It's been raining the past two days. I found a lull in the rain yesterday and got my run in. I'm waiting for the rain to stop today at around 2:00 to head out today. Yesterday was unique for me. Not only was it a rainy run, but it was also an unplugged run. That is, I forgot my iphone so couldn't listen to anything. No music, no podcast, no Pandora, nothing. Just the sprinkling rain, the birds, and the sounds of the lake. I have to say, I enjoyed it more then my other distractions. Now, I'm not going to say that I'll never listen to something on a run again, quite honestly, I'll do it more then not, but what I was amazed at was all the sounds I was missing. It was unique and fantastic to change it up and unplug from my tech life. I have no idea how long the run took me, I have no idea how far I went, (though I can estimate it), I had no idea of my pace. I just ran, simply, and lightly, and enjoyed it.
Resolved: Changing the status quo from time to time can open up a world of opertunities.
So, that being said, I think I'll find a new route today. I'll head down a path and see where it goes. It's Friday, I can afford to go out for a little longer, and it looks like I'll be able to get at least an hour of dry time. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend. It is suppose to be over 100 degrees here. Might warrant a special Sunday, sweat run!
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Time out: ?? Time in: ??
Distance: ?? ~ 3 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions: Just the world.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Pushing Through
Today seemed like it was going to be hard. Work made me come in early and fun made me stay up late. All this adds up to a very sleepy me. I'm writing this and counting down the minutes until I can get home for a nap. I neeeeeed one. Anyway, because of this I was very unhappy about getting out on the road. I battled this by simply putting my head down and pushing through. It seemed like the run was slow, but oddly enough, it was just about the same time as always. I guess that was just a phantom of my crappy feeling. It ended up going well, but I'm fricken tired now.
Resolved: The thought of doing something is often harder then actually doing something.
Seriously. I thought for sure I would dread this run. But, honestly, it went quite well and I finished feeling good. So, in the future when I'm feeling like I shouldn't or don't want to do something, just do it. Nike the bitch and I guarantee in the end it won't be as bad as you thought it would. Something for me to remember on those long, hot, Summer days.
Last evening I was speaking to the wif about my chip idea. I had the idea that people are often rewarded with chips for kicking a bad habit. AA gives out their chips, rehab clinics do, so why not give myself for successfully CREATING a healthy habit? Makes sense to me. I told my dear wif this idea and was a bit surprised by her response. She said it was a good idea, but didn't want to be punished for failing. I.E. If she didn't succeed on her goals, it would be a punishment not to get the reward. I never looked at it this way. Seems strange in fact. After all, I'm trying to create a life change here, in the same vein addicts have to change their lives. They don't create this change for the chip, the chip is a reminder of what you want to achieve. Looking at it the other way seems counter productive to me. What do you think?
This got us into a discussion of the difference between "excuse" and "reason", which to me, mean the same thing. She believes excuse has a negative connotation to it, which I can understand, but disagree with in principal. I refuse to allow a reason or excuse to stop me from my goal. It's such a seemingly small goal, in the grand scheme of things, but one that can fundamentally change who I am. One I want to achieve. One I will achieve.
Time out: 1235 Time In: 1304
Distance: 2.85
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions: Plus One Per Diem on SIR
Resolved: The thought of doing something is often harder then actually doing something.
Seriously. I thought for sure I would dread this run. But, honestly, it went quite well and I finished feeling good. So, in the future when I'm feeling like I shouldn't or don't want to do something, just do it. Nike the bitch and I guarantee in the end it won't be as bad as you thought it would. Something for me to remember on those long, hot, Summer days.
Last evening I was speaking to the wif about my chip idea. I had the idea that people are often rewarded with chips for kicking a bad habit. AA gives out their chips, rehab clinics do, so why not give myself for successfully CREATING a healthy habit? Makes sense to me. I told my dear wif this idea and was a bit surprised by her response. She said it was a good idea, but didn't want to be punished for failing. I.E. If she didn't succeed on her goals, it would be a punishment not to get the reward. I never looked at it this way. Seems strange in fact. After all, I'm trying to create a life change here, in the same vein addicts have to change their lives. They don't create this change for the chip, the chip is a reminder of what you want to achieve. Looking at it the other way seems counter productive to me. What do you think?
This got us into a discussion of the difference between "excuse" and "reason", which to me, mean the same thing. She believes excuse has a negative connotation to it, which I can understand, but disagree with in principal. I refuse to allow a reason or excuse to stop me from my goal. It's such a seemingly small goal, in the grand scheme of things, but one that can fundamentally change who I am. One I want to achieve. One I will achieve.
Time out: 1235 Time In: 1304
Distance: 2.85
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions: Plus One Per Diem on SIR
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Nothing To Say
I honestly have nothing to say today. Sorry. Run was fine. Not many people out today. It was a little colder then usual, like 80 degrees or so, so people must have just stayed in doors. Sunday is suppose to be 100! I will wait until my thermometer says 100 and then head out for my first scorching run! Love a good scorcher. You get back and feel like a hundred gallons of water and all the toxins you have ever ate are pouring out your skin. Yea, I like that, so what?
I guess I can talk about Friday's movie. Saw Horrible Bosses. It was really good. Good dialogue and excellent comedic timing. It's nice to see the dude from Always Sunny getting a shot with big name actors as well. Kevin Spacey continues to remain one of my all-time favorite actors. Some people just have it, he's one.
Getting a new kitty for Persephonee. Any thoughts on what we should name it? Oldest is Battle Cat and youngest right now is Prometheus. Thoughts? Discusses my chip idea with the wif last night. (yes, its spelled that way intentionally). She had an interesting perspective on it. I may write on that tomorrow. Whose Pottering tonight at Midnight? I'm getting old so will wait until Friday.
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Out: 1214, In: 1248
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions:
Can't remember, phone is dead, but loooooooooots of Green Day. (Go figure)
I guess I can talk about Friday's movie. Saw Horrible Bosses. It was really good. Good dialogue and excellent comedic timing. It's nice to see the dude from Always Sunny getting a shot with big name actors as well. Kevin Spacey continues to remain one of my all-time favorite actors. Some people just have it, he's one.
Getting a new kitty for Persephonee. Any thoughts on what we should name it? Oldest is Battle Cat and youngest right now is Prometheus. Thoughts? Discusses my chip idea with the wif last night. (yes, its spelled that way intentionally). She had an interesting perspective on it. I may write on that tomorrow. Whose Pottering tonight at Midnight? I'm getting old so will wait until Friday.
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Out: 1214, In: 1248
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions:
Can't remember, phone is dead, but loooooooooots of Green Day. (Go figure)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Making It A Habit
Today was weekday number 10 in a row that I went out for a run. That, to me, is impressive. It's important not to rest on my laurels though. Creating a habit, making running second nature to say, brushing my teeth (another habit I had to create!) is not easy. I read a report once that stated that you need to do something 27 times in a row when you are suppose to do them in order to train your body to accept a habit. Well, I'm at 10 and looking good! By my calculations this means that July 26th will be my habit day. This is the day my body is used to getting a run in on weekdays, as long as I don't fall off the wagon that is! I sound like an alcoholic now. Maybe they should give out chips for positive habits like running, learning new things, etc. That's not a bad idea. Maybe I will create some chips for running, writing, language learning, everything I want to accomplish in life. It's not much, but is a physical representative of my hard work. Might be useful.
Resolved: Turing a workout into a habit is worth celebrating.
For simplicity sake, I'll use 30 days in a row. Then, maybe give myself a chip at 60, 90, 6 months, a year, etc. I'm getting way ahead of myself though. Let's start my getting to this first milestone and making running a habit. I've found some good ideas in an article to help in this process.
Stay Consistent. Pick lunch or the morning and stay consistent with it. If its raining, try a treadmill or go after work, but shoot for lunch or morning each day!
Get a buddy. Get a buddy or others involved. Keep each other motivated. Maybe I can convince my wife to join me in our daily workout chip thingy.
Be imperfect. You might miss a day. You might fail. Everyone fails at one time or another. Be honest with yourself and simply start over if need be.
Use, "But". Stay motivated with the word "But". I might me really tired and not feel like running, but afterwards I will feel amazing and be proud of myself.
Associate with Role Models: Find someone who runs consistently and follow them on Twitter or what have you. Follow and contribute to a running Twitter thread or Facebook page.
Visualize: Visualize yourself with the negative. I.E. Not running. then, visualize yourself with the positive, I.E. running. Realize what the positive means to you and how it will positively affect your life.
Acknowledge Change: Do you feel better after a run? Do you have more energy that night or are you in a better mood with people? What changes can be made to the routine? Acknowledge the positives and learn from the negatives. I run and I feel better. I am nicer and interact with people in a more positive manner.
Do it for Yourself: You will never change something that isn't for you. Make the change or habit your own and embrace it.
That's all for now. I've lost count with counting calories. I'm still acknowledging what I eat and estimating my intake to around 2000 or so calories a day. But, specifics are rather difficult to remember without having some sort of live journal. Maybe look for one, Chris. Thanks for reading!
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Time Out: 12:12 Time In: 12:43
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions:
Depeche Mode, Policy of Truth
The CUre, Just Like Heaven
Spandau Ballet, True
Duran Duran, Rio
A-Ha, Take on Me
U2, With or Without You
Resolved: Turing a workout into a habit is worth celebrating.
For simplicity sake, I'll use 30 days in a row. Then, maybe give myself a chip at 60, 90, 6 months, a year, etc. I'm getting way ahead of myself though. Let's start my getting to this first milestone and making running a habit. I've found some good ideas in an article to help in this process.
Stay Consistent. Pick lunch or the morning and stay consistent with it. If its raining, try a treadmill or go after work, but shoot for lunch or morning each day!
Get a buddy. Get a buddy or others involved. Keep each other motivated. Maybe I can convince my wife to join me in our daily workout chip thingy.
Be imperfect. You might miss a day. You might fail. Everyone fails at one time or another. Be honest with yourself and simply start over if need be.
Use, "But". Stay motivated with the word "But". I might me really tired and not feel like running, but afterwards I will feel amazing and be proud of myself.
Associate with Role Models: Find someone who runs consistently and follow them on Twitter or what have you. Follow and contribute to a running Twitter thread or Facebook page.
Visualize: Visualize yourself with the negative. I.E. Not running. then, visualize yourself with the positive, I.E. running. Realize what the positive means to you and how it will positively affect your life.
Acknowledge Change: Do you feel better after a run? Do you have more energy that night or are you in a better mood with people? What changes can be made to the routine? Acknowledge the positives and learn from the negatives. I run and I feel better. I am nicer and interact with people in a more positive manner.
Do it for Yourself: You will never change something that isn't for you. Make the change or habit your own and embrace it.
That's all for now. I've lost count with counting calories. I'm still acknowledging what I eat and estimating my intake to around 2000 or so calories a day. But, specifics are rather difficult to remember without having some sort of live journal. Maybe look for one, Chris. Thanks for reading!
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Time Out: 12:12 Time In: 12:43
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions:
Depeche Mode, Policy of Truth
The CUre, Just Like Heaven
Spandau Ballet, True
Duran Duran, Rio
A-Ha, Take on Me
U2, With or Without You
Friday, July 8, 2011
Your own worst Enemy
I was struggling to think of something to write about today. Then, I went for my run. It was brutal run. You know the day, when everything just seems off. Your legs and arms feel heavy and it feels like you are the most out of shape person on the planet! It was especially annoying being that yesterday I felt so amazing. But today? Geesh. I struggled over rises and even the dips didn't lead to any rest. I took my time at a stop light and waited for a car, so far down the road I could have walked across the street before it passed! We all do this from time to time, but its time to call a spade a spade and say that was a pseudo rest. Why didn't I just take another walking break?
Resolved: We hold ourselves to a higher caliber and stricter definition of failure then anyone else does. In essence, we are our own worst enemy.
I came to this conclusion after that light I stopped at. My Own Worst Enemy from Green Day (I know!) was playing on my ipod and it got me thinking that every single person I passed; the girl walking in sweats, the shirtless kid, the construction workers, the elderly couple walking, none of them care about how fast or slow we are going more then we do. None of them really give a crap about us. They pass us, trying to look as good as possible, just like we do them, and then we pretty much forget about them forever. Even in a circular route, like my lake, by the time I see them again I barely remember them and doubt they remember me at all. So stop worrying about it!
That being said, pushing ourselves is important and being our own worst enemy can be a good thing. Just be sure to know your enemy. Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Time out: 12:37. Time In: 1303
Distance: 2.82 miles
Walks: 2 (plus one long light), Inhaler Use: 4
Distractions:
No idea as it was lost, but music that ended with Know Your Enemy from Green Day
Calories In: 1680
Calories Out: ~2500
Resolved: We hold ourselves to a higher caliber and stricter definition of failure then anyone else does. In essence, we are our own worst enemy.
I came to this conclusion after that light I stopped at. My Own Worst Enemy from Green Day (I know!) was playing on my ipod and it got me thinking that every single person I passed; the girl walking in sweats, the shirtless kid, the construction workers, the elderly couple walking, none of them care about how fast or slow we are going more then we do. None of them really give a crap about us. They pass us, trying to look as good as possible, just like we do them, and then we pretty much forget about them forever. Even in a circular route, like my lake, by the time I see them again I barely remember them and doubt they remember me at all. So stop worrying about it!
That being said, pushing ourselves is important and being our own worst enemy can be a good thing. Just be sure to know your enemy. Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Time out: 12:37. Time In: 1303
Distance: 2.82 miles
Walks: 2 (plus one long light), Inhaler Use: 4
Distractions:
No idea as it was lost, but music that ended with Know Your Enemy from Green Day
Calories In: 1680
Calories Out: ~2500
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Short & Sweet
Nothing today. I missed writing yesterday as well. Work has me pulling late hours these days. I did run both days and have been excited about my progress. I haven't seen any reduction in the gut, but I'm down to one walk in the last two runs and was in at 27 and 28 minutes as well! See, progress. Wednesday I even felt amazing.
Wednesday, July 6
Total Time out: 27 minutes
Distance: 2.73 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler use: 3
Thursday, July 7
Out: 1303 In: 1331
Distance 2.73 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler use: 4
Wednesday, July 6
Total Time out: 27 minutes
Distance: 2.73 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler use: 3
Thursday, July 7
Out: 1303 In: 1331
Distance 2.73 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler use: 4
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Distractions
Distracting yourself from the actual running process is one of the easiest ways to forget the pain, heat, humidity, cramps, nags, or other naggings that putting one foot in front of the other can bring with it. Now I know we should all be concerned with thinking about our breathing, our posture, and our foot strike, but let's be honest, after the first mile or two those are the last things that matter. Sucking wind becomes your dominant feature, and there is only so much of that you can think about! The most widely used distraction is, of course, music. A good series of songs can not only make the minutes and miles fly by, but can serve to motivate you through a rough patch on the run. Everyone has that one song that hits home and makes them want to push themselves further and further. I have mine, but I'll keep it a secret for right now.
Resolved: Thinking about literally anything other then running while running can be useful.
I tried a book on tape once. I think it was "The Da Vinci Code" the book, for all the rave it got, was really a let down. I had set a goal that I would only listen to the book while running. That way, if the book was amazing, I'd want to run more. Makes sense in theory. That being said, I wasn't very impressed with this book and began dreading going out and listening to an utterly unremarkable book. I might try it again in the future, but only if its something I'm pretty sure I know I'll like. There are several merits to a book on "tape"; its generally pretty long, which means you'll have something to run to for many hours, if it is interesting you'll be motivated to keep running / go out again, finally, it can be immersive and a fantastic distraction.
My personal basis recently has been comity shows / albums / podcasts. I'm a big Kevin Smith fan. Say what you will about the guy, but he's a self made man who is a terrific writer and is at the forefront of internet entertainment. He has a few daily, live shows, one with his witty wife Jennifer, and one with his constant, hedro-life mate, Jason Mewes. Both are free and available on his radio website, SIR. I highly encourage you to check them out as a great distraction. The shows are generally both entertaining and funny. Speaking of which, you should try Smith and Ralph Garmon on their weekly show, "Hollywood Babylon". It's amazing. Anyways, the other day I was running to Smith and TV's Joe Rogan and had to stop to catch my breath from all the laughter I was belting out. So, while I did look a bit insane holding my side, laughing up a storm with sweat pouring down my face, that run was one of the one's that went quickly. Indubitably a fantastic distraction.
Some people however, can't seem to get into the hang of running with electronic equipment. I was in this camp for a long time. My headphones hung on me weird and I didn't enjoy them. I'd brainstorm in my head over writings, the daily life, etc, in order to whittle away the time. This worked well, but couldn't deal with the "hard" times during the run. During these times I did some weird things, the oddest being pseudo-complex math problems. Quick, what's 357 x 125? Can't get it yet? Exactly. Keeping track of this problem in my head would take upwards of ten minutes to complete! The miles would fly by as I struggled to maintain what numbers were where and the totals. Jeesh, it's a hassle, but fairly rewarding, especially when you missed an entire mile of running time! Of course math isn't for everyone. There are a host of other ways to bide your time; mentally going through / preparing yourself for the day, reflecting on a hobby or other activity, trying to memorize your drivers licence or other useful information, learning a foreign language via audio. Do you have any distractions you use? Tell me about it and I'll give it a try one day.
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Out: 1211, In: 1243
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distraction: Plus on Per Diem on SIR
Calories took in Friday, July 1
2580
Expelled: 2767
Net: -187
Resolved: Thinking about literally anything other then running while running can be useful.
I tried a book on tape once. I think it was "The Da Vinci Code" the book, for all the rave it got, was really a let down. I had set a goal that I would only listen to the book while running. That way, if the book was amazing, I'd want to run more. Makes sense in theory. That being said, I wasn't very impressed with this book and began dreading going out and listening to an utterly unremarkable book. I might try it again in the future, but only if its something I'm pretty sure I know I'll like. There are several merits to a book on "tape"; its generally pretty long, which means you'll have something to run to for many hours, if it is interesting you'll be motivated to keep running / go out again, finally, it can be immersive and a fantastic distraction.
My personal basis recently has been comity shows / albums / podcasts. I'm a big Kevin Smith fan. Say what you will about the guy, but he's a self made man who is a terrific writer and is at the forefront of internet entertainment. He has a few daily, live shows, one with his witty wife Jennifer, and one with his constant, hedro-life mate, Jason Mewes. Both are free and available on his radio website, SIR. I highly encourage you to check them out as a great distraction. The shows are generally both entertaining and funny. Speaking of which, you should try Smith and Ralph Garmon on their weekly show, "Hollywood Babylon". It's amazing. Anyways, the other day I was running to Smith and TV's Joe Rogan and had to stop to catch my breath from all the laughter I was belting out. So, while I did look a bit insane holding my side, laughing up a storm with sweat pouring down my face, that run was one of the one's that went quickly. Indubitably a fantastic distraction.
Some people however, can't seem to get into the hang of running with electronic equipment. I was in this camp for a long time. My headphones hung on me weird and I didn't enjoy them. I'd brainstorm in my head over writings, the daily life, etc, in order to whittle away the time. This worked well, but couldn't deal with the "hard" times during the run. During these times I did some weird things, the oddest being pseudo-complex math problems. Quick, what's 357 x 125? Can't get it yet? Exactly. Keeping track of this problem in my head would take upwards of ten minutes to complete! The miles would fly by as I struggled to maintain what numbers were where and the totals. Jeesh, it's a hassle, but fairly rewarding, especially when you missed an entire mile of running time! Of course math isn't for everyone. There are a host of other ways to bide your time; mentally going through / preparing yourself for the day, reflecting on a hobby or other activity, trying to memorize your drivers licence or other useful information, learning a foreign language via audio. Do you have any distractions you use? Tell me about it and I'll give it a try one day.
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Out: 1211, In: 1243
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distraction: Plus on Per Diem on SIR
Calories took in Friday, July 1
2580
Expelled: 2767
Net: -187
Friday, July 1, 2011
Heat, Hills, and Humidity
It’s summer! I can tell from the oppressive heat and damning humidity outside. Last time we hit the mid-nineties power was failing all over the grid as people sought the comfort of the Gods of Air Conditioning. Luckily, my house was exempt and I was able to wallow away the day in stagnant, recycled air. I’m not generally a fan of closing up the windows. I feel I get enough of that during the nine months of Winter up here. But, the wife and daughter need it, so I make the contention without too much complaint. Anyway, today I’m applying all this to the running lifestyle.
In my humble opinion (imho), running in the heat is all a matter of perspective. I’ve always liked the heat. Not sure why. Maybe some of my ex’s are right and I’m actually from hell! But honestly, I think people hate running in most extreme conditions mainly because of perspective. People think running in the heat and humidity is going to suck, thus it sucks.
Resolved: A proper mind-set can make anything not only doable, but enjoyable.
I read an article a while back that said the very act of having a smile on your face can make you happy. In other words, my forcing yourself to smile and to stay smiling, you can positively affect your mood, change it to one of positivity and happiness. I can’t verify this one way or another, but from time to time, when I’m in an especially foul mood, I give it a try. It can’t hurt to try to be in a good mood, can it?
So how does all this translate to running? Well, like I said, I’ve always liked running in the heat and humidity. Oddly enough, my run time gets faster in the extreme heat! I’m not sure why, but I have a theory. My theory involves hills. You see, I’ve also always loved running up hills. I know, I know, I may be a masochist! But, I see it as a challenge. In the Marines they compounded this by compounding this challenge with cadence. “Up the hill… Fuck the hill… Little hill… No pain…. No gain…” This, of course, sounds better in cadence and with sing-song. So, I’ve always attacked hills with gusto. “I’ll be damned if I’m going to let this hill kick my ass.” You need to walk? You walk going down the hill. There’s plenty of downhill to rest.
Now I know hills are not easy. I know they are physically harder then running on a flat surface, but yet I want to attack them. The only logical reason for me enjoying them is my state of mind. This can just as easily be turned toward the heat and humidity. Every time the temperature goes up, the treadmills inside fill up. No, not me. I’m attacking this day and making the heat pay for daring to challenge my pride! For that reason alone I look forward to the mid-nineties and ninety percent humidity. Are they easy? Hell no! I feel the cramps and pain as much as the next person, but when I finish I feel better about myself and my abilities. So what do you think? Can a positive mental imagine impact your activities or is it all happenstance?
Until next time, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Time Out: 1207 Time In: 1239
Distance: 2.67 miles
Walks: 4! Inhaler Use: 1
Songs:
Plus One Per Diem Live Show
Breakfast:
Yesterdays Calorie Intake:
Bagel, plain; 250
Lunch:
Bag of Cheetos; 160
2 slices of small frozen pizza; 300
2 small pieces of cheese bread; 250
Weird Old Chicago pasta thingy; 250
Dinner:
Mac & Cheese, 1 serving; 259 Calories
1 Slice of Dominoes Pizza; 390 Calories
½ Cheese Bread Dominoes Pizza; 300 Calories
3 Glasses of Cool Aid; 133 Calories
Total Intake: 2,292
Total Expended:
Sedentary Activity Level; 2,300
Running: 467
Total Expended: 2,767
In: 2,292
Out: 2,767
Net: -475
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