Today is day 79 in this journey, and this is what I have learned so far... "Shoop" by Salt n Peppa is the best running song ever! The song just makes me smile! Coming in at a very close second is "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson. I've been through quite a few songs on my ipod since this started, so I thought I would share with you some of my "wisdom"....hahaha.
I have also learned that it is impossible for me to run without music. I need to drown out the sound of my panting as I struggle to keep going. Everytime I meet someone on the sidewalk while I'm running, I have to hold my breath so they don't call 911 for me.
I have learned that blisters on my feet are my friend. This means I'm working towards my goal.
I have learned that I still know nothing about running. In the past few weeks I have heard terms like lactic acid buildup, protein power shakes, edible gel (not really sure about that one...), and breathing from the top of my lungs. I've decided that I need to get a book to learn about running. My husband said I should just research it on the internet. I've decided against that because I'm certain I will accidentally diagnose myself with a fatal disease while searching. (Yes, I've had some bad internet search experiences).
For as much as I still have to learn, I do know this...there is the right way to run and the wrong way to run. Last night I experienced the "wrong" way. Coming from someone who hates to exercise, I've realized that this running thing is as much about the mental preparation as it is about the physical training.
Let me tell you why. I'll be honest, this past week has not been good. I haven't been running as much as I should. So last night, I was FORCING MYSELF to get out and run. My intent was to go for 4kms. I might have forgot to mention this, but I can now run a full kilometer without stopping!! (Yep, in 79 days I have gone from not being able to run 1min to now doing a 1km.) Anyways, I was prepared to run the first km, and then run/walk the last three. Ummm...that didn't happen.
Why? By the time I got home from work, picked up both boys at different places, got supper ready, one boy out the door to swimming lessons, the other in the bath, supper dishes done and a quick phone call, it was almost 8:30. And, my knee was really hurting. But I knew I had to go. So I quickly got ready (and couldn't find my favourite running capris...yes, that does make a difference)..and ran out the door. I was trying to beat the clock, it was getting dark (remember my fear?). I only did a couple of stretches, and was off. And in my hurry I didn't warm up like I usually do. I usually walk at a fast pace for about 5mins to get going. Last night, I was in a hurry. So long story short (I know, too late)..I only made it just over 1km and let me say I WAS DYING!!! I had stitches in my side so bad, I didnt' think I could turn around and get home, and I was limping with my knee.
Why am I telling you this? Because it's important. I beat myself up all the way home because I didn't do what I was supposed to. I told myself I was too out of shape, I wasn't losing any weight, and got upset at all the things at home that needed to be done, and wondering if I could somehow just give up. By the time I reached my street, I felt a kick in my butt. I couldn't believe I was thinking all that negative stuff, and totally forgetting what I had just done! I HAD JUST RUN 1km!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I had chose to get changed, and leave the house, and do something! I had made a great choice! It didn't matter that I didn't make the 4km last night, because at least I tried! What was my other option? I would have put on my pj's and ate the last of the chips in the cupboard.
So I've realized that the right way for me to run is to get my headspace where it needs to be, get my good clothes on, get my music, and take my time! And if I have a bad night, I must cut myself some slack, and realize how far I've come in 79 days, not how far away from the finish line I am.
I think it's amazing how much one can learn about themselves through an activity like running. I run on the treadmill almost daily. I am always amazed at how important my head space is when it comes to my ability to push through. For me, it's kinda like meditation, in that my mind start chewing on stuff and some days that's a good thing because I work through important stuff, and other days it would've been better to just blast the music and not let my mind have an inch of space to play with :) You HAVE come a long way, you should be proud. But if your knee hurts, don't push it, nurse it like a little baby because you don't want an injury that will FORCE you to quit! My music of choice, btw, is Britney Spears... I know, I know... it's Britney, but the tempo of some of her songs (Radar, Circus, Piece of Me, Womanizer) are just right for my speed! So I try to ignore some of the lyrics LOL
ReplyDeleteAnyway, high five to you girl! You are doing great!
This is an AWESOME post, thanks for sharing! What an important lesson to take your time and do it right because where your head is at makes all the difference AND that what you're doing isn't easy and you should be proud of the victories and successes instead of beating yourself up when things don't go as planned. You're an inspiration, way to go!
ReplyDeletePS. I also enjoy a little Britney to work out to... it can't be that shameful if we ALL do it, right? ;)