Saturday, July 7, 2012

Run Mama!


 There've been some things going on that aren't exactly worthy of a blog post, but have also been stressful and just blech. I haven't mentioned them either because 1) it's petty and not really internet appropriate 2) it's interesting only to me or 3) it's just petty. For example, I had full-blown work drama, with tears, over a portable room divider. 'Twas awesome, and obviously it cast me in a most favorable and level headed light. (Also, I lost and it stung. I still sit on one side, while the rest of my co-workers sit on the other. Sweet.) The point is, it's been a wee bit stressful. However, I think I'm starting to figure out my own anxiety-reduction recipe. One thing that's helped is our new budgeting system (boring, but helpful). Another has been, believe it or not, running.


 I haven't said much about it because 1) it wasn't all that interesting and 2) I didn't want to have to fess up when I gave up on it. But I've stayed at it longer than I ever have in the past, and I'm actually beginning to enjoy it. I think a big difference is that in the past, I was running to lose weight. That's still a goal, but this time I also picked a bunch of races that I wanted to participate in. It's been a great motivation. Because I'm shallow, I picked the races based on the cuteness factor of the t-shirt, so whenever I'm tempted to skip I remind myself that I don't get the shirt if I don't run the race. Whatever works, right?

If I miss a run, I'm less patient and a bit more snippy. Basically, I miss it. And when we have especially stressful days, I'm practically running over C and the kids to run out the door. I don't know that I've experienced the "runner's high" but I have had some very nice, mindful runs. I'm constantly body-scanning. What hurts? What feels stronger? When did that start jiggling? Hey, that doesn't jiggle anymore! And then there comes a point when I have to stop thinking and just focus on putting one foot in front of the other. Occasionally I chant annoying motivational sayings. In my head. Usually.
 
I have one more run before I've actually finished the C25K program. This has never, ever happened despite starting the program several times since Syd was born. Usually I hit the "Run 20 minutes" portion, do it, and throw in the towel. This morning I ran for 28 minutes! Straight even. It's still not easy, but I'm doing it and I'm happier for it. And if my GPS is accurate (which I'm not sure that it is) I'm doing fairly well distance-wise too. I'm still hesitating to register for a race, but at this rate I should be ready for a 10K at the end of September. And I will wear that shirt every day until it falls off of me. Smiling, of course.

4 comments:

  1. Yay!!!!! 28 minutes!!! That is so AWESOME! You are so there! (dude that divider thing is verging on crazy mean)

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  2. Wow! What a great addiction. Run, Mama, run till you get there. Love you!

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  3. Awesome! Soon you will get to the point where you don't even remember life before getting out there/running/clearing your head! Way to go!

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