My objective for the last several weeks has been to transition over to morning runs. With the school year in full swing, our evenings are being quickly swallowed up by a variety of activities all of which leave little time for running and other forms of training.
I am a reluctant morning runner and have fought this change off for as long as possible, but it could no longer be avoided. So, I've begun my morning runs again, and they are not too bad! I guess what I dislike most about the morning time slot is the cold start to the day. I am not a cold weather person, not even a little bit.
Cold and sunny is acceptable, but cold and dark makes me want to curl up under the covers and rethink the whole running thing. You'd never know I was born a Yankee!
I don't look forward to running on those soon-to-be-here winter mornings. I think I officially am a Texas girl now. Not sure what to do when I get home and my running gear isn't soaking wet with sweat. Makes me feel like I haven't worked hard enough!
Training is going well. My base mileage has managed to creep up to a comfortable 50 miles/week. I find this amazing still. I distinctly remember not being able to run around the blocks just four years ago. I recall the first time I finished running an entire mile without walking. I stopped and cried for joy! I never, ever, ever, in my wildest dreams, ever thought I would run for exercise, and to see what my body can do now is quite surprising.
The most difficult aspect of training is the strengthening I am doing outside of running. Core, arms, push-ups,etc. I just don't like doing it. But, it is necessary to support the goals I have for my running. I've had to change my attitude towards this training. And there is one person in particular that has helped me to do this. Abi Meadows. Mom of 7. The most incredible abs I have ever seen. And I want them. Yep, I covet them. Hope that this only inspires me to stay true to my training and doesn't put me in violation of the 10th Commandment!
Cactus Rose is right around the corner. I am hoping to do well in this race, not merely finish it. This will be a great challenge for me. The way my training has been this year, I should be able to do well, as long as I don't let the mental game get in my way.
I switched to morning workouts when I went back to work and I love it. I'll admit that I hate when the alarm clock goes off, but about 5 minutes into my workout I am loving it. And, I love how I can relax after the kids are in bed (and the lunches have been made, and the clothes are ready for the next day, and the toys have all been picked up...)
ReplyDeleteI find it empowering working out in the morning-no matter what else happens that day, I know I took care of myself!
ReplyDeleteBundle up-there's some cute workout clothes coming out too:)
I know you changed thing because you are getting more invovled with the parish. I bet your Confirmation class does not know the changes you made for them. He does! Thank you for working so hard to make a difference in the lives of those teens.
ReplyDeleteNeen,
ReplyDeleteThank you. You and your beautiful family are doing so much as well!
I keep thinking I am called to work with the teens to help, but it never ceases to amaze me that I, every single time, I am the one who receives the blessing. It just doesn't seem right, but it is what it is, and I try to embrace it.