Ah, yoga was as lovely last night as I expected it would be. It's definitely a pretty tough workout for me and I pour sweat (such an attractive, feminine quality, I know) but I really love it. We spent a lot of the class working on back bends which I adore so it was a pretty fun class! I think I finally got the hang of flipping the dog too. Tuesdays classes are more instructive while Thursdays are more flow-y so it's a very nice combination. Hopefully I can add one in on Saturday too this week.
I ran out of healthy food on Sunday or so and never got around to getting to the grocery store so for Sunday and Monday, I kind of just ate crap. (Well, crap for me.) Grilled ham and cheese, grits with butter, chocolate covered pretzels, eh. I was surprised how blah I felt because of it, and rather quickly. Yoga always inspires me to do and eat good things though so I restocked yesterday. I bought an acorn squash, which I've never worked with, and through a quick online search, found this recipe that I think that I will try out tonight. I'd like to roast a head of cauliflower too for the next couple of days. I love cauliflower in eggs... maybe with some potato and spinach and cheese for a frittata? Delicious. This upcoming weekend (which starts for me tomorrow night - no class on Friday!), I'd like to do some cooking for the upcoming week. I love making homemade soups and they are so easy for midweek meal because you can freeze them. Plus, I've been meaning to make some more veggie burgers, but they take forever without a food processor. Maybe I'll just give in and buy a Cuisinart...
I also hope to get a run in today. I have a softball game, but I think that counts more as hanging out than real exercise so hopefully I can squeeze it in. My breaks are annoying on Wednesdays though because they are all about 2 hours long... not quite long enough to get a whole lot done but too long to just be lazy. At least I've been a little bit better on the sleep front. I was asleep by 1am last night and up around 8am... I'd love to be a morning person and I think it just will take some training to go to bed earlier and get up by 6:30am everday. I feel like I waste so much time with my current schedule.
Anyway, the weather is finally gorgeous and is so autumn-y! I guess I should bite my tongue from what I said a few days back! I think I'll go sit outside for a bit before shuffling back to class... mmm...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Can't sleep but at least the sun is back in Nashville!
Ugh, my sleep schedule is so off. I've been staying up really late recently which unfortunately results in my sleeping later than I should. So tonight, I tried to be in bed by midnight to reset my clock, however, after lying in bed for two hours, I just can't seem to get to sleep and gave up so I could write this. I suppose the other way to do it is to just get up at 7am tomorrow and just spend the day exhausted so I fall asleep earlier. I think that's the way that I have to do it. Darn me and my night owl ways.
Other than my insomnia-like habits, I had a rather nice weekend. I can't say that I was terribly productive though. I got caught up on some of my work at Bongo, but really, I just wanted to sit and absorb some sun (with SPF 50, of course) as it's been weeks since I've seen it. Finally the sun came out in Nashville. It has rained every day for almost 3 weeks straight so everything has just been damp and dank and icky. The weather for the next week looks so lovely though -- 70's and sunshine. However, that probably won't help with my renewed work ethic to get more accomplished. I decided to go back to taking all my notes by hand as I end up with much higher quality notes... it's just a whole lot more boring during the process! Along with that, my goals for the week are to get to bed by midnight/up by 7am and to drink more water. I already failed on the former today so we'll see how the rest goes.
My run on Saturday was eh as I got about 2 miles into it and my knee starting aching again. So I walked another 2, got fed up and went home. Yes, I realize that this is not the most dedicated strategy as I have 13.1 to run in 40 days but I'm just awfully frustrated with it. Now that the sun is back and I've had some time to cool off, I have a bit of a better mindset. I just don't quite understand why I have so much trouble with running. I know quite a few people that can pick up and run distance with just a few weeks training. I'm in pretty great shape right now and every step is a fight at the moment. I look forward to the day when a run sounds like a great idea, but right now I kind of dread it.... that attitude probably doesn't help too much either though. Work in progress, work in progress.
One exciting event from this weekend is that I went to see GirlTalk. I had seen him last year and it was sooo much fun. This time he was alright but the music and mixes were better last year. There was also a bar at last year's event so that probably had something to do with it. This one was was filled to the rafters with neon-spandex clad, drunk freshman girls. Goodness, they were rude and pushy and obnoxious. Plus, they made me feel about 100 years old. Granted, I was home that night by 11:30pm, so maybe I am.
GirlTalk Show
I also went to see (500) Days of Summer. I don't know exactly what I was expecting but it was really great. I'm glad that I got to see it before it leaves theaters because I think that it's one of those movies that is more enjoyable on the big screen. I also don't think I expected it to be so funny. However, parts of it definitely broke my heart at times and wasn't really as romantic comedy-ish as it was billed. Movie love stories always kind of hurt my heart though! I think I'm just a big sappy mush. Parts of it reminded me of High Fidelity, althought that's probably just that I loved both movies. High Fidelity is definitely a top five :) and has my all time favorite movie quote: "It's human chemistry. Some people just feel like home."
Alright, on that scattered note, I should try to sleep again. Have to be up by 7am, no matter what time I actually fall asleep.
Other than my insomnia-like habits, I had a rather nice weekend. I can't say that I was terribly productive though. I got caught up on some of my work at Bongo, but really, I just wanted to sit and absorb some sun (with SPF 50, of course) as it's been weeks since I've seen it. Finally the sun came out in Nashville. It has rained every day for almost 3 weeks straight so everything has just been damp and dank and icky. The weather for the next week looks so lovely though -- 70's and sunshine. However, that probably won't help with my renewed work ethic to get more accomplished. I decided to go back to taking all my notes by hand as I end up with much higher quality notes... it's just a whole lot more boring during the process! Along with that, my goals for the week are to get to bed by midnight/up by 7am and to drink more water. I already failed on the former today so we'll see how the rest goes.
My run on Saturday was eh as I got about 2 miles into it and my knee starting aching again. So I walked another 2, got fed up and went home. Yes, I realize that this is not the most dedicated strategy as I have 13.1 to run in 40 days but I'm just awfully frustrated with it. Now that the sun is back and I've had some time to cool off, I have a bit of a better mindset. I just don't quite understand why I have so much trouble with running. I know quite a few people that can pick up and run distance with just a few weeks training. I'm in pretty great shape right now and every step is a fight at the moment. I look forward to the day when a run sounds like a great idea, but right now I kind of dread it.... that attitude probably doesn't help too much either though. Work in progress, work in progress.
One exciting event from this weekend is that I went to see GirlTalk. I had seen him last year and it was sooo much fun. This time he was alright but the music and mixes were better last year. There was also a bar at last year's event so that probably had something to do with it. This one was was filled to the rafters with neon-spandex clad, drunk freshman girls. Goodness, they were rude and pushy and obnoxious. Plus, they made me feel about 100 years old. Granted, I was home that night by 11:30pm, so maybe I am.
GirlTalk ShowAlright, on that scattered note, I should try to sleep again. Have to be up by 7am, no matter what time I actually fall asleep.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Pumpkin EVERYTHING
Ethiopian food last night was certainly not vegetarian friendly. Oh well, the kitfo was delicious and I'm glad we got to try a new place. Mmm. I can't even begin to explain my love of food. I love to eat it, cook it, smell it, look at pictures of it, read recipes in books and magazines, read about it on blogs.... I associate certain foods with celebration and sadness and family and seasons. I'm very grateful for my somewhat solid metabolism but all this exercise certainly helps too! Now that it's officially fall, I've been wanting to celebrate autumn food with warm, heavier dishes, Unfortunately, it doesn't get crisp here until early November-ish? On days like today, I do miss the northeast and the clear divide between the seasons. In fact, one time that I flew home during the fall, I basically cried during the descent because I was so happy to see the changing leaves on the trees (and unfortunately, I had typed that as dissent at first. ugh.). Here, it's hot April-October and an ambiguous rainy cool for the rest of the year.
As much as I love summer and the beach and the hot hot hot weather, I eagerly anticipate the change over to autumn. Especially after months of being sticky and sweaty in shorts and tanks, I love the comfort and warmth of fall clothing. Cable knits, sweater dresses, riding boots, scarves, leather jackets... delicious. Plus, once I'm all decked out in my northeast best, walking around Manhattan as the breeze gets sharp and leaves are changing just feels like... magic. (Don't worry. I rolled my eyes at myself on that one.) Even more so, I get to go home upstate and it's painfully beautiful there. Have you ever been out for a walk, hopefully with a great dog or friend, late on a fall evening and the cool air burns your face for the first time, your steps crunch, and the air smells faintly of wet leaves and fireplaces? Just the thought of those nights makes me so happy that I'm positively giddy when I actually get to do it. I think I still consider autumn as an opportunity for new beginnings because I associate it with the start of school (and new school supplies! Always a favorite). I usually find myself making changes and decisions and plans.
I also notice that I associate lots of my memories of places and people and things with walking... I think it's the most authentic way to experience a lot of things. Especially when I travel to a new place alone, I will leave my hotel with a map and walking aimlessly through side streets. There is much that isn't in a Fodor's that I've been able to discover just from my serious case of wanderlust. In fact, this summer in Brooklyn, I didn't have all that much to do so I would often wander around by myself for an hour or so and then use my phone to guide my way back. Found some great coffee, met some nice people, bought a cute dress.
Anyway, I ramble. Back to my love of fall foods. I've been craving a pumpkin scone recently, like the ones at Alice's. If I was as good of a baker as I wish I were, I would grab a real pumpkin at Whole Foods (I know they're available already) and make the whole thing from scratch, but I'll probably cheat and use canned crap. Or be really lazy and really cheat and make these: Pumpkin cupcakes. I could settle for my standard Irish soda bread recipe though (and a pot of Barry's) for a lovely Saturday afternoon, if only the darned weather would do as I say! Alas it will not. At least I'll be back in the city exactly three weeks from today. If I don't eat an Ess-a-bagel soon, I may truly expire on the spot.
Goodness, after writing all this, I can't wait to get back to New York for a bit. I never understand how I can love and miss an entire city so much that it's physically painful.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/foliage.html
As much as I love summer and the beach and the hot hot hot weather, I eagerly anticipate the change over to autumn. Especially after months of being sticky and sweaty in shorts and tanks, I love the comfort and warmth of fall clothing. Cable knits, sweater dresses, riding boots, scarves, leather jackets... delicious. Plus, once I'm all decked out in my northeast best, walking around Manhattan as the breeze gets sharp and leaves are changing just feels like... magic. (Don't worry. I rolled my eyes at myself on that one.) Even more so, I get to go home upstate and it's painfully beautiful there. Have you ever been out for a walk, hopefully with a great dog or friend, late on a fall evening and the cool air burns your face for the first time, your steps crunch, and the air smells faintly of wet leaves and fireplaces? Just the thought of those nights makes me so happy that I'm positively giddy when I actually get to do it. I think I still consider autumn as an opportunity for new beginnings because I associate it with the start of school (and new school supplies! Always a favorite). I usually find myself making changes and decisions and plans.
I also notice that I associate lots of my memories of places and people and things with walking... I think it's the most authentic way to experience a lot of things. Especially when I travel to a new place alone, I will leave my hotel with a map and walking aimlessly through side streets. There is much that isn't in a Fodor's that I've been able to discover just from my serious case of wanderlust. In fact, this summer in Brooklyn, I didn't have all that much to do so I would often wander around by myself for an hour or so and then use my phone to guide my way back. Found some great coffee, met some nice people, bought a cute dress.
Anyway, I ramble. Back to my love of fall foods. I've been craving a pumpkin scone recently, like the ones at Alice's. If I was as good of a baker as I wish I were, I would grab a real pumpkin at Whole Foods (I know they're available already) and make the whole thing from scratch, but I'll probably cheat and use canned crap. Or be really lazy and really cheat and make these: Pumpkin cupcakes. I could settle for my standard Irish soda bread recipe though (and a pot of Barry's) for a lovely Saturday afternoon, if only the darned weather would do as I say! Alas it will not. At least I'll be back in the city exactly three weeks from today. If I don't eat an Ess-a-bagel soon, I may truly expire on the spot.
Goodness, after writing all this, I can't wait to get back to New York for a bit. I never understand how I can love and miss an entire city so much that it's physically painful.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/foliage.html
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Semi Vegetarian
I mentioned in a previous post that I haven't been eating all that much meat recently. For a few years now, I have been back and forth on whether or not to become a vegetarian. For the most part, I'm tempted because of environmental concerns (read Michael Pollen's The Omnivore's Dilemma) and animal cruelty. I actually am not against the consumption of animal products but I prefer to do so in a eco-conscious manner. For example, I think that small farms that treat their livestock humanely and don't pump them full of hormones are lovely. However, the vast majority of meat in supermarkets and restaurants comes from concentrated animal feeding operations (affectionately known as CAFOs) which saddens me. THerefore, it's really just easier to forego meat if I really want to practice what I preach.
On the other hand, the second I decide that I'm giving up meat for good, all I want is a cheeseburger. And a giant corned beef sandwich. And maybe some flank steak with chimichurri sauce. And a big plate of meat lasagna. So you can seem my dilemma! I suppose that happens with a lot of things in that once it is banned, it is all that I can think about.
Therefore, I've finally come to the semi-vegetarian catagory. Ninety-five percent of the time, I try to avoid meat products but since it's not actually forbidden, it's a much easier policy to follow. There are some comfort foods, like the aforementioned corned beef, that I'm not willing to give up but on a day-to-day basis, I try to be fairly meat free. It's super easy to do most of the time since I cook and prepare the majority of my own food. However, when I go out to eat with friends, I usually don't admit my eating status to fellow diners because it prompts a few undesired responses.
(1.) You're a big pansy for not eating meat.
(2.) Yay for not eating meat! Wait, did you just get bacon?
(3.) Being a vegetarian most of the time doesn't make you a vegetarian.
So really, it's just private choice to not eat a lot of meat that I try to live by but no need to be perfect. (Well, private except between you and me now!) I still eat a fair amount of fish, but now that I think about it, I don't think that I've had meat in 2 or 3 weeks now. However, I'm also going out for Ethiopian food tonight so we'll see how that goes! :) Do you have any self-imposed food choices?
I also need to squeeze in a four mile run today. Because of my schedule today, I need to do it inside on a treadmill. Boo. I feel like a hamster on a treadmill. I do appreciate that it's flat and very convenient at least and I think for my 8 miler on Friday (knee pending of course) that I'll make it out to the Brentwood trail. Even if I have to walk a bit of it, it should be an enjoyable romp. Bug spray is definitely a necessity though!!
Finally, my yoga class yesterday was lovely again!! The teacher is so challenging and teaches lots of poses that I've never done before. Plus, she is really hands on and corrects your alignment which I love. It's the only way I learn, especially since there is no mirror in the room. We also spent a lot of time in trikonasana and half moon pose which are two of my favorites. All in all, a great class. A friend of mine also started it too which was sooo much fun, especially since we got sushi afterward. Actually, I should probably eat before class because I started thinking about food about halfway through! All in all, it was a solid class and I'm looking forward to another yoga class tomorrow. Life is pretty good. :)
On the other hand, the second I decide that I'm giving up meat for good, all I want is a cheeseburger. And a giant corned beef sandwich. And maybe some flank steak with chimichurri sauce. And a big plate of meat lasagna. So you can seem my dilemma! I suppose that happens with a lot of things in that once it is banned, it is all that I can think about.
Therefore, I've finally come to the semi-vegetarian catagory. Ninety-five percent of the time, I try to avoid meat products but since it's not actually forbidden, it's a much easier policy to follow. There are some comfort foods, like the aforementioned corned beef, that I'm not willing to give up but on a day-to-day basis, I try to be fairly meat free. It's super easy to do most of the time since I cook and prepare the majority of my own food. However, when I go out to eat with friends, I usually don't admit my eating status to fellow diners because it prompts a few undesired responses.
(1.) You're a big pansy for not eating meat.
(2.) Yay for not eating meat! Wait, did you just get bacon?
(3.) Being a vegetarian most of the time doesn't make you a vegetarian.
So really, it's just private choice to not eat a lot of meat that I try to live by but no need to be perfect. (Well, private except between you and me now!) I still eat a fair amount of fish, but now that I think about it, I don't think that I've had meat in 2 or 3 weeks now. However, I'm also going out for Ethiopian food tonight so we'll see how that goes! :) Do you have any self-imposed food choices?
I also need to squeeze in a four mile run today. Because of my schedule today, I need to do it inside on a treadmill. Boo. I feel like a hamster on a treadmill. I do appreciate that it's flat and very convenient at least and I think for my 8 miler on Friday (knee pending of course) that I'll make it out to the Brentwood trail. Even if I have to walk a bit of it, it should be an enjoyable romp. Bug spray is definitely a necessity though!!
Finally, my yoga class yesterday was lovely again!! The teacher is so challenging and teaches lots of poses that I've never done before. Plus, she is really hands on and corrects your alignment which I love. It's the only way I learn, especially since there is no mirror in the room. We also spent a lot of time in trikonasana and half moon pose which are two of my favorites. All in all, a great class. A friend of mine also started it too which was sooo much fun, especially since we got sushi afterward. Actually, I should probably eat before class because I started thinking about food about halfway through! All in all, it was a solid class and I'm looking forward to another yoga class tomorrow. Life is pretty good. :)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Yoga Beginnings
Yoga class today! I've been looking forward to the class since my last one late last week. Right now, I only have two classes scheduled per week and although I would love to add another, I'm a bit worried about over training with running and yoga and recreational softball. I was pretty much just a lazy slug this summer so this past September has been rather active!
I started taking yoga classes at my undergrad a few years ago and loved it. It was really the perfect way to start to learn because the class was 4 times a week AND I got school credit for it! I'm pretty thankful for those classes because they gave me a pretty nice foundation to work off of. In the past 3 years, I've been on-again off-again with it and usually slack when I start to get really busy. I'm hoping to stick with it this time around though because it makes such an enormous difference in my mind set and relieves a lot of the stress that I've been putting my legs through! My goal for this class is to work on crow pose. I've gotten up into it, but usually just for a few seconds. I'm hoping that I can hold it for a few breaths today. Do you have any poses that you are working on?
I must get going but I will leave you with a picture of my pup, who is the sweetest most gorgeous little doggie in the world.
I started taking yoga classes at my undergrad a few years ago and loved it. It was really the perfect way to start to learn because the class was 4 times a week AND I got school credit for it! I'm pretty thankful for those classes because they gave me a pretty nice foundation to work off of. In the past 3 years, I've been on-again off-again with it and usually slack when I start to get really busy. I'm hoping to stick with it this time around though because it makes such an enormous difference in my mind set and relieves a lot of the stress that I've been putting my legs through! My goal for this class is to work on crow pose. I've gotten up into it, but usually just for a few seconds. I'm hoping that I can hold it for a few breaths today. Do you have any poses that you are working on?
I must get going but I will leave you with a picture of my pup, who is the sweetest most gorgeous little doggie in the world.
Meet Martha!
New trail and protein powder
After my bout of knee problems yesterday, I decided to cut my 5 mile run today by a bit and transfer to flat ground. In fact, I finally tried a new trail! I've been running the 2.1 mile loop by my apartment and it was getting pretty boring. In addition, there are parts with no sidewalk and some serious hills so that was definitely not going to help my knee. Due to some great searching by my mom, I went on a 15 minute drive out of town to try out the Brentwood Breezeway. It was a fantastic find! The loop around is about 6 miles I think, but I only did a portion of it due to time, light, and knee. I do hope to head back there for some of my long runs though. It is a whole lot more visually interesting than my current loop... AND FLAT! (Nashville is a pretty hilly place for those not familiar with the area.) I'm actually not even sure how far I ran as I left my watch at home (amazing how dependent I am on that thing now) but I'd estimate about 3 miles or so. I was pretty careful about my knee and walked whenever it started to fight me.
But really, isn't this trail just gorgeous? I kept taking pictures with my phone, probably to the annoyance of other runners on the trail...
Besides my run out there, I had a pretty low key day. I did manage to pick up a new protein powder. I'm definitely lagging on protein intake (only managed a measly 40 grams today) so I'm trying to squeeze some more in through this method as well as with low fat dairy and beans. First to try is GNC's be-BUFF Vanilla Bean Protein and Fiber Complete Mix. I bought it basically because I liked the new ads... I'm such a sucker for packaging and advertising. Today I had an OK shake with the powder and just water, but I'm hoping that adding a frozen banana will make it more palatable for me. This summer at Gold's Gym, I had an amaaaazing protein shake with some kind of chai tea powder, but I can't seem to replicate the flavor on my own yet. Anyone have suggestions for how to make protein shakes more tasty and fun?
Besides that, my school work is stressing me out a bit more than I'd like it to and I am hoping that I can start getting to bed earlier than my current 1:30am schedule, but we'll see how it goes. I know the work is only going to pile on as we head more into the semester. Speaking of heading into the semester, Happy Fall! I love this season and already made myself oatmeal with pumpkin butter and walnuts for breakfast tomorrow morning. Of course it won't be cool and autumny here for a bit, but I'm all ready to dive into fall foods. Butternut squash soup, apple cider, white bean chili... Mmm. Starved just thinking about it.
But really, isn't this trail just gorgeous? I kept taking pictures with my phone, probably to the annoyance of other runners on the trail...
Besides my run out there, I had a pretty low key day. I did manage to pick up a new protein powder. I'm definitely lagging on protein intake (only managed a measly 40 grams today) so I'm trying to squeeze some more in through this method as well as with low fat dairy and beans. First to try is GNC's be-BUFF Vanilla Bean Protein and Fiber Complete Mix. I bought it basically because I liked the new ads... I'm such a sucker for packaging and advertising. Today I had an OK shake with the powder and just water, but I'm hoping that adding a frozen banana will make it more palatable for me. This summer at Gold's Gym, I had an amaaaazing protein shake with some kind of chai tea powder, but I can't seem to replicate the flavor on my own yet. Anyone have suggestions for how to make protein shakes more tasty and fun?
Besides that, my school work is stressing me out a bit more than I'd like it to and I am hoping that I can start getting to bed earlier than my current 1:30am schedule, but we'll see how it goes. I know the work is only going to pile on as we head more into the semester. Speaking of heading into the semester, Happy Fall! I love this season and already made myself oatmeal with pumpkin butter and walnuts for breakfast tomorrow morning. Of course it won't be cool and autumny here for a bit, but I'm all ready to dive into fall foods. Butternut squash soup, apple cider, white bean chili... Mmm. Starved just thinking about it.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Running Pains
Soooo frustrated with my body today! According to my training schedule, today was supposed to be a seven miler. The weather here has been so rainy recently, so I just decided to try for it in the rain. It was actually very nice and cool but then my right knee decided it wasn't going any further. I got about 4 1/2 miles into it and on one step, my right foot hit the ground and pain shot through the outside of my right knee. This knee has always been a bit of a problem for me and it frustrates me so much! I walked on it a bit and then tried to run again and it hurt to even bend my knee.
While trying to run again, I noticed that I was favoring it and starting to kick my foot out to the right just to clear the pavement so I cut the run short just at about 5 miles. The yogini in me was telling me to listen to my body and to be forgiving of a sore knee, but athlete in me was basically screaming obscenities at it. A bit of an internal Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde argument. I know it's never good to run on something that hurts so sharply, but it just feels like I'm at such a roadblock.
ARG.
I feel like my body has been fighting me through out this training. I've been waiting to enjoy the workouts and the training sessions but so far I dread most of it. I need to find some kind of happy medium so that I don't end up really injuring myself. I guess I'm not quite sure what to do differently. I've been pretty diligent on the strength training and yoga, eating really well, and took extra care to hydrate well today. I've had the knee MRIed just to make sure there isn't anything structurally wrong but this has happened a few times before. I think I may talk to a running coach to see if there is a problem with my stride that is putting stress on my outer knee. Sigh, I'll get through it and even if I have to walk part of this half marathon, I'll cross that finish line!
At least I did have a delicious post run dinner though! I haven't been eating much meat recently (an upcoming post on that) so eggs have been my go-to food. So I had some whole wheat pasta mixed with blanched grape tomatoes and arugula, a little feta, and all topped with a fried egg. Egg onto of any kind of carbohydrate is a favorite comfort food of mine! I took a picture of it but it looks like if I'm going to be uploading food pictures, I need a better camera! It did not look very appetizing on my little low quality camera.
OK, on that note I'm off to play with the pup a bit. With all this awful rainy weather, she's looking a bit forlorn from being stuck inside so much recently.
While trying to run again, I noticed that I was favoring it and starting to kick my foot out to the right just to clear the pavement so I cut the run short just at about 5 miles. The yogini in me was telling me to listen to my body and to be forgiving of a sore knee, but athlete in me was basically screaming obscenities at it. A bit of an internal Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde argument. I know it's never good to run on something that hurts so sharply, but it just feels like I'm at such a roadblock.
ARG.
I feel like my body has been fighting me through out this training. I've been waiting to enjoy the workouts and the training sessions but so far I dread most of it. I need to find some kind of happy medium so that I don't end up really injuring myself. I guess I'm not quite sure what to do differently. I've been pretty diligent on the strength training and yoga, eating really well, and took extra care to hydrate well today. I've had the knee MRIed just to make sure there isn't anything structurally wrong but this has happened a few times before. I think I may talk to a running coach to see if there is a problem with my stride that is putting stress on my outer knee. Sigh, I'll get through it and even if I have to walk part of this half marathon, I'll cross that finish line!
At least I did have a delicious post run dinner though! I haven't been eating much meat recently (an upcoming post on that) so eggs have been my go-to food. So I had some whole wheat pasta mixed with blanched grape tomatoes and arugula, a little feta, and all topped with a fried egg. Egg onto of any kind of carbohydrate is a favorite comfort food of mine! I took a picture of it but it looks like if I'm going to be uploading food pictures, I need a better camera! It did not look very appetizing on my little low quality camera.
OK, on that note I'm off to play with the pup a bit. With all this awful rainy weather, she's looking a bit forlorn from being stuck inside so much recently.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Hello!
Hello Interweb!
The first post is always the hardest, or so I'm assuming. Where do I start? Is an introduction in order or am I just to assume that will all come out eventually? And really, who am I actually introducing myself to?
Well new friends, please bear with me as I awkwardly start off.
During my most recent long weekend run, I was thinking about all the silly and inconsequential things that pass through my mind on a daily basis. To stave off running boredom, I figured there has to be at least one person out there in this ginormous world who is interested in my musings. We'll see how true that turns out to be.
So what am I planning to write about? Well, I've lost my mind and am training for my first (last??) half marathon. I'm a terrible runner. Really, no modesty there at all. I've always been really daunted by the activity and that bugs me to no end. So the solution? Grab that running beast by the horns and defeat it! Very very slowly over the course of 13.1 miles. That's the plan at least.
I'm also getting back into my yoga practice. It helps me find some much needed balance and clarity. Plus, all this running has really shortened my hamstrings so that's a nice bonus as well! I just started at a new studio and I already loooove the teacher.
Ok friends, I have loads of work to get done and I can't give it all away on the first post but I'm glad you found me!
The first post is always the hardest, or so I'm assuming. Where do I start? Is an introduction in order or am I just to assume that will all come out eventually? And really, who am I actually introducing myself to?
Well new friends, please bear with me as I awkwardly start off.
During my most recent long weekend run, I was thinking about all the silly and inconsequential things that pass through my mind on a daily basis. To stave off running boredom, I figured there has to be at least one person out there in this ginormous world who is interested in my musings. We'll see how true that turns out to be.
So what am I planning to write about? Well, I've lost my mind and am training for my first (last??) half marathon. I'm a terrible runner. Really, no modesty there at all. I've always been really daunted by the activity and that bugs me to no end. So the solution? Grab that running beast by the horns and defeat it! Very very slowly over the course of 13.1 miles. That's the plan at least.
I'm also getting back into my yoga practice. It helps me find some much needed balance and clarity. Plus, all this running has really shortened my hamstrings so that's a nice bonus as well! I just started at a new studio and I already loooove the teacher.
Ok friends, I have loads of work to get done and I can't give it all away on the first post but I'm glad you found me!
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