous! And it is an old-man shoe!" Realizing I wasn't going to get anywhere, I said "Fine, get the prettier one because that is obviously the one that will make you feel better." (Seriously, who looks at shoes when someone is running? Apparently WOMEN do!)
Well, she went back to the advisor who told her that she needed the support of Mr. Ugly Shoe. She protested, but I guess her sensible side won out. When it was all said and done, I asked "So there weren't any prettier shoes that fit your foot like that one?" She quickly told me no and that she had tried on 8 shoes! Wow... 3 shoes for me, 8 for her. What a difference in men and women! Ha!
Oh, I ran 7 miles on Sunday and Chandra ran 6. We are closing in on Nashville!
Ok, with that said, Chandra and I went to "Run On" on Saturday to be fitted with the perfect shoes. It's kinda cool if you've never been properly fitted. You go in with your old shoes and sign up on a sheet. Within 5 minutes, your name is called and you're sitting there discussing your running experiences with an expert! They review your shoes and then have you walk/jog inside the store so they can see where you need help.
I tried on 3 different shoes and decided on a pair of Brooks. I was told to pick the shoe that best felt like wearing a slipper. Surprisingly, these feel just like that:
http://www.brooksrunning.com/prod.php?k=23642&p=BSI41170
Now here is where the story gets a bit funny... and strange. Chandra started her "fitting" about 5 minutes prior to mine. It takes about 30 minutes, so I was a bit surprised to see her still talking with her advisor when I was up at the cash register. As soon as I was finished paying, she's standing right next to me asking, "Ok... I need your opinion. What do you think of these 2 shoes?" She's wearing different shoes on her feet, and she begins to explain that she can't stand the way one looks even though it fits better and will be better for her knees. I said, "Well, you need to go with the one that fits better" and then I begin to explain the "Slipper" decision. Apparently, that doesn't mean diddly-squat to a girl. "But it's UGLY!!!!" she proclaims. I said, "In the end you'll be thanking yourself for buying a better shoe when you're at mile 13 and you don't have any knee problems... or you'll be cursing yourself for NOT buying it if you go with the prettier one."
Again, I got the "But Regan... it's hideous! And it is an old-man shoe!" Realizing I wasn't going to get anywhere, I said "Fine, get the prettier one because that is obviously the one that will make you feel better." (Seriously, who looks at shoes when someone is running? Apparently WOMEN do!)
Well, she went back to the advisor who told her that she needed the support of Mr. Ugly Shoe. She protested, but I guess her sensible side won out. When it was all said and done, I asked "So there weren't any prettier shoes that fit your foot like that one?" She quickly told me no and that she had tried on 8 shoes! Wow... 3 shoes for me, 8 for her. What a difference in men and women! Ha!
Oh, I ran 7 miles on Sunday and Chandra ran 6. We are closing in on Nashville!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Running Man...
I've decided to start a blog based upon a few things. First, there is my life... which, as everyone usually believes, "Hey, I've got an interesting life and people would want to read about it!" Ok, maybe not.
Secondly, I decided another way for me to use this thing was to track my ongoing running "journal" this year. Most people know, but I've decided to make 2007 "the year of running." Or more specifically, "the year I decided to blow out my knee!" While THAT hasn't happened yet, I have set out in this little journey to run like I did in 1999. Oh, to be 29 again... and slimmer! Back then I decided to run a few miles... and those few miles turned into a lot of miles... and after that, I figured, "Hey, why not run the White Rock Marathon?" So I did that and finished in 4 hours and 48 minutes.
This year I'm running for health. Sounds corny, but it's true. I had some interesting news last summer that caused a lot of concern - cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. Now that I'm eating "slightly" healthier, I am taking medicine and exercising. Oddly enough, running has been fairly easy for me. Last Sunday I completed 7 miles against a 25 mph headwind running in the Wichita Mountains (Oklahoma). I have several goals that I'd like to complete before the year is up:
- Country Music 1/2 Marathon (Nashville, TN) April 28, 2007 (Registered!)
- Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL) October 7, 2007 (Registered!)
- Run the Rock (Dallas, TX) December 9, 2007
I've also found a few individuals to join me in this crazy crusade. Chandra, Jason, and myself will be running in Nashville together. Becky and I will be running in Chicago and Dallas. Chandra may run Chicago. Kevin will be the "Entertainment Director" in Chicago. Other friends that have picked up running are Brent, Chad, and others!
So as I continue on this little journey, I'll keep updating this and hope that it inspires others to add lunacy to their lives. It's actually not as hard as some think. But if you just want support me by reading my rants, you're more than welcome to!
- Regan
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