Mental Mind Games

Run Time: 32 minutes, Run Distance: 3 miles

Yesterday I managed to make it to the gym in between work and class and only had enough time to run for half an hour. Which was okay because the gym was packed. It was another struggle of a run but I played some mental mind tricks to keep myself going. You wouldn't even believe some of the thoughts and slogans that were going through my head. Humor me...here are the "tricks" I played to push my mind through--

First I started thinking about all the people walking on the treadmills around me and imagined that I was winning a race. This was especially helpful when the old dude 2 treadmills over decided that if I could run--he could to.

I then envisioned myself as a motivator. I could tell this poor guy running was not a runner and had not intended to run before he saw me running. I only know this because he only lasted about a minute before he decided that he didn't like it too much--that and he kept watching me. Anyways, I envisioned myself as a motivator beyond the moment at which this guy had stopped and was clearly no longer motivated (if he ever was). I thought of the way my dad tells me that I am inspiring and the way that he picked up running as a result of my own running adventures.

Then these thoughts weren't working anymore. I had to think of something else. Somehow I got the "John Jingleheimer Schmidt" song stuck in my head because that appeared to be a similiar rhythym to what everyone was thumping the treadmill at. Don't ask me. Quickly this song wore out and I didn't like the idea of getting it stuck in my head. So what better song to start singing in your head than, "Tearin Up My Heart" by NSync. This one makes more sense because I used to be an insane Nsync fan back in the day. But of course, I could only remember the chorus. So...that got old fast.

Next I started throwing running slogans out there. "Blast those hips" and "Rachel you can do this", or the one I find the most humurous..."I'm so proud of you." Proud...of myself? Where did I get this nonsense?

Somehow I made it to the end of my run. And I'm thinking that I need to charge my Ipod soon. Because my creativity in mental mind games is going to wear thin!!

What are your mental mind games???

Something to Report!

Run Distance: 3 miles, Run time: 32:00, Eliptical: 20 minutes, Bike: 5 minutes, 3/10 Above Arm

I'm going back to the log at the top of my posts just so I have something that I can look back to. Yes, I finally have something that I can actually report. The run went as well as I could expect for missing almost 2 weeks. I seem to be having a bit of a respiratory issue that kind of effected this run. I've actually had it much of the winter and went into the doctor about it but they kept telling me that it was dry air. It was focused primarily in my nose so I believed them. But it really is starting to make my throat hurt. And not just in the morning--all day. Anyways, nevertheless my throat was burning midway through my run and I was having a hard time ignoring it. I did stop and walk for 2 minutes so thus the slow time.

I was hoping for a little longer of a run but settled with 3 miles and decided that perhaps the eliptical would be better. I was still having the same symptoms. Anyways, spent 20 minutes there and then decided to finish off with 5 on the bike. Despite all of this...I really was happy to just be at the gym.

I am hoping to get a work out in tonight in between work and class. We'll see how that goes.

Putting Time Back On My Side

I'm sorry I've neglected my blog lately. Actually I fully intended to continue neglecting for awhile because I have nothing really good to report. However, I really needed to get my thoughts and goals out there and recorded somewhere.

The past two weeks have been crazy. I have 3 classes this semester (in addition to my full time job). They are all night classes. I also happen to live a good hour from work and class so I have 2 hours of drive time every day. This leaves for very little time to work out. On top of it all--we have been painting for the past two weeks. And I've had to apply for student teaching as well as do homework. Needless to say--I am so disappointed I haven't gotten any workouts in.

Most people say they don't have time to workout when they really do. But I literally believe I have no time. However, I am going to tell you about a plan that I have after the feelings that spurred my plan.

It seems as though I've gained some weight since my marathon. I feel really bad and it has become even more of an issue recently as it has been brought more to my attention.

I am going to attempt to reschedule myself. My nights may be taken but I still have pre-6 am. I think I am going to attempt to wake up at around 5 am and see if I can get an hour workout in before work. I hate waking up earlier than 6 am but it is what I need to do. It will be tough because I don't get home until late some nights after class but perhaps it will give me more energy throughout the day and I can start to feel better about myself.

Anyways, this is my confession. I really kind of hate admitting this just because it seems as though I had conquered this battle and here it begins again.

A Better Run and a Failed Snowboarder

I had yesterday off (woohoo!) and headed to the gym in the morning. Evidently everyone else got the same great idea and the gym was again packed. I didn't know so many people got MLK day off! Anyways, I managed to get on my favorite treadmill and hammered out 3 miles. I was actually feeling great and wanted to run further but the gym was crowded and I didn't want to get yelled at for being on the treadmill longer than the allowed time. I put in another 15 minutes on the eliptical but again had foot pad pain and decided to jump off. Finished up my hour at home on the Wii Fit.

I am backtracking a bit here...but the day before this wonderful run...we went snowboarding. This was my first trip snowboarding and I'm not entirely sure I can actually claim that I snowboarded since I spent most of my time on my bum. We didn't take any lessons, just had a friend kind of show us what to do before we plunged down the hill. It didn't fair to well with me because I spent most of the time falling and then contemplating getting back up. The runs were packed that day and I spent most of the time waiting for the perfect opportunity to go so that I wouldn't take out a small child while trying to get down the hill (since I still do not have a clue how you stop other than fall down). Anyways, my butt is still pretty sore (didn't help that I slipped on our front step this morning either). Strangely, my arms are sore too--Andy says from catching my fall so many times. I think I'll stick to running.

Losing Mileage

I really don't know what my deal is lately. A few weeks ago I was running 6 milers and intervals and loving it. The last two weeks have really sucked. I've barely cranked out 3 milers and in fact, Monday I could only muster out 2.5 miles. So, so frustrating.

I don't think I can even tell you the cause of this problem. One day it was the fact that my legs were really really tight and in pain. The next day it seemed to be that I had no energy. The next day it was that my breathing was off. Yea that one was Monday. All of these factors make me feel like I did when I first started running years ago. So frustrating.

I have class tonight so there will be no gym time. However, I am going to take on this problem on Friday and hopefully see some sort of improvement in my endurance. Seriously.

And the Chaos Begins

I guess everyone was scared of the below zero temps last week and that is why the gym was empty. Just merely making assumptions. Yesterday I went to the gym and it was a madhouse. The parking lot was packed so I knew it was going to be bad before I ever even stepped foot into the door. Every treadmill was taken. There were two elipticals open so I hopped on one. I don't mind the eliptical--I just would much rather be on the treadmill. Elipticals hurt the balls of my feet and I have yet to figure out why after many years of using them. Anyways, I did the eliptical for half an hour and got off because there was an enormous line for both the treadmills and the elipticals. Biked for about 10 minutes before I started to get bored. Hopped off the bike and went home to the Wii Fit where I don't have to compete for machines.

I think I may have to start going to the gym later so I can avoid this madness. At least for the month of January.

Ranting Post

Yikes. Anyone else get a calendar in the mail from Runner's World? No thanks! They sent me a calendar in the mail and then billed me 21.95 for it and I never asked for one! Then they want me to send this calendar back on my dime! They sent it to me without me requesting it! Grr.

Anyways, I don't have much positive to report about my workout yesterday. I ran 3 miles and it wasn't the best run I've ever had. My legs were really tight and I never really got into the right rhythm. I biked for 20 minutes afterwords and have decided that biking on a stationary bike deems little rewards. According to the machine, I only burned 90 calories in 20 minutes. This just seems crazy. I was going at about 85 rpm, perhaps that is slow? I don't even know as I'm not really much of a cyclist. Anyways, I'm probably going to have to work on that more before the triathlon.

I plan to get a better run in tonight. We'll see how it goes.