Two posts in two days??? Damn, I'm on a roll. (But mostly, I'm just avoiding a pile of grading). I hate the winter. I'm cold all of the time. Most people that see me run on a cold day are like, "It's really frigid out there!" Honestly, the moment I run is the warmest part of my day. I recently purchased a space heater for work. I hugged it for an hour and still felt cold. So, I decided to try hot yoga. I'm a yogi. I've practiced yoga for a bit. I'm a lazy yogi, though. I like doing things on my own time, and I mostly enjoy practicing during the chaos of my own space at home, when I'm wearing jeans and my kids and dog are climbing all over me, while giving me kisses. Seriously, you can't beat that.
But, in my craving for heat, I schlepped my lazy yogi butt over to a hot yoga studio to try something new. I have tried a few classes, but I can only really handle the one where you hold poses for a long time. Anything with the words "vinyasa" and "hot" in the title are frightening and will most likely result in me passed out on the floor.
The first time that I attended, I had forgotten a towel. In a normal yoga class, this isn't a big deal, because sweating is at a minimum. However, when the room is 107 degrees, you'll sweat, and I actually sweat buckets. So, there I was, slipping along through hot yoga, unable to hold limbs in my hand or legs on my mat. Aside from an occasional panic attack from the heat and frustrations about being without a towel, I survived. As I lied in savasana, I felt pretty accomplished, only to discover that there was no actual time for savasana that was built into the class, and I actually had to be somewhere, so I couldn't stay longer. Talk about a buzz kill.
I kept going and surviving, until tonight. The class was the same as always, but the room felt a billion degrees hotter. I showed up in some tiny shorts and a tank top. Again, buckets of sweat began to pool on the towel that I have not forgotten since my first class. I looked around at the tight body yogis, advancing their postures and doing crazy movements in their bra tops and pre-baby bellies, and I thought, "F-this". I stripped off my shirt and finished my practice, baring a little extra skin. I haven't even worn a bikini in public since Rowan. My only feeling was pride for my body, and I am pretty sure that no one actually even noticed everything that I was so self-conscious about. I moved and I folded, and so did my more squishy parts, and I loved watching the postures fit my body. I breathed deeply to watch my belly expand, and I folded further to see the space that my babies once filled, move inward with strength and grace.
Truthfully, I think my love affair with hot yoga is coming to an end. I really don't enjoy it as much as I enjoy a regular vinyasa style class, in a normal temperature room. But, if and when I do attend again, it will almost certainly be without my shirt. There is so much to be gained by watching your body move, just as it is.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
My 21 Day Fix Experience (No, I'm not a coach)
After Thanksgiving, and before...I noticed that my weight was on the higher end. I try to not care and be all body positive, but as a runner, a few extra pounds can be a lot to carry, and as an "athena" runner, I already carry 160 lbs. It can have an effect on your joint health, and my ankles and feet have been pretty unforgiving, lately. I want to get a tiny bit faster and possibly qualify to run the Boston Marathon this year, so I thought I'd focus on making some changes. Honestly, I was getting to the point of allowing myself to eat anything and everything. I just needed to reign it in. At my healthiest, I worked out in the morning (swimming) and ran or biked in the afternoon. I think there was something crazy about my metabolism then...like some type of supercharge after having Aspen, because I feel like I do a lot more now, with little change in my body. I think that my nutrition, and probably age, have something to do with the changes. As a result of my self-assessment (and probably spending too much time on Instagram), I decided to try the 21 Day Fix.
Don't stop reading.
I'm not trying to sell you anything.
Frankly, any blog post that I could find regarding 21 Day Fix was written by a coach. Coaches are people that sell the program and encourage that you finish. It's like the Pampered Chef of fitness. I had one, she was awesome. I probably would have quit, if she hadn't encouraged us. We used Facebook for some daily posts about our progress, thoughts, motivations and feelings. I do think that accountability is a cool addition to the program. But, I'm not a coach...so I'll give an honest assessment about 21 Day Fix.
It's actually pretty great.
I thought that I wouldn't gain much from the workouts, and would benefit from the nutrition. I was wrong on both accounts. Getting up 30 minutes early (the workouts are only 30 minutes) to sweat in my basement was much better than going to the pool. Showering and prepping for my work day away from home was always a pain in the butt. I honestly never skipped a workout on 21 Day Fix. There are seven different workouts that are a combination of strength training, cardio, plyometrics, pilates and yoga. As a super fit person, they kicked my ass (but they have modifications). I have found it really easy to get up early and go into the basement for a workout that is unlike my "norm". I also feel fantastic. I look strong, but more importantly, I am strong. I feel much more capable in doing things that I would easily give up on...like anything that required any level of strength. Plank? Forget it, I'd rather take a nap. Now, I can handle it. I also appreciate that the workout has a countdown clock, and when I can see it (I often don't put my contacts in before working out), it's nice to know how long I will feel the torture.
There are some things that I don't like about the workout, mainly the instructor. The overall vibe is that something is wrong with you, and you need to change it. There are a lot of buzz words throughout the videos to support this, "you give me 21 days, and I'll give you the body you've always wanted." I was totally annoyed by this. I already have the body I want. It's mine, and it's not going anywhere. At some point, she even says something about how no one wants to see your flabby arms. I don't think that body shaming creates lasting change in a person. You can't think of a workout as punishment and a way to banish unwanted parts of yourself...because it's yourself. It's not going anywhere. And, you certainly won't experience change, without some self-love and feel-good motivation. I really wasn't surprised, though, because the program is called 21 Day Fix, which implies that you need fixing...and you don't. I also don't think it helps that the only "normal looking" person in the workout video (i.e. not a fitness instructor or fitness model) is the one doing the modifications. Frankly, I know quite a few men and women that don't look as fit as me, but are a helluva lot more strong. It wouldn't hurt to put some diverse body types in their videos. But, alas, they are selling an image of perfection as something to be achieved in the way you look.
I thought that I would gain the biggest benefit from the nutrition. The problem, for me, with the 21 Day Fix nutrition program was that I'm a runner and had no intention of not running during the duration of the 21 days. The program gives you a mathematical calculation for your calorie intake. My intake was suppose to be 1200-1400 calories, which is starvation. I tried it for two days and was so hangry, I was a monster. I bumped myself up to the next level of 1500-1800. The program works by portioning your food into food groups. The biggest change for me was recognizing that I eat a ridiculous quantity of fruit and nuts. I began to eat more protein and complex carbohydrates.
By the end of 21 days, I had gained in muscle what I had lost in fat. I was much more toned. I didn't feel like the diet was sustainable for me, because I really felt the need to eat more, and I don't like going hungry. As a result, I started using a food and activity tracking app. This has been a much better way for me to monitor my eating and workouts. Using a combination of food tracking and the 21 Day Fix workouts in the morning with my regular running, I've lost about 4 lbs in this month. I'm not following the workouts everyday, because I actually value my running goals more than any weight-loss goals. At this point, I'm just happy maintaining that I am strong and happy. I have had a difficult time feeling this level of strength and confidence after having Rowan.
So, would I recommend the program? Maybe??? I think it's probably really fantastic if you are sedentary and aren't sure how to eat healthily and be active. The program emphasizes real foods and measures these foods in pre-measured containers, so it's very simple. I also think you need to have some pretty thick skin to laugh off the body shaming in the videos, though. It's probably not any more shaming than what happens in normal videos or fitness classes. As a previous fitness instructor and trainer, I probably said and believed some of that crap, too. The workouts are fantastic. As a pretty fit person, I've gained a lot more strength with very little extra commitment. So, I do think the program can benefit someone that understands their nutrition, but is less motivated to do strength workouts or high intensity interval workouts.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised by the strength that I've gained and the basic awareness of my nutrition, again. I might not lose any weight, but I'm happy being stronger.
Don't stop reading.
I'm not trying to sell you anything.
Frankly, any blog post that I could find regarding 21 Day Fix was written by a coach. Coaches are people that sell the program and encourage that you finish. It's like the Pampered Chef of fitness. I had one, she was awesome. I probably would have quit, if she hadn't encouraged us. We used Facebook for some daily posts about our progress, thoughts, motivations and feelings. I do think that accountability is a cool addition to the program. But, I'm not a coach...so I'll give an honest assessment about 21 Day Fix.
It's actually pretty great.
I thought that I wouldn't gain much from the workouts, and would benefit from the nutrition. I was wrong on both accounts. Getting up 30 minutes early (the workouts are only 30 minutes) to sweat in my basement was much better than going to the pool. Showering and prepping for my work day away from home was always a pain in the butt. I honestly never skipped a workout on 21 Day Fix. There are seven different workouts that are a combination of strength training, cardio, plyometrics, pilates and yoga. As a super fit person, they kicked my ass (but they have modifications). I have found it really easy to get up early and go into the basement for a workout that is unlike my "norm". I also feel fantastic. I look strong, but more importantly, I am strong. I feel much more capable in doing things that I would easily give up on...like anything that required any level of strength. Plank? Forget it, I'd rather take a nap. Now, I can handle it. I also appreciate that the workout has a countdown clock, and when I can see it (I often don't put my contacts in before working out), it's nice to know how long I will feel the torture.
There are some things that I don't like about the workout, mainly the instructor. The overall vibe is that something is wrong with you, and you need to change it. There are a lot of buzz words throughout the videos to support this, "you give me 21 days, and I'll give you the body you've always wanted." I was totally annoyed by this. I already have the body I want. It's mine, and it's not going anywhere. At some point, she even says something about how no one wants to see your flabby arms. I don't think that body shaming creates lasting change in a person. You can't think of a workout as punishment and a way to banish unwanted parts of yourself...because it's yourself. It's not going anywhere. And, you certainly won't experience change, without some self-love and feel-good motivation. I really wasn't surprised, though, because the program is called 21 Day Fix, which implies that you need fixing...and you don't. I also don't think it helps that the only "normal looking" person in the workout video (i.e. not a fitness instructor or fitness model) is the one doing the modifications. Frankly, I know quite a few men and women that don't look as fit as me, but are a helluva lot more strong. It wouldn't hurt to put some diverse body types in their videos. But, alas, they are selling an image of perfection as something to be achieved in the way you look.
I thought that I would gain the biggest benefit from the nutrition. The problem, for me, with the 21 Day Fix nutrition program was that I'm a runner and had no intention of not running during the duration of the 21 days. The program gives you a mathematical calculation for your calorie intake. My intake was suppose to be 1200-1400 calories, which is starvation. I tried it for two days and was so hangry, I was a monster. I bumped myself up to the next level of 1500-1800. The program works by portioning your food into food groups. The biggest change for me was recognizing that I eat a ridiculous quantity of fruit and nuts. I began to eat more protein and complex carbohydrates.
By the end of 21 days, I had gained in muscle what I had lost in fat. I was much more toned. I didn't feel like the diet was sustainable for me, because I really felt the need to eat more, and I don't like going hungry. As a result, I started using a food and activity tracking app. This has been a much better way for me to monitor my eating and workouts. Using a combination of food tracking and the 21 Day Fix workouts in the morning with my regular running, I've lost about 4 lbs in this month. I'm not following the workouts everyday, because I actually value my running goals more than any weight-loss goals. At this point, I'm just happy maintaining that I am strong and happy. I have had a difficult time feeling this level of strength and confidence after having Rowan.
So, would I recommend the program? Maybe??? I think it's probably really fantastic if you are sedentary and aren't sure how to eat healthily and be active. The program emphasizes real foods and measures these foods in pre-measured containers, so it's very simple. I also think you need to have some pretty thick skin to laugh off the body shaming in the videos, though. It's probably not any more shaming than what happens in normal videos or fitness classes. As a previous fitness instructor and trainer, I probably said and believed some of that crap, too. The workouts are fantastic. As a pretty fit person, I've gained a lot more strength with very little extra commitment. So, I do think the program can benefit someone that understands their nutrition, but is less motivated to do strength workouts or high intensity interval workouts.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised by the strength that I've gained and the basic awareness of my nutrition, again. I might not lose any weight, but I'm happy being stronger.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Rim Rock Marathon Relay 2015
I most recently raced in the Rim Rock Marathon Relay, again, with Duane. We ran the race back in 2011, when Aspen was tiny. Duane really wanted to win this race. We've been close and our times aren't far off, but it looks like we'll be needing to return for a big win. I have no problem with that.
We rented a house that was close to the bus pick-up on race morning. This was nice, because Duane was able to leave a bit earlier to catch the 1st leg bus, and I left about 15 minutes later. The wait was in the Fruita Community Center, which was so much nicer than waiting outside and in our van forever at the last Rim Rock we ran. The 2nd leg bus seemed to leave much earlier, this time around. I had a 1:30 wait until my leg of the race.
The beginning of the second leg was a bit confusing. The 2nd leg runner was chip timed, but there was no starting mat. I only wanted to find one to make sure that I was starting in the right place, mostly because the relay start changed this year. The 2nd leg started about 200 m sooner and actually ended a lot farther, so it just seemed suspicious and I didn't want to make a major mistake. I also really didn't want to start my run at the bottom of a rather steep hill.
I ran a couple of brief warmups (the morning was VERY cold), used the bathroom a couple of times, sat in a warm bus, and chatted with other relay runners to pass some time. I was super grateful to meet a couple that were waiting for their son (the lead runner) and 1st leg of their relay. The mother was able to drive Duane down to the starting line and we were so grateful for that. Otherwise, the 1st relay runners wait for the very last relay to be bused back to the start.
I caught the dad that started out before me pretty quickly. I didn't hold the lead for very long as a faster marathon runner soon took the lead. After another two miles or so, I was passed by a male team. I held around a 6:15/mi pace until around mile 7. I just started to decide that no one could actually catch me. This was somewhere on a big sweeping stretch of road where you can see about 1.5 mi in front of you. I'm pretty sure the next female saw me and committed to passing me at that moment. When I hit the section of switchbacks that lead out of the monument, I was surprised to see people behind me. I didn't realize it was a female, until she passed. I knew it must've been a coed team. This was about 3 miles from the finish. Within the last mile, I was passed, once more, by a male runner.
I finished knowing that I was the 4th relay runner to pass, and 5th overall. While I know this was good, I was disappointed that I allowed myself to slow down around mile 7. I relaxed into an easier pace, because I didn't want to cramp up and be unable to finish. I probably could have maintained a slightly faster pace, but maybe I just wasn't ready for that super downhill 13.5 mi of road.
After the race, we enjoyed the festivities that are now centered in downtown Fruita. We didn't stay throughout the awards, because the family was antsy. This was unfortunate, because it turned out we were the 3rd team. The 2nd place team consisted of both the 3rd and 4th place runners. The male runner that passed me in the last mile was the 1st leg of the team in front of me. I wish that had been more clear. We don't normally leave before awards, but sometimes it's hard with little guys.
We plan to return and run next year. Overall, I've been racing each week this fall and I'm looking forward to taking a couple of months off. I'll probably take a little bit of time off of running, completely and get back to racing in 2016. This weekend is my last race of the PPRR Fall Series on the Red Leg/CRC Women's team. After that, I'll be vegging out until my age group promotion at the end of December!
We rented a house that was close to the bus pick-up on race morning. This was nice, because Duane was able to leave a bit earlier to catch the 1st leg bus, and I left about 15 minutes later. The wait was in the Fruita Community Center, which was so much nicer than waiting outside and in our van forever at the last Rim Rock we ran. The 2nd leg bus seemed to leave much earlier, this time around. I had a 1:30 wait until my leg of the race.
The beginning of the second leg was a bit confusing. The 2nd leg runner was chip timed, but there was no starting mat. I only wanted to find one to make sure that I was starting in the right place, mostly because the relay start changed this year. The 2nd leg started about 200 m sooner and actually ended a lot farther, so it just seemed suspicious and I didn't want to make a major mistake. I also really didn't want to start my run at the bottom of a rather steep hill.
I ran a couple of brief warmups (the morning was VERY cold), used the bathroom a couple of times, sat in a warm bus, and chatted with other relay runners to pass some time. I was super grateful to meet a couple that were waiting for their son (the lead runner) and 1st leg of their relay. The mother was able to drive Duane down to the starting line and we were so grateful for that. Otherwise, the 1st relay runners wait for the very last relay to be bused back to the start.
I caught the dad that started out before me pretty quickly. I didn't hold the lead for very long as a faster marathon runner soon took the lead. After another two miles or so, I was passed by a male team. I held around a 6:15/mi pace until around mile 7. I just started to decide that no one could actually catch me. This was somewhere on a big sweeping stretch of road where you can see about 1.5 mi in front of you. I'm pretty sure the next female saw me and committed to passing me at that moment. When I hit the section of switchbacks that lead out of the monument, I was surprised to see people behind me. I didn't realize it was a female, until she passed. I knew it must've been a coed team. This was about 3 miles from the finish. Within the last mile, I was passed, once more, by a male runner.
I finished knowing that I was the 4th relay runner to pass, and 5th overall. While I know this was good, I was disappointed that I allowed myself to slow down around mile 7. I relaxed into an easier pace, because I didn't want to cramp up and be unable to finish. I probably could have maintained a slightly faster pace, but maybe I just wasn't ready for that super downhill 13.5 mi of road.
After the race, we enjoyed the festivities that are now centered in downtown Fruita. We didn't stay throughout the awards, because the family was antsy. This was unfortunate, because it turned out we were the 3rd team. The 2nd place team consisted of both the 3rd and 4th place runners. The male runner that passed me in the last mile was the 1st leg of the team in front of me. I wish that had been more clear. We don't normally leave before awards, but sometimes it's hard with little guys.
We plan to return and run next year. Overall, I've been racing each week this fall and I'm looking forward to taking a couple of months off. I'll probably take a little bit of time off of running, completely and get back to racing in 2016. This weekend is my last race of the PPRR Fall Series on the Red Leg/CRC Women's team. After that, I'll be vegging out until my age group promotion at the end of December!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Babies on the Road
We took a ten day trip through Moab and back with the kids. It was a constant juggle, entertaining the littles while trying to figure out how to keep them fed, watered, and asleep in unfamiliar places and shared quarters. Last year, we camped for three nights in Golden for the Golden Bluegrass Festival, but we lasted two nights. Aspen began to fall apart and scream in the middle of the night. She's never been too good about being active all day and skipping her nap. Most kids get tired with that schedule, but for her, it's monster fuel. Anyhow, after two nights and the end of the festival, we didn't think we needed to torture ourselves and decided to return home a night early. She has never traveled very well, and this 10 day vacation was sure to be an adventure.
We drove to Moab in one day. It went rather well, up until the camper flat tire in Glenwood Canyon. We were fortunate that there was some nearby construction and an amazing system of cameras throughout the canyon. A man was there ready to divert traffic, immediately. Duane was able to fix the flat within a few minutes and we spent the next hour at Discount Tire. With two new tires, we headed into town to visit the local brewery for lunch, then be on our way. A few more hours, and we would pull into camp.
I was disappointed with Moab as we pulled in during a crazy desert storm. It had been incessantly raining in Colorado Springs when we left. I had told Aspen that it wouldn't and didn't rain in the desert. She was sure to remind me of this assertion many times. We met up with a couple of friends, Vanessa and Andy, en route and at camp to run the Thelma and Louise Half-Marathon with. They drove their RV and enjoyed comfort and dryness, while we set up the popup camper.
During the night, the rain continued and became more fierce. Around 1 a.m., our EZ-up tent had completely collapsed. Metal bent and destroyed, it was in pieces. Around 3 a.m., I decided that if the rain continued at 5, I would not be running the race. The rain finally stopped at some point. I fumbled around in our dark camper to put on my Skirtsports Lioness skirt and to lace up my shoes. I met Vanessa at our van, and we headed to the start of the race.
The Thelma and Louise is an all women's event that runs along the Colorado River. I warmed up for a mile, and then headed to the start. I was surprised to see everyone standing sheepishly around the start and afraid to line up in front of the 1:45 pacer. I knew I would run faster than 1:45, so I joined a few other women at the front of the start. I ran in 5th place for the majority of the race. Around mile 9, the women holding 1st and 2nd began to dramatically slow down. I passed each one, and began to really push my pace in the last two miles as I felt someone on my shoulder. I knew the difference between 3rd and 4th place was pretty huge, so I fought to the finish. I finished at 1:40:14 in 3rd position, only seconds before the next runner. I ran back for Vanessa. Then, we both ran back so that I could run a total of 17 miles, following my marathon plan.
We spent a few days in Moab, finding the small hikes in Arches and Canyonlands to walk along with the kids. We also hiked the Negro Bill hike, which was a really tough route with small children. It became really hot in the last couple of miles of the hike. Truthfully, I bribed Aspen with ice cream and a stuffed animal.
We headed back into Colorado, and had a layover in Glenwood Springs at a friends house. It was relieving to sleep in a real bed, and to put the kids to bed early. They had been staying up later, and the lack of schedule was starting to overwhelm everyone. We visited the hot springs, but Aspen mostly needed a day out of the sun to rest. She enjoyed some TV and a good sleep. I was able to get a fantastic run along the Roaring Fork River in the rain the next day. That afternoon we headed to Vail for a couple of nights at the Healthy Schools Retreat. It was a fantastic stay. Duane and the kids were able to explore Vail, while I attended the conference.
After Vail, we headed to the Shoshoni Yoga Retreat Center for family weekend. It's an amazing program with beautiful surroundings, restful yoga, great activities for the kids, and fantastic food. On the last morning of our stay (and the last morning of our trip), I left the camper at 4:40 a.m. to run the Skirtsports 13er in Boulder. Ten days in a camper and two half-marathons might've been overly ambitious.
The race starts at Home Depot in Louisville, Colorado. The first year of the race, they ran us over a bridge overpass, which bottle-necked the runners to a standstill. Thankfully, they walked us over the bridge and had us start on the opposite side. The course climbs a lot, and the hills are really long. At first, I thought this was the reason for my slow start. Close to mile 8, and in the middle of the longest hill, I was passed by a young girl that I beat in the T&L half. At that point, I realized that sleeping in a camper and travel, in general, probably affected my race. No big deal. The event helped me focus on getting my distance for marathon training during vacation. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have run at all on vacation. I was suppose to finish 20 miles that day. I warmed up for a mile and was able to run an additional mile after the race, but that was it. No 20 for me. I was done. It was hot, and I missed my family. I enjoyed some post race oranges and snacks. They also had cake, which was nice, but the heat had me feeling really sick.
When I ran the race during the first year, Aspen was there, and I was pregnant. This year would have been perfect to have kids around, because Home Depot had a little maker's station underneath a tent for kids to build projects. I also didn't stick around long, because, unlike the first year, I didn't have any friends join me. A few of us ran the first year, but it didn't work out this time around. Hopefully, we can get a group going next year.
Later that day, we headed home and enjoyed sleeping in our own home and beds. The trip was a definite success with Aspen and Rowan. We visited with countless dear friends along the way. Overall, it was fantastic. I have learned that if I plan to travel to a race, to have that race be within the first 24 hours of my trip. It's not that I won't do this again...because the trip and two races were really fun, but I just won't expect to run very well at the second event.
We drove to Moab in one day. It went rather well, up until the camper flat tire in Glenwood Canyon. We were fortunate that there was some nearby construction and an amazing system of cameras throughout the canyon. A man was there ready to divert traffic, immediately. Duane was able to fix the flat within a few minutes and we spent the next hour at Discount Tire. With two new tires, we headed into town to visit the local brewery for lunch, then be on our way. A few more hours, and we would pull into camp.
I was disappointed with Moab as we pulled in during a crazy desert storm. It had been incessantly raining in Colorado Springs when we left. I had told Aspen that it wouldn't and didn't rain in the desert. She was sure to remind me of this assertion many times. We met up with a couple of friends, Vanessa and Andy, en route and at camp to run the Thelma and Louise Half-Marathon with. They drove their RV and enjoyed comfort and dryness, while we set up the popup camper.
During the night, the rain continued and became more fierce. Around 1 a.m., our EZ-up tent had completely collapsed. Metal bent and destroyed, it was in pieces. Around 3 a.m., I decided that if the rain continued at 5, I would not be running the race. The rain finally stopped at some point. I fumbled around in our dark camper to put on my Skirtsports Lioness skirt and to lace up my shoes. I met Vanessa at our van, and we headed to the start of the race.
The Thelma and Louise is an all women's event that runs along the Colorado River. I warmed up for a mile, and then headed to the start. I was surprised to see everyone standing sheepishly around the start and afraid to line up in front of the 1:45 pacer. I knew I would run faster than 1:45, so I joined a few other women at the front of the start. I ran in 5th place for the majority of the race. Around mile 9, the women holding 1st and 2nd began to dramatically slow down. I passed each one, and began to really push my pace in the last two miles as I felt someone on my shoulder. I knew the difference between 3rd and 4th place was pretty huge, so I fought to the finish. I finished at 1:40:14 in 3rd position, only seconds before the next runner. I ran back for Vanessa. Then, we both ran back so that I could run a total of 17 miles, following my marathon plan.
We spent a few days in Moab, finding the small hikes in Arches and Canyonlands to walk along with the kids. We also hiked the Negro Bill hike, which was a really tough route with small children. It became really hot in the last couple of miles of the hike. Truthfully, I bribed Aspen with ice cream and a stuffed animal.
We headed back into Colorado, and had a layover in Glenwood Springs at a friends house. It was relieving to sleep in a real bed, and to put the kids to bed early. They had been staying up later, and the lack of schedule was starting to overwhelm everyone. We visited the hot springs, but Aspen mostly needed a day out of the sun to rest. She enjoyed some TV and a good sleep. I was able to get a fantastic run along the Roaring Fork River in the rain the next day. That afternoon we headed to Vail for a couple of nights at the Healthy Schools Retreat. It was a fantastic stay. Duane and the kids were able to explore Vail, while I attended the conference.
 |
| Catching up on GoT in the hotel bathroom, while the kids slept. |
After Vail, we headed to the Shoshoni Yoga Retreat Center for family weekend. It's an amazing program with beautiful surroundings, restful yoga, great activities for the kids, and fantastic food. On the last morning of our stay (and the last morning of our trip), I left the camper at 4:40 a.m. to run the Skirtsports 13er in Boulder. Ten days in a camper and two half-marathons might've been overly ambitious.
The race starts at Home Depot in Louisville, Colorado. The first year of the race, they ran us over a bridge overpass, which bottle-necked the runners to a standstill. Thankfully, they walked us over the bridge and had us start on the opposite side. The course climbs a lot, and the hills are really long. At first, I thought this was the reason for my slow start. Close to mile 8, and in the middle of the longest hill, I was passed by a young girl that I beat in the T&L half. At that point, I realized that sleeping in a camper and travel, in general, probably affected my race. No big deal. The event helped me focus on getting my distance for marathon training during vacation. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have run at all on vacation. I was suppose to finish 20 miles that day. I warmed up for a mile and was able to run an additional mile after the race, but that was it. No 20 for me. I was done. It was hot, and I missed my family. I enjoyed some post race oranges and snacks. They also had cake, which was nice, but the heat had me feeling really sick.
When I ran the race during the first year, Aspen was there, and I was pregnant. This year would have been perfect to have kids around, because Home Depot had a little maker's station underneath a tent for kids to build projects. I also didn't stick around long, because, unlike the first year, I didn't have any friends join me. A few of us ran the first year, but it didn't work out this time around. Hopefully, we can get a group going next year.
Later that day, we headed home and enjoyed sleeping in our own home and beds. The trip was a definite success with Aspen and Rowan. We visited with countless dear friends along the way. Overall, it was fantastic. I have learned that if I plan to travel to a race, to have that race be within the first 24 hours of my trip. It's not that I won't do this again...because the trip and two races were really fun, but I just won't expect to run very well at the second event.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Real women love, laugh, run, move...
Here I am, one year and 3 months after having my second baby and I have learned so much. Then again, hindsight is 20/20. When I had my first baby, running was easy throughout my pregnancy. I really didn't understand how people felt unmotivated to stay physically active. After her birth, I was able to return to my prior level of physical fitness within a few months. Within a few more months, I was running faster than I had ever run before.
I had a hard time keeping myself from comparing pregnancies. The second time around I felt more morning sickness and generally more lethargy. I wasn't able to run for most of my pregnancy. This made me feel like a failure. After all, I was told time and time again by a variety of people and resources that pregnant women were now competing in amazingly difficult races and doing quite well. I was frustrated that I couldn't. As a matter of fact, I quit trying to walk or run around 30 weeks. Little did I know that my baby, at that time weighed about 8 lbs, the same weight that my first was at birth.
This amazing baby was born 10 lbs 10 oz and full of contentment. He is perfect in every way. Immediately after his birth, I felt the need to get moving but lacked the ability and drive. It may seem ridiculous that I was so disappointed in my low activity level, but was it really? ridiculous? I just wanted to sit on a chair and nurse while snuggling my son. But, surrounded with internet articles and television gossip regarding the last big celebrity to have the last high-profile pregnancy and the perfect "post baby bod", how could I not feel that pressure? I quickly reconciled with my issues, and happily took to nursing on the couch, rather than trying to hobble my way through a run.
My return to fitness was slow and different. I've spent a lot more time being okay with the unexpected diversion away from my workout. I've spent a lot less time training for the next big thing. I still get my share of running and workouts, but a lot of time it isn't what I expected. I might need to take the kids to the YMCA and enjoy a long distance run on the treadmill, rather than spending my time outside on a trail. I might push the kids in the dualie, rather than enjoying a simple, resistance-free run. I might take the kids to the park, for a walk, to the zoo, etc. I'm recognizing more and more that time running is good for the soul, and time away from running is also good for the soul.
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What does #realwomenmove mean to me? It means finding balance. It means making time for myself, but enjoying the richness of being needed and loved so dearly. It means giving time, space and compassion to myself throughout life changes. It means loving every opportunity that I have to love, laugh, run and move.
I had a hard time keeping myself from comparing pregnancies. The second time around I felt more morning sickness and generally more lethargy. I wasn't able to run for most of my pregnancy. This made me feel like a failure. After all, I was told time and time again by a variety of people and resources that pregnant women were now competing in amazingly difficult races and doing quite well. I was frustrated that I couldn't. As a matter of fact, I quit trying to walk or run around 30 weeks. Little did I know that my baby, at that time weighed about 8 lbs, the same weight that my first was at birth.
My return to fitness was slow and different. I've spent a lot more time being okay with the unexpected diversion away from my workout. I've spent a lot less time training for the next big thing. I still get my share of running and workouts, but a lot of time it isn't what I expected. I might need to take the kids to the YMCA and enjoy a long distance run on the treadmill, rather than spending my time outside on a trail. I might push the kids in the dualie, rather than enjoying a simple, resistance-free run. I might take the kids to the park, for a walk, to the zoo, etc. I'm recognizing more and more that time running is good for the soul, and time away from running is also good for the soul.
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What does #realwomenmove mean to me? It means finding balance. It means making time for myself, but enjoying the richness of being needed and loved so dearly. It means giving time, space and compassion to myself throughout life changes. It means loving every opportunity that I have to love, laugh, run and move.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Creating Community in 2015
I woke up to run another race this morning, that I really wasn't prepared for. I've been running, but I haven't been training. I just don't have the time, nor the desire, to really push myself. "Desire" is the important part. I have the motivation to run, but I don't have the motivation to be fast...and I couldn't care less. My running has been at odds with a few minor ailments: my seriously sprained ankle from the Pony Express, an abdominal hernia from my enormous baby, lack of sleep from big baby and a plethora of illnesses. My running has also been at odds with my enormous desire to soak up baby snuggles. So, after a long day at work, I'd much rather go home, cuddle, play and do some yoga when the babies are in bed.
I did surprisingly well in the race, considering my physical and slightly mental issues, and I still plan to run distance and work towards running a marathon in the fall. However, I've really been spending my extra effort and focus on creating community....and generally being more active in the communities that I have already held close. This is a major "outside-of-the-box" goal for me, a total introvert, quite possibly the person that is most likely to ignore you in a public space...simply because "breaking the ice" terrifies me.
I am working on this in a few ways:
1. I am trying to make more personal connections, including remembering people's names. This may include approaching someone that I know...even a little, and starting a conversation. This is the hardest of my goals.
2. I am trying to make more meaningful connections at work. I've started teaching yoga and have organized a running group. I've also developed some small opportunities for everyone to connect more.
3. I am trying to be more involved in the yoga community. This involves the community that I feel safe in and communities that are more distant. I am also working on shedding shame that I have about my practice, studies and beliefs. They may be different from yours, but they help me to be a better person, and that is all that should matter.
4. I am "invested" as a teacher and a coach, but I will not sacrifice the needs of my family. I'm spending less time working at home. I trust that things will "get done". I am also spending more time in the off-season with my athletes and their families. We've developed a great, strong group of runners and running parents. Our winter "team" is represented by about 8 different groups of families or teachers.
Overall, I feel that I am finding a balance among the things that really matter. I might not run as fast as I once did, but I have so much more to be proud of in my life. THIS is where I want to be.
I did surprisingly well in the race, considering my physical and slightly mental issues, and I still plan to run distance and work towards running a marathon in the fall. However, I've really been spending my extra effort and focus on creating community....and generally being more active in the communities that I have already held close. This is a major "outside-of-the-box" goal for me, a total introvert, quite possibly the person that is most likely to ignore you in a public space...simply because "breaking the ice" terrifies me.
I am working on this in a few ways:
1. I am trying to make more personal connections, including remembering people's names. This may include approaching someone that I know...even a little, and starting a conversation. This is the hardest of my goals.
2. I am trying to make more meaningful connections at work. I've started teaching yoga and have organized a running group. I've also developed some small opportunities for everyone to connect more.
3. I am trying to be more involved in the yoga community. This involves the community that I feel safe in and communities that are more distant. I am also working on shedding shame that I have about my practice, studies and beliefs. They may be different from yours, but they help me to be a better person, and that is all that should matter.
4. I am "invested" as a teacher and a coach, but I will not sacrifice the needs of my family. I'm spending less time working at home. I trust that things will "get done". I am also spending more time in the off-season with my athletes and their families. We've developed a great, strong group of runners and running parents. Our winter "team" is represented by about 8 different groups of families or teachers.
Overall, I feel that I am finding a balance among the things that really matter. I might not run as fast as I once did, but I have so much more to be proud of in my life. THIS is where I want to be.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Revisiting my Goals
It was a good month for running. I had a strong Labor Day race, where my goal to beat 1:45 was just barely met. I finished 7th overall and 2nd in my age group. I felt terrific, and enjoyed the very familiar course.
I trained hard. I ran some great distances every weekend and had some great track and hill workouts during the week. I cross trained and put in a ton of mileage. I ran the trail around Rampart Range a few times, preparing to have a better race in the Pony Express. The first time that I ran the Pony Express, I had raced a 5k distance a couple of times and had run the 7 miles around Waldo Canyon once. Once. 7 miles, one time. The Pony Express is 15ish single track miles around the reservoir. It was hell, and I never went back.
My goal in training was to finish it more comfortably. The third time that I ran the trail, however (a mere five days after the Labor Day race), I twisted my ankle 4 miles in. It was pretty minor, and I was able to keep running comfortably. When I showed up on race day, my only goal was to run without injury.
I started out in front, because I felt comfortable about being passed and I wanted to hit the single track without getting stuck behind people. I kept waiting and waiting for a female runner to pass me. I wasn't positive about what place I was in, so I convinced myself that it wasn't first and just kept on running. Eventually, I realized that no one would be passing me as I settled into the last 5 miles of the race. At this point, a volunteer also let me know that I was the first female.
At three miles from the finish, I broke my original goal of finishing uninjured, when I landed on the side of my ankle. It was painful. I stopped for a moment and limped along, but I kept running. Maybe it was the fact that I was in first. Maybe it was the fact that it was cold and I didn't want to just sit along the trail. Either way, I finished the race in first place. Yay?
I was scheduled to run the Colorado Springs Half Marathon the next weekend and the Xterra this weekend. I didn't run the CS Half, because my ankle was a grapefruit. It's been a little over two weeks and I think I've resigned to the fact that I will not be running the Xterra. I tried running on Monday, and it seems that I won't be running for quite awhile. This has me really questioning my half-marathon-a-month goal. I probably won't run a half in October and may bail from the November race, just to ensure that I'm healed. The purpose of my goal was really to get back into shape. I'm thinking that I've at least achieved that and I'm wondering if I should set my sights on something different. Maybe a century ride in 2015, or a fast marathon next fall, perhaps another half ironman. I haven't completely given up yet, but I'm open to new suggestions.
I trained hard. I ran some great distances every weekend and had some great track and hill workouts during the week. I cross trained and put in a ton of mileage. I ran the trail around Rampart Range a few times, preparing to have a better race in the Pony Express. The first time that I ran the Pony Express, I had raced a 5k distance a couple of times and had run the 7 miles around Waldo Canyon once. Once. 7 miles, one time. The Pony Express is 15ish single track miles around the reservoir. It was hell, and I never went back.
My goal in training was to finish it more comfortably. The third time that I ran the trail, however (a mere five days after the Labor Day race), I twisted my ankle 4 miles in. It was pretty minor, and I was able to keep running comfortably. When I showed up on race day, my only goal was to run without injury.
I started out in front, because I felt comfortable about being passed and I wanted to hit the single track without getting stuck behind people. I kept waiting and waiting for a female runner to pass me. I wasn't positive about what place I was in, so I convinced myself that it wasn't first and just kept on running. Eventually, I realized that no one would be passing me as I settled into the last 5 miles of the race. At this point, a volunteer also let me know that I was the first female.
At three miles from the finish, I broke my original goal of finishing uninjured, when I landed on the side of my ankle. It was painful. I stopped for a moment and limped along, but I kept running. Maybe it was the fact that I was in first. Maybe it was the fact that it was cold and I didn't want to just sit along the trail. Either way, I finished the race in first place. Yay?
I was scheduled to run the Colorado Springs Half Marathon the next weekend and the Xterra this weekend. I didn't run the CS Half, because my ankle was a grapefruit. It's been a little over two weeks and I think I've resigned to the fact that I will not be running the Xterra. I tried running on Monday, and it seems that I won't be running for quite awhile. This has me really questioning my half-marathon-a-month goal. I probably won't run a half in October and may bail from the November race, just to ensure that I'm healed. The purpose of my goal was really to get back into shape. I'm thinking that I've at least achieved that and I'm wondering if I should set my sights on something different. Maybe a century ride in 2015, or a fast marathon next fall, perhaps another half ironman. I haven't completely given up yet, but I'm open to new suggestions.
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