whew!

I’ve gotten up and ran every morning before work this week.  This means, my shoes have willingly hit the floor before 6:15 for 5 days straight.  And not always (or even usually) because I got to bed early the night before.

After wondering just exactly how many miles I had put on my shoes, I realized that the “pfft” sound coming from my right shoe was because the sole had separated from the upper.  Incidentally, I also had a blister there, probably from all the extra friction.

For the first time, when I look at my workout for the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that, I’m not afraid.  I used to look at it and think, How will I do that?  I’ve never ran that far/fast before?  But every day, I would go out and give it my best shot, and more often than not, I would complete it just as it was written.  Now, not only do I know that the workout is simply about putting one foot in front of the other, but the workouts for the most part have plateaued in length.  If I’ve completed 30 minutes before, I can do it again in any iteration.

I have almost as many blisters as I have toes.  But I consider them hard won battle scars, not symbols of defeat.  They will heal, and they will make me stronger.  And for that, I am grateful.

p.s. Taking Sunday off after running about 9 days straight.  Instead, I’m going to test out my bike route to the job I start in a scant 3 weeks!

One of my proudest moments: Our Birthday present to our friend Luis.  Photo and quote below from his FB page:



I just got this AMAZING treat from my good friends. I want to thank you both for taking the time to put this together, it means so much to me and it made me want to go cruising just so that I can listen to all your awesome choices, it is incredible how each cd teaches me more and more with each song about your personalities. I will forever cherish these CDs, thank you guys is just what I wanted. I had forgotten the power of a mix cd. Much love for you both and I will return the favor. -L

books update

I read 63 books last year.  I had never tracked how many books I'd read before, so I think that was pretty good.  I also think it's probably unusually high since I can read so much at work.

This year I decided to set a nice safe goal of 50 books this year.  After all, I've taken up knitting, and have a life so I don't want to promise I'll spend every waking moment reading.

So far, according to Goodreads, I have read 45 books.  I am at 90% of my goal.

That's ok though, because in another month, I'm not going to be able to spend 7 hours a day reading.  So as long as I get my library request list down to under 30 before I leave my temp job, I'll be thrilled.

However, at the rate that Game of Thrones is going, I'll be sunk.  I'm really enjoying, and I like that I don't just blow through it like almost every other book I read.  It's pretty dense.  But still, I've got progress to make!

Communion

I had the most amazing evening.

After developing nasty shin splints 8 WEEKS into my training schedule, I decided to take a day or two off the pavement.  But, I started running in my dreams, so I knew it was time to get back out there.

Also, since the Nice Ride bikes are out, I thought it would be cool to see just how far I could get in my allotted time.  No worries about making a circuit, I'll just bike back from wherever I land.

My workout was a 5 minute jog, 10 minute easy run, 5 minute jog, 1 minute walk, 5 minute medium pace run.  I got all the way down Portland, across the Stone Arch bridge, and down Main Street past the Nice Ride station.  I am very impressed with this.  And I also felt really good, even after I biked home again.  The weather was cool, and not very windy, so view of Downtown Minneapolis across the still river was breathtaking.  I wished I'd brought my camera.

People always talk about how they like running because it clears their mind, it gives them energy, their day just doesn't feel complete without it.  I thought they were crazy.  I wasn't alone.  But, I think I"m starting to get it.  This isn't just about losing a few pounds.  This is like a spiritual communion.

I loved my run today.  And I can't wait to get up and do it again tomorrow.

p.s.  If you're wondering how I got from "That looks painful and not fun" to "I love this, can't live without it and can't wait to do it again," it had a lot to do with starting slow and easy.  I credit that all to a e-book I read  called The Ultimate Beginner's Running Guide.  It's a super quick read, gives you a enough info to get going, but not so much as to overwhelm you.  Also, it includes three running plans: one for current exercisers, one for new runners and one for weight-loss.  I chose to follow the weight-loss one.  Why?  Because the first work out was a five minute walk.  I figured if I can walk for five minutes, I can do the program.  And that's what I've done.

I tossed and turned last night, sleeping fit fully.  First I was itchy, then I was achy, then I was hungry.  The thought crossed my mind that I might have to call in if I didn’t get a good night’s rest.

And then I realized I’d left Game of Thrones at my desk, and I wouldn’t be able to read it if I called in.

So here I am at work.  Only 100 pages in, consider me hooked.

actual conversation with my cat this morning

Thomas: meow meow meow meow

Translation: I’m hungry, woman!  Feed me now, dagnabit!

Me: You whiny bitch.  I just fed you an hour ago, asshole.  Get over yourself.

Sunrise run to GirlTalk.  Ah-mazing.  Why don’t I do this every morning?!

something unexpected

I'm not sure how exactly it came about.  I think I was fixing my hair before a run.  I turned sideway, threw my head upside down, grabbed my hair to put in a ponytail.  When I stood up and looked in the mirror, I was shocked by what I saw.

I was thinner.

The scale still hasn't budged an inch.  I know muscle ways more than fat, but this just seems too crazy to be true.  But it is.  My stomach is smaller, my butt is smaller, and my waist is narrower.

I'm taking my victories where I can find them.  I still want to be down to 180.  And it doesn't really matter how much muscley I become.  If I don't lose at least SOME weight, I will never get there.

But it's good to know that pretty toenails aren't the only thing I've lost.