Born to Run

This is the Clif Notes version of the book I'm reading, Born To Run. I may or may not be totally and completely obsessed with it right now. The book is SO interesting.  I think my brother told me about it a long time ago, and I saw it for super cheap at a bookstore and decided to pick it up. As a rookie runner, it's fascinating.

10/16/11

With the half marathon done, I'm excited to get back in the gym and work on some strength....WHILE continuing to run. I don't want that to completely fall off this time like it did after my last half.

Back to my buddy, LG Crossfit!

Today's workout:

Workout:
Hang Squat Snatch
Find 1 RM. Then back off 15-20 pounds and do 3 doubles.
(I got to 65 lbs. Definitely not a true max but, as I've said before, I'm not comfortable failing at my gym, so it's hard to go too heavy. HeaviEST I've done in a while, though, so there's that!)


Then:
7 Rounds
5 KB Clean and Push Press (L/R)
7 KB Snatch (L/R)
10 KB Swings

(I did this with a 12kg in 14:20. I haven't done ANY real kbs in a while, so this felt pretty good)


I finished my workout with a 3 mile run. In converse. If barefoot (or close to) is truly the best thing for you, shouldn't no support Converse also be good? Thought I'd give it a try. It actually felt pretty good. It's amazing how much more you can feel about where you're placing pressure on  your feet when you don't have a bunch of cushion under them. Not sure I"ll run in them every time, but I liked it.

Inspired

I'm feeling very inspired.

I'm reading Born To Run. It's amazing and has sucked me in and makes me want to embrace a running lifestyle.

I'm inspired by my old college buddy, Doug. We used to work out all the time together in college and almost get kicked out of the gym all time (he was the only one there nutty enough to STAND on a physio-ball and do squats). We've kept in touch here and there through the years. I occasionally am reminded of his story and, while sad, is very moving and motivating. ONE day I'll be inspired enough by him to actually try out what he is the poster child for, TRX. One day.

Every time I consider getting back into regular kettlebelling, which is currently, I'm inspired by an old client, Heather (and faithful reader of this neglected blog! Hi, Heather!). I've trained a LOT of people and athletes. Few kicked more ass or worked as hard as she did. We haven't worked together in quite some time, but I still think about her badassness.

I need to draw on these inspirations and use them, rather than just think about them. It's time to really get my ass into gear.

The end :)

Now I'm off to my first post-race run.

Run run!

I ran my first half marathon two years ago. At the start, I could already tell it was one of my "on" days. I felt great and light and moved pretty well. At mile 10, I totally psyched myself out, because I had never run more than 10 miles before. IN MY LIFE. Those last 3 miles were torture and whoever said you get an adrenalin rush at the last mile could suck it because every step was heavy and hard. After that race, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. And insanity. I could barely walk for 3 days, thought I broke or fractured my foot and I never wanted to do it again and didn't run for 2 years when I...decided to do it again? Is this like the decision to have a second baby? The memory isn't nearly as bad as the event actually was?

I started training 3 months ago.  It started off a little rough, but got better. Then I fell on my face. No big deal.

3 weeks before the run, Nicole decided to do it with me. 2 days before the race her boyfriend, Rob, decided to do it, too. I thought they were slightly insane for signing up so close to it, but they're both super athletic and I sure as hell wasn't going to be the one to plant a seed of doubt. That's the worst.

We showed up bright and early yesterday morning with my #1 cheerleader, LeGreg. After checking in a bag and getting ready and stretching and meeting up with another friend and doing all the things, it was go time.

I had said from the get go that I wasn't planning on staying with anyone during the run. Not because I was sure I'd be a speed demon, or something, but because the race was SO hard for me last time that I knew adding an unpredictable element, like worrying about someone else's pace, would be detrimental. It's had enough focusing on your own pace when you're surrounded by thousands of people. I stuck with our other friend for 3 miles before she told me she was going to walk for a while. Then I was allllll alone.

This race was SO much better than the last time. I considered walking for juuuuust a block or so about 83x last time, although I never actually did. I didn't have that at all this time. I hit the 10 mile marker and got pumped that I only had 3 miles left. 3 miles sounds a lot shorter than 35 mins, so I opted to not think of the time. The last 3 miles felt like they flew by, especially the last one. So different than 2 years ago. SO much more...enjoyable! During and after the run, I felt confident that I could make this an annual event. I mean....we'll see, but at least it's a thought this time!

I crossed the finish line to find LeGreg, his parents, my mom and her friend, and my brother/sis in law/nephew waiting. The support was awesome!

Nic and Rob finished shortly after I did, both running more than twice as far as they'd ever run before. EVER. BEFORE. That is so legit. They kicked ass.

After all was said and done, we hobbled back to my parents house for a no pool pool party and lounged around, eating mac n cheese and drinking beer for the rest of the afternoon.

I was passed out by 9pm last night. Felt pretty damn good!