For the most part, running is a solitary activity, and I like it. I am the type of person who enjoys alone time and plenty of it. Yet, it does help to share running adventures with someone once in a while. Online, I am part of two running groups and another group that should be a running group because basically all of us run. Three groups where I have met wonderful people where we support each other to keep running.
Every once in a while, I do wish for someone to occasionally run beside me, chat with, share minute-by-minute support, kind of a social fun run. I thought of joining an actual running group on their monthly social runs, but I'm hesitant, even though I have no idea why.
I think my wish is coming true. In the last week, a couple of people have come to me asking about getting together for runs. Of course, I am excited, but the kicker for me...these people want me, little ol' me, involved in their fitness progression. That in itself makes the helper in me happy, but kicks up my motivation for my own personal workouts.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Advantages of 5 a.m. Runs
I've always been a morning runner, plain and simple. After about 10 months of evening running, I've switched back to the pre-dawn runs to avoid the Texas heat. Some Many people think I'm crazy for getting up at 5 o'clock in the morning. Most runners I know completely understand. To dispel the potentially insane 'tag' on my reputation, let me spill the advantages of running before the rooster wakes.
1. It's dark. No sun = decent temperatures. In the Texas summers, everyone yearns for decent temps.
2. Traffic is at a bare minimum. I can run in the middle of the road if I like. On some streets I actually have to in order to save my ankles. At 5 a.m., I don't have to zig-zag back and forth to the sidewalk and the road for vehicles.
3. Mark one off the list. It's one less thing on my 'To-Do' list. Done, checked off, all before 6 o'clock in the morning and a cup of coffee.
4. Moonlight. I don't know what it is, there's just something awesome about running with the moon still up.
1. It's dark. No sun = decent temperatures. In the Texas summers, everyone yearns for decent temps.
2. Traffic is at a bare minimum. I can run in the middle of the road if I like. On some streets I actually have to in order to save my ankles. At 5 a.m., I don't have to zig-zag back and forth to the sidewalk and the road for vehicles.
3. Mark one off the list. It's one less thing on my 'To-Do' list. Done, checked off, all before 6 o'clock in the morning and a cup of coffee.
4. Moonlight. I don't know what it is, there's just something awesome about running with the moon still up.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Why I Love Running
In the midst of taking a break from running in order to focus on some personal issues, all I can think about is running and when I can get back to it. As I gear back up to get some running time in my schedule, I appreciate why I fell in love with running.
1. Free Therapy. Most runners I know will agree, especially the mothers. Running gives me the chance to work through things, especially things I may not be ready to talk about with anyone.
2. Natural anti-depressant. This is true with most forms of exercise, but I have found running produces the best results for me. Running balances me, lifts my mood, calms my temper...oye, I could go on for hours.
3. My "Alone" time. As an instinctive hermit, I probably need more alone time than most people. Although with my family and schedule, it is usually more of a dream and not quiet a reality. Even a quick run can clear my mind and provide me with "quiet" and solitude my spirit needs. I get to a point in my runs where my mind just opens and all I zone in on are my feet connecting with the pavement or trail or even the treadmill, one by one, step after step, while notes and tunes fill my ears and push me to step a little bit faster.
4. Constant Improvement. Running is something someone can always improve at. Lest it be time, form, weight loss, you name it...improvement is made. When a person takes the chance and utilizes something to improve his or her personal being, great things will happen.
5. True Self. When I run, I am Carin, just me. I am not Mommy, partner, employee, student, writer, crafter, friend, daughter, giver, cleaner, Ms. Fix-it, etc., etc. I am just a woman running, striding along a path where the world seems to stand still.
1. Free Therapy. Most runners I know will agree, especially the mothers. Running gives me the chance to work through things, especially things I may not be ready to talk about with anyone.
2. Natural anti-depressant. This is true with most forms of exercise, but I have found running produces the best results for me. Running balances me, lifts my mood, calms my temper...oye, I could go on for hours.
3. My "Alone" time. As an instinctive hermit, I probably need more alone time than most people. Although with my family and schedule, it is usually more of a dream and not quiet a reality. Even a quick run can clear my mind and provide me with "quiet" and solitude my spirit needs. I get to a point in my runs where my mind just opens and all I zone in on are my feet connecting with the pavement or trail or even the treadmill, one by one, step after step, while notes and tunes fill my ears and push me to step a little bit faster.
4. Constant Improvement. Running is something someone can always improve at. Lest it be time, form, weight loss, you name it...improvement is made. When a person takes the chance and utilizes something to improve his or her personal being, great things will happen.
5. True Self. When I run, I am Carin, just me. I am not Mommy, partner, employee, student, writer, crafter, friend, daughter, giver, cleaner, Ms. Fix-it, etc., etc. I am just a woman running, striding along a path where the world seems to stand still.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Warrior Dash
May 2, 2010
The Warrior Dash was an experience of a lifetime. 3.5 miles of running, obstacles, and fun. It definitely taxed different muscle groups compared to a normal run. Between large fans, mud pits, climbs, swims, and fire jumping, this race thoroughly kicked racing into a new level for me.
I did get tired, constantly switching between my running groove to an obstacle. The log roll was difficult because the water got deeper and I had to tread water often to try and lift myself over the log with no lake bottom to push off of. The mud pits were hard, not to get through, just the running in mud after. I am totally not complaining, but it was just something different for me.
My time officially posted as 46:47.50, but this was a fun run and a "can I do it?" run for me. I did stop to help a couple of women and to take a family's picture. I'm sure I lost a few minutes there. I still had a blast, and I'll definitely do the Warrior Dash and other mud runs again.
Check out a few pics I posted.
Pre-race getup in decals and viking hat.
Me jumping fire...the next to last obstacle
Totally loving the mud pit
Finished; Complete with medal and mud bath!
Post rinse, not that it helped much.
Post race FREE beer
The Warrior Dash was an experience of a lifetime. 3.5 miles of running, obstacles, and fun. It definitely taxed different muscle groups compared to a normal run. Between large fans, mud pits, climbs, swims, and fire jumping, this race thoroughly kicked racing into a new level for me.
I did get tired, constantly switching between my running groove to an obstacle. The log roll was difficult because the water got deeper and I had to tread water often to try and lift myself over the log with no lake bottom to push off of. The mud pits were hard, not to get through, just the running in mud after. I am totally not complaining, but it was just something different for me.
My time officially posted as 46:47.50, but this was a fun run and a "can I do it?" run for me. I did stop to help a couple of women and to take a family's picture. I'm sure I lost a few minutes there. I still had a blast, and I'll definitely do the Warrior Dash and other mud runs again.
Check out a few pics I posted.
Pre-race getup in decals and viking hat.
Me jumping fire...the next to last obstacle
Totally loving the mud pit
Finished; Complete with medal and mud bath!
Post rinse, not that it helped much.
Post race FREE beer
Kilometers for Kodi 5K
April 24, 2010 Kilometers for Kodi
It's amazing what one small race community can do when one of there own is in need. Kodi Tutt is an 5-year-old girl who was recently diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer. The small town of Sanger, Texas, the town I work in, had pulled together all sorts of fundraisers for her family and her treatment. Kilometers for Kodi was the 5K fundraiser for her.
For me, this was the first race of the year. After so-so training, but regular running, I was excited, but nervous. I had recently PR'd on a 5K at 36 minutes, so I was confident. Yet, I was not used to morning heat, and battling soreness from the previous weekend's soccer game. With also battling not-so-great streets, I did end up walking some and having to readjust my shoe twice. I still timed out at 45 minutes with my hubs and kiddos watching me...which was a first.
I felt okay about the time, but it wasn't about the time for this race. The support and money donation were more important.
It's amazing what one small race community can do when one of there own is in need. Kodi Tutt is an 5-year-old girl who was recently diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer. The small town of Sanger, Texas, the town I work in, had pulled together all sorts of fundraisers for her family and her treatment. Kilometers for Kodi was the 5K fundraiser for her.
For me, this was the first race of the year. After so-so training, but regular running, I was excited, but nervous. I had recently PR'd on a 5K at 36 minutes, so I was confident. Yet, I was not used to morning heat, and battling soreness from the previous weekend's soccer game. With also battling not-so-great streets, I did end up walking some and having to readjust my shoe twice. I still timed out at 45 minutes with my hubs and kiddos watching me...which was a first.
I felt okay about the time, but it wasn't about the time for this race. The support and money donation were more important.
Months of Running
I haven't posted in about 2 months. I have been busy...running, playing soccer, trying to balance the working mother, do-it-all, would rather be running syndrome, you know, normal daily activities. Hahaha. I have been running though. That's the important thing. I've maintained my lowest weight for 7 weeks, ran at least 3 days a week (4 if you include my soccer games), and have averaged a good 10-15 miles a week. I have been horrible about logging my mileage, but I'm getting back into the groove again. I also like seeing my numbers add up over the course of the week. Oh, and I have been racing. Pics and separate posts on both of those coming later this evening, but I ran the Kilometers for Kodi, a fundraising 5K, on April 24th, and the Warrior Dash yesterday, May 2nd. Stay posted!!!! More stories to come!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Personal Best
Just a quick post to notate that I reached a personal best this evening. After 3 weeks of hardly any training, I increased my times and mileage last week. This week, I not only increased my mileage, but I hit a personal best time for my 5K. 39:30. It's still slow, but considering I was running an average of a 42:00 5K, I'm stoked.
I logged 10 miles last week, and hoping to log at least 12.5 this week. Let's hope!
I logged 10 miles last week, and hoping to log at least 12.5 this week. Let's hope!
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