As I went for a late afternoon run yesterday I pondered the top 10 things I have learned as I have embraced running. Here's my list:
I have learned....
10. to spit while running. The art of spitting properly is not taught to most girls. So to learn how to do this effectively while running I think is pretty damn cool. I know this one is silly in relevance to the other items, but this one made me laugh the hardest.
9. to let go of "what I think I look like" while running. I think most women have a hard time with exercising because we don't want to look bad or stupid doing it. At this point I don't really give a crap how much my boobs bounce or what my hair looks like.
8. to breathe. I mean really breathe. Running, especially long distances requires you to be attuned to your breathing. If you can't control your breathing you are screwed.
7. to be in the moment. I will say that a lot of the time while I am running I am processing all sorts of stuff, work, family, what I should be eating, etc. But, I have also found that I am taking more time to really be present, notice my surroundings and the beauty, enjoying the time and spirit of my dog as she runs with me, or showing gratitude to my fellow runners, especially those that pass me and I wish them luck. (Someday I hope to be faster and be the one doing more passing.)
6. to listen to my body. I think most people have huge disconnect between their head, their heart, and their body. I will say running has taught me to pay attention even to the slightest of sensations. That being said a lot of those sensations are my legs, glutes, traps asking me (screaming at me) to stop. I definitely acknowledge that they are not totally digging going out for 13.1+ miles, but instead tell myself it will be okay and that my body can handle this.
5. that time does matter. Most people just roll through their days without a true concept of time or its value. From running I have really come to value my time. The time I spend away from my family to go for a long 18 mile run, all the way down to the 3 seconds I save and set a PR. Every second it precious.
4. goals cannot be accomplished without a plan, and that plan needs to be worked on a daily basis. This one really hit home when I completed my first full marathon last year. This was a BHAG of a goal, but I broke it down (with the help of my trainer, Jen), and came up with a plan that I worked at everyday to achieve it.
3. it's okay to give myself a break. This is a tough one for me. People are much more critical of ourselves than anyone else. I have found that I have to accept the days when I am not really feeling it and running fast, and just let myself walk. And more over appreciate the fact that I can walk. Showing self kindness is a lost art, again one that is not taught to most women.
2. that I am strong. Strong is powerful adjective that I think for the most part people (specially women) do not apply to themselves. I am proud to say that I have great physical power; have moral or intellectual power
1. to tell self doubt to take flying leap. You know that nagging voice in your head that tells you all the shit that you can't do, or that you suck, yadda yadda yadda. Well I finally had a come to Jesus conversation with that voice and told it no longer could run around wreaking havoc on me. I have found faith in myself that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
off the deep end
Its been since Oct 2010 since I last posted and I will admit that work and life in general seemed to be going so fast that I couldn't keep up. Its now 4 months later and I am sitting here thinking the excuses have to stop and I need to get serious and get committed again to making time to run ( or any form of exercise) and find some better balance in life.
With that in mind I have signed up for my first half marathon of the year, Boulder Spring Half Marathon, and will push myself to work toward a PR. I have found especially when money and my pride is on the line I tend to behave a little differently. Image that, me being motivated by $$$ and my ego?! I guess its a good thing I am sales.
I do also have plans for some goals for this spring, summer and a BHAG to complete a half Ironman this fall.
Here is the plan for the next few months:
May - must have six pack abs by the SilkRoad users conference. No way I can be seen in a bathing suit by co-workers and clients unless I drop some serious body fat. That means no more carbs and focus on consistent cardio and weights, and the all dreaded core workout. There is something really sick about sit ups and push ups.
June- Have massive upper body strength to be able to rock my first surfing lesson on the Big Island. Learning to surf is one of my bucket list items, and God knows that not only do I really want to be able to do it well, but I better look damn good doing it too. Good thing the goal for May is to look good in a bathing suit.
July - Have a really fun birthday party. And surprisingly enough, it will not be all about me. We decided in the Tapley household that any birthday that ends in a 9 will be philanthropy type of party. Since I am turning 39 I have decided to have a party where I ask everyone to bring at least one item to donate to to Dress for Success. It would be great to be able to have my own little "suit drive"!
August - Have a team ride with me in the Venus de Miles ride. I road in this event last year for the first time and it was well done. I am not sure I will commit to the 100 or even 67 mile course, but I will commit to getting more people together to go out and enjoy being on the road and supporting an amazing cause the Greenhouse Scholars. This is a women's only ride, but if any of my male friends want to ride you can do so, you just have to do it in drag.
September - Complete without injury my first half Ironman triathlon. The Harvest Moon has been recommended, so that is the plan for now. And I have put the money down on the race so I am committed. Lord help me.
I am sure there will be other halfs sprinkled in there.....
October - go on a girls only vacation to Disney World with my lovely girls and sister. The goal will be to hide my blackberry from me during business hours and ride as many roller coasters as possible.
I think that covers me for the next few months. Now I only need to commit to updating my blog more frequently with my progress. I think for the first update I may have to post before picture of my abs and then in May post after picture. Maybe that is not what the public needs to see, but it would keep me accountable.
With that in mind I have signed up for my first half marathon of the year, Boulder Spring Half Marathon, and will push myself to work toward a PR. I have found especially when money and my pride is on the line I tend to behave a little differently. Image that, me being motivated by $$$ and my ego?! I guess its a good thing I am sales.
I do also have plans for some goals for this spring, summer and a BHAG to complete a half Ironman this fall.
Here is the plan for the next few months:
May - must have six pack abs by the SilkRoad users conference. No way I can be seen in a bathing suit by co-workers and clients unless I drop some serious body fat. That means no more carbs and focus on consistent cardio and weights, and the all dreaded core workout. There is something really sick about sit ups and push ups.
June- Have massive upper body strength to be able to rock my first surfing lesson on the Big Island. Learning to surf is one of my bucket list items, and God knows that not only do I really want to be able to do it well, but I better look damn good doing it too. Good thing the goal for May is to look good in a bathing suit.
July - Have a really fun birthday party. And surprisingly enough, it will not be all about me. We decided in the Tapley household that any birthday that ends in a 9 will be philanthropy type of party. Since I am turning 39 I have decided to have a party where I ask everyone to bring at least one item to donate to to Dress for Success. It would be great to be able to have my own little "suit drive"!
August - Have a team ride with me in the Venus de Miles ride. I road in this event last year for the first time and it was well done. I am not sure I will commit to the 100 or even 67 mile course, but I will commit to getting more people together to go out and enjoy being on the road and supporting an amazing cause the Greenhouse Scholars. This is a women's only ride, but if any of my male friends want to ride you can do so, you just have to do it in drag.
September - Complete without injury my first half Ironman triathlon. The Harvest Moon has been recommended, so that is the plan for now. And I have put the money down on the race so I am committed. Lord help me.
I am sure there will be other halfs sprinkled in there.....
October - go on a girls only vacation to Disney World with my lovely girls and sister. The goal will be to hide my blackberry from me during business hours and ride as many roller coasters as possible.
I think that covers me for the next few months. Now I only need to commit to updating my blog more frequently with my progress. I think for the first update I may have to post before picture of my abs and then in May post after picture. Maybe that is not what the public needs to see, but it would keep me accountable.
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