Caution: Slow Moving Vehicle

 

Caution:   Slow - Moving Vehicle Ahead......

or better yet, the sign should have read:  

Caution:  Slow runner/Hamstring Recovery In Progress

AND YET.... I am the only one who seemed to care.    Just me.   

Out on my first run of the year, I managed to run one minute pain free and repeat that seven times, with a five minute brisk walk between each run.   The minute is the current breaking point-- the point where the hamstring feels like it is going to seize from the work imposed during the absorption, coil and recoil, and extension of the muscle as it is moving through the running cycle.   

AND so.... I felt like a slow moving vehicle.   I traveled 2.9 miles (goal was 3.0) in 53:31 and an average pace of 18.27 min/mile.   I burned 417 calories.    

AND....

As I completed this run, I questioned the fact that I have signed up for the Hyannis Half Marathon, on 24 February.  Last year, this race utterly and completely kicked my butt..... everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong.  And here I am struggling to run a minute.    

So, I did a reality check.  I am fit.  My hamstring is the weakest link right now.  I feel capable to do this;   I need to strengthen the weak link.  My goal is to be able to run this in its entirety.   REGARDLESS of how slow I go, I want my hamstring to conquer.   

In that, I am going to continue to work on the strength, and endurance necessary.   I will continue running, cycling, swimming and rowing, as well as my strength work.  AND I am going to give it my best effort.   I cannot do more than that.   

Until that point..... look for me:  I will be wearing the SLOW MOVING VEHICLE sign on my back.

Happy New Year

to 2013.

Today, 1 January 2013, is the day that all those resolutions for the new year go into affect.  Almost like a personal set of rules that we know we are going to toss to the way side the moment the challenge gets tough.

For me, today commences a renewal in my commitment to myself.  A renewal in my goals.

I am currently reading, The Speed of Trust, by Steven Covey.  In it he describes our commitment to self and how at times we laugh it off.  His story was making appointments with himself to get up early, no matter what, to exercise and find that on those mornings he chose to sleep in.  The result:  he didn't trust himself to keep his appointments with himself. AND that doesn't seem like a good self-relationship.  He learned that he needed to be realistic with himself about those appointments, and when he understood when to make the appointments, he was more committed to keeping them.

AND I wondered about my commitment to self.  How frequently do I start a project, a book, something else and fail to keep the commitment.  Which caused me to wonder......

Is it fear that is slowing my progress?

In this interesting book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Susan Jeffers discusses procrastination.
What is the underlying problem with procrastination?  Generally speaking, FEAR.

What am I afraid of?  What could be so awful about being awesome again?
Well.... that is a very deep question, and perhaps needs some more reflection, but simply put.... at times, I am afraid of excellence.  I know it doesn't make sense, but it is pretty scary place to be absolutely awesome at something, and to maintain integrity and humility...... and alas, I digress..... as I continue to challenge myself to be excellent and not be afraid.

The last book which has been very inspiring to me.  Even Eagles Need a Push, but David McNally, discusses at times we all need a push.  Did you know the eagle will NOT fly until it is pushed, yes pushed out of the nest?

Why does the thrill of soaring begin with the fear of falling?

www.eveneaglesneedapush.com  

And this all brings me to MY word of the Year..... Soaring.

Soaring describes what I aspire to do professionally and personally, encompassing all aspects of my being.

I laugh at the phrase:  How can I soar with the eagles, when I am stuck with a bunch of turkeys?
This is funny now, as I live in Massachusetts, the state bird is the turkey.  Don't get me wrong.... turkeys are pretty interesting birds, but they are definitely NOT an eagle.

And to soar, in 2013.... that is what I want to do.

Question of the week...... 'where do you get your protein?'

It is pretty funny.  I have been asked, 'where do I get my protein?' after sharing that I am eating a predominantly plant-based diet.

In fact questions this week:
    --- There's protein in spaghetti squash?
    --- Everyone needs meat.... why aren't you eating any?
    --- You lost that much weight in a week?  What are you doing throwing up?

Needless to say, I had several face to palm moments this past week.

Three weeks ago, I was gifted the book -- The Engine 2 Diet.  (I had wanted to read it, as I had read several other books similar in philosophies).

Two weeks ago, I cut processed foods and animal products out of my diet.  I have been eating a plant-based diet, enjoying fruits and veggies, and a some oatmeal.  Granted..... I have cream in my coffee, and had a crab cake with an amazing steamed veggie salad, and I had some yogurt the other day.  The difference now, is that the animal products are the garnish or the secondary segment in the diet.

The result:  week one:  I lost 8.9#
                   week two:  I fluctuated a bit with my weight -- hormones, those pesky little things.
                                      But I have managed to not gain any weight this week.  I will know on
                                      Monday the final result of the week.

Regardless of the result of this week, I feel great!  I have more energy than I have in a long time.

I am using this as a foundation and the beginning of a new adventure.  I have two more weeks in this process, and I anticipate more consistency in my running.  I have a half-marathon to tackle in February!

Week One Reflections

I realize how deconditioned I have become........ As a result of a multitude of things.

Yes, I can still teach spin and go for a brisk walk......

But, I am NOT where I remember my comfort to be.

 

Week one created challenges of its own. It was the week of Thanksgiving after all.

The result: I am down 4#.

I trained 3 days last week. I drove to NJ and rested.

 

The new week has commenced and I am committed to doing something everyday.

I was actually looking forward to fresh fruit for breakfast this morning. I feel lighter, albeit sore (training yesterday), and I am looking forward to an easy run this morning.

I trust my hamstring will start to cooperate and the run will soon be easier. Currently, I feel like I am dragging my leg behind me.

 

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A new beginning

Sometimes,

We need to take a step back and evaluate the direction we are headed.

I have been carefully examining and evaluating my athletic progress over the past year. I am regressing. Yes, I have my moments that I am doing excellent and have the passion, desire and motivation tomgomfor it all..... But most of the time, I feel tired, lazy, lethargic, unmotivated...... Shall I continue?

 

And in all of this...... I gained back the weight I lost a year ago. PFFFFT.

 

So today, I am recommencing my journey. I am refocusing and setting forth new goals and ambitions.

 

My first is to cover the next 100 days. My primary goal is consistency. Consistency in training, eating and attitude. I trust as I recreate that consistency, I will find my love for the sports in which I play.

I am tired of feeling dumpy and frumpy and fat. And looking that way too.

 

So, today..... My journey begins. And it starts with the first 100 days.

 

Won't you join me?

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When An Injury Occurs....

I slipped at the field hockey game Thursday night.  I slipped on the wet grass, and managed to fall perfectly into a hurdler stretch.  And while the landing and execution were perfect, the problem is that I was totally unprepared for the excessive stress/stretch placed on my hamstring.  The result.... PAIN!

Period.

And the bigger result-- I have injured my hamstring.

I spent the last couple days realizing ALL the movements that place demands on the hamstring.  Just about everything.  AND I have learned quite closely where the hamstring attaches and all the movements it is necessary for.

Your hamstring is essential in weight bearing activity, and can be reinjured in non-weight bearing related movement, as I learned when I misjudged the step and landed rapidly on my good leg.  The injured hamstring was not able to prepare for the shock to the body and in turn tightened rapidly and caused more pain.    *I wanted to cry*

I am glad I live on the ocean, and that it is still warm.  I have taken two salt water ice baths.... these seem to help, as they challenge my balance standing in the moving water.  The bigger challenge is walking across the sand to the beach.

It will be interesting teaching my cycling classes this week.  I cannot afford to miss work, or take much time off.  I need to be well quickly.

I will keep you up to date on my progress as I rehab my own hamstring and return to running and cycling and training to compete in the races I have planned for the remainder of the year and moving into 2013.

Never Give In

I am sitting watching the sun set, wondering why the shorter days arrive sooooo quickly. It is still summer after all. And yet, the darkness is covering the eastern seaboard. I am reflecting on the week past, and preparing for the week ahead. I am adapting to my fall schedule, and was utterly exhausted this afternoon.

As I am preparing for the beginning of swim team tomorrow, i am reminded of the team's motto, NEVER GIVE IN! And I am challenged by this, as i am currently struggling on so many levels. I am working, and not seeing the rewards financially....... And as I am faced with the challenges of waiting to be able to take care of my stuff, I honestly don't know if I will be able to eat this week.

I am also preparing for my personal goals. After my birthday, I am determined to not be in the same position physically I was on my birthday...., yes, I am fitter than most, but I am NOT where I need nor want to be! I genuinely need to adopt the attitude of NEVER GIVE IN......

For my entire health, I need to truly encompass this attitude and challenge myself to accomplish the goals I have set out for my fitness and focus on competing again. It should be exciting to look to the next race, and prepare for it..... Not stressful because I am not prepared.

 

And so, this fall brings the motto...... NEVER GIVE IN!!

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