Lane Swimming Ettiquette

Experienced swimmers don't mind others taking their fitness into their own hands. However, there are ettiquette rules just like running and working out at the gym. Take a read and pass it on...

http://www.flatoutbuddy.com/2011/11/swimming-etiquette.html

A week!

I have taken off a week from running. It feels a lot longer and I know my endurance can't be affected that much, but my mind is trying to convince me otherwise. Lots of self doubt going on inside my head and it is making me nervous to lace up the shoes.

I started training early enough that this week won't throw me completely off track. It is a bummer but needed as I dealt with headaches and hip discomfort.

BOTH are doing much better after seeing my chiropractor. I was smart not to push the hip but stupid for not getting myself to him earlier for my headaches. Two adjustments and I am virtually headache free. We are not done, but I feel so much better! The hip is also feeling much better and I am glad I didn't just push through.

I really love my chiropractor! He is an athlete, respectful of different points of views and other medicine, and really interesting to talk too. I respect that :-) I don't feel as though I am being pushed out the door. He actually has a conversation with me and that is a breath of fresh air compared to other medical relationships you have.

Here is to a good run tomorrow and my body proving my mind wrong once again.

Goodnight!

Sidelined!

I have taken 3, complete, days off from running and it feels like it has been weeks. As much as I battle mentally with running, I need it for more reasons than I can explain.

I have been struggling with hip pain and headaches. I think the hip pain is the beginning of an IT band injury. The last time I had it, I didn't know and pushed through the discomfort. Pushing through proved to be a big mistake as it went to my knee and forced a break of three weeks. This time around, I am listening to my body and stretching and resting.

This afternoon I have an appointment with the chiropractor. I am hoping for some relief from the headaches and an all over tune up.

Becoming a Runner

When it comes to running, I have always felt like a wannabe. My running never felt or looked effortless. BUT I stuck with it because I loved how I felt after.

As I enter into week 7 of my 1/2 marathon training, I am feeling like a runner. My breathing is more controlled. My effort is easier. My legs have found their step and rythm.

I have also started adding in interval and tempo training. Don't be fooled by the terms, I am no expert. Adding in the interval and tempo training have helped in the short two weeks. It requires my legs to move faster and it tests my mental and physical toughness. That being said, my other runs feel easier because of it.

Even though it requires planning and commitment, I love the changes within myself. I feel good and according to my husband there are physical changes as well :-)

No excuses, get running!

New Shoes - Love/Hate

In 2009 I bought my first pair of good running shoes from the Running Room. It was interesting as they watched me walk, and squat, and jog to find the right shoe. They showed me a couple of choices and I fell in love with one pair. In January 2010 during a boxing week sale I saw "my" shoes were marked down by 50%. Well, I bought two pairs :-) because I like I deal and I loved the shoes.

I have gotten a lot of miles out of my shoes and decided to break in the pair that has been sitting in my closet for the past year. They are so nice to look at. The soles have their full tread. The white is really white. They squeak on the treadmill. They just look new! My problem is that I feel the change in my body when I break in a new pair of shoes. My feet hurt a bit. My foot strike feels new. I just feel...off.

BUT I love my old shoes. They are formed to my feet. They are broken in. They work well. They are comfortable.

So over the next couple of weeks my new shoes will grace my feet and get worked in during shorter runs. Eventually, my old, comfortable, scuffed shoes will take on the task of being my biking shoes.

As long as I keep putting my feet inside my shoes, I'll keep moving along this fitness journey I am on.

Take that MIND!!

5 miles DONE. It was a nice easy run but my body told my mind to shut up. I feel great and proud that I got it done! I feel even better about it considering I've had 3 trying days of sick kids and feel the sickness creeping into my blood.

So 5 miles done, with a body that isn't feeling a 100%, is a good session. What have I learned? Sometimes it's not mind over matter, sometimes it's listening to your body and telling your mind to just go along for the ride.

Nice way to kick off the week. Thanks body!

Mind Block

Do you ever feel as though the biggest hurdle you will jump is the one in your mind? Why is it so much easier to talk yourself down rather than convince yourself you can go on?

When it comes to running, my mind is the biggest hurdle. I am convinced I am not a runner. I ponder and worry and think about my long runs on Sunday. And the funny thing is, the long runs aren't long yet...only 5 miles.

I have to keep telling myself how good it feels after the run. The sense of accomplishment I feel when I have finished a run.

Aside from running, I dusted off the bike yesterday and pedaled an easy 7.5 miles. It has been quite a while since I have been on and the 'ol rump is feeling a little sore today.

Anyway, that is training thus far.

Adios and goodnight.